Penhaligon's 1976 EDT

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Violetta

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Penhaligon's Violetta is an Eau de Toilette launched in 1976. Violetta opens with Citrus and Geranium, settles into a heart of Violet, and dries down to a base of Musk, Cedar, and Sandalwood. Penhaligon's's Violetta carries a Favourite verdict, a floral-led wear.

Penhaligon's Violetta is a famously divisive violet soliflore. You'll either adore its purist, green floral essence or recoil from its perceived soapiness and retro vibe. Forget blind buying; only those who truly love an old-school violet should approach its now exorbitant price tag.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Elegant
  • Clean
  • Soft
  • Subtle
  • Romantic
£250.00 at The Fragrance Store 100ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Violetta Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Geranium57%
Citrus43%
Heartas listed
Violet100%
Baseas listed
Musk34%
Sandalwood34%
Cedar33%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Winter
Also Works:
Summer Fall

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Date Formal

Its delicate sillage and clean, non-offensive character make it suitable for office wear, but its short longevity might require reapplication. While romantic and elegant, its subtle nature means it won't dominate a formal or date setting, making it better suited for intimate occasions or personal enjoyment.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Violetta opens with a bright, crisp splash of citrus and the peppery-green hint of geranium, which quickly ushers in the star of the show: a fresh, authentic violet. This isn't your candied Parma Violet; it's a true, earthy bloom, often described as dewy or even leafy. As it settles, a soft, powdery veil emerges, underpinned by a smooth, clean musk and a whisper of warm woody notes from sandalwood and cedar, providing a gentle close.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Violetta Eau de Toilette - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Violetta Eau de Toilette - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 23 September

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.