Amaranthine Penhaligon's

Fragrance Story

Amaranthine by Penhaligon's is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women. Amaranthine was launched in 2009. The nose behind this fragrance is Bertrand Duchaufour. Top notes are Palm Leaf, Cardamom, Freesia, Coriander and Tea; middle notes are Ylang-Ylang, Carnation, Clove, Jasmine, African Orange Flower and Rose; base notes are Milk, Vanilla, Musk, Sandalwood and Tonka Bean.

Composition Profile

warm spicy 100%
green 85%
floral 70%
aromatic 60%
sweet 50%
lactonic 40%
yellow floral 35%
woody 30%
white floral 25%
vanilla 20%

About the Perfumer

Painting That Reflects Amaranthine Penhaligon's

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel, 1890

This evocative painting captures the complex, mysterious aura of the fragrance. The rich textures and contemplative mood mirror the fragrance's depth and striking presence, while the bold use of color reflects its distinctive character.

Classic Song That Matches Amaranthine Penhaligon's

Song album cover

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, 1924

Like Amaranthine Penhaligon's, Gershwin's masterpiece seamlessly blends contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. The composition's elegant transitions between dynamic and serene passages mirror the fragrance's evolution on skin. Just as this scent brings together traditional and modern elements, "Rhapsody in Blue" merges classical structure with jazz improvisation, creating something sophisticated yet accessible—an auditory parallel to this fragrance's olfactory journey.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes

The first impression, lasting 15-30 minutes

Palm Leaf
Cardamom
Freesia
Coriander
Tea

Heart Notes

The core character, lasting 2-4 hours

Ylang-Ylang
Carnation
Clove
Jasmine
African Orange Flower
Rose

Base Notes

The lasting impression, 4+ hours

Milk
Vanilla
Musk
Sandalwood
Tonka Bean
Unique Character

Amaranthine Penhaligon's by Penhaligon's offers a distinctive olfactory experience that stands out from other fragrances in its category.

Artisanal Creation

Crafted with the finest ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern perfumery techniques, this fragrance represents the pinnacle of the perfumer's art.

Signature Style

Amaranthine Penhaligon's embodies the distinctive style of Penhaligon's while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

Amaranthine Penhaligon's is Ideal For

The Amaranthine Soul: A Portrait of the Lover Archetype

The Essence of Choice

Amaranthine by Penhaligon’s is a fragrance of contradictions—creamy yet green, floral yet musky, innocent yet knowing. It is not a scent for those who seek simplicity. The person who chooses it is drawn to complexity, to the interplay of light and shadow in all things. They are, at their core, the Lover archetype, driven by passion, sensuality, and a deep yearning for connection—not just with people, but with beauty, art, and life itself.

A Life of Aesthetic Depth

Their tastes are refined but never ostentatious. They prefer the quiet luxury of well-worn leather-bound books, the texture of raw silk, the muted glow of candlelight over harsh fluorescents. Their home is a sanctuary—eclectic, layered with objects that whisper stories: a vintage perfume bottle, a sketch from a forgotten artist, a dried sprig of lavender tucked into a mirror’s edge. They do not merely consume beauty; they curate it, as if assembling a personal mythology.

Philosophy is not an abstract exercise for them but a lived experience. They believe in the sacredness of pleasure, in the idea that to deny desire is to deny life. Yet theirs is not a hedonism of excess—it is a deliberate, almost spiritual pursuit of what stirs the soul. They might quote Rilke: "Beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror." For them, beauty is not passive; it demands surrender, vulnerability.

Relationships: Intimacy as Art

They do not love lightly. Their relationships are intense, charged with an almost poetic devotion. When they care, they do so with their whole being—lovers become muses, friends become confidants in a shared secret. But this depth comes at a cost. Their hunger for connection can border on possessiveness; their idealization of others can blind them to flaws until disillusionment strikes like a sudden frost.

They are drawn to those who mirror their own complexity—people who are neither wholly good nor bad but vibrantly, messily human. Yet they struggle with the mundane, the routine. The lover in them craves ecstasy, but life is not always ecstatic. When passion fades into the ordinary, they may grow restless, seeking new intensities, new enchantments.

The Shadow of the Lover

Their greatest strength is also their greatest peril. The same sensitivity that allows them to perceive beauty in the smallest details also makes them prone to melancholy when the world fails to meet their ideals. They can become lost in longing, mistaking intensity for truth. At their worst, they may manipulate emotions—unconsciously—to sustain the drama they crave, or they may withdraw into a self-created fantasy, preferring the dream to reality.

Yet even their flaws are born of an excess of life, not a lack. Their hunger for meaning is not a weakness but a testament to their refusal to live half-heartedly.

A Way of Being

To wear Amaranthine is to embrace the ephemeral—the fleeting bloom of jasmine, the soft decay of vanilla. The Lover knows that nothing lasts, and so they savor everything. They are not naive; they understand darkness. But they choose, again and again, to turn toward the light, to believe in the alchemy of desire.

They live as if life itself were a love letter—written in disappearing ink, achingly beautiful precisely because it will not last.

Pros

  • Exceptional longevity that lasts throughout the day
  • Complex evolution offers a rewarding sensory journey
  • Versatile enough for various occasions and seasons
  • Unique composition stands out from mainstream fragrances
  • High-quality ingredients ensure a premium experience

Cons

  • May be too intense for casual everyday wear
  • Higher price point reflects premium positioning
  • Bold projection might be overwhelming in close quarters
  • Certain notes may polarize some noses
  • Not ideal for those who prefer subtle, skin-close scents

Fictional Characters Who Would Wear This

👔

Harvey Specter

from "Suits"

Confident, polished, and always in control – this scent matches his sophisticated persona.

🕶️

James Bond

from "007 Series"

Elegant yet dangerous, with a complex character that unfolds over time, just like the fragrance.

👑

Daenerys Targaryen

from "Game of Thrones"

Commands attention with a powerful presence that balances fiery intensity and regal grace.

🧠

Sherlock Holmes

from "Sherlock Holmes"

Appreciates complexity and nuance, with a distinctive signature that's easily recognized.

💼

Miranda Priestly

from "The Devil Wears Prada"

Exudes authority and refined taste, with an unapologetic boldness that demands respect.