Levantium Penhaligon's

Unisex
Year:

Fragrance Story

Levantium by Penhaligon's is a Floral Woody Musk fragrance for women and men. Levantium was launched in 2014. The nose behind this fragrance is Christian Provenzano. Top notes are Saffron, Wormwood, Artemisia and Bergamot; middle notes are Rose, Cloves, Cardamom, Jasmine, Violet, Ylang-Ylang and Peach; base notes are Agarwood (Oud), Guaiac Wood, Patchouli, Amber, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Cedar, Musk and Vanilla.

Composition Profile

warm spicy 100%
woody 85%
oud 70%
aromatic 60%
rose 50%
amber 40%
powdery 35%
fresh spicy 30%
patchouli 25%
metallic 20%

About the Perfumer

Painting That Reflects Levantium 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 Levantium Penhaligon's

Song album cover

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, 1924

Like Levantium 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

Saffron
Wormwood
Artemisia
Bergamot

Heart Notes

The core character, lasting 2-4 hours

Rose
Cloves
Cardamom
Jasmine
Violet
Ylang-Ylang
Peach

Base Notes

The lasting impression, 4+ hours

Agarwood (Oud)
Guaiac Wood
Patchouli
Amber
Sandalwood
Myrrh
Cedar
Musk
Vanilla
Unique Character

Levantium 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

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

Character Profile

Levantium Penhaligon's is Ideal For

The Person Who Loves Levantium by Penhaligon’s

Archetype: The Alchemist

This is a person who seeks transformation—not through brute force, but through the subtle refinement of experience. The Alchemist archetype thrives on depth, complexity, and the pursuit of hidden truths. Levantium, with its interplay of citrus, spice, and woody warmth, mirrors their layered psyche—bright on the surface, yet smoldering beneath.

Philosophy & Values

They believe life is an experiment, a series of reactions waiting to be catalyzed. Their philosophy is neither rigid nor dogmatic, but fluid, shaped by curiosity and a disdain for the mundane. They value intelligence, but not in the dry academic sense—they prefer the kind that gleams in conversation, that reveals itself in wit and intuition.

Yet, their love of transformation can become a restlessness, an inability to settle. They may discard relationships, careers, or ideas too quickly, mistaking stagnation for stability. Their shadow is the failed alchemist—one who endlessly chases gold but never learns to recognize it in the ordinary.

Style & Aesthetic

Their wardrobe is a carefully curated paradox: structured yet sensual, classic with a twist. A well-tailored blazer over a slightly undone shirt, a vintage watch paired with modern cufflinks. They appreciate craftsmanship but disdain ostentation. Levantium suits them because it is refined without being obvious—a scent for those who notice, not for those who demand attention.

In their home, books are not just decorations but well-thumbed companions. Art is chosen for its ability to provoke, not merely to please. Their taste in music, literature, and film leans toward the enigmatic—Borges over Dickens, Debussy over pop anthems.

Relationships & Social Life

They attract others effortlessly, but intimacy is a different matter. Their charm is a defense as much as an invitation. They enjoy the dance of flirtation, the intellectual sparring of early courtship, but recoil at the thought of being fully known. Their relationships are often intense but short-lived—unless they find someone who matches their depth without suffocating their need for independence.

Friends admire their insight but sometimes resent their detachment. They are the confidant who gives brilliant advice but rarely shares their own vulnerabilities. Their shadow here is the illusion of connection—mistaking fascination for love, conversation for commitment.

Lifestyle & Habits

They move through the world with a quiet confidence, neither rushing nor lingering too long. Their career is likely unconventional—perhaps in design, academia, or the arts—where they can shape ideas rather than follow routines. They despise mediocrity but are not reckless; their rebellions are calculated.

They indulge in fine things—good wine, rare books, a perfectly brewed espresso—but never to excess. Their vice is not gluttony but selectivity, a refusal to settle for anything less than what stirs their soul. Yet this very discernment can become a cage, leaving them perpetually unsatisfied.

The Alchemist’s Paradox

In their best moments, they are catalysts—turning the base metal of ordinary life into something luminous. But when the shadow takes hold, they become wanderers without a destination, forever distilling essences but never drinking. Levantium, with its balance of brightness and depth, is their olfactory mirror: a scent for those who are always becoming, never quite arrived.

They are, in the end, a work in progress—and they would have it no other way.

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.