Luxury brand Penhaligon's has released the Joyous Discovery Set, allowing shoppers to sample eight of its bestselling fragrances for £30, with each 2ml vial costing just £3.75. The set includes Halfeti, a unisex scent that typically retails at £220 for a 100ml bottle.
Inspired by vintage travel trunks and the golden era of train travel, the set contains eight vials of perfume designed to last between seven and ten days with daily use. This makes it suitable as a stocking stuffer, for small handbags, or as an introduction to the brand's diverse fragrance families.
Fragrances in the set
The Joyous Discovery Set includes Luna Eau de Toilette, A London Dandy Eau de Parfum, The Coveted Duchess Rose Eau de Parfum, The Tragedy of Lord George Eau de Parfum, Halfeti Eau de Parfum, Empressa Eau de Parfum, Balm of Calm Eau de Parfum, and Vra Vra Vroom Eau de Parfum.
Halfeti, inspired by the mythical black roses of Halfeti, Turkey, features grapefruit, bergamot, and green notes over a spiced heart of cumin, nutmeg, saffron, and rose. Other scents range from the fresh floral Luna to the woody and boozy A London Dandy.
Shopper reviews
The full-sized bottle of Halfeti has an overall star-rating of 4.8 out of five based on more than 50 reviews. One satisfied shopper said: "The scent of royalty. Opens with a rose and fruit and lingers with a powdery patchouli and bergamot. Lasts for probably for five or six hours with two sprays. It's definitely a big scent in a small package. If I could envision what it smells like to be a wealthy queen, this is it."
Another wrote: "This scent is pure happiness I found it by a customer wearing it and had to get it for myself. It is so beautiful distinctive and other people have commented for once that it is beautiful and noticeable. I highly recommend this fragrance to anyone who wants to be noticed. Beautiful packaging easy to use online site, fast and efficient delivery to your home. Would be an excellent gift to someone you love. The fragrance is long-lasting and worth the cost... will buy again and again, I just wish I had discovered it earlier in life."
One shopper, however, gave the Joyous Discovery Set a two-star review, saying: "Unisex, old style aroma, very strong. The package is stylish, the bottle is just regular. Main note is sandalwood. Unfortunately, that perfume is too specific and smells sharp and uncomfortable. Long-lasting and has a perfume trail. Not for me."
Alternative options
Elsewhere, the Jo Malone London Cologne and Cologne Intense Discovery Collection is available at LookFantastic, priced at £20 for five signature and intense scents. The Carolina Herrera Good Girl Trio Gift Set costs £55 at LookFantastic and includes Good Girl Eau de Parfum, Very Good Girl Eau de Parfum, and Very Good Girl Elixir Eau de Parfum.
The Joyous Discovery Set at Penhaligon's has yet to receive any reviews from shoppers, but the brand's full-sized Halfeti continues to attract praise for its longevity and distinctive character.
