Penhaligon’s – Halfeti – Baffling – 2/10
The popularity of Halfeti has always baffled me. I’ve tried numerous times to get to grips with the perfume but can never quite get past an hour or so without washing it off. Incidentally, it takes a long time to wash off too. It’s tenacious stuff. Perhaps, that is one of the reasons for its popularity? It lasts and lasts, sometimes for days if you’re not careful. Surely, its acclaim can’t be because of the scent? The sledgehammer mix of aggressive woods and muddled aroma chemicals feels and smells like a science experiment gone wrong.
It contains an enormous list of notes, with the main culprits being leather, woods, spices, oud, and rose. They all compete for attention, with the volume turned up to 11 on each, wholly off-putting to my nose. You’ll pay a premium for it also. Seek out something for 1/2 or 1/3 the price, as this type of “Western” oud/wood/rose perfume has been done a million times before. Perplexing stuff.
Penhaligon’s – Endymion – Lavender, and coffee. 6.5/10
From the negative to the positive. Halfeti is a letdown, but Endymion is one of the brand’s better fragrances. I liked it so much I purchased a bottle.
Endymion is an interesting take on the age-old fougere genre. A fusion of spices, citrus, leather, lavender, and coffee, with the latter two notes dominating the perfume. Significantly, the coffee note isn’t harsh or sharp and adds a roasted smokiness to the composition. Indeed, it reminds me of a cross between the lavender in Le Male and the coffee-forward Rochas Man or even Mugler’s A*Men. On the negative side, Endymion’s longevity is not the best, and its 2-3 hours staying power is a real downfall of the scent. Therefore, you will have to reapply throughout the day. Interestingly, there is a concentrated version of Endymion that I recently tried, and in my opinion, this Cologne version is superior.
Have you tried either of these scents? What’s your favourite from the brand? For the record, my favourites, in order, are Sartorial, Juniper Sling, and Endymion.
Great descriptions! I have tried only Halfeti and wasn’t impressed.
Thanks very much, Tetê. Yes, I was thoroughly unimpressed with it as well.
Endymion is lovely stuff. Something tells me you won’t be too keen on Halfeti Leather. Juniper Sling and Sartorial are great favourites. Also love Artemisia, Elizabethan Rose, Iris Prima… Another super post, dear Daniel!
Thanks, Rich. Halfeti Leather wasn’t my favourite either. I still need to try the rose, but your other two choices are fantastic.