For someone who is so selective about fragrances like I do, it took me quite a couple of years to start appreciating scents. I never knew that scents could play such an integral role in fashion, complementing outfits with their various notes. Someone once told me that fragrances are like accessories. You wear a scent to match your outfit like how you would pair your neck piece with the dress you are wearing.
Introducing me to the world of floral fragrances, the iconic British perfurme house, Penhaligon’s, launches Ostara Eau de Toilette, a luminous floral scent created by Master Perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour. Inspired by daffodils, this fragrance is a modern interpretation of the delicate and incandescent flower.
Penhaligon’s Ostara opens in an affirming burst of green and yellow floral notes (just imagine skipping through a field full of yellow daffodils in Spring) and the sun-drenched floral bouquet is given depth by the heart notes. The fragrance then settles into a powdered, resinous base that differs in intensity with interaction of unique body scents. Despite being an Eau de Toilette, this fragrance lasts an entire day of wear! Impressive!
- Top Notes: Clementine, Bergamot, Red Berries CO2, Juniper, Spearmint, Blackcurrant Bud CO2, Violet Leaf Absolute, Leafy Effects, Aldehydes
- Heart Notes: Hyacinth, Narcissus Absolute, Beeswax Absolute, Cyclamen, Ylang Ylang, Hawthorn, Wisteria
- Base Notes: Styrax Resinoid, Vanilla, Benzoin, Musk, Amber, White Wood Effects
(The packaging is enwrapped in foliage motif cutouts in the happiest hue!)
A quintessential feature of the British countryside, the daffodil symbolises the optimism and resurgence of Spring. In 1802, the distinguished poet William Wordsworth wrote about a sea of daffodils in his poem, ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.’ An excerpt has been printed on the outer packaging of the fragrance to reflect the radiance of the flower.
“Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”
Exclusively for the launch, Penhaligon’s has worked with artist, Melissa Bailey, to create a beautiful and unique illustration of Ostara. Using delicate brush strokes, Melissa recreated the fragrance in her own distinct style in a combination of watercolours and inks.
(Isn’t this a gorgeous piece of art?)
To celebrate the installation of the latest fragrance, Ostara, Penhaligon’s Singapore had cordially invited me for a breakfast tête-à-tête earlier this month! Indulgent decadent pastries coupled with the warm, floral fragrance of a special blend of Ostara tea, it certainly was a morning of luxury!
(A privilege to have my name written on a card at my seat!)
(Can you spot Melissa Bailey’s illustration?)
Other than immersing in the beauty of Ostara, I was fully soaked in the world of luxury fragrances right in Penhaligon’s boutique in ION itself! Don’t the antique English furniture, the glass vials and the perfumes distillery equipment remind you of the potions classroom in the Harry Potter movies? 😉
The Penhaligon’s boutique also carries a huge selection of scents, from light floral ones to stronger, masculine notes. I took a whiff on every single scent displayed and my top 3 favourites are Ostara Eau de Toilette, Violetta Eau de Toilette (smells exactly like Guerlain’s Meteorites!) and the famous Vaara Eau de Parfum (the orange labelled one with a gold metal bow).
There are also miniatures packed in a set of 4, perfect as gifts for the ladies in your life who love luxury fragrances.
What’s more, have your favourite scent fill your room with the candle selection! I can’t wait for the day the Vaara scent engulfs my room.
And here’s a selfie at the boutique to end this long review. If you haven’t stepped into the boutique, it’s time to indulge yourself in a sea of floral fragrance!
The complete Ostara Collection consists of:
- Ostara 50ml at $205
- Ostara 100ml at $290
Penhaligon’s Ltd
Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue #01-34
Singapore 018956
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn #03-16
Singapore 238801
Create yourself and be gorgeous! ♡
XOXO, Roanna.
Disclaimer: Ostara Eau de Toilette was given by Penhaligon’s Singapore. The above review is based on my true and honest opinion and experience, without influence from others or the brand. It does contain information from the brand itself.
