Iris Prima
Iris Prima by Penhaligon's is an unisex eau de parfum from 2015 in the niche price tier. It opens with bergamot and pink pepper, moves into iris and sambac jasmine and dries down to leather, vanilla, sandalwood, vetiver and benzoin. Expect around 8 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.
Notes, explained
Opening
- Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
- Pink Pepper Fizzy, rosy and bright. Adds sparkle without heat.
Heart
- Iris Cool, powdery, slightly carroty and expensive. The luxury note.
- Sambac Jasmine Greener, more tea-like jasmine. Less indolic than grandiflorum.
Dry-down
- Leather Smoky, dry and a bit animal. Can be a new jacket or an old saddle.
- Vanilla Sweet, creamy and warm. The most comforting note in perfumery.
- Sandalwood Creamy, milky wood. Soft and almost edible.
- Vetiver Dry, earthy, smoky grass root. Smells like soil and citrus peel.
- Benzoin Sweet balsamic resin. Vanilla-adjacent but drier.
Smells like this
- Carner Barcelona Besos
- Kajal Sawlaj
- Maison Matine Avant l'Orage
- Ex Nihilo Love Shot
- Floraïku Golden Eyes
- Ormonde Jayne Bijou Zafran
Cheaper alternatives
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