by Penhaligon's
Constantinople by Penhaligon's is a refined, sweet oriental fragrance with a complex interplay of woody, aromatic, and powdery notes. It opens with a crisp green freshness, featuring geranium, lavender, pink pepper, and pine, which gradually evolves into a softer, creamy heart of vanilla, iris, and patchouli. The dry down reveals a delicate balance of earthiness, warmth, and faint sweetness, reminiscent of old books or a well-worn library. Despite the lack of explicit rose or oud in the notes, many perceive a faint floral-oud undertone, especially on the skin. The fragrance projects moderately to strongly, with a moderate longevity, making it ideal for cooler seasons like autumn and winter. It is considered unisex, though many find it leaning more feminine due to its powdery, sweet, and polished character. The scent is often compared to Cairo by Penhaligon's, Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Oud Satin Mood, or even older scents like YSL Tuxedo, though it stands apart with its smoother texture and less predictable development.