I decided to put a few fragrances to the test to find the best violet perfume...
This is probably one of the most specific blogposts I’ve ever written. However, when I wrote the Deciphering the Language of Scent post (catch it HERE) I received a surprising number of messages and emails about a particular fragrance I featured. It was the Penhaligon Violetta which was discontinued in 2015.
When I wrote the post I was oblivious to it being discontinued so when I found out I was gutted and it turns out I’m not the only one. Violetta from Penhaligon seemed to have a cult following. In terms of violet-based fragrances, it was one of the best out there.
However, I decided to put a few fragrances to the test to find the best violet perfume which is still current.
Annick Goutal – La Violette
I’m starting with my favourite out of the 5 fragrances I tested. The best way to describe this is very pretty and dusky. It also has a slight rose undertone. On the skin, it settles more powdery. However, it is not a substitute for the Penhaligon one as it’s nowhere near as fruity or sharp. This is much softer and reminiscent of candied flowers.
Having said that, if you like candied violet and delicate fragrances you’ll love this one. I’m a huge fan of it!
This is my first Annick Goutal perfume and I was really impressed by it. The staying power of this fragrance was amazing and lasted all day. Plus, the bottle is really pretty and feminine.
Price: £78 for 100ml (Shop it HERE)
Demeter Fragrance Library – Violet
One of the things which really surprised me about testing all these fragrances is how different they smelt in the bottles compared to on the skin. This one from Demeter Fragrances was the biggest surprise of all. It was MUCH nicer on than in the bottle.
For those that don’t know Demeter Fragrance Library, they specialise in single note scents. This is pure violet, it has no other middle or base notes. Although personally, I think it has a fruity undertone rather than a wholly floral one. The other issue with this is it doesn’t last very well. After an hour or two it completely disappears.
Price $34 for 100ml (Shop it HERE)
Yardley London – April Violets
The first thing I want to say about this fragrance is it’s really affordable and for this reason, any violet fan should have it in their collection. It’s a very powdery perfume. The best way I can describe it is as scented talcum powder but thanks to the blend of mimosa it still has a touch of crispness and freshness to it.
This is a perfume for those that are big fans of violet (like me!) as I can imagine some people will find it quite granny-ish. It’s nowhere near as complex as the Penhaligon version or as candied or vibrant as some of the other options.
Price £10 for 50ml (Shop it HERE)
House of Intuition – Violet Water
The great thing about this violet water is it’s a multiuse product. It can be worn as a fragrance, poured into the bath or put in water to use as a floor wash. According to House of Intuition violet has protective powers and can cleanse unwanted energy.
In the bottle, it smells very potent, almost alcoholic, but on the skin, it’s much subtler. I would also describe it as a little soapy but by no means horrible. If it had a little more staying power I would have labelled it as a favourite.
Price £12 (Shop it HERE)
Christiane Celle Calypso – Violette
Out of all the violet fragrances I tested this is the woodiest. One of the base notes is honey and I can really smell it. Personally, I’m not a fan of honey in fragrances. However, if you’re looking for a violet fragrance which is less sweet and candied this is the one to go for.
Out of all the fragrances, I would say this has the most unique and complex scent to it.
Price £34.95 for 100ml (Shop it HERE)
I think the last one would be my favourite because I don’t like anything too sweet!
Aleeha xXx
http://www.halesaaw.co.uk/
Great selection hun! I’m sure they all are incredible.
Funmi x
http://funmialabi.co.uk
These perfumes sound really good. I want to smell them all.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
I like Violet perfumes, these all sound wonderful.
Nina’s Style Blog
I had no clue the Violetta perfume even existed but I love this idea for a blog post – all of the other different types of violet scents look beautiful!
Heather xx
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
Those perfume are quite new to me.
Seems it’s pretty interesting.
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
I love the bottle on the very far left, which one is that
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Those scents sound great, also perfect as a Christmas gift 🙂
♥
xxx
Tina
https://styleappetite.com
These all sound so pretty! I don’t have a violet perfume in my life but I feel I need one after this. I love the Yardley rose products so will have to try the Yardley perfume. Have a great day!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
I would love to try the annick goutal mainly because it looks so cute
The Glossychic
These all sound so nice! I love how versatile the violet water is!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
I’m so glad I came across this! I’m actually working on a fragrances post right now. May have to add to my collection!
Love, Lindsey
http://www.thenomisniche.com
I like Demeter products because they are only one note and our light and not overwhelming especially in a work environment or crowded spaces.
LaToya
http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com
If you’re not a fan of sweet, a lot these won’t be to your taste so I totally agree the last one might be best for you xx
Some of them are reallyyyy lovely! xx
They are so delicous! xx
Me too! If you like violet, you’ll love these xx
Some of them are in such pretty bottles, plus they smell really lovely! Win win! xx
So glad you think so hunny xx
That’s the Penhaligon Violetta which is the discontinued one. xx
Haha yes you sooo do!! If you like rose, I’m sure you’ll like violet xx
I know amazing! Who knew it had so many uses!? xx
Oooh can’t wait to read it hun xx
You’re so right. If you don’t like anything too overpowering, they are perfect xx
You’re so right! They would make great gifts xx
Isn’t it pretty! Plus it smells gorgeous xx