by Penhaligon's
Ostara by Penhaligons is a profoundly photorealistic daffodil fragrance that captures the essence of early spring with remarkable fidelity. The opening is a strikingly green, slightly metallic burst of freshly cut stems and daffodil pulp, underpinned by benzoin, aldehydes, and a subtle minty green note. This initial phase is often described as intense or even overwhelming by some users, with a few noting that it can provoke nausea or irritation due to its organic waxy and bitter green character. However, this complexity fades into a rich, warm, and honeyed floral heart where beeswax, ylang-ylang, vanilla, and amber meld into a lush, golden floral bouquet. The drydown is soft, powdery, and gently sweet, with a persistent yellow floral warmth that lingers on the skin. Despite being discontinued, the scent remains celebrated for its authenticity, emotional evocative power, and delicate balance between freshness and depth. It's particularly acclaimed by those who appreciate unfiltered realism in perfumery—especially lovers of narcissus, hyacinth, and timeless floral artistry.