Clandestine Clara

Clandestine Clara by Penhaligon's presents a deeply warm, spiced gourmand with a velvety amber core, layered with vanilla, cinnamon, and a subtle rum-like sweetness. The fragrance opens with a bright, boozy punch that feels like aged spirit poured over soft, earthy patchouli and woody amber, with a touch of marzipan-like powdery sweetness. As it develops, the scent becomes more intimate and enveloping — resembling a luxurious velvet robe, a calm winter night, or vintage candlelight in a forgotten library. The dry down reveals a silken, creamy vanilla amber with mild cinnamon warmth, offering comfort without cloying sweetness. While the fragrance is universally admired for its sensual depth and transition, the projection and longevity are inconsistent across skin types, often fading to a soft skin scent within hours. Some wearers report a lingering powdery or play-dough-like nuance, especially in the early stages, which may feel uncharacteristically juvenile to some. When present, the scent is widely regarded as elegant and emotionally evocative, ideal for intimate settings and colder months.