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The Impudent Cousin Matthew
by Penhaligon's
The Impudent Cousin Matthew from Penhaligon's unfolds as a bright, green citrus fragrance with a soapy, clean identity. It features mandarin orange, petitgrain, and patchouli in a layered composition that evolves into a soft, woody, and slightly powdery drydown. The scent is refreshing and unisex, ideal for daytime wear in spring and summer. It performs best when worn directly on the skin—spraying on a strip or in the air can create a misleading impression of Dettol-like sharpness. Once on the skin, it reveals a refined, slightly musky freshness reminiscent of green gardens, clean linen, or a carefully crafted citrus espresso. While not originally complex, many find it becomes more agreeable over time, aligning with memories of herbal soaps, fresh linen, and subtle chypre qualities. It is particularly suited for warm days, simplistic wardrobes, and minimalist aesthetics.
Pros
- +Delivers a clean, crystalline green citrus scent that grows more pleasant with wear
- +Suitable as a daytime unisex fragrance, especially enjoyable in mild summers
- +Performance improves significantly on the skin, with subtle depth emerging after initial spray
Cons
- −Short longevity and minimal sillage make it impractical for long wear
- −Prominently soapy and slightly reminiscent of baby or household scents
- −Price is perceived as far too high for its performance and complexity