Best Vaara by Penhaligon's Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Master Perfumer: Alberto Morillas chose a subtle and literal interpretation of this iconic pop standard, while hinting at the irreverent touch Madonna instilled into the song.

Perfumer: Tomoo Inaba

Rich and gothic Moth starts with a heavy dose of dark spices to jolt your senses before settling into a dusting of honey-sweet rose and powdery florals. Slowly, it tests its wings, taking flight on an exotic journey of nagarmotha, guaiac wood and patchouli. Beneath it all lingers a smoky undertone that serves as a constant reminder to fluttering creatures of the danger in the tantalizing flame.

The rose in Italian is “la rosa”. Reverse the perspective, come at it from a different angle, go right to left, and you get “Asoral”. This extrait burrows into the very essence of a young, dewy-petalled rose, taking you on a journey from the outside world to the inner you. This is achieved with a union of Turkish rose and Rosa Lani, a complex rose with vibrations of liquorice, tea and hay. Creamy magnolia, rosy-esque peony and soft musks add even more plushness, elevating Asoral to a radiant smile-bringer.

Perfumer: Cristiano Canali

A passionate declaration of love written in ink and blood. The scent opens on a dark, almost smoky red rose, pierced with crimson sparks. Metallic aldehydes emerge, adding tension and intensity. Dense magnolia adds a sweaty sweetness. The opoponax warms and deepens the whole, leaving a profound, mysterious signature.

Terram captures the Mediterranean embrace of autumn. The path winding up from the beach is silent. Sweet aromatic notes of dry soil and clifftop pines float in the air. A haze of ambery benzoin and dusty patchouli settles over musk. Warm, woody, still — this is a fragrant mood that comforts and lulls. 

The frail glow of the waning moon dwindles until only impenetrable blackness persists across the grasslands. A herd of deer venture tentatively into the expanse. Though their long necks dip to feed, their dainty legs remain tense, poised to flee. Nearby, gleaming gold eyes pierce the gloom, and silky ears stiffen, attuned to the softest tremor. The tiger advances haltingly, intent on its prey, anticipating a moment of vulnerability. In a seamless motion, it leaps and descends upon its victim, its razor-sharp fangs sinking deep into the deer’s throat. As the deer’s life fades, its herd is already gone, evaporating into the night.

Like the thrill inspired by a low, rumbling growl cutting through silence, Zoologist Tiger couples danger with majesty. Vetiver’s earthy body is licked with stripes of kumquat, saffron and jasmine in an elegant pattern. Incense lurks at the edges, shrouded by smoky undertones of papyrus and ebony wood. Tiger arouses intrigue, putting those around you on high alert.

Perfumer: Cristiano Canali

Inspired by a rummage through antique shops, this extrait de parfum conjures precious woods, well-worn leather and rare spices. A full and comfortingly rounded blend on a bed of the softest musk and smoothest oud.

Perfumer: Serge de Oliveira

“Živeli” (ZHEE-vuh-lee) is a common Serbian toast used to wish good health and a long life. In this extrait, a juicy burst of plum brandy melts into a leathered tobacco, encapsulating a celebratory night out with friends. Giddy joy is further fluffed by cherry and raspberry notes, while the leather aspect is warmed by honey, saffron and labdanum.

This composition is 24% parfum concentration, with 70% natural ingredients. Capped in Mexican Riviera Gray marble in a delicately etched glass bottle.

This fragrance evokes the bittersweet beauty of love lost and longed for. The complex sweetness of lychee and davana lead into the plush pleasures of rose oil, oud, leather and musk, sharpened with incense. The poetry of memories.

Perfumer: Mark Buxton