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231 community ratings
Penhaligon's

Cairo

Perfumer: Christophe Raynaud

2018UnisexClassic

Votes lean feminine

7.7/ 10
Community score
231 ratings
See your match

Penhaligon's Cairo is a spicy, resinous unisex scent that suits fall and winter evenings; it has been discontinued.

Compare

Skunky's take: Got evening plans? This bottle is ready.

How does it perform?

From 196 community ratings, all out of 10.

Longevity
7.9 /10

Holds up through the day and fades gently toward evening.

Sillage
7.5 /10

People close to you notice, nobody gets overwhelmed.

Bottle
8.3 /10

Sits nicely on a shelf.

Value for money
6.4 /10

The price makes you think, so a small size is a smart start.

Blind buy risk

Low risk

83% of votes are positive and opinions barely differ.

Notes

They open one after another, from the first spray into the evening.

Top notesfirst 15 minutes

Heart notesfirst few hours

Base noteswhat stays into the evening

PatchouliVanillaAtlas cedar
Ceylonese sandalwood

Accords

From most dominant to most subtle.

  1. Floral
  2. Sweet
  3. Spicy
  4. Woody
  5. Oriental
  6. Creamy
  7. Resinous

What does Cairo smell like?

Most voters pick fall and winter, and it is chosen mostly for evenings and nights out. Its longevity and sillage are rated good. Opinion on whether it reads masculine or feminine is split almost evenly.

Frankincense, saffron and Damask rose open on a spicy floral note. Labdanum and nagarmotha carry it into a resinous warmth, and patchouli, vanilla, Atlas cedar and Ceylonese sandalwood settle it on a sweet, creamy, woody base. Agatho Castiamanti and Memo Paris Lalibela Oud have a close profile.

How it changes through the day

  1. First minutes

    • Frankincense
    • Saffron
    • Damask rose
  2. First hours

    • Labdanum
    • Nagarmotha
  3. Towards evening

    • Patchouli
    • Vanilla
    • Atlas cedar

When to wear it?

Seasons and occasions, by user votes.

  • 39%
    Autumn
  • 37%
    Winter
  • 18%
    Spring
  • 6%
    Summer
  • Evening
    31%
  • Nighttime
    30%
  • Casual
    19%
  • Daytime
    10%
  • Office
    10%

Least picked for the office.

Smells like this

The closest scents by notes and accords.

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Last updated: October 26, 2026