Reviews of Cornubia (1991)
by Penhaligon's

A dry oriental that is sweet but not overly fruity, it's a heavy scent compared to the other female penhaligons. In that sense I could say it's darker and has a bit more punch to it which suits me fine. I think this could work for anyone who liked Hammam but found it just a bit too much to wear daily, just make sure not to over apply. Other scents it reminds me of would be angelique encense from creed, it has the same heavy powder base and incense feeling to it.

This is sweet, but also much spicier than I expected from the notes. I find it quite strong at first, and need to apply a small amount only - otherwise it is too much. Unlike some of the Penhaligon's it lasts and lasts, and the vanilla in the drydown is fabulous - on a par with Shalimar and Chanel's No 22 (though these perfumes could not be more different). I would definitely recommend trying this one with caution - the drydown is worth waiting for!

Penhaligon’s describes Cornubia as a semi-oriental. Published notes are as follows:

Head Notes: Mandarin
Heart Notes: Freesia, Neroli, Orange Blossom, Jasmine and Heliotrope
Base Notes: Vanilla, Musk, Woods and Amber

Cornubia is a sweet fruity-floral scent with a good measure of vanilla. Very feminine, very bright, very sensual. (The Penhaligon website describes it as “dark”. I sense nothing dark here at all). Quite pleasant and while I do not like it as much as Penhaligon’s other feminine semi-oriental, Artemesia (a favorite of mine), I do think Cornubia deserved more attention. Indeed, as of this writing, it is being phased out and is not being stocked in the USA. And I am but the second reviewer of this wonderful scent on Basenotes! Recommended for ladies.

I love this scent. I only bought it on a whim, but I ended up wearing it on my wedding day, and everytime I wear it I can't stop sniffing my wrists.
On me though clearly a spicy oriental smell the most emphasised notes are the vanilla and heliotrope. It is pretty sweet, but absolutely beautiful.