If you’ve ever wondered what the Brit Award winner chooses for her go-to scent, Raye revealed that there’s one perfume she’s been wearing ever since she was a teenager
From her signature statement eyeliner to her 60s inspired hair, singer-songwriter Raye hasn’t just become a household name; she’s become a beauty icon too. And although her glam squad have kept Raye turning out some stunning looks over the last few years, there’s one beauty secret that’s completely her own – her perfume.
Appearing on the Brits live Instagram feed after her historic Brit Awards sweep in 2024, she was told she smelt great, and thankfully she didn’t hold back on sharing the details. Telling viewers: “I always douse myself all over in perfume, and it’s the same perfume I’ve been wearing since I was a teenager. Penhaligon’s Empressa, if anyone wants to know.”
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Much like Raye herself, Penhaligon’s Empressa is designed to leave a lasting impression. It has notes of patchouli, bergamot and peach which give it a bright, fresh scent that’s just a little bit sweet without being sickly.
You can pick up her Empressa perfume in 10ml, 30ml and 100ml bottles, with prices between £37 and £215 depending on which size you pick. You even have the option of getting your bottle engraved, to make it extra special and personal.
Another perfume that has similar fresh scents with a hint of zest is Maison Margiela’s Never Ending Summer Eau de Toilette. It has a spicy citrus fragrance, with notes of bitter orange, cardamom and patchouli, giving it a freshness you can wear all year round.
We also love Lancôme Idôle Peach’N Roses Eau de Parfum which is currently 25% off at LookFantastic. It has notes of red currant, peach and rose which give it a fresh, fruity and floral combination of scents for a sweet and feminine fragrance.
However, Raye isn’t alone in her love of the scent either. It’s also famously worn by actress Kelly Rutherford, whilst Penhaligon’s as a whole has a long standing history as being the Royal family ’s go-to for toiletries and perfumes.
It first received a royal warrant back in 1903 from Queen Alexandra, and still holds one to this day thanks to King Charles III. Penhaligon’s even launched a collection inspired by and created with Highgrove Gardens, the home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Penhaligon’s shoppers have also widely praised her Empressa scent, with one saying: “Wasn’t too sure when first sprayed but really enjoyed the scent after a few minutes , it has a really nice sweet feminine smell which I have fallen in love with . I would highly recommend this product for anyone to try .”
Another agreed: “Such a lovely fragrance that I received lots of compliments on. A little goes a long way and the smell lasts all day great bonus in my eyes. Soft scent that’s not too overpowering. I’ll definitely buy more.”
However the scent isn’t for everyone, with one writing: “This perfume has a nice scent but I can’t really place it. It kind of smells like a department store perfume section where all the scents have blended together. It’s not to my personal taste as smells a little old for my age demographic.”
