What Perfume Did Princess Margaret Wear? [Her Scent Style Revealed]

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Much like everything royal, the favorite perfume of younger sister Princess Margaret is a highly sought after item.

From the dresses she wore to the shampoo she used in her glamorous hair, the products of Princess Margaret are continuously sought after, and seen as stylish and maybe unattainable.

Not to worry. We’ve got the tantalizing perfume, loved by the Princess herself. And of course, where you can get your hands on the bottle yourself! 

Article: What Perfume Did Princess Margaret Wear? Image shows Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden, B&W
Image courtesy Eric Koch for Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Who Was Princess Margaret? 

Princess Margaret Rose Windsor, Countess of Snowdon, or more commonly known as Princess Margaret, was the second and youngest daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Sister to the beloved Queen Elizabeth II. 

Whilst remaining a close family member and sister to the Queen, Princess Margaret quickly became known for her glamor and beauty.

Free from the stresses of being a Queen, Princess Margaret quickly displayed an interest in hobbies such as music, the arts and travel. 

The countess often found herself dressed in the latest fashions and adorning the most stunning of jewels and make up. And not to mention a signature scent.

But what was it? What was Princess Margaret’s scent style?

What Is A Scent Style?

Scent style is the method used to discover your perfect scent. Your fragrance should fit your personality, your fashion sense and of course the occasion. Individual to only you, your scent style will develop over time and become identifiable to only you. 

The 4 main scent families are Floral, Oriental, Woody and Fresh. You can find a combination of these families within your favorite perfumes and you’ll already have a strong idea of what scents you like.

There are of course more subgroups available within the 4 families which become more specific. 

When selecting your scent style it’s important to understand the fragrance notes.

The top notes of a fragrance or the opening notes are what you smell right away after spritzing your perfume (or even aftershave); they swiftly evaporate but will provide the initial impression of the fragrance.

After the top notes have vanished, the middle notes—or heart notes—appear. Since they typically stay longer than the top notes and are well-rounded, these notes are regarded as the fragrance’s major body.

The last notes are the base notes, and you recall this aroma the most. The complete body of the aftershave perfume is created by combining the base notes with middle notes, which are the notes that remain the longest.

Base notes are often deeper scents such as Sandalwood and Amber. 

Whilst many of us don’t think about our particular scent style, this can be a highly important component for a celebrity or royal.

We often associate scents with memories so having an impressionable fragrance will have you remembering the moment with the Princess a lot longer than you’d think. 

Keep these in mind next time you are picking out what scent you are going to wear!

What Perfume Did Princess Margaret Wear?

Whilst the youngest of the royal siblings was granted a lot more freedom in her hobbies and interest, Princess Margaret still wore the finest of fragrances. For nearly two decades the countess wore two key fragrances: Oscar De La Renta and Volupte. 

Oscar By Oscar De La Renta

A highly recognised designer brand, Oscar De La Renta is a household name in the world of fashion and cosmetics. The brand may be a favorite amongst the aristocratic set, however it doesn’t hold as high of a price tag as you might think. 

Created in 1977, the founding perfume of Oscar De La Renta has a sharp opening floral note. A blend of lavender, rosemary and carnation the fragrance is quite punchy at first with the combination of orange blossom, peach and gardenia to soften the scent. 

The core of this blend is created by ylang-ylang, jasmine, tuberose, rose, rosemary. Lavender and orchid. Once the top notes dissipate, these sweet yet subdued scents come together to provide a warmth and freshness to the wearer. 

Oscar by Oscar De La Renta is complete with bass notes of opoponax, carnation, patchouli, sandalwood, lavender, amber, and coconut. These give a well-rounded scent which remains light and airy with a soft depth.

Having lavender be included throughout each step of the fragrances provides a powdery, musky scent and ensures the floral family is involved throughout. 

If the scent isn’t really for you, then buying this perfume simply for the bottle won’t leave you unfulfilled!

Small for travel, the rounded bottle is topped with a stunning flower shaped cap. You’ll feel like the height of class with this stunning bottle and sweet, musky fragrance. 

Volupte By Oscar De La Renta

Launched in 1992, Volupte by Oscar De La Renta is a Floral Green fragrance which was quickly worn by Princess Margaret. Opening with a sweet blend of mimosa, melon, freesia, osmanthus, mandarin orange and watermelon.

This scent is for those who prefer a juicier, floral scent. This fragrance has a sweeter opening than Princess Margaret’s other signature scent. 

Next you are greeted by the soft, powdery scent of heliotrope, ylang-ylang, narcissus, carnation, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, lotus and peony. These middle notes blend well and enhance the sweetness of this scent whilst adding a lovely green floral scent. 

To finish off, Volupte has sandalwood, amber, incense, tuberose, vanilla and patchouli as base notes. This brings forth a musky and memorable depth to the perfume without overpowering the florals and sweetness from the mandarin and watermelon. 

The vintage style bottle is gorgeous with a diamond inspired shape, complete with an emerald green cap. This perfume is small enough to keep in your purse or take on your travels. It will also have you feeling like you belong in a solid gold coach … 

Princess Margaret’s Scent Style Revealed

From the two signature fragrances above, can you guess Princess Margaret’s scent style?

As we can see from Oscar and Volupte by Oscar De La Renta the royal sibling had a strong preference for floral scents. These may be within the subgroups of Green Florals, Fruity Florals or Soft Floral.

The countess often has florals as her opening notes to her fragrances. 

What Perfume Did Princess Margaret Wear [Her scent style revealed]

For middle notes to enhance the scent, the Princess could be found choosing fragrances with a combination of woody notes and fresh notes.

With a strong liking for the aromatic scent of lavender whilst including the green freshness of rosemary and carnations. 

To complete her scent style, Princess Margret preferred that of woody oriental notes. This can be found in ingredients such as sandalwood and patchouli. Providing a light, depth that compliments the first floral scents. 

Final Thoughts

The late Princess Margaret created a signature scent which left her leaving happy memories everywhere she went. 

With a preference for snappy florals such as lavender and undertones of sandalwood and patchouli. The fragrances were deep yet light and airy. Rocking her scent style for almost two decades the countess knew what worked for her. 

Purchasing either Oscar or Volupte by Oscar De La Renta will have you smelling like a royal for years to come. Without the royal price tag. 

Or simply find a scent with a gorgeous floral opening which transcends into a hearty oriental woodsy blend.

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