The Ruthless Countess Dorothea
Penhaligon'sEau de Parfum2017
Side by side
The Ruthless Countess Dorothea vs. Bal d'Afrique
Is The Ruthless Countess Dorothea better than Bal d'Afrique?
The Ruthless Countess Dorothea peaks in winter, while Bal d'Afrique belongs to spring. The side by side below shows where they overlap.
Why this score
Performance proximity
Accord profile overlap
Gender alignment
Bergamot
aromaticfreshwoody
This match is a verified relationship from our fragrance graph. The score weighs each fragrance's notes, accords, mood, occasion, weather fit, gender, and performance — the same scale as the badges on every “reminds of” rail.
The essentials
What's different between The Ruthless Countess Dorothea and Bal d'Afrique?
| The Ruthless Countess Dorothea | Bal d'Afrique | |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Eau de Parfum |
| Launched | 2017 | 2009 |
| Gender | Female | Unisex |
| Perfumer | Nathalie Gracia-Cetto | Jérôme Epinette |
| Best season | Winter | Spring |
Scent DNA
How do The Ruthless Countess Dorothea and Bal d'Afrique smell?
The Ruthless Countess Dorothea
Fresh Spicy
Aromatic
Cinnamon
Warm Spicy
Fresh
Citrus
Beeswax
Vanilla
Bal d'Afrique
Woody
Aromatic
Earthy
Powdery
Violet
Floral
Fresh
Green
Shared between both fragrances
The pyramid
What notes do The Ruthless Countess Dorothea and Bal d'Afrique share?
Top
BergamotRed GingerChinese Cinnamon Wood
BergamotBlackcurrantBuchu or AgathosmaAfrican Marigold
Heart
Clary SageBeeswaxMate
VioletJasmineCyclamen
Base
CashmeranVanillaSherry
CedarwoodCedarVetiverMuskTonka Bean Absolute
Notes both fragrances share
Shared note families
Woody Notes
Chinese Cinnamon Wood
CedarwoodCedar
Citric Notes
Bergamot
Bergamot
Green Notes
Mate
Vetiver
Oriental Notes
Vanilla
Tonka Bean Absolute
Where they fit
When and where do The Ruthless Countess Dorothea and Bal d'Afrique work?
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Community taste
Which performs better, The Ruthless Countess Dorothea or Bal d'Afrique?
| The Ruthless Countess Dorothea | Bal d'Afrique | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Longevity | 6-10 hours | 6-10 hours |
| Sillage | moderate | moderate |
No varnish
What do reviewers say about The Ruthless Countess Dorothea and Bal d'Afrique?
This one has teeth it never shows. Opens citrus-spice, turns warm and waxy, then the vanilla pulls up a chair and stays. It's the kind of fragrance people either find hypnotic or don't understand at.The Ruthless Countess Dorothea
This fragrance does not announce itself. Bergamot and vetiver give it structure, but the florals keep it from feeling austere. It works best when you want to smell present without screaming.Bal d'Afrique
The hunt
Where to buy The Ruthless Countess Dorothea and Bal d'Afrique
| The Ruthless Countess Dorothea | Bal d'Afrique | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 oz | — | $235.00ecosmetics |
| 75ml | — | $90.99fragrancenet |
| 3.4 oz | — | $379.44ecosmetics |
Cheapest in-stock offer per size. Retailer links support Silloria at no extra cost to you.
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