GB Fragrances

A Fragrance Blog

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Daytime Fragrances, Designer Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Most Complimented, Seductive Perfumes, Sweet Fragrances, Vanilla Perfumes

VANILLA FRAGRANCES

Want to learn more and discover vanilla fragrances?

At the end of this article you’ll find a top 10 list with some of my best vanilla perfumes.

Vanilla Fragrances

 

Ah, vanilla vanilla!. It is the flavor of dreams, the scent of comfort, and the aroma of home. Whether it’s a milkshake, a cupcake, a room spray, or a candle, it has the ability to evoke nostalgia and bring a feeling of contentment. Vanilla fragrances are warm and cozy, making them great fragrances for any time of year. Whether you prefer a sweet, musky, spicy, tooth-achingly sweet, or fresh scent, I can almost guarantee there is a vanilla fragrance for you, and no matter what type of vanilla fragrance you choose, you’re bound to feel the effects of this warm and cozy scent.

Vanilla will bring a feeling of serenity and peace to even the most hectic of days. From floral and romantic to musky, spicy, and mysterious, these fragrances will put you in a dreamy mood no matter what situation arises.

This post is all about vanilla fragrances.

BEST VANILLA FRAGRANCES

 

FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the links provided, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

Vanilla is by far one of the world’s most popular scents. The vanilla plant is a tropical orchid that produces fragrant and flavorful vanilla pods that are usually used to make desserts and baked goods, but they can also be used in a variety of things including soaps, shampoo, oils, body lotions, home fragrances like room sprays and reed diffusers, incense, and of course, perfumes.

I remember when I was living in Mexico, I went to “El Tajín”, an impressive archaeological site that was  close to a vanilla factory. I’ve always been fascinated by this precious spice. Since I’m a curious, avid learner, I needed to go and see what the hype was about, and let me tell you, the experience was mind-blowing. I learned a lot about the orchid plant, the vanilla itself, the differences between Mexican vanilla and other vanillas from around the world, and the whole harvesting process. If you ever go to Veracruz, Mexico, please do yourself a favor and go to El Tajín and the vanilla factory; you won’t regret. I wish I had a picture to post here but I couldn’t find a single picture of this amazing experience. This is without a shadow of a doubt, one of those tours I’ll take again and again and I’ll never get tired of.

Fragrances that contain vanilla are often described as addictive, gourmand, creamy, sugary, and warm. Vanilla makes a great scent for everyday wear, as it is light and versatile, working well with any outfit or setting, but depending on the blend, it’s also perfect for night time, in fact, most fragrances that will give you that “Femme Fatale” vibe have vanilla in the composition. Vanilla fragrances are an excellent choice for women, teens or men who are looking for a scent that is warm, and sweet, but be careful because vanilla fragrances can also be overwhelming.

Vanilla is one of the most mass-appealing notes in perfumery, and one of the (if not THE) most versatile notes in perfumery. Vanilla is always a safe bet. It can be combined with so many notes and it always smells in the range of good to amazing, but never less than “good”. Another great thing about vanilla-dominant perfumes is that they are perfect for layering.  Layering fragrances in the Western countries became major in the last few years, but in the Middle East layering has been part of their culture basically since they started wearing perfume, and vanilla in my opinion is a magical note and perfect for this purpose.

Different Types of Vanilla Fragrances

 

Let’s step back for a minute and talk about this highly coveted, gorgeous, and complex spice.

There are different type of vanillas. The most common ones used in perfumery are the Mexican Vanilla also known as Madagascar Vanilla, and Tahitian Vanilla. The latter is less common, more floral, and in my opinion less gourmand and more sophisticated. I’m not saying the Mexican/Madagascar vanilla isn’t sophisticated, but the Tahitian Vanilla to me has the power to take a vanilla fragrance to the next level. It’s still sweet and gourmand but usually, it’s not on the dessert / edible level as the traditional Mexican vanilla is.

There are a number of different vanilla fragrances available today, each with their own unique scent and character. Before you start shopping for your new fragrance, it is important to know what type of vanilla smell you are looking for. The following are some of the most common types of vanilla fragrances available today.

Floral and romantic

 

Vanilla floral fragrances are a sweet and floral mix that often contains notes of jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia, and/or rose. This type of vanilla scent is perfect for people who love a sweet, light, and romantic fragrance, however, it’s not uncommon to see other flowers (yellow and white), like ylang-ylang or tuberose in which case you can expect a creamier and more intrusive scent.

This type of vanilla fragrance is great for romantic occasions and day time wear, and they tend to sit close to the skin.

Musky and mysterious

 

These vanilla scents have a rich and creamy base with the warmth and sweetness of vanilla and a cozy musk accord. They often contain spices and woodsy notes, in particular sandalwood and guaiac wood or palo santo. They are perfect for those who love vanilla but prefer a more mysterious scent yet cozy and inviting. This type of vanilla fragrance is great for evening or night time occasions; for people who love a creamy, musky fragrance, while also enjoying a sweet and velvety cloud.

Sweet and seductive

 

These vanilla scents tend to be enveloping and dense. Also very creamy with a subtle sweetness, spiciness, and often times, earthiness because it’s common to find patchouli within this category. They are perfect for those who love a sweet fragrance with the power to knock everyone’ socks off 😉, so I’d say, this type of vanilla fragrance is great for dates or when you want to make an unforgettable impression.

Pure Vanilla Fragrances

 

Pure vanilla fragrances are smooth and creamy, usually blended with almond and coconut notes. This type of vanilla scent is perfect for people who love “edible” olfactory experiences. Very creamy and  yummy, they tend to be simple, linear fragrances perfect for daytime wear.

How to Store Vanilla Fragrance

 

To get the best lifespan out of your vanilla fragrance, it is important to store fragrances properly, and this applies to fragrances in general not just vanilla perfumes. However, I’ve noticed that vanilla-dominant fragrances and green/fougères seem to be more sensitive to light and poor storage conditions.

Make sure to keep the bottle out of direct sunlight, as this will cause the scent to fade and break down more quickly. Also, make sure to keep your bottle in a dark, cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the oils from spoiling, making your fragrance last longer, and whenever possible, keep it in the box.

How to Choose a Vanilla Fragrance

 

When it comes to choosing a new fragrance it can often be difficult to know where to start. With so many different scents available, it can be challenging to know which one is the best fit for you. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get a fragrance that you love. –

Know Your Body: Your body chemistry will have a large impact on the scent you choose, meaning that it isn’t always best to go with your favorite scent. If you would like to find a fragrance that works with your body chemistry, start by researching different scents and then testing them out to see what you like best.

Know Your Mood: The mood you are trying to convey with your fragrance choice will also have a big impact on what you should buy. For example, if you are looking for a fragrance that is sweet and romantic, a floral vanilla will likely be a good choice.

Mind The Occasion: When shopping for a new fragrance, it is also important to consider the occasion for which you will be wearing it. For example, if you are looking for a fragrance to wear to a romantic dinner, a spicy, balmy vanilla may be a good choice. There are no rules and no write or wrong way to choose a fragrance, just go with your instinct and test, test, and test.

Don’t Mind The Season: The type of season you’re in can greatly impact the type of fragrance you wear. If you’re in warmer months, lighter and fresher scents are great for wearing. If you’re in colder months, heavier scents are better for staying warm. However, last year I decided to test cold weather fragrances under hot and humid weather conditions. I brought to Hawaii a few of those “sweater weather” fragrances, and was blown away by the results. Most of these spicy and woody fragrances performed much better under these extreme weather conditions, not only did they smell sweeter but also lasted longer and projected better, so the moral of the story is: there are no rules when it comes to wearing perfume. Wear whatever brings joy to your life.

Top 10 Vanilla Fragrances for Women

 

Trying to narrow down a list to the best vanilla fragrances is like trying to make a list of the best chocolate cakes, but these are some of my absolute favorites. I also tried to put together a list with a nice mix of designer and niche perfumes so it’s suitable for all budgets.

Let’s take a look at my top 10 vanilla fragrances in no particular order:

FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the links provided, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content for you to enjoy at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own, and I’d have the same opinions about these fragrances without an affiliate link . Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

1) Ruby N Vanilla Intense |EBK Paris

 

This is a vanilla perfume that I will always, ALWAYS keep in my collection. It’s the most luxurious vanilla fragrance I’ve ever tried, it’s opulent, velvety, and exudes class and sophistication. Different from the typical gourmand vanilla scents, this is to me vanilla on a whole new level with a beauty second to none. A+. Related post: Ruby N Vanilla Intense . Here you can also watch my YouTube video where I reviewed this stunning fragrance.

2) Shunkoin | Xerjoff

 

 

Shunkoin is a criminally underrated fragrance from the Italian niche house Xerjoff. I’ve reviewed Shunkoin several times when I was on YouTube, and also on my Instagram account (@gb_fragrances) because I truly feel it deserves to be discovered. I’ve recommended this fragrance to many fellow content creators and they loved it and so did many of my subscribers and followers so I wanted to include it here in this blog post for you to discover.

Shunkoin belongs to the “JTC” Collection. JTC stands for Join The Club, and it was meant to bring together people who own the same fragrance. Each bottle comes with a card that belong to this club  is a very soothing, relaxing, very creamy (almost buttery) fragrance, very calming, powdery and just beautiful. The notes are not disclosed by the house but to me this has vanilla, sandalwood, sandalwood, orris, and musk. A very “fluffy” vanilla scent with a beautiful and sheer trail. Related post: Shunkoin Xerjoff

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3) Libre Intense | YSL

 

Libre Intense is the second flanker from YSL after the original Libre (nowadays there are three: Libre original, Libre Intense, and Libre Le Parfum). YSL Libre Intense Eau de Parfum is a feminine fougère fragrance that is the second flanker after Libre original. YSL added more vanilla to the original Libre perfume, and created this beautiful balmy and resinous juice. It’s a stunner, very sexy, opulent, dark, and misterious, it’s perfect for a night out, it’s the type of fragrance that blooms in colder weather. This is one of those beast mode fragrances, it performs incredible well, at least on my skin.

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4) Mon Guerlain Intense | Guerlain

 

A sugary lavender-vanilla fragrance, very beautiful and very “Guerlain”. I’m not a lavender fan, however, this one and Libre Intense by YSL won me over. In Mon Guerlain Intense though, the lavender is softer than in Libre Intense, and softer than in the original Mon Guerlain, while vanilla is more predominant. You can definitely smell the lavender, but even a non-lavender lover like myself, fell in love with it so don’t be discouraged in case you don’t like lavender either. I’d call this fragrance femininity in a bottle. It’s girly, flirty, a simple cozy and feminine fragrance that is a crowd-pleaser.

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5) Dior Addict | Dior

 

A vanilla that stood the test of time, a classic in any woman’s perfume collection. This fragrance is a heavy hitter, it lasts all day (literally), and I always get compliments when I wear it. It’s a head- turner and a vanilla fragrance that never goes out of style.

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6) The Only One Dolce & Gabbana

 

 

This vanilla fragrance is sweet and seductive, and it is perfect for date nights and romantic occasions. It’s a vanilla/caramel/coffee perfume, very addictive and intoxicating in the best possible way. It’s very comforting and sexy at the same time and it will turn heads every step of the way.

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7) Tocade |Rochas

 

One of my top compliment-getters. Inofensive, cozy, powdery, with a sheer, amazing trail. It’s a crowd pleaser, people ask me all the time what I’m wearing when I wear this fragrance. It’s smooth and well blended, creamy and sophisticated with a bit of freshness in the opening.

An amber vanilla that stood the test of time, a classic in any woman’s perfume collection. This fragrance is a heavy hitter, it lasts all day (literally), and I always get compliments when I wear it. It’s a head- turner and a vanilla fragrance that never goes out of style.

8) Vanilla 28 | Kayali

 

A beautiful sugary and chocolate-y vanilla that I consider the best for layering purposes, it’s my tool, however, it’s really beautiful on its own. It’s sweet and addictive, and sits close to the skin.

9) Vaniglia | Mazzolari

 

A delicate and feminine pure vanilla fragrance with caramel accords. Nothing groundbreaking yet beautiful and if you like sweet vanilla perfumes, you can’t go wrong with this one.

10) Vanille West Indies | Ligne St.Barth

 

I find it similar to Vaniglia by Mazzolari but it’s oilier and not so sweet. Also not groundbreaking but beautiful to wear on its own or layered with your favorite perfume. I haven’t had a chance to try the one sold in the island which many people say smells different and better than the one sold outside of St.Barth. It’s hard-to-find so if you want it and find it available online, get it.

Conclusion

 

Vanilla fragrances are a great choice for pretty much every occasion. They are warm, sweet and rich, and they can have a little bit of spice to them too. These fragrances are perfect for romantic evenings, snuggling up on the couch and even dressing up for a fancy night out. There is a vanilla fragrance for everyone, so it’s only a matter of finding the one that is perfect for you! Once you find your perfect vanilla fragrance, you will love wearing it every single day.

From the sweet, warm aroma of the tropical Tahitian vanilla bean to the more robust and spicy Mexican variety, vanilla has been a beloved scent for centuries. Not only does it evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, but it has also been proven to have calming effects on the mind and body. If you’re looking for a fragrance that will take you away to a dreamy place, then you’re in luck! Here are some of the best vanilla fragrances for women that will help you relax and enjoy the moment. With these scents, you’ll be able to experience the alluring, sweet, and comforting aroma of vanilla every day.

Are you looking for a way to tap into your dreamy side? Vanilla fragrances are an excellent way to bring out your romantic, whimsical side without feeling too overpowering. With its sweet, comforting scent, vanilla has been a popular choice for women for centuries. Whether you’re looking for a light and airy scent or something a bit more intense and sensual, there are plenty of great vanilla fragrances to choose from. From classic, timeless scents to modern, unique interpretations, here are the best vanilla fragrances for women that will put you in a dreamy mood.

If you’d love to find your signature scent or you want to find a scent for a special occasion and you feel lost, re you lost? I’ve got you covered.  Book a fragrance consultation with me. Would love to help you!

This post was all about vanilla fragrances.

 

Other posts you may like if you love the vanilla note as much as I do:

 

Shunkoin Xerjoff

 

Ruby N Vanilla Intense EBK

 

best vanilla perfumes

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Most Complimented, Rose Fragrances, Seductive Perfumes

BEST ROSE PERFUMES

Finding the best rose perfumes can be overwhelming; there are so many different varieties to choose from! The right perfume can accentuate your natural scent and transform your everyday normal into an occasion-worthy one. However, finding the right perfume, especially when it comes to choosing rose fragrances, might seem like a difficult task. I’d say rose is one of the trickiest floral notes.

This blog post is all about rose perfumes. Whether you prefer deep, opulent rose fragrances or lighter versions, chances are you’ll find your perfect rose scent that will make you smile, and if you keep reading, at the end of this post you’ll find a list with my top 10 rose perfumes, and a YouTube video where I go over my favorite rose perfumes. Now, not all the fragrances mentioned in the video are the same you’ll see included in the list since the video is two years old, but it’ll still give you an idea of other rose fragrances you can test.

THE BEST ROSE PERFUMES

 

 

best rose perfume

 

If you’ve ever walked past a rose bush, you know what a beautiful sight they can be. Whether they’re in full bloom or in more subtle shades of pink, whites, and reds, roses are a beacon of beauty and the perfume industry knows it.

When it comes to the queen of the garden, there’s a huge variety of blending options, leave it up to master perfumers and they’ll create a magnificent rose fragrance that will make you swoon. Many renowned designers including Chanel and Dior cultivate their own roses in Grasse, in the French Riviera, and for a good reason. There are thousands of perfumes that have rose in the composition, and the variety can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right one, not only scent-wise but also in style.

Traditionally, the magical and romantic flower has been associated with sensuality and femininity, and it has always been one of the top notes used in perfumery to make fragrances appealing to a female audience; however, in the Middle East, it’s very common that also men wear rose fragrances and more and more we see men wearing rose-dominant fragrances also in the Western countries. Now, let me tell you, the few times I sniffed a rose fragrance on a man it blew me away… rose smells absolutely amazing on them!.

 

The Most Common Roses Used in Perfumery

 

By far, the most common ones are the Rose de Mai which is the one cultivated mainly in Grasse, France, also called “Rose de Grasse” and “Rose Centifolia” because it has 100 petals. This rose is harvested only during May, hence the name.

It’s pink, sweet, and clean, and together with the Damascena Rose also known as “Damask Rose” or “Turkish Rose” mainly cultivated in Egypt, Turkey, and Bulgaria, is the rose preferred by the perfume industry.

The Rose de Mai is extremely delicate, in fact, it’s harvested in the early morning hours before the sun rises to avoid damaging the precious flowers. As soon as they’re harvested, they are first treated with a solvent and then distilled using a vacuum distillation process to obtain a substance called “Concrète”, which is then further processed to obtain the “absolute”, the coveted rose essence used in perfumery.

It’s sweeter with a light honeyed, dewy aspect than the Damascena or Turkish Rose which is fruity and more powdery, in fact, most powdery rose fragrances that remind us of a make up powder case have Damascena Rose in the composition. These type of  rose which is steam-distilled, it’s richer in oils than the Rose de Mai, and its essential oil is called “Rose Otto” which is has a very rich concentration, and it’s also used in the cosmetic industry, for therapeutic treatment, and aromatherapy, given it’s healthy anti-inflammatory as well as calming properties.

 

Best Rose Perfumes
Did you know that to produce only 1 oz of rose absolute requires around 60.000 roses ?

 

What Makes the Perfect Rose Perfumes?

 

In all honestly, there’s no right or wrong. The best rose perfume is the one that’s best and perfect for you, just for you, nothing else matters.

Now, “rose perfumes” is a topic of its own, that’s why I wanted to write this article since it can get a bit controversial because there are many people who love the flower but not necessarily the rose note including myself a while ago.

My mom and I have very similar taste in fragrances, but there are two notes that set us apart: leather, and rose. She never liked leather fragrances, and I’ve never been a fan of rose perfumes. However, over time, I realized that what I didn’t like was a very particular type of rose perfume and not so much the note itself.

I was convinced I didn’t like rose fragrances, but what I didn’t like were what I call the typical “rose-y rose” perfumes, those that are super clean, ethereal, more like tea roses; like a watered-down rose essence, or when they smell like old tapestry; you know when you start wondering if it’s actually the fragrance that smells that bad, or if it’s spoiled due to exposure to light or bad storage conditions? THOSE were the type of rose scents I never liked.

Over time, as I dove deeper in the perfume world, I discovered a myriad of fragrances that have rose in the composition that I LOVED, and I couldn’t even pick the rose, so I realized that most of my favorite rose perfumes (as ironic as it sounds), are those where you can’t smell the roses. I became an “expert” in these type of fragrances, and I can even write a list of “rose fragrances for non-rose lovers”, but here is where it gets tricky.

If you know someone who likes rose fragrances and you want to buy this person a gift, the safest way to go is with a typical rose fragrance because most rose fragrance lovers like the typical, photo-realistic rose scent, so my best advice is to never blind buy a rose fragrance, especially when it’s for someone else, if it doesn’t smell like roses. In this case, it’s safer to stick to the classics that you know for a fact, are rose-prominent perfumes.

Now, in the “rose perfumes for non-rose lovers” realm you have to be careful because it can get extreme. There are many extremely artificial rose perfumes where you can’t smell the roses at all, but you can’t smell anything in particular either, like a wishy-washy sweet-smelling thing and that’s it. They tend to be heavy, often times sickly sweet, bubble-gummy (especially when they have tuberose in the composition), or like hard candy, sugary drinks, and desserts, crossing the line to the gourmand territory. For this reason, it’s important to point out that if you buy a rose perfume with the rose note in disguise, highly likely a typical rose-lover won’t like it.

Here’s a list of my top 10 rose perfumes. They are all different, in fact, very different, but all of them have a dominant rose note.

Take into account that this is a 100% subjective opinion based on my experience and what I’ve tried over the years. These are just a few of my favorite rose perfumes. I have no doubt that I’m leaving off of this list many amazing rose fragrances,  but I have to narrow it down to my top 10, and here they are in no particular order:

MY LIST OF TOP 10 PERFUMES

 

FTC DISCLOSURE: I use affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through my links I’ll earn a small small commission at no extra cost to you, but will help me keep creating content for you to enjoy. Opinions are my own. Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

 

1) Oud Bouquet by Maison Lancôme – A strong Jammy rose fragrance, very sweet yet not tooth-achingly sweet, syrupy and addictive. I’ve heard the entire Maison Lancôme has been discontinued including this beauty, so if you find it, grab it before prices go up due to scarcity.

Click the image below to shop.

2) Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly – An ultra-feminine perfume that became a cult favorite in the last couple of years, just like the original Delina. It’s very addictive, sexy, flirty, and slightly bubble-gummy, and it’s almost guaranteed that whenever I wear this fragrance, someone will ask what I am wearing.

Click the image below to shop.

Delina Exclusif perfume

3) Rose Poetique by Manos Gerakinis – One of the best rose fragrances I’ve ever tried. Sweet, luxurious, and super sophisticated. Its previous formula was considered one of the top 5 best rose perfumes in the world, and the house went above and beyond to create something equally beautiful. I think Rose Poetique has been the blueprint and inspiration for many rose fragrances we find on the market.

4) Oud Satin Mood EDP and Extrait by Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Luxurious rose/oud combo, opulent, voluptuous and one of the most expensive-smelling rose fragrances on the market.

5) A Kiss From a Rose by Kilian – A green, dewy rose that smells like a fresh plucked rose from your backyard; a very photo-realistic rose perfume.

6) Radical Rose by Matiere Premiere – Exquisite and strong rose fragrance with great lasting power. If you love roses, this is a MUST try.

7) Rose D’Arabie by Armani Prive – The epitome of sophistication and class, and just like I mentioned above when I briefly described Rose Poetique, this fragrance in my opinion has also been the inspiration for many rose perfumes in modern perfumery.

8) Les Sables Roses  by Louis Vuitton – An absolutely stunning, unisex rose fragrance. If you like Radical Rose by Matiere Premiere, or Rose D’Arabie by Armani Prive, highly likely you’ll like this one. It’s drier, less feminine, stronger, and slightly more astringent than the typical rose perfumes, and also incredibly long lasting. I’d say it’s the longest lasting rose perfume I’ve every tried.

9) AERIN Rose de Grasse – One of the most photo-realistic rose fragrances you can find. In terms of scent, I haven’t found a more realistic rose perfume than this one. Simply stunning.

10 ) Black Rose Oud by Trish McEvoy – Dark, misterious, sexy, and velvety; a night time fragrance that I’d wear when I want to knock everyone socks off and then some more 😉

 

 

Conclusion: Which Rose Perfume is Right for You?

 

The rose is one of the most popular flowers for growing in gardens, and it’s one of the most popular flowers in perfumery. With the right rose perfume, you can experience the romance and beauty of roses all year round because it’s a very versatile note that fits in all age groups and occasions.

While many rose fragrances can be considered classy perfumes, other rose scents are more edgy and contemporary. Some are delicate, angelic, and bride-appropriate, while others are perfect for teenagers or for a more mature population. Others instead are dark, velvety, and mysterious, or gourmand jammy, sticky and even syrupy. The possibilities are endless, and luckily for us, we live in an era where scents from nature are celebrated as much as artificial, lab-created ones which allows to expand the perfumer’s creativity.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and what’s your favorite rose fragrance. Looking forward to hearing from you! 😉 – By the way, if you like floral perfumes, and if you haven’t yet, check my previous post about the best floral perfumes .

 

 

 

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Daytime Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Most Complimented, Niche Fragrances, Sweet Fragrances

DELINA

Delina : The Queen From Parfums de Marly

 

Delina Perfume
Delina Parfums de Marly

(FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has an affiliate link. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the link you’ll find at the end of this post, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content for you at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own, and I’d have the same opinions about this fragrance without an affiliate link . Thanks for your support!). Read full disclosure here.

 

When I tried Delina Parfums de Marly a few years ago when it was launched, it wasn’t love at first sniff. That said, I fell in love with the innovative packaging since the bottle alone looked like a Renaissance piece of decor, and I also fell in love with the name because it reminded me of my daughter whose name is Delfina, (like Delina with an “F”).

My rational self rang a bell, and I thought “is it smart to buy a 2.5 oz bottle, at that price tag, just for the name and the looks? Of course, the answer was a big no, and I didn’t buy it.

Fast forward a few years later, the hype started, and conversely to what happens to many people who have the “next shiny object syndrome”, I’m quite the opposite. I never rush to buy hyped items because in my experience, only a small percentage of what’s being hyped lives up to it; the rest dies over time, let alone when something new takes center stage putting the previous queen or king of the moment in second place.

When something becomes so popular, I’ll test the object in question even deeper. My thought process is basically, I need a reason to be sold to it. Since I fell in love with Parfums de Marly back in 2010 when I bought my first bottle of the house (Darley), I decided to give Delina a chance. Now I can tell a different story. This ultra feminine fragrance stood the hype test, and my appreciation for this Delina, this beautiful girly perfume, definitely grew. I reach for it way more often now, and it has the power of making me feel pretty even in moments when I’m not feeling that way.

THE NOTES

 

Top Notes:

Rhubarb and Lychee

Middle Notes:

Turkish Rose and Vanilla

Base Notes:

Cashmere Wood and Musk.

Fragrance Profile

 

Delina is pure beauty, it’s like a bouquet of flowers with Turkish rose as the star together with three amazing fruity notes: Lychee, rhubarb, and bergamot, and a soft and depth base composed by cashmere wood  and musk.

The fragrance opens with a sweet, aquatic tartness thanks to the rhubarb and lychee that makes it truly unique. Slowly, it transitions into the middle notes where we have the star of the fragrance as I mentioned above: the Turkish rose exquisitely blended with a sweet yet not cloying vanilla, which transforms this fragrance into a gorgeous, ultra-feminine scent. The dry down is an absolutely stunning musky concoction, and it’s when the fragrance starts siting close to the skin with an enveloping and cozy cashmere wood note, and highly likely will remain unchanged for the time it lasts on your skin.

Delina is an all year-round fragrance, and it’s a pretty safe gift if you want to buy something special for someone who’s girly and like all things pink. I’m not saying pink just because the bottle is pink, but if you smell this fragrance you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. If Delina’s DNA had a color, it’d be pink; in fact, if I had to describe how Delina smells in a figurative way, this is how a baby pink, sweet and slightly tart rose water macaroon would smell like.

It’s very long lasting (around 8 hours if not more), with an impressive sillage and above average projection that I’d describe as more than an arm-length.

Wearability

 

Delina is just the perfect fragrance you can wear during the day, during the night, for formal or informal events, however, it leans more on the formal side while still remaining youthful. Not that fragrances are tied to age, but I point this out because there’s a big misconception out there and it seems that if a fragrance is formal, then people think it smells “old” which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Love rose fragrances? Check my blog post about what I consider the most beautiful rose fragrance in my collection, and one of the most beautiful rose perfumes in the world: Rose Poetique by Manos Gerakinis.

If you want to buy this beautiful perfume or try more from the house of Parfums de Marly, click here and you can use the code GISELLE10 to get 10% off as many times as  you want!   (FTC DISCLOSURE: this is an affiliate link. This means that if you click here and make a purchase, I’ll earn a small small commission at no extra cost to you that will help me keep creating content for you. Opinions are my own. Thanks for your support!.

Categories: FRAGRANCE REVIEWS, Most Complimented, Seductive Perfumes, Top Long Lasting Fragrances

Baccarat Rouge 540

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum | Maison Franckis Kurkdjian

If you’ve heard about Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume and  you don’t get the hype, keep reading.

This post is all about the famous Baccarat Rouge 540 Perfume

 

Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP and Extrait de Parfum

 

Baccarat rouge perfume

Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum and Extrait de Parfum

I became familiar with this incredible manufacturer since an early age because I grew up seeing and hearing the word “Baccarat” at home. My mom would throw fancy parties every now and then, and in every gathering, the gorgeous, meticulously carved Baccarat crystal glasses were a staple in my house, along with other stunning decor pieces also made by the same brand.

Fast forward to 2015, Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum was launched to celebrate the world-famous crystal manufacturer’s 250th birthday; what an excitement! Initially, it was going to be a limited edition of only 250 bottles, but given the success and the world’s positive reaction, Francis Kurkdjian, the perfumer, decided to keep it as part of his permanent collection. Quickly, Baccarat Rouge 540 became the most mass-appealing, sought-after, and cloned fragrance ever created.

When I heard the name “Baccarat” I felt I needed to get my hands and nose on it because it was a brand I grew up with and felt like “home”.  On top of that, when I learned this fragrance had saffron in the composition which is one of my absolute favorite notes in perfumery, I felt this fragrance was screaming my name, period; I needed to try it; and so I did the moment Neiman Marcus received it. I tried it not just once but several times, and you know what? I didn’t like it, actually it was totally off-putting !! At one point I wasn’t sure if it was the fragrance or the pushy sales associate trying to convince me to buy it, but it was definitely unpleasant.

Over time, BR 540 EDP grew on me and I ended up loving this beautiful perfume, however, what I find truly captivating is the bottle and all the details that have been incorporated.

The brand’s signature color often seen in their chandeliers, is a deep, bright red. To obtain this vibrant red color, melted (fused) clear crystal is mixed with pure gold, a mix that master artisans utilize to make the fabulous creations that Baccarat is renowned for. Once the creations are shaped, those pieces are heated at 540 degrees Celsius and here’s when the magic happens, and the clear crystal turns red. If you rotate the bottle and look at it from the back, you can see a red chandelier imprinted on the back side of the label as a symbolic representation of the famous brand.

After the huge success of Baccarat Rouge 540 in the eau de parfum formulation, the house (Maison Francis Kurkdjian), launched BR 540 extrait de parfum in 2017 (which is my favorite), with the same nose behind: the master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.

 

Baccarat rouge 540 candlebaccarat rouge 540

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum and Candle

BR 540 (both EDP and extrait) are incredible blends of synthetic notes, a true example of modern perfumery which proves that conversely to what many people think, synthetic is not always a bad thing, especially in the perfume industry.

The notes present in this composition are saffron (actually a synthetic form of saffron since in natural form, this highly coveted spice has an allergenic compound), Cashmeran, Ambroxan, red cedar (which gives the fragrance with what many people recognize as “pencil shavings” smell, much creamier and less dry than other types of cedar used in perfumery), and Jasmine.

This master piece smells like nothing that has ever been created before, in fact, it’s hard to describe how it smells, and I think it’s part of what made this fragrance so disruptive when it appeared for the first time back in 2015. There are many fragrances on the market with the same notes and accords, however, Mr. Francis Kurkdjian mastered the art of blending just a few synthetic notes to perfection, and despite all the baccarat rouge 540 dupes out there, it’s still unique and the only one that is 10/10.

BR540’s smell has been described as “burned sugar”, well… not to me. I love cooking and baking and I’m very familiar with the smell of burned sugar which tends to be slightly bitter. In this case though, there’s no bitterness at all, if anything, it has a very subtle salty smell lingering in the background that perfectly balances the otherwise excessive sweetness. Every time I eat berries at home, I sprinkle them with brown sugar and the moment I bite a berry, Baccarat Rouge comes to my mind.

If you ask me what does it smell like, I’d say, it smells like candied berries with sprinkled granulated brown sugar on top (not the “sandy” and moist brown sugar; I’m talking about the dry, golden, crystalized one).

The extrait version is a bit different, but not dramatically different. In fact, someone who’s not into fragrances and smell them for the first time, highly likely won’t be able to tell them apart. However, Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait has a different opening, which is nutty and not as sharp as the opening of the EDP sister. This strong bitter almond accord, in my opinion, is one of the main differentiating factors from the original version.

It’s a pretty linear fragrance that slowly transitions without much change until it settles in the dry down, where you’ll get a less nutty but more woodsy, slightly smoky, and denser fragrance that lasts for at least six to eight hours on my skin. I’d say the extrait is a more mature type of scent compared to the EDP and yes, this is one of my top compliment getters.

 

Fragrance Profile

 

Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait screams “I am expensive”. It’s luxurious and over the top, however, it’s not overwhelming, intrusive, or intimidating.

This might come as a surprise to many since it’s an extrait de parfum, but this perfume is not what in the fragrance community we call a “beast-mode” fragrance with incredible projection and a mind-blowing sillage, conversely, it’s a scent that sits close to the skin. People think that when fragrances are in their purest form which is extrait (or parfum), they are stronger, they project more, and the trail is impressive, and I’m here to tell you that this is not 100% true. Due to the high oils concentration in extrait de parfums, this type of formulation tends to last longer, but usually extraits are skin scents with moderate projection and without a remarkable sillage.

Conversely, lighter formulations like eau de toilettes, since they have higher amounts of alcohol and a lower percentage of oils concentration, will leave a beautiful trail when you walk, and will project from a longer distance, even though they won’t last nearly as much as an extrait de parfum. 

Since oils concentrations vary from house to house, not all fragrance formulations will behave the same way even if they belong to the same category. For example, Tom Ford’s private blend which offers an amazing selection of eau de parfums, has a higher oil concentration than the standard eau de parfums we see on the market so any fragrance from this line will perform better than other eau de parfums with a lower oil concentration.

 

Tell me more about Baccarat Rouge 540 !

 

It appears to have a particular molecular structure because many people experience a “Hide & Seek” game with BR540 EDP. What I mean by this is that after a while, many people can’t smell it anymore on themselves, but people around them can smell it. Unfortunately, this has not been my case. It seems my skin “eats” this fragrance and it disappears after an hour or so and no one around me seems to even notice it, however this is not the case with the extrait version which I love and will always keep in my collection. 

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait is a compliment getter and fun fact, most of the comments and compliments I get when I wear this fragrance come from men. If you want to check my blog post about my most complimented fragrances, click here.

This is definitely a night time type of scent, something I’d wear for formal events, and also when I want to feel like a “femme fatale” and red carpet-ready.

Baccarat Rouge 540 is absolutely beautiful in both formulations, especially the extrait. If you asked me a while back if it’s worth the hype, I’d have said yes, because it was a very disruptive scent that smelled like nothing on the market even though it wasn’t love at first sniff for me. Nowadays, there are so many similar fragrances (even dupes / clones) of BR540 that makes the original fragrance lack the exclusivity it once had. That being said, there’s nothing like the original, and personally, I do not like dupes nor do I encourage people to buy them.

Worth it or not, the hype is out there and if you have a chance, give it a try. This is not a safe blind buy so make sure you test it first. It’s very alluring, intriguing and luxurious, and for many people one of their most complimented perfumes of all times. I can foresee it becoming a modern classic and a staple in many collectors’ collections including mine.

 

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, FRAGRANCE REVIEWS, Most Complimented, Seductive Perfumes

Fragrances that get the most compliments

Most Complimented Fragrances In My Collection

I want to share with you the fragrances that get me more compliments since most of us love and appreciate the famous “You smell amazing, what are you wearing?” question.

(FTC DISCLOSURE: A few of the fragrances mentioned in this post have affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the links provided, I’ll earn a small small commission at no extra cost to you that will help me keep creating content for you. Opinions are 100% my own and I’d have the same opinion about the fragrances even without an affiliate link. Thanks for your support!).

X | Clive Christian

I start this list with one of my top complimented perfumes, definitely one of the fragrances that get me more compliments (especially from men).

Fun fact: it’s super similar to the original Gucci Rush (the red one) which was one of my most complimented fragrances by men during all the years I wore it. It seems there’s something there that men like ;-).

This is less screechy than Gucci Rush, it’s definitely softer, and project less, but it’s on another level, however it still smells very similar and it’s gorgeous. It has peach, pineapple, bergamot, patchouli, orris, lily, musk, and vanilla.

Gucci Rush is gorgeous perfume. Often times I’m asked if I could give recommendations of less expensive alternatives. When it comes to X by Clive Christian, I can only recommend Gucci Rush as an alternative because this is the only truly similar scent on the market.

That said, and I mentioned above, “X” is several notches above and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

It’s a fruity, sweet, musky, woody scent, very feminine and sexy. To me the magic happens in the dry down where you’ll get an ultra feminine and sexy scent that smells super luxurious that will leave a magnetic trail.

My veredict: this is a 9/10 fragrance, the only reason why I don’t give it a 10/10 is longevity which is not bad either, but I’d love it to last longer.

Italica | Xerjoff

Italica is the second perfume on my list of fragrances that get the most compliments. This is is undoubtedly the queen of the gourmands; it’s a whole experience which to me smells like an Italian coffee shop.

It’s very opulent, rich, gourmand, very lush. To me it smells like caramelized apples although it doesn’t have fruit. However, it does have toffee which is caramel cooked at a higher temperature for a longer period of time so the caramel becomes brittle and crunchy.

It’s a mouthwatering fragrance but I don’t find it cloying. That said, it’s very sweet and you need to enjoy sweet fragrances to enjoy Italica.

It’s extremely well blended, addictive, intoxicating, 100% a night time fragrance and it’s better for the colder months because under the heat it could be a cloying and overwhelming.

It’s very nutty due to the almond milk note present in the composition, actually very creamy. It has sandalwood which also gives creaminess, saffron which is not very spicy thanks to the lactonic note that tones it down. On my skin it’s extremely long-lasting.

I’ve heard people complaining about its longevity (or lack thereof). This is actually such a subjective topic. Many people blind buy fragrances without even trying them and that can lead to major disappointments. In my experience, this is a very long-lasting fragrance. When I received the fragrance, I sprayed 5 times and I filled up the entire room.

If you want to buy this beautiful fragrance 10% off, I’ve got a code for you :-). Click here and use Use Giselle10 or GB10. This is a permanent code that doesn’t expire, and can be used several times, which is different from the website welcome code that will allow you to use it only once.

If you want to learn more about Italica, I’ve dedicated an entire video to review this fragrance in-depth. You can watch it here:

Atlas Garden | YSL – Le Vestiaire Des Parfums Collection

Atlas Garden is also one of the fragrances that get the most compliments in my collection, that’s why I wanted to include it in this list.

It has similar vibes to Italica but here we have a unique dates and orange blossom intoxicating concoction that’s it’s completely different from anything I’ve smelled before.  

This perfume is mouthwatering. It makes me think of a silver plate filled with glazed dates, syrupy baklava, and all those wonderful Middle Eastern pastries.

Atlas Garden was the most gourmand fragrance I had in my collection until I got Italica. It’s a crowd-pleaser, I get compliments all the time (especially from men). It’s very cozy, alluring, warm, and inviting.

The notes are orange blossom, tonka bean, dates, neroli, mandarin orange, bergamot, and Ambroxan. It’s a head turner; a very chic gourmand scent that I’d call “dessert in a bottle”.

It’s perfect for date nights or night outs, especially during the colder months.

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait | Maison Francis Kurkdjian (MFK)

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum is one of the fragrances that gets more compliments

BR540 Extrait is a stunning fragrance and undoubtedly, one of the fragrances that get the most compliments in my entire fragrance collection. This extrait de parfum version gets me TONS of compliments which I don’t get with the original which supposedly has better projection.

While this is an extrait de parfum (hence, more intense due to its higher oils concentration), it’s more like a skin scent. It’s something people will notice when they come close to you.

It’s a gorgeous scent. It has saffron, bitter almond, cedar, jasmine, musk, and ambergris which nowadays is synthetically recreated. Although ambergris gives fragrances a sweet/salty scent, ambergris is mainly used as a fixative, and also to enhance other notes present in the formula.

I’ll go against the grain here and disagree with the popular opinion that Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait or eau de parfum is classy and sophisticated. To me this fragrance screams “money”, it screams “expensive” and it smells luxurious. However, I wouldn’t consider this a classy and sophisticated fragrance in the literal way. Let’s say, if cities had a smell, this one would be New York or Vegas:-)

If you want to buy this beautiful fragrance and candle 10% off, I’ve got a code for you :-). Click here and use Giselle10 or GB10. This is a permanent code that doesn’t expire, and can be used several times, which is different from the website welcome code that will allow you to use it only once.

Not a Perfume Superdose | Juliette Has a Gun

Not a Perfume Superdose is also one of the fragrances in my collection that get the most compliments. I loved the original Not a Perfume which is basically a single, synthetic molecule called Cetalox, being this the reason why it’s called “Not a Perfume”.

The problem with the original Not a Perfume was that I couldn’t smell it after 30 minutes. For this reason, when they launched this flanker, I jumped into it with no regrets.

Not a Perfume and Not a Perfume Superdose belong to a type of perfumes called “Molecular Fragrances”. They are created to blend in with your skin in a way that will behave completely different depending on each individual skin chemistry. It’ll never smell the same or even similar on different people.

Molecular fragrances don’t last directly on the skin, they linger around you. You’ll feel wrapped in a sheer cloud of aroma, and you’ll get whiffs of it throughout the day. It’ll be something like “where this fragrance comes from?” type of situation because you’ll smell it in the air but not directly on your skin.

It lasts forever on my skin, all day, but not in the traditional way a potent fragrance (in the fragrance community these type of fragrances are called “beast mode” fragrances) would last.

It lasts all day, but after a short period of time, I won’t smell it if I sniff my skin. However, and conversely to what happened with the original version, I can catch whiffs of it throughout the day.

It’s woody, clean, musky basically with lots of character. It has some citrus/tanginess at the opening which makes this fragrance a bit sharp but then it dries down into a musky/clean scent with great sillage and I’m not sure why but many men love it.

Pas Ce Soir | BDK Parfums

Bottle of Pas Ce Soir BDK Parfums
Pas Ce Soir | BDK Parfums

Pas Ce Soir means “not tonight” in French – Launched in 2016, it’s been around for a while.

It’s one of my favorite fragrances in my entire collection, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I get when I wear this one and I can tell you it’s even face mask proof.

I talked about this fragrance before on my YouTube channel because it’s a fragrance I love.

It’s very fruity, floral, woody nothing groundbreaking but still delicious, addictive. Great all year round but particularly nice in summer

It has quince which is the star here, ginger, o.blossom, jasmine, cashmeran (also called blond woods).

This beautiful juice reminds me a lot of Beige by Chanel Les Exclusifs and Terracotta minus the solar/beachy/coconutty note. If you want to buy this beautiful fragrance 10% off, I’ve got a code for you :-). Click here and use Use Giselle10 or GB10. This is a permanent code that doesn’t expire, and can be used several times, which is different from the website welcome code that will allow you to use it only once.

Signature | Bond No.9

Signature is pure parfum, it has a 30% oil concentration and just to give you some perspective, EDP usually has between 15% – 20% oils concentration, (although some brands have stronger Eau de Parfums like Tom Ford in his Reserve line) but this is the standard .

It has oud, rose, tonka, musk but it’s not your typical oud / rose combo, this is very unique, very Bond N9,  Sultry, luxurious, sexy, very loud, urban chic, something I’d wear to a 5 star hotel cocktail lounge, something I’d wear to the Ritz in Paris.

Smells Ultra luxurious, boogie, 10/10 in all the departments.

It’s worth every penny because your cost per wear will justify the purchase since a little goes a long way. HEAVY HITTER, if you want people to remember you for your fragrance, wear this.

Déjà Vu White Flowers 57 | Kayali

This BEAUTY in capital letters is definitely one of the fragrances that get more compliments.

I love how Kayali adds a number to each fragrance name. This number represents how many tests they made before getting the final result, and in this case it involved 57 trials.

Déjà Vu White Flowers 57 is a gorgeous and sexy fruity, floral, oriental fragrance, with pear, gardenia, nectarine, sandalwood, vanilla, orange blossom and patchouli.

It’s very woody and earthy with lots of a very well blended patchouli. Pear, gardenia and patchouli are the most prominent notes. It’s sweet, very sexy, very flirty and it’s timeless. I think this is an all year round type of scent; it performs really well both in high heat and in cold weather.

Personally, I enjoy this perfume more during the night. It’s definitely a date night or night out fragrance that makes me feel like a “Femme Fatale” every time I wear it. It has a very strong feminine energy with very good lasting power (I get around 6 hours on my skin), moderate projection, and a sweet, dense, and feminine sillage. If you’re intereted in buying it (disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with Huda Beauty, I’m just sharing the link for your convenience), click here.

If you want to check out another blog post about a stunning fragrance that gets me TONS of compliments, click here