Eau Gourmande Ambre Vanille

It’s Yara... Sweet, creamy, approachable, but it’s still not a strawberry milkshake scent. There is a non-descript berry/gourmand accord, that is hard to place. It does have a creamy richness. It reminds me of a cheesecake topped with berries. But I get the idea of that dessert more than a literal interpretation. I wore both Yara and Ambre Vanille at the same time and I could not tell the difference. I even did some informal testing and asked several people if they could tell the difference. No one could. I love this though, and I think it’s an affordable Marshall’s gem. I reach for this in the fall and winter, because it cuts though cold weather and has a cozy vibe. But I have worn this in the spring and summer and it works year around. This is a great everyday, dumb reach type of scent. I have worn this to work events several times. It was sweet and interesting without being too intense or overtly sexy. It smells feminine and she has presence but she is not overly demanding of attention. The longevity is excellent, 8 hours, and the projection is moderate. The performance really impressed me because this is an eau de toilet. This gets compared to Sol de Janeiro 68 but I do not think they are dupes, however they layer beautifully together. Another combo that I think is a must try is Valentino Born in Roma. The sweet florals in BIR and the sweet vague gourmand qualityof Ambre Vanille blend together beautifully. Its youthful without being juvenile and is sensual in a pretty in pink sort of way.

This is an absolute beauty!! And right up my scent profile alley. And what a happy, blind buy cheapie! $16.99 at Marshall’s. Can’t go wrong! This a sweet, floral vanilla gourmand (probably from the orchid), with a tangy tangerine opening that settles into warm sandalwood and creamy coconut. Coconut gives it a nice thorough creaminess. The wafts of almond I do pick up are more of an almond extract rather than a nuttiness. It’s slightly powdery from heliotrope, but not overly so, just enough to blend it all smoothly together. This may be an EDT, but it has serious projection. I keep smelling it as I move about. I know there is no vanilla listed, but it definitely smells of it. Also, I find there is an unidentifiable salty note (perhaps ambergris?) lingering throughout that reminds me of the vanilla caviar in Burberry Goddess. I wish I knew what is causing it because it really is giving hard core Burberry Goddess when it comes through, and now I can’t unsmell it. That being said, if you like vanilla and Burberry Goddess you will heartily enjoy this!!!

I just finished this bottle today and I'm really disappointed I didn't get a back-up bottle on clearance (second markdown) for $6 at Marshall's! I din't think I'd like it and only got it because of the hype on here, but it really grew on me. I'd wear it around the home and to bed and it's just a cozy and warm scent and would last for a few hours and it's close to the skin for projection. Anyway on my skin I'd get mostly vanilla, and it smells just like the good quality vanilla extract I'd use in baking. And on my clothes, mostly on thick robes, I'd get the loveliest heliotrope note, that smells lightly powdery but sweet and reminds me of compact face powders from when I was younger, I think it was the Mary Kay ones. Anyway, if I see this again, sale or not I'm getting another one! Update: (9.27.2021) I miss this fragrance so much :(

It starts off a little too food-y for my tastes, kind of like the smell of a cupcake bakery. But after 2-3 hours, it turns into this amazing, warm, skin with sandalwood and amber sort of scent with a bit of vanilla. I'm surprised to see neither amber nor vanilla in the notes list, but I definitely get them from this perfume. I would prefer for it to smell the way it does after 2-3 hours all the time, but as it is, Ambre Vanille is not too shabby! Edit 3/2014: After wearing it more often, I'm noticing that my perception of the notes varies. Some days I pick up on distinctly floral and fruity notes (as well as pure sugar), and some days it's strictly a vanilla/amber/sandalwood to my nose. Either way, it's delightful and surprisingly long-lasting, but definitely one to test out several times before making a decision.

From the Laura Mercier website: “ Amber. Vanilla. Brown sugar. The quiet sensuality of amber blends with the warmth of vanilla, and is enhanced with fresh notes of tangerine and tiger orchid, the delicious essence of almond and brown sugar, and a final hint of musky sandalwood for a finish that is soft, intimate and absolutely addictive.” Somebody needs to update the notes on Fragrantica. I can smell each of the notes listed on the LM website. I only purchased this yesterday (at TJMaxx for $12.99) so I cannot give a detailed review. It’s a nice addition to my collection. I think it will be great for layering. It strikes me as a more refined Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar scent with some amber. It’s fairly aggressive in the beginning. The dry down is soft and sensual. Very nice gourmand!

Haha! I am another TJ Maxx find person. I love this. It is creamy, sweet and long wearing. Pretty and fun. I am wearing this for Summer nights here In balmy Florida. It is projecting in a good way. I do get a blast of sweet Citrus at first. It blends nicely with the strong Orchid which here is lovely mixed with the creamy Coconut and powdery Almond. The Heliotrope is here too giving a soft floral that is decidedly feminine. I also love the Sandalwood in the dry down giving this juice a bit of a grounding element. I do not get any Amber or Vanilla though so that was a bit misleading but that is ok. Ambre Vanilla is a keeper and great find. This should have been named something like Gourmand Orchid Night. This gourmand is multi-faceted and I highly recommend.

Uhhgg this is amazing. I had to go back and get a second bottle the very next day (TJ max, 1.7 oz for $13.) Vanilla sweetness, but not just plain vanilla. I don’t pick up any coconut, but maybe some almond or snickerdoodle or sugar cookie. It’s dessert in a bottle, but also not. It’s not so sweet you want to eat it. It’s just super sweet “what’s that amazing smell” perfume. If that makes sense. I would say this isn’t nearly as desserty and foody as say, Choco musk. Slightly more grown up and fancy but still gourmand and simple. Delicious vanillaness. I know I’ll probably never find this for as cheap as I just did, so I’ll treasure it and use sparingly.

This is so well blended. The tangerine is a nice burst of flavor in the beginning and on my skin it disappears rather quickly which I love because you're left with the most comforting, fresh, Tonka Bean and vanilla. It lasts forever and projects beautifully. Some might say it smells "mature" but in my opinion it's not mature at all. It reminds me of illicit and gold couture. It's SO sweet and very powdery. I dont personally find powder "mature" but some people do. I'm in my mid 20s. My boyfriend said it has a hint of "church lady" but I just find that it's just so comforting. And you can find it at marshalls or burlington for $20

On the paper it smells very sweet and gourmand with a tinge of floral, but on my skin it gets much more.. smoky and intense, and I mean in a good way. It smells soooo wonderful on the skin that I can't help sniffing my wrist for like several hours and keep wanting it more! On my skin it smells like someone's drinking coconut milk and burning amber at a fireplace.. It sounds wierd, but I just wanted to say that this is one of the best scents I have ever experienced. It conveys both warmth and sexiness at the same time. And for the price? Really, it's a must buy for me. Going to get a bottle real soon.

This is lovely. I was scared before receiving this in the mail that the amber would be too heavy. It's not - it's just right. It just adds depth to the vanilla. This manages to be sweet without verging into food territory. This manages to smell fresh as well with the tangerine. This does smell quite similar to the Brazilian bum bum cream and perfume, but it doesn't smell as caramel-y (this fragrance doesn't have caramel at all but manages to smell a bit like it). I'm very happy with this. I love powdery scents. Make more scents, Laura Mercier!

This stuff is good :) I would say, it is more like a spring-summer vanilla with fresh floral notes. In the same time it has some depth, it's not just your usual basic vanilla. I was afraid, that coconut will be annoying, I usually don't like coconut, but no, it gives to the scent slightly summery feeling. I remember my first sniff in the car, when I opened the package, thinking.. wow, it is as good as some other expensive niche perfumes. Projection is strong for the first hours, lasting power 4-5 hours.

Ambre Vanille has quickly become my most favorite guilty pleasure. So rich, decadent and shamelessly sweet in the opening and so inviting, warm and delicious on the dry down. AV starts off a super sugary sweet floral vanilla and then as it dries down and becomes less sweet hints of coconut and almond blend in along with the sandalwood - sooo good. Love this. As June7rose suggested below - if you want to extend the longevity layer the edt with the body cream and it will last for 12+ hours.

I'm so glad to see this has been added to the database. I bought this scent as soon as it came out, after falling in love with the body butter. First, I'll say that it smells exactly like the body souffle. Not a complex fragrance, but very warm and delicious. The name describes it completely- vanilla and amber. Perfect for cooler weather. Sillage and longevity are good too. Laura Mercier does gourmands well, and this is one of my favorites in her collection.

Beautiful Eau Gourmande Ambre Vanille!! It's such a lovely, sweet and subtle coconut! Amazingly gentle and delicate, and so easy to wear. You don't feel bombarded as is so often the case with coconut that I'm very wary of any perfume with coconut in it; no, not in this delightful and feminine darling! Soft amber and coconut, that's what it is for me, with a lovely vanilla and almond topping! It's just lovely. Love it very much. Adore it in fact!!!

This isn't much of a vanilla scent at all in my opinion, I get a slightly coconutty almond. So beautiful, it's like SDJ 62's older sister. I'm sad this was discontinued because this is so delicious. I love this in the winter but I also think it works in the summer as long as it isn't too too hot. The coconut and heliotrope can pull it into summer as long as you don't overspray or maybe cut it with something a little fresher

I just got mine st TJ MAXX for also about $15 USD. I’m in love. Seriously, I cannot remember the last time a single whiff has made me feel so happy just to be able to smell it. A little spice, a lovely vanilla...for a gourmand it really isn’t that sweet. More complex than I was expecting for an edt. *I have not read any reviews yet but if anyone mentions holiday candles, I can understand that. I’m enjoying it so much.

This feels like the grown-up version of the vanilla scents I loved in my teenage years. A little woody, a little sweet, gourmand but not sickly strong. I love to wear it on cold winter days when it is a comforting addition to grey skies. I find that it wears better when I spray it on my skin than on my clothes - the notes stay more complex and it seems to last longer on the drydown.

I tried it on at Marshalls but didn't purchase it. I figured I would see how it set on my skin and buy it later based on the results. I picked up a food order and as I was leaving the woman behind me asked what I was wearing because it smelled amazing. I've since purchased it. Like others have mentioned it's currently on sale at Marshalls and TJmaxx but it's cheaper at Marshalls.

Repurchased this fragrance today and I am happy to have it. I owned it a couple of years ago and enjoyed it so much I went through it fast. Well, I purchased another bottle and it smells just as good as I remember. It's sweet and nutty and powdery but light and airy. Overall, a really pretty scent that doesn't really smell like perfume but like your own unique scent.

Found this version at tjmaxxx for a good price and took a chance. This is the most perfect sweet/vanilla scent for summer! Light and comfortable, it stays close to the skin and layers well with vanilla scented body lotions. Will definitely enjoy my little bottle while it lasts. I also layered this with amber musk perfume oil to give a little more depth to it.

It is ridiculous it’s called Amber vanilla but there is no Amber nor Vanilla but it is absolutely Garmond and nice and sweet the kind of fragrance that you want to smell at at home , I had it for a few days before my friend Toke it from me because she loved it so much I didn’t have the chance to buy it again but I will , try its body lotion traffic

At first I thought this would be too sweet for me but after only a few minutes the sweetness is tempered by the orchid and heliotrope. It is a very well done creamy, coconutty vanilla, longevity is about 8 hours and the dry down is beautifully warm and comforting. Maybe not ground breaking but lovely all the same.

Very sweet sugary tangerine on me! Reminds me of a grown up version of Katy Perry's Meow. I love it! Sweet and gourmand with the fruit still there, a very warm gourmand with a grown up feel IMO. Settles down into a lovely rich sandalwood. A new favourite for sure! Next on the list is the body creme! <3

This smells exactly like the pink Yara to my nose! I sprayed Yara on one wrist and this one on the other and I cannot tell a difference on the dry down. I purchased this at TJ Maxx for like $15 a few years ago. I can't imagine paying any more for it since it doesn't last very long.

One of the finest gourmands I’ve ever experienced. It was $15 a few years ago and now it’s ridiculously overpriced. I wish there was a perfume oil dupe if this. The heliotrope makes this so fluffy and creamy, not like sugar but a true yummy sweet but not overly sweet fragrance

They should have named this one "Coconut Macaroon", because it's the olfactory equivalent truly. I love it and daydream now of owning the body creme butter. I've loved every fragrance I've ever had the pleasure to try from Laura Mercier, so happy with my bottle of this.

And it needs to be like 20 degrees Fahrenheit to smell at its best- FYI- so many ppl judge a fragrance in the wrong season for it. Lots of ppl don’t know that scents change with the weather and the season.

Best vanilla fragrance for everyday use! Inoffensive and not cloying yet sweet and clean at the same time. I also love the body souffle and the shower bath! Lasts pretty good for an EDT!!!

To me it smells like Victorias secret scandalous. Sickly sweet, but sometimes you're just in the mood for the insane amount of sweet. This is that.

a sweet perfume for people who don't like sweet scents, lasts forever on my skin despite being an eau de toilette.

A delicious amber and vanilla combo. I can’t stop sniffing my hair when I wear this.

It is no wonder everyone is smelling something different when it comes to Laura Mercier's Ambre Vanille. I can't even get the right notes to be able to compare what I smell versus the notes. In addition to the notes here on Fragrantica, this is what a simple google search gave me: From LauraMercier.com The quiet sensuality of amber blends with the warmth of vanilla, and is enhanced with fresh notes of tangerine and tiger orchid, the delicious essence of almond and brown sugar, and a final hint of musky sandalwood for a finish that is soft, intimate, and absolutely addictive. From Base Notes: Top Notes Tangerine Heart Notes Tiger orchid, Heliotrope, Almond Base notes Brown sugar, Coconut, Sandalwood From Nordstrom's - Top notes: tangerine, coconut, almond. Middle notes: tiger orchid, milk flower, heliotrope. Base notes: amber, vanilla bean, brown sugar, sandalwood. I blind-bought mine from TJMaxx the other day. The label is white and all I know is this.......On me, I get the orchid and powdery heliotrope in the beginning. Soon, I can smell the start of the coconut. A little almond comes in after that with some vanilla. I have a mix of florals, strong coconut, vanilla, sandalwood, and some musk in the end and for me, this is reminiscent of the beach. It makes me think of what a tropical island vacation would smell like. I get moderate sillage and longevity and think this would be a good scent for year-round but because I don't have many summer perfumes, I think that's when I'll use it the most. Edited: I did a little more research to make sure I'm not crazy. Yes, orchid is a scent that usually comes across as "spicy, exotic and floral like Tom Ford Black Orchid or Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily" (from boisdejasmin.com) and there are scented orchids, grown for their smell in addition to beauty (orchideria.com/orchid-scents/) (orchidsmadeeasy.com/fragrant-orchids/).

Okay, finally got this today. This is... not what I expected. It smells good! But, a little boring. It definitely does smell like a softer version of the cheirosa 62 spray... which admittedly, is not my favorite. It smells a lot like my pistachio brûlée perfume from le monde gourmande as well. It’s light and pretty, but I’m honestly not sure it’s super worth the hype. I got it on sale for like $40 so I’m definitely not mad about it, but I wouldn’t buy it again, especially not for full price. A good easy reach, but there’s other things out there. Edit: So, this actually makes a really nice HAIR perfume. It smells so much better that way I’m not sure why! A really clean, soft vanilla smell. I enjoy it this way. This really has grown on me! A good easy reach, it smells best in temperate weather, like spring or fall time. I like it a LOT!

This is a perfume that shines best when worn on clean skin. The intense gourmand envelopes like a hug and is incredibly comforting. If there was an accord for biting into the crisp shell of a freshly-baked meringue, the residual warmth of the oven bathing your face in a pale orange glow, this would be it. That’s this perfume at it’s best. At it’s worst, it can smell quite acrid, like sweet(?) burnt rubber. I’ve only noticed this to happen when I layer this atop another scent (in my case, a scented body cream). I’m guessing some sort of reaction happens that reaaaaally pushes forth a sharp, smoky version of the sandalwood. Together with the other notes, you might smell like potpourri that got set on fire. It’s a burnt, cloying sweetness that leaves me quite headache-y. Likely won’t repurchase but gladly will finish (if worn right!).

So I’m NOT a gourmand or vanilla kinda person, but this one is so comforting and cocooning. It reminds me of my childhood. My sisters and I had a favourite little gift shop near our childhood home that we went to every week. They sold these plastic dolls and little vanilla linnen bags that made the whole store smell of vanilla and plastic. We would look at the dolls, chat and just hang out in the store and the owner was always so nice to us, even if we rarely bought anything. The first time I tried Ambre Vanille I immediately recognised it: it smelled EXACTLY like that gift shop! It is warm and comforting and after I finish my 3 ml I will absolutely be getting a fb 😊 I don’t think I will wear it super often, but will reach for it every time I need a bit of comforting or when I snuggle up with a blanket in front of a romcom.

I get a lot of tangerine and berries from the opening of Laura Mercier Ambre Vanillé. These fruity notes did make me think of Thierry Mugler Innocent and Viva La Juicy a little. These fruits are not the juicy fresh type, but candy flavor like, and they are quite strong and persistent. For the first two hours, the fruits are in the front, while a powdery blend of orchid, vanilla and coconut lays undertone. Later on, the fruits slowly mellows into the sandalwood base, but still remains detectable. The sillage is moderate and the longevity is at least 8 hours. For me, this is a very playful gourmand fragrance. Towards the drydown, it also has a comforting facet. At the same time, it's quite sweet and sugary. However, I don't find it particularly an amber scent. I'd recommend it as a youthful and fun fruity vanilla fragrance.

For me, A sultry snickerdoodle cookie The opening is a very strong & chemical vanilla I don't mind really (I love Pink Sugar) & that fades soon enough into a sweet, spicy, slightly woodsy scent. I do get some orchid but I cannot really detect any fruit elements. Perhaps I will after wearing it more often and becoming better aquainted with it. Its very comforting. Perfect for the fall time. When I wear it I cant help but think of chunky sweaters, changing leaves, and sitting fireside. Its warm & yummy. I don't agree with reviews saying its a cloying orchid smell. I enjoy this scent a lot. Im not head over heels but I am certainly happy. I am hoping to try out more scents in the line thanks to this one.

At first i thought 'no,no, too easy', but i have come around. There is a place for easy when it is also lovely. I get a sweet blast of tangerine at the opening which quickly settles to a quieter heliotrope-almond buzz that lasts and lasts. The *feeling* of amber and vanilla are here, even tho not pronounced as notes, giving that creamy, biscuitty vibe in the dry down. I get *occasional* whiffs of play-doh thereafter, but not enough to matter. What is really fun is to layer it with something harder edged. I am combining it with Criminal Elements Hearth, which has heat and bitter woodsmoke. This sharpens up the pretty and takes it to a new place.

I never fully understood the bedtime scent categorization until this fragrance. Like Zoe101 noted below, it’s exactly like a warm hug in a bottle. The vanilla is a true vanilla, not a synthetic/plastic one, and the amber brings that lovely woody warmth. The sillage and longevity are not great, which leads to my reasoning that this is the perfect bedtime scent. Personally, I couldn’t wear a scent too strong or long lasting to bed or it would irritate both me and my partner - so this is perfect! I look forward to the upcoming winter nights, where I can get into my comfy pjs, spray this on, and hop into bed feeling cozy and comforted.

Thanks to the lovely xrayer, I am able to sample this and wear it today. This could've been more aptly named coconut sandalwood, I think! I am not smelling any amber and the vanilla, which isn't listed might just be the heavy coconut that I'm getting. This is super sweet, coconut and heliotrope dominant and while it is addictive (I keep going in for another sniff!), I'm waiting til the end of the day of a wear to see what lingers. I have tried just now layering one spray with Hypnotic Poison to see what the almond and vanilla brings to the mix, as they have a similar "vibe" but different food notes.

Yeah... I dunno about this one. There's something a bit cloying and nauseating about it although it's not superduper sweet. There's a distinct play-doh amber in there, which ordinarily I love but it's not landing well on my skin. I think it's the coconut I'm disliking. It's a real back of your nose cheap pina colada coconut. I'm not really even getting much vanilla. I might want to layer this with something brighter and sharper, maybe a citrus before I give up on it, but it's not a win for me. I wanted a 'hug', but I got a bit of a cheap pouch of synthetic cocktail!

Blindly bought this at TJ Maxx for $13, it's nice! It's not a super complicated fragrance or anything and is actually quite similar to Pacifica's Sugared Amber (another TJ maxx purchase), except a little less sweet. I just smell the vanilla and amber but I'm a sucker for that combo so this is a good fragrance for me. Nice for bed or lounging around the house, it has a cozier feel. The projection and longevity is pretty nice too, I wore it to bed and woke up 7 hours later and could still smell it. Pretty happy with this purchase!

Went to Marshall’s and TJ Max, and found one left in TJ Max. Haven’t opened it yet. But it was only 12.99. Very excited to have it. So I tried the scent and it’s quiet cloying Orchid a bit almond, my husband didn’t like it at all, it gets a little better at dry down. But he did say he liked it better than Sentual orchid by LM. They are very similar but they’re not the same. I prefer Sentual orchid ambre vanille, because to me it’s a bit less cloying, a bit more airy.

This would be a good vanilla staple scent if the longevity was better. This is a skin scent unless I overspray and even then I get maybe three hours. If you can get a discount on it, it's good but Yara smells very close and a bit better IMO so I would opt for that. Tbh I wear this to bed because by the time I leave my house for the day, I can barely smell anything. For the 1-2 hours I smell it, its some fruit, maybe pear...amber, vanilla, and some woods.

If you are looking for a vanilla scent, this is not it. This is a coconut fragrance. Why named it ambre vanille when neither one is present? I like it for what it actually is, although I wanted vanilla. Eau Gourmande Ambre Vanille is a grown up version of a VS coconut mist. Nice and creamy. When I layer it with an actual vanilla perfume, the coconut dissipates. Good sillage and longevity on my skin (which is on the drier side).

I was buying some make up at Laura Mercier counter at Nordstom. The sales girl smelled so good. I asked her what she was wearing and she showed me this. She said they can't keep it in stock, I bought the last bottle they had.. I feel lucky :) This is definately a creamy vanilla. Very sensuous. I didn't think I would like this as much as I do, longenvity has been pretty amazing like 8 + hours.

really nice! it smells like an almost light airy vanilla. it’s different from the LM ambre vanille body crème & hand cream which are a bit nicer imo but it’s still a nice scent and works so well paired with them. lasts a good while too. took it on holiday with me and the girls I was with kept asking to use it lol

Such a cozy and sweet lovely fragrance :) On my skin it goes on smelling like white chocolate and dries down like warm, coconut flavoured milk. It lingers close to the skin, but I keep getting whiffs of this for many hours. Just when I think it's gone it reminds me it's still there. ♥♥♥♥

It’s a very beautiful and sweet scent. I definitely could smell coconut and sandalwood in it. Even so it is a very sweet perfume, surprisingly it doesn’t give me any headache at all. The bottle is boring. I think this beautiful perfume deserves a better one.

If you want a simple vanilla scent, then this one is for you. While it is pleasant, I'm not a huge fan of this linear scent. It is an EDT but it really feels like a body spray. I can spray tons of this and the smell would be gone after a while.