Escapade Gourmande

Escapade Gourmande is probably one of the most refined gourmand fragrances that I have encountered. I am fairly particular when it comes to gourmand scents, especially sweet ones, because many of them make me feel nauseated. Escapade Gourmande is definitely not one of those fragrances. Yes, it is sweet but it is not tooth-achingly sweet, nor is it too gooey or thick. To me, it is a luxurious and realistic take on crème brûlée. The scent trail it leaves stays true to that impression (I know this because I got compliments regarding it). Despite being gourmand, it is quite airy and projects well. Despite being airy, it is long lasting (I smelled it on my skin 10+ hours later and on clothing days later). As far as comparisons go, I think that it resides in the same family as, and is on par with the quality of, Jovoy’s Fire at Will and Indult’s Tihota, but is not identical to either of them. People are comparing this fragrance to more affordable fragrances like B&BW Warm Vanilla Sugar. While I can agree that they are in the same family of fragrances, giving off a similar(ish) vibe, I think there is a huge disparity in the quality and longevity. Warm Vanilla Sugar (and other body sprays) and affordable vanilla scents (like perfumes that you can find at Target, for example) tend to smell like alcohol on first blast, while fragrances like Escapade Gourmande, Fire at Will, and Tihota do not at all. Affordable members of this genre don’t last long and smell more synthetic and inexpensive. Don’t get me wrong, I have, and enjoy, Warm Vanilla Sugar and SoliNotes Vanille (they are great affordable choices) but they are not the same quality as Escapade Gourmande. I think the best affordable member of this family of fragrances is the Vanilla Musk Perfume oil from Nemat, as it does not smell inexpensive, even though it is available at Whole Foods for a decent price; but, due to it being an oil, it lacks in projection. To be honest, I do not understand the comparison to Pink Sugar though. Perhaps that is because Pink Sugar has the licorice facet that none of the aforementioned fragrances have, smells burnt (not caramelized), and is less airy. I also don’t get the comparison to Kayali’s Vanilla 28. Vanilla 28 is much darker and heavier. In my opinion, Escapade Gourmande is one of the best of its kind. The only apprehension I have is the price (which isn’t a con unique to this perfume), but I will probably purchase it at some point, because I love it so much.

I don't know how someone can smell a perfume called Escapade GOURMANDE and then get mad that it's sweet and creme brulee-y and a sugar overdose??? Like are you dense lol. Anyway I may have left a review before, I cant remember lol but I finally purchased a full size after savoring my Scent Split sample for months and I'm so happy with it! Such a deep delicious custard-y creme brulee with the burnt sugar on top. It smells like a rich dessert made with the finest egg yolks flavored with the finest vanilla. It does remind me of OLD SCHOOL B&BW Vanilla Bean Noel, before it became disgusting and plastic-y. Back in the 00s it was so good. Also def has qualities of Nemat Vanilla Musk. I do think this is very gourmand but it's not sickeningly sweet like Bianco Latte is, and I'd say it's also better than Amore Caffe. It's less sweet than both of those. While this is custardy vanilla, I dont get a caramel vibe from it which I am happy about because caramel notes tend to smell maple syrup-y to me andI hate that. The lasting quality and silage is surprisingly good! I feel like I can barely smell it when I first spray then it blossoms as it sits on my skin and clothes. I love the heaviness and overall quality of the beautiful bottle too. It looks absolutely stunning on my vanity.

I’ve been wearing Escape Gourmand for a while and I love it, but I had one other contender competing towards my affections, but I’ll come to that... Firstly, let’s focus on Escapade Gourmand. I love it: it’s praline with sponge cake and caramel but with an almond/tonka/Play-Doh note. On my skin it’s rich, golden and sparkles with a little Allspice, but sometimes that almond note isn’t my favourite. My favourite almond fragrance is Dans Paris as it’s light and airy but with Escapade Gourmand being a sweeter and richer syrupy scent in comparison, the almond note is a tiny bit too-much and unnecessary. I wouldn’t have knocked this aspect until Lattafa’s Eclaire came into my life. Eclaire is basically Escape Gourmand but without the almond note and is much cheaper. I’ve been going back and forth between the 2 scents (I’m currently wearing both on each wrist to compare) and I finally think that I prefer Eclaire. But Gourmand Escape certainly deserves its place in the gourmand hall of fame. Update: I’ve been wearing this again and I’m now aware of a sour cheesecake note. It’s a sour dairy cream cheese scent that’s sweet but slightly tangy. I’m not keen on this gourmand balance of sweetness and acidity.

i'll never understand the negative comments this perfume gets, this has to be one of my favourite vanilla fragrances. it's perfect for just wearing on it's own, or layering. definitely my most versatile gourmand fragrance, i'm always gonna defend escapade gourmande! it smells so gorgeous delicious. it's this sugary, caramelised burnt sugar goodness. i don't think it smells synthetic at all honestly. i saw someone compare this too the crackly part on-top of a creme brûlée and i couldn't agree more. also reminds me of freshly made & whipped vanilla icing covered in caramelised sugar then flamed, or a brown sugar croissant that's just been overcooked slightly. it's just such a delicious scent without being cloying to me. the compliments i've gotten from this have been endless too! also, the longevity is amazing. it's one of the top three performing gourmands i have. usually lasts around 10 hours, but even longer if i layer it with a few body products. i knew i'd love this so much, got a sample then instantly bought a full bottle 4 days later after wearing it non stop. me and escapade gourmand have been inseparable for months now, us against the world fr

Sampling Maison Mataha Escapade Gourmande, a decant gourmand of sugar, vanilla, tonka, and musk, with an overall caramel-like vibe, very much a sort of burnt/brown sugar crossover with caramel, but very elegantly done, not too heavy or dense or sharp. There are hints of caramel and cream, but arguably not the insistence of either, with burnt sugary tonka aspect being front-and-center. It’s very well done, a gourmand that’s not overwrought but rather classily restrained while still being quite rich. It’s a nice achievement. My logical comparison, given that I tried both for the first time on the same occasion, is RDZ Parfums’ latest release, Flan, inspired by the dish of the same name, and Flan is a bit more intense overall, whereas Escapade Gourmande, still rich, leans toward being a little smoother and delicate, though either option would satisfy serious fans of their (I’d argue) somewhat similar profiles. Escapade Gourmande is extrait concentration and priced at $215 for 100ml, sold in the US at great boutiques like Perfumology. I think the value is very high, given the cost per volume, strong performance, and overall quality. 8 out of 10

This smells really different to me than Amore Cafe. Amore Cafe isn't really vanilla custardy note centered it's more like a Speculoos cookie scent with hints of amaretto and coffee. In this one the vanilla is a lot more dense and custard-y. Like I swear I smell rich delicious egg yolks (but in a good way, like the kind that add richness to a dessert). It smells like the most delicious decadent dense creamy creme brulee, the kind that has flecks of vanilla bean. It smells like Vanilla Bean Noel from B&BW a bit, but not the current one. Like the delicious version from over ten years ago that smelled dense and rich. Smells way better than Bianco Latte too, Bianco Latte smells way too overpowering and almost candle-like at times. This is a lot softer and prettier. VERY sweet and gourmand but not as gourmand as Bianco Latte. I can see it being similar to Nemat Vanilla Musk except just imagine that with a custardy egg yolk note and you have this.

This, Cirque de Soleil, and Narcoticas Happy Dust are of the best, sweet fluffy vanillas I’ve ever gotten my nose on. EG smells like granulated brown sugar and sweet vanilla. It’s both fluffy and dense. A sophisticated vanilla and all grown up. It reminds me distinctly of the sugar that gets blow torched on the top of crème brûlée. Specifically the burnt sugar, including the granular bite you get from it. It is indeed very expensive, but it lasts long enough on my skin/clothes to consider the FB purchase. It’s a comforting, warm, sugary, happy, and soothing scent. It has dimension, but is not complex. It’s everything you want in an everyday sweet vanilla perfume. It perfect for snuggling into bed, the winter time, a date, down time, and family time. It’s completely inoffensive and does not provoke a headache. It is not cloying, but it does have that slight playdoh scent that everyone else mentioned- I don’t mind it.

This is AMAZING. Out of the six samples I bought this one was the only one that actually blew me away. Contrary to popular belief this actually doesn’t smell like the burnt sugar topping of a creme brûlée (actually maybe a bit but there’s nothing burnt about it, it’s just sweet and creamy). To my nose it smells like a high quality vanilla and caramel gelato accompanied by baristas making coffee in the background. Smelling this was so nostalgic to when I would go to the gelato shops as a kid in Italy. It’s so creamy and airy at the same time that it doesn’t bother my nose which is so important for me. I am obsessed with it and can’t wait to test it out fully when the time comes. It smells so high quality too and it’s so strong!!! Also, this is what I literally expected Bianco latte to smell like lol. It deserves the hype that BL gets. This is actually addictive and enticing whereas BL is meh.

This is one of those dislike to love journey for me. Upon first spray, this is very underwhelming. I almost couldn’t smell anything at all, but then I let it settle and thought “something smells very nice”. Sweet without being cloying. I really love this once it warms up on skin. I think this will be great for layering as well. I don’t get the Bianco Latte comparison. I find BL nauseating. Sharp and synthetic. This is smooth and sweet. It’s a bit simple for its price point but I think it does smell like expensive vanilla. I’m very picky with my vanilla, especially with it being a popular note at the moment, there are way too many sub par, cheap smelling vanillas out there. I wouldn’t recommend people to purchase it unless you are obsessed. On me, this scent is eternal and doesn’t go away until laundry day.

Escapade Gourmande reminds me of a vanilla buttercream macaron and I love it. It is definitely sweeter than Fire at Will but they are similar in a sense that they are both light, airy and fluffy vanillas yet somewhat fleeting. If the mimosa note bothered you in Fire at Will, please check this one out. The vanilla dries down and resembles Tihota's base. I think this vanilla can be worn all year round and will be great as someone's signature scent. Does this beat my favourite vanilla, Tihota? No, but it's currently the runner up. This also lasted over 15 hours on my skin making it the longest lasting vanilla in my collection.

I've had this for quite a while now. The vanilla is much deeper now and it also seems to last much longer. Also the musk is much stronger now...it is a sweet musk not a dusty one .. its very dense I use this to layer some of the darker, moodier scents that I have. It is nice. I have a bottle im almost done with and a back up bottle. I don't know if I'll repurchase when I finish my bottles but I don't seem to need to spray as much as I did in the beginning. The vanilla def gets stronger-- I'll get all day usage with just 2 sprays now when before I had to keep reapplying thus wasting a lot of my first bottle smh.

Okay I am a vanilla gourmand lover, can't have enough of them tbh. I purchased this a couple years ago when the hype first started. The scent is beautiful but the longevity and projection is rather poor especially for this price point & it being niche. It's improved a touch with age but it's still basically gone by the 3 hour mark. Now I don't expect every $200+ fragrance to be a beast by any means, they don't have to be loud projection but at least gimme 6+ hours of wear. Definitely won't be a repurchase once I run out. Lovely scent but poor performance for price point. Wouldn't recommend.

For the first 10 minutes or so, this starts with an oddly enticing burnt sugar note. Like standing in the kitchen making caramel and getting it a bit too brown. It then settles into what I would consider to be one of the most accurate sugar scents I've ever encountered. It's just shy of cotton candy, but the light caramel vanilla background makes it slightly richer and more complex. It's incredibly addictive. I can't stop smelling my wrist. I bought a decant from Lucky, but will be buying a full bottle. This is gorgeous alone and would be killer layered with a myriad of gourmands.

Burnt sugar, vanilla, marzipan, and something a bit boozy, like spiced dark rum. The opening smells similar to Choco Musk. Except Choco Musk is a tube of Smarties next to Escapade Gourmand, which is a Michelin star dessert by comparison. FWIW, I am not a fan of the hyperreal gourmand trend that currently has a chokehold on perfumery. This however is a very grown up gourmand. It's incredibly impressive and I would reach for this on a date night or for a sexy evening. My man loves this on my skin. Will see how I feel about purchasing a full bottle once I've used up my sample.

I decided to try this and Bianco Latte to see which one I would like better. Omg, I was blown away by the performance of this frag; nothing, and I mean nothing, lasts on me more than 6 hours, not even MFK or Tom Fords, but this... I sprayed this at night at around 7pm, woke up at 6am to get ready for work, and it was still there!!!! Not only on my clothes but on my skin!!! Absolutely brilliant!!! Bianco Latte is lovely but gives me more of a milk vibe, whereas, with this one, I get this amazing sugary vanilla! Will 100% buy the full bottle once I'm done with the 10ml.

This is a solid gourmand, but nothing special. To me, it smells just like Vanilla 28 at the opening, then Vanilla Musk for the dry down. At first its a burnt sugar, then it settles into a beautiful vanilla musk. This is exactly how I want to smell all the time. But, I won't be purchasing a full bottle since it's so similar to others. Do yourself a favor and buy a Nemat International Vanilla Musk roller ball for $20 and get the exact same dry down. The only downside of that fragrance is that its one dimensional. But the one dimension is so good you can't complain!

I bought the sample and right away purchased a full 100ml bottle. It’s trending for a reason. It’s such a beautiful brown sugar, crème brûlée type of fragrance. It’s such an elevated gourmand caramel scent. Every time I wear it, I’m told I smell so good! There was a fire fighter knocking on my door asking for the super and I just sprayed this on for work. I stepped outside and guided him and he said I’m sorry but you smell so Good! Like this is not pink sugar by aqualina it does not smell synthetic and it’s a beast. Like it lasts. Highly highly recommend

To me this smells like what I expected Bianco Latte to smell like :)) The latter smelled somewhat weird to me, behind the sweet vanilla it had a harsh and even dusty scent which put me off. Escapade gourmande smells softer, a little milky even, not in the 'smells like milk' way, but a soft, calm scent. I love that because most gourmand fragrances are too sweet for me, this one it a bit more tame. It's like adding butter to a dessert lol it just feels more put together, rich but soft

So far both of the maison mataha fragrances I've tried are super reminiscent of childhood and induce a really joyous nostalgia. On my skin, at first escapade gourmande smells like those extremely soft, cheap, frosted sugar cookies that are generic brand at the grocery store. Then over time it smells like sütlaç which is kind of similar to creme brulee. I actually love smelling like this even though I don't wanna eat that stuff as an adult as much lol

Sooo simple, but perfect gourmand creation, yet one of my favourites. The sugary vanilla note is the strongest, but there has to be some caramel panna cotta, or something, which makes the composition warmer, softer. I can't detect any underlying cough syrup note from benzoin, so I'm happy with it. Unfortunately not long-lasting at all, which is sad compared to its sky-high price. At least it comes in 100 ml packing, so at least I can bathe in it :D

This is a beautiful example of a gourmand fragrance that doesn’t feel juvenile or too photorealistic. It opens with a rich caramel and a burnt sugar creme brûlée; as it starts to dry down it keeps it’s sweetness but becomes more complex, revealing notes of vanilla, tonka, and finally musk. The final dry down is a sweet but sophisticated vanilla musk that is additive and long lasting. I find myself constantly drawn back to my arm for another sniff.

I am totally obsessed with this perfume it smells amazing! Hands down my favorite vanilla perfume in my collection this is one I would buy again and again. I keep seeing it is too basic vanilla but I would completely disagree. This is such an elegant amazing fragrance that is done in such a sophisticated way and I think you could really wear it for every occasion I absolutely love it. Hands down my favorite fragrance ever

I don’t understand the negative reviews on this one. First spray you get this gooey thick syrupy malt crème brûlée vanilla cupcake dessert custard whatever type of scent and then it dries down into a sugary musk type of concoction . This lasts forever on me. I used to go nose blind in the beginning but now I have no issues . I smell this everywhere when I use it. My usual spray amount is 3 Shoulders and chest

Cozy and relaxing gourmande, quite linear but tonka plus sugar create a very cozy chocolate-coffee feeling, the vanille note is resonating with benzoin off course giving the sweet vanilla scent which is never in front, just sligthly present in the background. All the drydown is clean and powdery. Very very pretty fragrance to smell on someone you like on the evening while sitting on the sofa.

The longer I own this the more obsessed I become with this smell. It's a skin scent which doesn't project so I like to wear it while I'm chilling at home and literally cannot stop smelling myself. It's a deep, sugary vanilla which no one else has managed to dupe. Tempt Me Not and Xanat are similar but lack the luxurious depth. This stuff is next level.

Gorgeous gourmand, though perhaps not essential if you already have the likes of Bianco Latte and its flankers. That said, I do think Escapade is warmer and custardier — almost cheesecake-like — which is really stunning. The price point is very high, so I’d also look out for a dupe once the Arab houses hopefully start creating their takes

Beautiful, photorealistic crème brulée fragrance! If you want to smell like sugary vanilla, this is it! No weird notes, the musk and benzoin are not very pronounced. I wouldn't compare it to Bianco Latte at all! They're not even similar! Easy everyday reach as well as a night out fragrance. One of the best vanillas I've smelled so far!

This leans more caramel than vanilla to my nose. While it’s definitely on the basic side, it’s rich and comforting - something I could easily see becoming a guilty pleasure. Great for layering or wearing on its own when you want something simple. I agree it resembles the EOS Vanilla Cashmere lotion, which I happen to love.

this is a beautiful, airy, “simple” vanilla. while I don’t think it would be a favorite for someone who looks for depth and darkness in a fragrance, it is THAT girl for anyone looking for something light, fluffy, and ethereal. one of my favorites! beautifully musky as well- perfect to balance the sweetness. LOVELY 10/10

Sugary vanilla and the best vanilla in my opinion. Lasts forever, especially after it has sat for a few months after spraying and has a pretty strong projection. 🤩 I've tried so many vanilla perfumes and this is one of the best pure sweet vanilla scents out there, but still not too syrupy sweet. High quality scent!

This is a vanilla fragrance in its purest form. It's the closest to a real vanilla extract smell I've seen a perfume get. It's like a sophisticated vanilla that's airy and fluffy and yummy. There's a DNA in there that reminds of me Amore Caffè. It's like Amore Caffè without the coffee and thick milkiness. 8/10

I could bathe in this of it wasn't so expensive. My bottle is almost gone and I need to get a new one immediately. This scent is absolutely STUNNING. It dazzles me when I wear it. It makes me feel like a 👑 queen. It's so delightful and sexy. Sweet but not cloying. A masterpiece.

If you were a Warm Vanilla Sugar lover in the 90s-2000s like I was then this is the perfect vanilla for you. It’s a lovely sweet brown sugar vanilla, with great lasting power since it is an extrait. I’ve been told I smell like cupcakes wearing this. Love it!!!!

It is thick. It is cloying. It would cause a toothache, if edible... but if you're looking to smell downright delicious, this is your girl. There no woody or floral note to veer this baby off course. It's sugar and pure vanilla extract through and through.

(Disclaimer: I only own Dua A Gourmand Escape) Powdery, pleasant, and cozy. Unmistakable vanilla. Feels like a hug. I spray down my shirt to get the comforting wafts. Gourmand and sweet, but not like an actual dessert I have had before. Not lactonic.

The answer to those who aren’t a fan of Bianco Latte, this is the most perfect delectable crème brûlée scent that ever was. I’ve been enjoying my tester on its own, but I’m sure this would create the most amazing combinations with other perfumes.

This is a beautiful gourmand. The musk is fabulous and elevates it to a higher level than typical gourmands. Fantastic scent with great longevity and projection. Nothing like Pink Sugar. It’s better than Bianco Latte and much better than Tihota.

I love how this is a true gourmand, but doesn't smell truly edible or juvenile. It's sweet and loaded with tonka bean and vanilla - then comes an amber undertone. `I'd definitely layer this with a Theodoros Kalotinis gourmand in the winter air.

I get a nutty creme brulee vanilla opening. It settles to a nice vanilla somewhere between tihota and fire at will. This is like a vanilla cloud, not dense and thick, like a creme brulee being brought to the table next to you. Quite delicious.

Mmm beautiful melted brown sugar and vanilla. Very warm , fluffy and comforting . id get a bottle but it’s very similar to Fire At Will, which is also this brown sugar sweet vanilla scent also so this one isn’t needed . Vanilla lovers dream !

I really like this but I feel like its overpriced for the dna of the product. It seems to be a pretty common structure and I feel like I could get some good dupes that would hold up just as well. If the price was right I would def buy again.

One of my all time fave vanilla scents! Literally vanilla crystals in perfume form, I layer this with any scent I want to sweeten up just delish! Lovely compliment getter also! This and Bianco latte create the perfect scent cloud.

Rich creamy vanilla with brown sugar, and a hint of caramel. It’s the grown up big sister of warm vanilla sugar from bath and body works. It smells like a vanilla dessert. Lots of compliments when wearing. Just perfection!

As someone who's very picky with scents, I ADORE THIS! It smells like vanilla soft serve and waffle cone, sweet and delectable but also soft enough for year long wear! (If you spray a responsible amount of course)

If you have a bottle long enough - this ages like a fine wine. The syrupy goodness that is in my remaining half bottle after 2 years of maturation is pure magic! Even better than after opening!!!

This smells like a brown sugar cupcake or cookie that has been left in the oven a tad bit too long so the edges have caramelized slightly.Yummy vanilla gourmand! Plus the bottle is gorgeous.

Escapade Gourmande by Maison Mataha – 9.5/10 One of the best gourmands I’ve ever tried. Don’t let the short note list fool you—the scent is rich, complex, and super yummy. A real standout.

It's like an airy ethereal Tihota, which makes it even better in my opinion. Not at all like BBW warm vanilla sugar, way more special, sophisticated and grown--and not at all cloying!

A cloud of sugary vanilla, this fragrance is a gourmand's dream. It's like wrapping yourself in a fluffy pink sweater, sweet, uncomplicated, and long-lasting on both skin and clothes.

Kind of smells like a vanilla scented candle but in the best way. I just got a tiny sample, but I couldn’t stop sniffing my arm! It’s sweet without being cloying. Heavenly!