Melipona

I blind bought this during the holidays for a song. Have been in a major vanilla phase the past few months and despite testing another one of this brands perfumes, Etoile de Bali which was a tropical floral but was a hard no for me and disappointed as I read a enchanting review of it, I gambled and bought this as I read a lot about the vanilla used in it and seemed top quality. The best way I’d describe it would be a 35% ratio of indult, 60% ratio of sucre noir and 5% ratio of what the fluff. (Or just 37% insult, and 63% sucre noir, as I feel what the fluff leans closer to sucre noir). It has that rich vanilla musk sweetness from indult, but leans with more vanilla, less musk, a bit of that burnt sugar vibe. It’s a beautiful vanilla, but my main issue with it, is that it needs extensive spraying if you want to leave any trail whatsoever, and it starts to fade too quickly. At first spray or two, I didn’t notice this. When I reached for it on rotation after not using it for a week or two, I noticed that I needed to really spray a lot to get what I’d want, and even then, it wouldn’t stay with me as long as I’d hope. It’s possible it needs some time, and perhaps it will get stronger. Though I tend to view a lot of vanilla scents as closer to colder weather frags, due to its slight weak projection, I feel like this would be an easy vanilla to wear in the spring and at least early summer, though I wouldn’t hesitate to bust it out in the humid hot summer nights in July and August, perhaps it may be better suited then. I don’t regret buying it as I’m quite sure I would have felt that I liked it as much if not more than indult, (though indult is more musky vanilla), and more affordable than a full priced bottle of sucre noir which I prefer to this, as it’s richer, has better projection, and is high on my list of frags I want to own. I didn’t want to spend the $130 for the 30 ml bottle sold on luckyscent, as I think that’s the only place I found it in that size, even with a $20 off code or 10-15% off, id be paying $8 for their shipping and tax, so I wouldn’t be saving much, the 100 ml size I think is around $200-250, I forget, I know I could have gotten it for $195 (on sale) during another frag Black Friday sale, but had already been over my limit. It shares similarities with vangilia and vanilla West Indies as well, though I don’t find it as sweet as vanilla West Indies, leans closer to vangilia which is less cloying imo. The bottle is nice, but it is also really heavy. This makes it hard to spray at times, it feels like I’m holding a brick. I think for what I paid for, it was worth it, but could also say that a full bottle of what the fluff though has a slightly different profile, with it being more of a sugary semi smoky burnt vanilla dream, has a better projection and longetivety, and I can smell that on my clothes next time I wear them. This however, fades from the skin as well as fabric. It isn’t light by any means, Melipona smells like a very well rounded mix of vanillas, but falls short in showing off just how luxe it is by losing its power within the first 15-30 mins and becoming a skin scent. Though I’m not a fan of its projection (or lack there of) and longevity, I do recommend it for the vanilla lovers that enjoy indult, vaniglia, and sucre noir. It smells of quality and is classy, and for the price I paid ($96) I don’t feel like I was ripped off as there are so many others out there that are overpriced, unoriginal, and lack the quality and balance this scent has. Would I pay full price for it ($195)? No. But if you can find a bottle for $125 or less, I do think it is worth that and as mentioned, has that sweet vanilla musk indult has, and the slight burnt sugary vanilla sucre noir has, just not the projection and the longevity they both carry, but still smell like a splendid mix of vanilla’s, definitely one I like to wear to bed as it’s comforting and sensual.

Nectar Olfactif Melipona smells just like all your infamous vanillas that have trended over the past years: Mazzolari Vaniglia and Ligne St. Barth Vanille West Indies, both especially with their very sweet melted-caramel vanilla. Then maybe the drydowns of Profumum Roma Vanitas and Maison Tahité Vanilla2 with less caramel and more balmy benzoin than in the two previously mentioned. Also, Arte Profumi Sucre Noir and Jovoy Fire at Will, that are similar but maybe softer and mixed with a bit of Indult Tihota's musky vanilla. I hate to name drop like this but it is the same exact dna. At this point, you would be buying based on bottle preference and performance. Melipona is among the most cost-effective for this dna, so that could be considered when choosing. The performance is moderate and softens up as it dries like all the vanillas mentioned. This one however does not have the long lasting performance of Vanitas, Mazzolari, and Vanille West Indies Lignie, which last 7+ hours but still need the skin to be warmed up to give off decent projection. Meipona also has the slightest fruity nuance (red berry) in the vanilla by the dry-down 4-5 hours later before it disappears soon after. Regardless, since I love most of these, I can't possibly say I don't love this either lol.

I love this and think the scent is divine, but find it weak. I so wish it lasted longer and projected more. I feel like I can only smell it for around an hour, and even then I need to smell my wrists to detect it. It is December though and considering this is a spring/summer scent, it’s entirely possible this fragrance is designed to shine in the warmth of those months. I still bought a full bottle regardless, because it is gorgeous and the best from this collection. It’s also quite unique in my opinion, being a honey vanilla. If you’re someone who already has Melipona and Secret Di Nil, you should absolutely layer them! I’m not keen on Secret Di Nile. It was initially an instant love after it dried down, but I then realised it was reminding me of 80’s dry shampoo. I decided to layer it with Melipona and together they’re absolutely gorgeous! It also increases the longevity and intensifies the scent of Melipona.

I almost tossed this in the declutter pile when I first received the sample—but I’m so glad I didn’t. It’s a creamy, warm vanilla that might feel a bit redundant if you already own Vaniglia, Sucre Noir, Vanitas, or Indult—but still, it’s worth a sniff for any sweet vanilla lover. The drydown is where the magic happens: a delicate crunch of light sugar sweetness that smells like literal vanilla sugar. Soft cashmere woods float gently throughout, and a cozy amber base wraps it all in warmth. It’s comforting, softly gourmand, and just so lovely.

Someone once said that it is one of the most beautiful vanilla scents... And I agree! A true, beautiful, super versatile, wearable and well-performing delicious vanilla. I get the comparison to Vanitas, Vanille Absolu and others, but Melipona feels more elevated, classy, luxurious, subtle and unique in its' own way. It feels kind of airy, that's the best word I can have to describe the feel. But I can assure you that it is still rich and lasts very well. You must give it a wear it to truly appreciate it. Totally get why it is so popular!