Une Vanille

I had been given a sample and didn’t think much of it initially—I already owned my pure vanilla love, Tihota. I decided to try it on a whim after learning about the company more and deciding I love their ideals regarding sustainability (I do think this industry can do far better on that front), and fell totally head over heels. It’s such a delicious fluffy vanilla that bounces on a cloud of light musk. I rarely ever get real life compliments on fragrance from strangers, but I had three (!!!) people ask me what I was wearing at work. I thought it had become a skin scent, but every once in a while I would get wafts of baby soft vanilla bean paste. It seems to radiate around you like an aura, surprising you occasionally with a gentle kiss of mild sweetness. I sprayed it on before dinner time at night and even the next morning, my spouse could smell it on me (though after about nine to ten hours it clung to clothes and hair heavily, skin not so much). I preferred it so much to Tihota that I even sold that bottle because I found that I was neglecting it—I just like the way Une Vanille really does the subtle base of musk more than the excess warm musk in Tihota that my skin pulls so much. On me, definitely a bit sweeter than other reviewers seem to say, but definitely has unisex potential.

A powdery tonka and vanilla almond croissant, minus the dough. This stays the elegant side of a gourmand perfume thanks to a very sensitively constructed powdery accord that echoes Caron's Farnesiana. Possibly the ratings penalize it due to it being predominantly almond/tonka rather than vanilla, and not having the sacharrine sweetness of some other gourmand vanillas. However, for those who love slightly pared down gourmands with a powdered, sugared almond base, this might be a true love. For my part, I love this, but select it when I fancy tonka. Une Vanille is warm and wearable, and very much a cozy hug in a bottle. It layers wonderfully with both cherry and orange blossom fragrances. I love the Obvious line's ethics, quality and approach and think this is a winner.

It smells like my favorite unburned Japanese sweet sandalwood incense. I know sandalwood isn’t listed but it does to my nose. Milky, cozy, romantic. Versatile and suitable for everyday. On my skin it has enormous longevity. Good sillage. I’m happy it doesn’t progress. The initial sweet unburned incense stays throughout its life span, which is long.

It smells like a simple butter cookie. It doesn't feel cheap at all. I think it's perfect as a base for layering.

respectfully........i think there's a lot going on in here. here are the things i like about it: 1. it brings to mind a soft, billowy, cloud of marshmallow 2. i get a hint of burnt match on the opening 3. i also get cardamon on the drydown (?!?!?) 4. cumulatively, it has the effect of a musky rice pudding skin scent 5. it lasts at least 6 hours on me 6. it layers beautifully (right now i have al rehab choco musk underneath and...pretty sure i snapped w/ this one) 7. a 3.4 oz is like $65 on fragrancenet 8. i think it works for all seasons and any time of day 9. i really want to make this a rounded list of 10 10. ten sillage is minimal, so it'd be great for the gym or the office. it's definitely one of those things that i'm wearing for Me, not Other People i definitely don't detect any play-doh, cake mix, or doll head, but i wouldn't be mad about it if i did. i've smelled TONS of vanillas over the years, including those widely considered to be the "best". une vanille isn't in that conversation, but that's ok. it's still worthwhile to have in my collection. if everyone wore nothing but escapade gourmande and spiritueuse double vanille and tihota, we'd all smell the same. thanks for coming to my tedtalk.