Vanille des Afriques Intensivo

Just stunning. This is not your typical sweet/gourmand vanilla, nor would I classify it as a vanilla fragrance per se. 100% unisex. In true Ormonde Jayne fashion, the first spray yields a soft aromatic profile (the coriander stands out here) brightened by bergamot and some soft spice. A few minutes later, a creamy, buttery orris starts to creep in, intensifying as the notes begin to unfold. The florals (mostly osmanthus), vanilla and amber start to come in as the aromatic notes soften, rounding everything out. The musk to me works to give a bit of airiness whilst still maintaining it's rich scent profile, something that OJ does well. I dont use the term much, but this is a classic, grown (not mature) rich signature scent. I had no expectations, and they were far exceeded. Beautiful scent lingering on clothes and in air, this garnered a bevy of compliments. Bought the 10ml travel size and definitely upgrading to a full bottle.

Few scents captivate the senses quite like Ormonde Jayne's Vanille des Afriques Intensivo. With its exquisite blend of powdery musk, creamy vanilla, and woody undertones. As the fragrance unfolds, it reveals a tapestry of woody notes that ground the scent in earthy warmth. The soft, spicy aroma of sandalwood mingles with the delicate floral notes of iris, creating a harmonious blend that is both elegant and alluring. Meanwhile, hints of citrus add a touch of brightness and vitality, like rays of sunlight dancing through a forest glade. Jayne Ormonde and Christopher Hanlon are definately the world's best perfumers in MHO. Delicious!

I posted this comment under the press announcement I wrote yesterday, but I'll post it here, as well: "Hey, y'all, the brand has confirmed to me that Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo is NOT a reformulation or re-launch of Ormonde Jayne Vanille d'Iris. I was told 'the perfume formula is quite different to make it IFRA compliant. It features a much stronger vanilla presence with the addition of Bourbon Vanilla Absolute and Madagascan Vanilla absolute, less orris butter, and smelt side to side, they are very different fragrances.'" There you have it! :D

I’ve not experienced Vanille d’Iris but have a travel spray of this I bought when offered an opportunity to buy pre-release. It’s beautiful. Not particularly vanillic but rather, full of soft aromatics, musk and light amber/wood facets that are bolstered by the vanilla - in its aromatic format. Not sweet or thick. Rather, that crystalline style that is a signature of the house. Long lasting, restrained and soothing. It’s an elegant and truly unisex breath of fresh air. Very happy to have and wear.

Vanille des Afriques is an addictive and easy reach. This turns into a pleasant vanillic musky floral on my skin. I was hoping this would be more along the vein of Black Tie but it is definitely not. I’m not even sure how one could associate the two... Though not the buttery orris/iris I was looking for, Vanille des Afriques is an uplifting delight to the senses. I was a little concerned about performance but this is a sneaky beast - it sits close to the skin but it’s actually quite strong.

This is a lovely, light, powdery, iris forward fragrance. There is a hint of sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but this is definitely a perfume that is an easy reach. I do wish there was a bit more umph or more projection - the same way I feel about Happy Dust. I wear a base layer of vanilla body oil to make the perfume a bit stronger. I with there was an extrait or an intense version. I will put this perfume near my vanilla freshies like Eau Duelle (EDT) and Vanilla Haze.

I just added this to my collection! It is very addictive! I mostly smell magnolia, osmanthus and vanilla with spice. It has a balsaminess. Not overly sweet, just enough, which is a huge plus for me, as I am not the biggest fan of sweet/ gourmand and vanilla fragrances. The very end of the dry down reminds me a bit of Black Tie by Celine, but the latter is more buttery without the fruits. My husband smells a lot if spice, but my nose doesn’t pick up as much. 10/10 for me

A Gentleman’s Warmth Tried this again on a cold night after forgetting the vial since summer — and it blew me away. Soft, smooth vanilla and iris create a cozy, powdery warmth that feels effortlessly rich. Unlike Dior Homme, which can turn boozy or spicy, this is pure sophistication. The scent of a self-made gentleman — mature, calm, and quietly luxurious. Perfect for fall and winter nights.

Honestly, I wasn't impressed at first but then I kinda changed my mind. I now find it addictive, but it does have also a little something weird in it, that I found to some extent in some Celine fragrances, almost like a bandaid smell. Might be the orris type or carrot seeds, which are quite dominant to my nose. The performance is great and it is beautiful in the air.

It is a shifting perfume, sometimes herbal, other times vanilic and irisy, with odd facets of the natural materials. However, I find it quite addictive and spa like, relaxing and elegant. Something you would wear for yourself but knowing that others will also find it appealing. It is a luminous fragrance that evokes vacation for me.

Most sophisticated vanilla there is. Smooth not sweetened vanilla that feels like the scent of it is directly from a vanilla bean with pink pepper which it give it a huge sparkly effect, it's tending to be more musky-fresh than sweet, iris does wonders in this one. Very well put together. Sounds boring but it's rather angelic..

Obsessed. Such a unique smell. A waxy style orris mixed with a beautiful osmanthus and vanilla. Damn it’s oh so good. Sensual, sexy, subdued. And the vanilla is clean and non gourmand. The whole is giving Profumum Roma Sorriso vibes but I think this is better due to the Orris/Osmanthus... cuts the sweetness.

Super unique opening, hard to define, but one I find addicting. I actually don’t get vanilla so much as powdery iris. It’s one I catch myself thinking about during the day. Comfortable and relaxing every time I wear it.

Oh I’m sooooo in love! It’s such a beautiful spicy vanilla with boozy and woody undertones. It has very balsamic (almost similar to mulled wine) kind of vibe. Definitely super unique and absolute mesmerizing scent!

This brings back a memory from long ago of a newly renovated doctor’s office. Brand new carpeting, perhaps. Not a gourmand vanilla at all, but strangely interesting. Unisex.

A very sophisticated, mature, airy vanilla which is not gourmand at all and can be worn for all seasons. Beautiful, elegant and captivating. Another hit of Ormande Jayne!

This is beautiful! Opening spray is powerful and then came a familiar accord I have been loving in my fragrances as of late; Carrot seed! Its powdery and earthy but airy. LOVE the Iris! Blended smoothly and just a hint of vanilla and warm amber in the base. I love that this fragrance is not Vanilla Forward. We have certainly seen Vanilla take the stage this year and I have enough in my collection. This is a unique take. I will have to sample some more of this before I decide on a full bottle. There is a Playdough like scent in the middle detected here, not bad at all. 8/10

I heard this was supposed to be similar to the discontinued Vanille Iris. I would say it is more vanilla than iris. I prefer the original Vanille Iris. A bit more spice. I shall cherish the last of my Vanille Iris and will not replace with this. Not a bad fragrance, but not FB worthy. I was happy I could test it side by side with my Vanille Iris.

I don’t know if it’s a full love but this is such a captivating vanilla to me. I feel like it’s a year round easy reach type of fragrance. There is a freshness and powder quality to the vanilla making it both slightly outdoorsy and feminine. It’s simple but one I imagine myself coming back to.

I get mostly a powdery balance of floral, vanilla, vetiver and a hint of citrus. It's a nice soft fragrance.