Vanilla Ambrette Cologne

It's Fendi Theorema...but only sort of. This is the closest duplicate I've experienced and it was completely by accident but it still lacks the deep, nearly sticky cola-based cocktail note that drove me crazy about Theorema. EDIT: After nearly five years since this review, and yes, I have kept this bottle in a cool, dark, dry storage in my home, I took it out as usual for winter and it reads too sweet for me now. Why is that? During this time, I've gravitated toward male/unisex/deeper scents, skewing my tastes even further away from sugars, fruits, and florals. Still, I'm keeping it for layering but I won't wear in warm or hot, humid weather. It would be overwhelming.

I haven't smelled the Fendi or Bond and I just can't remember what Vanilla Fields smells like, but to me this smells exactly like a cross between Calvin Klein Obsession (for women) and Coty Vanilla Musk, both of which I like. Very much CVM because I detect lemongrass as an herbal citrus in both and it's listed in the notes on neither. I got my Thymes for $12.99 along with their Tiare Monoi based on reviews. I like both and the bottles are pretty. You can easily wear Obsession and Vanilla Musk and get similar effect, but Obsession is more deeply amber yummy. The Thymes is a tad lighter and reminiscent of a men's aftershave. I actually think I will give it to my son. I noted in my Tiare Monoi review that I gave it to my daughter, and really these Thymes bottles are so cute and make great introduction to collecting for teenagers.

Retest: 07/11/21 A few air sprays to clear the atomizer in hopes of smelling this for what it is, and yes! bc today its exactly as the notes suggest! A very slightly sweet, nutty, boozy warm amber vanilla/tonka. Vetiver, pepper & the cedar adding an earthy dimension. I’m certainly not an expert by any means, however this one is confusing... maybe mine is broken, but I don’t get anything warm, or sweet- no vanilla, no tonka. The initial was cleaning product- a harsh, bitter citrusy ginger concoction. To be fair, it softens slightly in the middle and smells like a clean, fresh body after a warm shower, using a ginger soap perhaps; soapy nevertheless, & no earthy, or leathery vetiver. Base (skin scent at this point) is finally slightly sweeter, a mellow amber, but also powdery.

I wore the lotion sample once and that is what my review is based on. This is a lovely and sweet (but not cloying) light scent in the subtle tradition of Thymes. It lasted at least 5 or 6 hours, but was not radiating from a particular place. I assume the spray would act differently, but I really like how these lotions linger without smelling like you put on perfume. They just smell GOOD! This is a really wonderful light Amber scent. Highly recommended for those looking for such.

I was not expecting the summery vibe I got from this. This is probably due to the cedar becoming more prominent on me throughout wear, which may have given it a Light Blue vibe. Mixed with the vanilla, it was fantastic and my husband agreed. It becomes a skin scent quickly but if what you are looking for is something lighter/for daytime, this is perfect. I am surprised this scent is not more popular.