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.

I wasn’t sure if I would like this. The first sniff after spraying had a weird milky scent, which I think is the combo of amber and cardamom. It wasn’t good. But I waited a bit. It dries down to this vanilla amber ginger beauty. Well worth waiting out that blast in the beginning.

I had this spray a few years back, thinking I would love it based on the notes included. Bought it on discount for cheap, so wasn't bummed out when I didn't love it. Remembered trying this one multiple times and just didn't like it. Gave it away.

Pure rubbing alcohol. Thank God for Marshalls gracious return policy. I love vanillas and Ambers so I really thought I would like this. It's awful. My boyfriend was like, "oh my God please get away from me with that smell!"

Found this for a good price at TJMaxx and couldn't resist! This is warm, sweet and spicy for sure...all in equal amounts! Nicely blended; however, this might be too spicy for me. Personal preference aside, this is cozy, not sharp. Warm sweet vanilla (boozy, not cupcake) with cardamom and some other spice I can't place. Maybe just the combination from the listed profile above. The spice gives this a classic feel to me. Like I've smelled this on someone from way back, but can't remember who or where. As the spice was a bit overwhelming, i layered this with versace crystal noir. The added gardenia seemed to quiet the spicy beast a little. After 6 hours wear i think this is winning out over the VCN. Don't think I'll be able to work with this one. Nicely done. Smells more expensive than its price point. Just not my cup of tea.

This is nicer than I found Thymes's Vanilla Blanc (which I felt to be too gourmand and cake-y), but very much reminds me of Coty's Vanilla Fields as well! It is nice, descent longevity, and a good price. I blind bought a full bottle because it was on clearance at Thymes's website for $16...but I am still deciding if I am going to hang on to this one. I do wish the vanilla bourbon note was a bit richer or creamier from this fragrance. I would describe this as a fresh, spicy vanilla. And I do smell ginger in this as well...Never been a fan of ginger scents!

6/14/2020: Just bought this at TJMaxx on clearance for $5.00. It was unboxed and showed very minimal usage (nonetheless, I disenfected it before I used it). This is a warmer, vanilla-y, slightly peppery amber than Vanilla Le Blanc (HATED THAT ONE BECAUSE OF THE WHITE FLOWER NOTES. I'm STILL talking about that awful Narcissistic, paper white scent?). Bath and Body Works' Warm Vanilla Sugar=🤮 I wish that they had stayed with this formulation, rather than transition to Le Blanc.

ginger on top,IMO, with vanilla/card/tonka combo. I also get a slight citrus vibe...which adds balance. I first owned just the body wash and loved it...so I searched for the cologne online and found it. This is a great surprise...it is a hidden GEM IMHO. Yes, it is in "cologne" form...but no matter. This seems to "stick around" in wafts of scent for a decent sillage. Different and unique,I am loving this so far.