Goddess Intense by Burberry

A sample arrived and, frankly, it’s not for me. It smells of mint from start to finish; I think I’m hypersensitive to patchouli and it ruins everything. I then notice a bit of lavender. I can’t quite distinguish those four vanilla notes. I’m starting to wonder if the sample was faulty or if it was left in the sun for two weeks.

It’s potent, not for those who wish to go unnoticed. On my skin, I don’t detect vanilla, but rather cocoa with an incense undertone; I know that note isn’t listed, but this is how it dries down: a woody cocoa with incense. It’s not a bad fragrance and lasts a long time, as I like, but this scent didn’t convince me; it smells like a traditional Arabic perfume, somewhat aged and quite masculine.

I had high expectations, but there’s something that doesn’t quite convince me. I adore vanilla perfumes; I tried it on a hot day and I’ll give it another chance on a cold day, because then I found it sumptuously elegant, certainly.

Surprisingly, I liked it almost as much as, if not more than, the original. I didn’t have many expectations, but it has pleasantly surprised me. It’s a darker version, something more masculine (though for me it remains feminine) and perhaps more nocturnal. At first, I noticed a very sharp, almost unpleasant lavender, but a few minutes later, when the vanilla emerges, the story changes (for the better). The patchouli isn’t loud; I even detect some wood, although I’m not an expert. As for longevity and projection, it is greater than the Goddess, though not invasive. I think having both options isn’t redundant. The EDP is ideal for the day and hot months, being fresher, while I see this intense version as more suitable for night and winter. Either one is a total success.

At first, you feel the lavender, but when it dries down, it leaves a sweet vanilla. I love it for cold days! Its trail on my skin is moderate and the longevity is quite good.

It’s a delicious and special elixir, nothing gourmand, though it has a very subtle (lavender-free) air reminiscent of the robust vanilla in Matiere Premiere’s Powder Vanilla 🙌🏼.

It’s an easy-to-wear fragrance, nothing complicated or unusual. It makes you want to sniff it all the time. It’s pure vanilla with a very light lavender. It doesn’t stand out too much; it’s a scent found in many perfumes. I find it delicious, but I wouldn’t buy it again because it doesn’t last.

It reminds me of Lattafa’s Ajwad.

I imagine the intention behind this Intense was to create a more… elegant or sober version? With the absolute protagonism of the four vanillas (no more, no less…) it joins the wave of ‘Super Vanillas’. The lavender and patchouli tone down that edible effect slightly, although some find the blend questionable. As for taste… Excellent longevity, a feat nowadays. It does justice to the Intense, but it must be applied moderately. In my opinion, vanilla as a star note is dangerous; in trying to ‘elevate’ it, you can end up with a small Frankenstein. It usually looks better in supporting roles. Although there are always exceptions, I haven’t been convinced. For now. I’m glad there are those who adore it.

The only thing I detect is patchouli, perhaps a hint of lavender, but zero vanilla. If you dislike patchouli, this is not for you. Fortunately, I bought a decant and not the full bottle; it was a total mistake. I want to try the original version without patchouli.

I was thrilled to hear it had arrived in Argentina and headed straight to the perfumerie, as I adore the original Goddess but find its longevity lacking. I thought this would be the same but more intense, and I was utterly disappointed. On my skin, I couldn’t stand it; there is a note that repulses me. My mother said it smells like that arnica gel for muscle pain. The longevity is long-lasting; I could still smell it after six hours and had to rub my wrist with a sponge to get rid of it.

It is indeed masculine. Although I resist unisex scents, I feel it is elegantly masculine, almost feminine. It has so much vanilla that it evokes an elegant woman in London wearing a wool coat. You cannot achieve something like this with high-quality ingredients.

Too much patchouli 💔

What a lovely scent! It is similar to the original but with a darker, smokier, and less cloying vanilla. I do not notice the lavender; perhaps the patchouli gives it that oriental and woody touch. It could be unisex; the original is not. It is more bold than the original, less refined but with more personality. It does not overwhelm and suits all occasions. I personally liked it more, although the other is more generally pleasing. Both embrace you warmly and are very tender.

The first time I tested it on blotter paper in a perfumerie, I thought: Goddess… I should have tested it on my skin there and then. Later, a sample arrived and my perception changed completely. It is sweet and spiced vanilla, like a vanilla cookie with caramel and cinnamon (even though I do not declare it; I do not sense lavender at the start, perhaps I attribute a spicy touch to the lavender after five minutes, like when you move the whole plant). It is not innovative but it is interesting. It is a vanilla icon, ideal for those who want vanilla without coconut (Alien), without fruit (Fame), or without lemon (Devotion). It is another option for collecting. In terms of projection, I find it weak; it does not project much. The longevity is intermediate, around four hours. It delivers what it promises; I would definitely buy it.