Red Vanilla by Zara

I was shopping at Zara and tempted myself with several perfumes on the counter near the checkout, buying blind. When I got home and opened it, I was surprised (I don’t know if for good or ill) to find it very similar, almost identical, to La Vie est Belle by Lancôme. Ugh, a sweet and very mass-market perfume. As it was cheap, I didn’t regret it, but I was scared to wear it. Today, on a not too hot day, I decided to give it a chance; as it’s cloying, I only applied two sprays to my neck and wrists. So far, it hasn’t given me a headache or discomfort. It’s invasive, I don’t think it’s youthful, perhaps more for someone over 30. The blackcurrant note is very prominent alongside the vanilla, from which I only sense sweetness… in short, a good dupe if you love LVEB-style perfumes.

I picked up the 2022 refillable bottle version, reformulated, I suppose, as it doesn’t match everyone’s reviews. It’s terribly made: a very alcoholic opening with artificial blackcurrant; the pear and patchouli are superfluous, there’s too much iris, and a bad peach note that overpowers everything and lingers in the dry-down; the vanilla and praline are non-existent. The early dry-down has an air of Poison Girl EDP, but the end is sweet peach plus makeup, all extremely synthetic. Longevity, sillage, and projection are non-existent; I sprayed it ten times and nothing, barely noticing it on my clothes in less than an hour. As a lover of red fruits, I’m terribly disappointed; I’ll experiment or let it age to see what happens.

Very good perfume, good longevity, and it sits well on skin, as I generally don’t wear fragrances due to having sensitive skin. Upon application, it smells similar to La Vie est Belle, but over time it becomes more vanilla and the scent is more delicious. Honestly, I didn’t like that it was so similar because many women wear that scent and I didn’t want to be part of the crowd; that’s why I like it, as it changes after two hours. Note: I used it on rainy days, and now with the sun it turns into a cheap-smelling scent. It would be better to apply it where your clothes cover it, don’t leave it in the sun. The scent is no longer lovely 😔

I’ve used it only a few times and it is fruity, woody, and sweet. At first, I detect pear and a hint of grape, which I believe are the blackcurrants, while the tonka bean adds a spicy base. As an EDT, it doesn’t last long on the skin; it feels fresh to me and isn’t exactly like La Vie Est Belle, though perhaps there are some similarities. I think it is youthful and nice for a family lunch under the pergola. Given the price, it makes a good gift; it is nice and sweet, but I wouldn’t buy it again. It projects for about 30 minutes and lasts around four hours on the skin. People have told me it smells good, but only at home.

For the price, it seems fair. At first impression, it seemed very sweet and floral, contrary to what others say; I didn’t find it similar to La Vie est Belle, but upon applying it and comparing it with the one I already own, it’s an absolute yes. It is very similar, although this one is a bit softer and simpler, not so loaded or invasive. I recommend it for those who like La Vie est Belle but it gives them a headache or they feel it is too strong. The longevity is poor, about 3 hours on my skin, but given the price, it’s not uncomfortable to reapply.

Bought this perfume now (2023) and was surprised to find it intact on my wrist from morning till night. It caught my attention because I own other Zara perfumes and none last this long. Perhaps I’ve found a good batch or it’s down to my skin’s pH but wow it lasts. I like the scent; it has an air of Lancôme’s LVEB but it’s not a dupe. The first spray feels somewhat citrusy-fruity but fades after a few seconds settling into a fully woody and vanilla fragrance. I think it’s ideal for cold climates and daily wear.

I tried several Zara scents as they usually receive good reviews, but this one was disappointing. At first, it smells super citrusy, like bergamot or grapefruit, even though it isn’t listed. The dry-down leaves a lovely sweet scent that I adore, but it lasts a mere breath. After two hours, it’s almost gone, and by three I need to reapply. It is cheap, but for the longevity, I would prefer a more economical option. The scent isn’t unpleasant, but I wouldn’t buy it again.

I bought it in 2023 and was surprised to find it intact on my wrist from morning until night. It caught my attention because other Zara scents don’t last this long. Perhaps I got a good batch or it’s a matter of my skin’s pH, but it certainly lasts. I like the scent; it has an air of LVEB but isn’t a dupe. The first spray is citrus-fruity for a few seconds before dropping into a fully woody and vanilla scent. Ideal for cold climates and daily wear.

It is true that it resembles La Vie est Belle, but I don’t see it as a clone or dupe. I consider it a soft, informal version, like a flanker. Unfortunately, it lasts very little and its trail is very faint, although being so economical, I wouldn’t mind using it again. It’s ideal for those who like La Vie est Belle but find it cloying or heavy; I stick with the original. Red Vanilla is quite soft; I’d wear it in spring or autumn.

An exquisite perfume. I caught a scent of sweet vanilla, a touch of fruit, and it lasts all day. I use it for day and night. I took advantage of the Zara presentation in 200 ml and it’s the second bottle I’m buying; the first was 100 ml. I recommend it widely; it’s one of my favourites. It seems to be in the style of Natura’s Humor Noir; I bought it and, given the resemblance, I gifted it to my sister, hehe.

I don’t know if anyone else experiences this but when this perfume dries on my skin it smells like clothes that have dried poorly and retained dampness. It’s that characteristic smell when that happens and that’s exactly what it smells like. Unbearable for me what a pity; I was fully convinced to buy it and now I’m not.

I don’t know if this happens to others, but when it dries on my skin, it smells like clothes that dried poorly and are still damp. It has a distinct characteristic of that smell, and that’s how it smells to me. It’s unbearable for me, what a pity. I was persuaded to buy it, but NO.

I liked the dry-down. The opening is slightly woody with a heavy orange blossom note, although it’s not listed. The dry-down smells of vanilla, tonka bean, and powder. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t last long. I wouldn’t buy it again.

Smells great but on me it lasts absolutely nothing; after half an hour it’s as if I hadn’t put anything on at all :(. I have another Zara one E.L from last year and its longevity is quite decent but this one doesn’t even come close.

I don’t like it. I detect a sweet opening with a damp, unpleasant smell, like an old house. The good thing is it barely lasted 20/30 minutes on my skin; afterwards, it only smelled on my clothes and had faded by the hour.