Vanilla | 28 by Kayali Fragrances

For the price, it’s not worth it, and I reckon the same goes for all the Kayali ones. It has no sillage and clings to the skin. I suppose that’s the intention, but it lacks both intensity and longevity. If you want it to be noticeable when you pass by, buy Eshal Vanilla: it costs three times less and projects much more.

I like the fragrance, but on my skin it doesn’t smell much and it doesn’t last on clothes either, so I wouldn’t buy it again. I think it’s overpriced for what you get. Perhaps I’ll try another from the brand.

Reading the reviews, I thought it wouldn’t be a cloying vanilla, so I took the plunge, as gourmands can sometimes feel heavy to me. What a hit. At first, I notice the brown sugar, but the flowers and musk give it a clean, soapy touch. The vanilla is dark and elegant, lingering at the base with patchouli; I don’t notice it until a few minutes have passed or in warm rooms. I don’t sense a vanilla extract, but I understand it’s a staple for blending, especially because the musk balances everything. I love how the notes converse and I’m dying to experiment. I’m satisfied because it’s the dark, mature vanilla I was looking for, ideal for someone who prefers woody and unisex scents.

Smells of vanilla, but not cheap dessert: it’s sensual and deep, perfect for winter or autumn nights. The key is maceration; I let it sit for a year, and even so, at first it’s too much for me, but dry it is pure magic. The longevity is incredible and it compliments you, though I didn’t understand the hype until I tried it properly.

If you have the Montblanc Signature, do yourself a favour and try blending these two.

If you like dark vanillas and gourmands, this is your home. Sweet, warm, and cosy without being cloying, with a spicy kick at the start that gives way to caramel and toasted brown sugar. The tonka bean and vanilla seal the deal. It lasts until the shower on skin and through the wash on clothes; its trail is enormous and never goes unnoticed. It’s a total compliment getter. Feminine on me, but divine on a man, especially for layering with oud.

One of my favourite vanillas, by a long way from The 7 Virtues. Sweet without being cloying, dark and creamy. Very long-lasting (until the shower on skin, weeks on clothes) with a brutal trail that leaves a mark wherever you go. It’s a compliment getter. On my skin, over time, it settles into vanilla with toasted caramel or burnt sugar. Without a doubt, it’s one of the few I’ll repurchase. I see it more for winter or cold climates, and more feminine than masculine.

I tried a sample and I’m in love. Dark vanilla, slightly resinous at the start reminiscent of rum or vodka with caramel. Once dry, it’s pure sweet vanilla extract. A must.

Is vanilla with us?

One of the best vanillas I’ve ever smelled in my life. I’d describe it as a dark vanilla, not tiring but super addictive. The tonka bean and brown sugar are very present alongside the vanilla. It’s not lactonic or creamy, but upon application it reminds me of vanilla ice cream or pure extract; its notes are authentic, zero fakes. It gives mysterious and sweet vibes, it’s simply addictive. I tried it in store and the longevity and projection were incredible, but upon buying it, despite being very macerated, it doesn’t have the same projection. Perhaps one needs to apply more. It’s pricey and hard to get, but it’s worth it. It’s ideal as a signature fragrance if you like vanilla scents: versatile for day and night, but zero summer due to being gourmand. They say some smell rum or whiskey, but I don’t notice it. Some find it too sweet, others consider it a definitive 10, especially the male audience. 100% deserves its place, but if you’re looking for something light or mature, it’s not for you. It’s sweet, not childish or boring, it’s in a perfect middle ground.

The first time I applied it, it stung my nose terribly, which prevented me from appreciating it properly, haha. Yes, stand back or don’t press your nose up to it. The opening is pure jasmine that lingers for what feels like forever, but seconds later the vanilla emerges, not as gourmand as Bianco Latte. It lasts about six hours on my skin; I’ll try the maceration trick. In short, it’s very pretty and elegant. I recommend it; I haven’t heard anything like it and it has me eager to try more Kayali.

It’s not a baker’s vanilla; on my skin it turns chocolatey, probably due to the patchouli in the base which gives it a dark note in the dry-down. It’s a very pretty vanilla with an elegant musky facet, but that chocolatey side doesn’t convince me, likely due to my reservations about patchouli. Regardless, it’s gorgeous.

This is one of the most delicious vanillas I’ve encountered. The scent is addictive. It’s sweet, but not a childish sweetness; it’s a sexy, super-feminine sweetness. It’s a pity it lasts so little and the trail is soft, disappearing in two hours no matter the number of sprays. I found it in Sephora and loved it instantly. When I held it in my hands, what a disappointment. It’s not cheap, I own several from the brand, and none last more than three hours. I don’t know if it’s the tropical climate where I live, but I don’t plan to invest more in Kayali; the scents are delicious but they last a mere breath.

The best I’ve ever heard of, not even the best vanilla, but the best perfume. I’m addicted to vanillas and this is a beauty. After Bianco Latte and Zara’s Hypnotic Vanilla, I didn’t think I’d find anything so delicious, sexy, potent and boozy again. It became one of my signatures and dethroned everything else. I own Zara’s Supreme Vanilla, which they say is a dupe, and yes, they resemble each other, but the potency, the boozy notes and the sensuality of Vanilla 28 are not in Supreme Vanilla, although it is a good budget option. It’s not a pastry vanilla; it’s for weddings, parties or dates, though I use it for everything: day, night, cold, heat.

I bought the mini (10 ml) at Sephora and the truth is, I loved smelling it in the bottle… but it didn’t match my skin. The scent is tiring; the patchouli note is very strong and I don’t recommend wearing it alone. The aroma is linear and for work, you wouldn’t think to wear it, as it even caused me stomach discomfort. I hope it serves for layering.