Vanilla Extasy by Montale

Light on vanilla, apricot all the way: starts with a sharp acidic note before the ylang-ylang kicks in, very clear and present. The vanilla is there, yes, but it’s not the star despite the name. Smells lovely and lasts quite a while. If you’re hunting for pure vanilla at Montale, go for Vanille Absolu or Sweet Vanilla instead.

A real treat; the scent feels like a hug. I’ve received many compliments. It’s not the most unique or complex in the world, but it works perfectly with my skin.

I’m glad I didn’t read the reviews before buying blind, because if I’d seen the comparisons with Flowerbomb and LVEB, I never would have chosen it. On my skin, this perfume has nothing to do with them; those leave the patchouli very marked (and I find it repulsive). With Vanilla Extasy, I only see the ‘rich’ parts: it’s vanilla, sweet but not cloying, with a woody note that reminds me of tea. The sandalwood gives it an exquisite touch, though I don’t sense it strongly or stealing the show. I’m not a fan of jasmine or ylang-ylang and don’t perceive them, perhaps they’re blended superbly. It always fills me with compliments with just three sprays; it’s the one people ask about most regarding its name and where to buy. It lasts all day without olfactory fatigue and projects well without needing to get close. I bought it alongside Sweet Vanilla, which is more linear, sweet and powerful; next to it, this smells much more complex. A very good blind buy <3. It doesn't remind me of Flowerbomb or LVEB, nor did I even think to compare them until reading this. Sometimes Montale perfumes overwhelm me (I love Intense Cafe or Arabians Tonka, but I can't stand them in the heat and they tire me out), but this smells much less synthetic, more like Mancera.

Is it me, or does it smell like Flowerbomb? At first it resembles LVEB a bit, then it evolves into a Flowerbomb with more presence and longevity. I’d sum it up as the older brother of Flowerbomb. I expected something different; it’s not that I don’t like it, but being niche, I expected it not to resemble such a famous scent so much. 7/10 for lack of originality, 10/10 on trail and longevity. For those who love Flowerbomb but it doesn’t last, it’s a fabulous alternative and the price is similar. PS: I tried it with Flowerbomb Bloom and it was delicious; it makes it more interesting and less dense.

Vanilla Extasy is a gorgeous oriental for summer (in my opinion, though it works all year). It opens with a fresh, fruity apricot note: sweet yet light. In the heart, it smells of vanilla and dark wood with sandalwood. It lasts long on the skin and projects decently. It reminds me of vanilla desserts with fresh fruit from the tree, not candied. I love the benzoin; it gives a resinous finish that makes it less innocent. It started airy but became denser as it settled. If you miss hypnotic vanillas in summer, this is a lovely option with plenty of power. Paired with apricot or vanilla cream, you can emphasise one note over the other, as it contains both.