Double Disappointment Finally! My lovely big decant arrived in the post this morning. I have had this on my wish list for ages, and finally had the chance to purchase a decant from a fragrance buddy. Of course I purchased it untested! This is the icon of vanilla perfumes! I have read so many glowing reviews, I couldn't possibly go wrong buying it blind. After all, I adore vanilla, and this is portrayed as a Holy Grail! Oh..how the tables turned on me! I sprayed it, and straight away I got a blast of vanilla essence, laced with rum. Ok, this is just the beginning..let's wait till the creamy, dreamy vanilla kicks in! It probably has to develop, as this is the Queen of all vanillas, after all! Four hours later..still waiting, and nearly in tears at the utter disappointment! Not even a trace of rose, nor a hint of jasmine..just a low quality vanilla soaked unbaked rum ball. Oh where is the luscious,elegant vanilla that is in my Shalimar Ode a la vanille Madagascar? I feel so let down. It must be my skin, chemistry, nose, or something I just can't fathom! I must be one of the very few people on the planet that doesn't adore this fragrance! I am almost ashamed to write this review, and in actual fact, did delete the first one, as it sounds so unbelievable that I'm not weak at the knees from this perfume. I am, however, not sorry I purchased this decant, as I would have been always sorry I never had the chance to experience it. But I've learned one thing..Double the anticipation, double the disappointment! P.S. This was posted in the German reviews, by mistake, so ignore the fact that is says German review...I can't write German anyway! (wish I could :)
This is definitely a beautiful voluptuous vanilla. But now that I own it, I doubt I'll wear it- because I don't want to smell like a sexy rum ball in July at work-body chemistry and to each their own.
Good on you, Dalmajen! Years ago, when I was equally underwhelmed by SDV and said so, I got such pushback from perfumistas that I concluded "ok, I just don't understand this one," removed it from my want list, and gently warned against a blind buy.
Not to worry Jen, this one didn't quite float my boat either. I couldn't get passed the rum unfortunately. There are wonderful Vanilla scents out there … just keep going until you fine that specific one that makes your whistles blow :) ….
Nothing wrong with you, your nose or your skin chemistry! Just one of those emotional, experiential fates that was not meant to be. I think picking perfumes is like trying to pick winning lottery number. It's impossible to pick a winner every time..
Also, your review and experience, good or bad, is just as valid as anyone else's and deserves to be shared. At least you had the good sense to buy a decant. :)
I was almost afraid to write this review, as so many people just adore this fragrance! I will be trying it several times again, as it could have been just a bad day..I am heart broken I don't like it!
That's a shame. I would have thought that judging by the notes, it should be a beautiful scent, one that I would want to try. Well, thanks for the honest review.
Dalmajen 9 years ago
Flavorite 11 years ago
Dulcemio 11 years ago
Coutureguru 11 years ago
ExUser 11 years ago
Pipette 11 years ago