Vanilla Skin Phlur 2024 Eau de Parfum

The opening is a peppery vanilla that quickly settles into a soft woody base. The peppery woods are quite prominent, and the vanilla here is not especially sweet. It leans more toward vanilla extract than anything sugary or dessert-like.

The whole composition feels transparent and skin-like. It’s inoffensive, low projection, and easy to wear every day, even in close quarters where strong perfumes would normally get you side-eye.

The vanilla is definitely not for people who want a cupcake situation. It’s more for vanilla skeptics or “vanilla haters”.

Woody elements and cashmeran are very noticeable here, giving it that smooth, slightly musky, modern skin-scent feel. The result is understated but cozy...

The top note had some vanilla, but unexpectedly it also had a smokey scent. Hubby said it was "like what they might put in a casino to try and cover up the smoke -- but not a good casino. I also smelled a whiff of b.o., and no it was not us! Maybe cumin?
Fortunately that didn't last long, and then it smelled woody. Both the mid and base notes have wood listed. Then it smelled soapy. Now the smokey scent is back.
Now there's a bit of spiciness as it's drying down, like a sweet cola or possibly root beer, which I don't mind. And the final dry down might be a bit like laundry.
But I'm not going to be reaching for this one on its own, which was part of a sampler set. The good news is that Phlur said it layers well with Strawberry Letter or Mood Ring (which are also supposed to layer with each other, so I'm sure you can do all three at once). I just tried them, and I agree. If I bought a bigger bottle of any of those, however, I think I'd go for Mood Ring.

Award-winning Replica Afternoon Delight by Maison Margiela has a very unsettling lactonic note that is off-putting. Vanilla Skin is essentially the same fragrance, sans the milky sourness. I believe they are close in price, so it just comes down to which madeleine cookie fragrance you like more. Got a compliment from someone who smelled me in an elevator hours after my mid-day reapplication, so pretty good sillage and longevity. Personally, I won't be buying a full bottle. For vanillas, my heart belongs to LoveShackFancy Secret Crush...

When Vanilla Skin came out as a perfume, I was pretty hyped to get my hands (and nose) on it. Although I often try out body mists in store so as not to get FOMO, I have decided a long time ago against buying them and adding them to my collection for financial purpose: I don't want to stretch my money between perfumes and body mists. Anyways, back to the perfume itself: it takes awhile before Canada gets its hands on perfumes so I was lucky enough to get a decant from a fragrance Facebook group member that I trust. Here goes my review!

Vanilla Skin starts out with a weird vanilla pencil shaving kind of scent. I've got a feeling pink pepper is the main culprit for it. Thankfully it rapidly subsides after 5 minutes. You're left with a vanilla that's on the darker side of the spectrum. It's not too heavy so it can be worn during warmer temperatures (even though I don't recommend wearing it in sweltering heat), but it's definitely more fitting for fall or winter times. It's overall a sugary, warm and musky vanilla. There's some creaminess from the sandalwood and an undertone of dark woodiness that probably comes from the oud while benzoin gives it a lot of warmth, like a hug. I do have to say I never really detected pink apple or the two floral notes mentioned. Vanilla remains the star up until the very end and the base notes only serve as support. They definitely don't share the spotlight. The drydown is an ambery, warm vanilla with a hint of woodiness.

It's a pretty nice fragrance, but I already have a dark vanilla type fragrance in my stash and this one is not unique enough to add to my collection. I also wasn't a fan of the pencil shavings opening. If you don't have a dark vanilla in your collection, this could be a lovely option for you. I do have to say I'm pretty satisfied with the overall performance of it. It has a nice scent bubble and last awhile (clocked about 6 hours of projection and 8 hours on my skin).

A simple, straightforward, sweet and cozy vanilla essence scent. It’s a touch woody in the dry down, super comforting like your favourite jumper. Projection is reasonable, but longevity isn’t, although I get that it’s supposed to be more of a skin scent. I would still consider purchasing a full bottle, it’s so delicate, pretty, and delicious, and makes for an excellent easy reach.