I can only offer the men's perspective. I haven't worn it myself and am giving it away in an advent calendar for my wife.
The fragrance:
strangely enough,
Starlight Vanilla reminds me a lot of my grandma. I can't remember what she wore, but so be it. It starts off thick, rich and very grown-up, without me being able to say what exactly the fragrance is made of. When I get close to the test strip, I can smell the almond milk. It's sweet, creamy and has that almond quality that's slightly creamy-nutty-gourmand. A great thing. Almond milk, vanilla and tonka meld here; the aromatic quality is clear, and again, being lavender-slathered (maybe that reminds me of my grandma?!) - I can't quite recognize lavender in perfumes though, unfortunately. The vanilla-almond tonka is joined by musk, it thickens in the process and is well blended. There is no star in this show, but vanilla, as the name suggests, has a hand in everything.
The previous speakers have referred to the soapiness, which I also perceive and which gives the fragrance a certain vintage touch (possibly the grandma association?).
Similarity:
It is somewhat reminiscent of
Hypnotic Poison (2014) Eau de Parfum and
Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette, although
Hypnotic Vanilla is actually intended for this in the same Zaraline. i don't know
Myrrh & Tonka but it certainly fits better.
The sillage:
Very dense and easily perceptible, it certainly projects well too.
The longevity:
It seems like a fragrance that stays with you for a long time without you having to reapply it frequently. i can well imagine 4-6 hours.
The occasion/context:
Starlight Vanilla is sweet and warm enough to wear outdoors in fall and winter. Indoors, I'd wear it a little more modestly, but it's not distracting.
Age:
Unfortunately, it's more of a late twenties to early thirties fragrance; I don't see it as really safe until you're over 40 (I'm sorry.) But it's not really a fragrance for a young, dynamic woman (not for students and young professionals). For me, it ranks alongside Dior Poison and
Black Opium Eau de Parfum. If you find these two appealing, please go for it!
For the men:
He is present. He doesn't take my pants off, but he is sweet and creamy, and a dominant woman who knows what she wants can use it to emphasize these characteristics. I personally wouldn't recommend it for young women and girls.
Flacon:
Wine red-purple and gold - great design. I like it very much. Zara has done a really good job with
Starlight Vanilla,
Vanilla Vibration and
Supreme Vanilla.
Blindbuy:
Not for girls and young women, but if you like it classy, dense and rich, this is a good winter fragrance.
Conclusion:
It smells classier and more expensive than it is, and it does its job! For those who like it lighter and are a little younger or prefer a more professional fragrance, we recommend
Vanilla Vibration (see my last review).
PetitePinup
Elysium
