Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Best Quirky, Spicy, Anisic or Floral Vanilla Perfumes (Vanilla Series) & a Tauer Perfumes Free Perfume Giveaway

First things first and if you think you have a lucky bone in your body, do drop a comment regarding the Advent Calendar that Tauer Perfumes is organizing for the festive season. Today PerfumeShrine is proud to host a giveaway for a free Explorer Set by Tauer Perfumes (seen here) which will be sent directly by Andy from Switzerland anywhere in the world. To enter the draw do comment below with a comment on the post, stating you want to be part of it. Draw is open till Wednesday 8am (my time) and winner will be announced tomorrow.

And now on to vanillas....

The wild card vanillas are among the most unexpected perfumes of all, because they take the most universally recognized note (vanilla) and spin it in ways that you tend to lose sight of it being vanilla that is lurking beneath all the adornments. If you have exhausted the gourmand, creamy, pure vanilla fragrances and shy away from the boozy/smoky vanilla perfumes or if you find that woody vanillas are too nondescript for your liking, then you have a pleiad of suggestions to satisfy your eccentric desire below.

via
Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee: a light take on vanilla with an incense ambience, a "crazy vanilla".
Des Filles à la Vanille Garçon Manqué: very peachy and though sweet & flirty its milky and cedar background almost makes the vanilla take a back seat, a "tomboy", as its name would suggest, perfect for vanilla phobics.
Diptyque Eau Duelle: for something so dry, it's surprisingly lightweight and green, good for all weather conditions.
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Ylang & Vanille: the vanilla brings forth the nectarous and powdery aspects of the ylang ylang flower, replete with an unripe green banana note in the background.
Guerlain Cuir Beluga: the softest suede oriental with a discernible vanilla note.
Hermes (Hermessence) Vanille Galante: with a delectable lily impression, airy, fluffy, incredibly refined and totally charming, for those who typically look down on vanilla scents as vulgar and cheap, this is enough to make them change their mind.
Hei Poa Vanillier eau de toilette: a tropical take on vanilla, with beach references.
Jo Malone Vanilla Anise: the note of anise with its bittersweet melancholy and savory touch contrasts with the vanilla perfectly.
Korres Vanilla Cinnamon Body Water (and body wash): discontinued as the whole Body Water line (for no good reason!!) this used to be a spicy vanilla that actually managed to not smell foody or Christmas-y, what a loss.
L'Erbolario Vanilla & Ginger: another imaginative pairing for vanilla, the citrusy aspect of ginger lightens the proceedings.
La Maison de la Vanille Fleurie de Tahiti: quite sweet and tropical smelling.
Molinard Vanilla Marine: sounds perverse and therefore demands experiencing it.
Serge Lutens Douce Amere: bittersweet, contemplative, magnificent, a personal favorite ever since it launched.

Do you like quirky vanillas? Do you have some to add?

For a comprehensive view on Vanilla Fragrances in All Their Variations, please consult our Vanilla Series.

247 comments:

  1. I do love boozy vanillas, such as Note Vanillée, and smoky ones, like Mona di Orio's. But of the original ones you have listed I adore Vanille Galante and Cuir Beluga (much more of a vanilla than a leather perfume indeed).
    Thank you for the draw, I obviously would like to participate :-)

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  2. Wonderful Vanilla! I have always been a vanilla fan. I have tried many, and will always be open to new suggestions. The Jo Malone scent sounds lovely to me, so that may be next on the test list! Yes, thank you for the chance to perhaps win the wonderful Explorer Set, from Andy Tauer. Happy Holidays to everyone!

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  3. Anonymous09:44

    i love vanilla sticks smell - not so sweet as usual vanilla's scenst. for example- Le Labo Vanilla 44. Diptyque's Eau Duelle i love for the juniper note!

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  4. Love your blog, you've taught me so much... Merci! I want to be part of the draw... Dr. Nini

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  5. I love the boozy leathery aspect of real vanilla pods rubbed on my skin...

    ...but the strangest vanillas I have sniffed were Tokyomilk's Arsenic (a complete green-herbal-vanilla oddity) & a perfume supposed to smell like Sylvia Plath (gardens, washing & vanilla).

    Incense & leather vanillas are my favourite.

    Please enter me into the Tauer draw :)

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  7. I read "Vanilla Perfumes" and thought about LouLou by Cacharel with a lot of magnificent vanilla and incense. I just adore this perfect creation.
    Thanks for the draw!

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  8. edith09:56

    yes please count me in for the draw ! thank you

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  9. I want to participate in the draw :)
    I love vanilla - it's the scent that first hooked me as a kid and then, as an adolescent, got me over the jump from general scents to perfume as art, via Shalimar.

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  10. pauel10:05

    I like very boozy Vanille by Mona di Orio - very different take on this particular note.
    Please enter me to the draw.

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  11. Stephen10:10

    Ice cream!

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  12. guerlain vanille in perfume

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  13. Anonymous10:19

    I love quirky vanillas as the linear ones don't go well with my skin. Thank you for hosting the draw today!

    MariaA

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  15. maysamassimo10:20

    I want to participate in the draw!
    I love vanilla scents, they are so comforting! My favorites are Orchidee Vanille from Van Cleef and Arpels and Serge Lutens' Un Bois Vanille. Thanks!

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  16. The Molinard sounds like something I need to try. I'm hoping for something like salted caramel, but let's see.
    And thanks for the draw.

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  17. Please, enter me the draw, thanks

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  18. Great company Tauer perfumes are beautiful creations and Andy is a very down to earth gent :)

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  19. I like vanilla, especially when men wears it... I love Molinard pure vanilla perfume, it's so pure. And Korres Vanilla Cinamon was very impressive.

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  20. Ingeborg10:27

    Generally I stick to green and citrus-y perfumes, but I will make a note of the ones suggested here and try a few of them. I do love the smell of real vanilla, just have not yet found any vanilla perfume I would like to wear. Please enter me in the Tauer-draw,I still have not tested all of his complex creations.

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  21. I love vanilla mixed with citrus flavours

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  22. I would kindly ask to be allowed to take part in the Andy Tauer advent calendar tombola.
    Regarding vanilla perfumes, I yet have not found sth that really pleases me enough. I think that there is a little bit in Guerlain's wonderful Arsene Lupin, which I adore. Gonna try the Cuir Beluga for sure, after reading this article :-)

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  23. Anonymous10:31

    Eau Duelle is truly gorgeous!

    Please include me in Andy's draw. Thanks!

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  24. Ana C10:38

    I love vanilla in perfumes, my favorite is de one form Mona di Orio line

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  25. Anonymous10:39

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  26. Anonymous10:41

    So many vanillas so little time! Thanks for doing some valuable research for me ;-) I do wish Douce Amere were available to try/buy..
    Please enter me in the draw thanks.
    -Lynley

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  27. Anonymous10:45

    I like quirky vanillas. And I have nothing to add.

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  28. I love Vanilla Insensee by Atelier cologne.Warm vanilla with a hint of jasmine.
    Thanks!

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  29. Thank you for hosting Andy's draw - please, enter me!
    In terms of strange vanillas - I love Douce Amere and Vanille Insensee, but somehow Vannilla Anise and Vanille Galante are not my cup-of-tea. I would like to add the formerly known Havana Vanille (now Vanille Absolument - L'Artisan Parfumeur). It is as green as my Granny's rubber boots.

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  30. Finanna10:49

    I love your vanilla series, but they have extended my to sniff-list a bit too much:) Oh yes, I'd love to participate in the giveaway

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  31. kerryL10:49

    would love to win, anything, it doesn't matter!

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  32. I love vanilla in perfumes.:)

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  33. Great draw!I love vanilla scents.

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  34. my favourite vanilla scent must be tom ford tobacco vanille. the combination of tobacco and vanilla is just made in heaven.

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  35. Alexp210:54

    Hi
    Thanks for hosting the today's draw
    Please put me in

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  36. Anonymous10:54

    Dear Elena,
    Thank you for the post! Although vanilla is a difficult note for me. If vanilla, then smoky, woody and dark :) Like L'Artisan Parfumeur Dzing. This fragrance reminds me the horse from my childhood - sweet, warm, animalic and somehow comforting :-D I have problems smelling like a dessert, but no problem smelling like a horse :-D
    Please please include me in to the draw! Oh I would love to try the Tauers!.. Isn't this a calender a great idea? It brings magic back to the time before Christmas - when you are waiting, checking, expecting :-D
    Greetings from Lithuania! Vaida

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  37. I would love to dive into the whole Tauer line.

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  38. I'd love to participate in the draw.
    Andy is so generous with this Advent Calendar event.

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  39. leathermountain10:55

    I thought for sure that this would be my go-to vanilla list, but I'm still a bit scared. :) Must stick with the boozy/smokies. Of course!

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  40. Holly F.10:56

    I love Eau Duelle and Vanille Insensee! Pleas count me in for the draw. Thanks!

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  41. Stephan10:59

    I hope to revisit Douce Amère as soon as possible.
    Thanks for entering me in Andy's draw.

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  42. Merlin10:59

    Of the ones I have tried - that you have mentioned - my favorite is Vanille Insensee! I STILL need to try Vanille Galante which sounds amazing.

    Please could I be entered in the Tauer draw, thank you!

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  43. SL Douce Amère is MAGIC — moody and complex, warm but not cozy. In fact, I think I am going to wear it this cold, snowy morning.

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  44. Spiriteuse Double Vanille by Guerlain, my winter comfort scent! Please include me in the draw. Thanks so much and Happy Holidays!

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  45. My love goes to vanilla in Memoirs Of A Trespasser. I'd love to be in this generous giveaway.

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  46. Anonymous11:05

    I'm not a big vanilla fan and don't wear them. But I like smelling L'Artisan's Havana Vanille and Mona di Orio's Vanille.

    Vanilla-esque scent I love to wear are Safran Troublant.

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  47. Eau Duelle, yeah baby.

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  48. I don't usually give vanilla scents the time of day, but I may reconsider. Please count me in for the draw and much thanks for hosting it and making this wonderful site.

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  49. Anonymous11:23

    I am vanilla. A lot. Chemical Weapon style.

    Please enter me in the draw.

    quimerula from
    quimerula at hotmail dot com

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  50. yes please! I would love to take part in the draw (and win, of course) Living in recession greece means pressies are few and far between and this will bring a needed sparkle to the festive season.

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  51. Thanks again to Andy for his marvelous Advent Calendar, it is always a pleasure to participate in it )) Please count me in for the draw.

    As for the vanilla scents, I like them when they are not too sweet and overwhelming in-your-face vanillas. The first one in my life was "Vanilla Fields" by Coty (back to the 90s...), I bought it years later and now it's like a time machine for me. I also like the sophisticated "Vanille Exquise" by Annick Goutal.

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  52. I'm a fellow Spiriteuse Double Vanille fan. It smells like you could cook with it. (In my world, that's a good thing.) But it's not sweet, and that is fantastic.

    Thank you Andy for your generosity! I'd love to win an explorer set of yours. Which perfumes to choose would be the hard bit!

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  53. Anonymous11:27

    I like the quirky vanillas- there are very few vanillas that smell good on me with the exception of Shalimar. Please enter me in the Tauer giveaway! Thank you.-------Tati

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  54. I like Micallef Note Vanillee

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  55. Anonymous11:43

    Enjoying your vanilla series. Not being a fan of foodie scents I never sought out sweet vanilla, but I have been lucky to stumble across some loves in the other categories of vanilla you've listed so far; my favourites are smoky Shalimar, woody Bulgari Black and quirky Vanilla Insensee.

    Thank you for hosting this generous draw opportunity from Andy Tauer's Advent calendar.

    -- Lindaloo

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  56. Natalie11:49

    Pure vanilla will Always be associated with food to me. But hidden in, say, Cuir beluga, I adore it as a note which gives a scent structure.
    I'd love to be entered in the draw for the sample set. Thanks!

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  57. Anonymous11:50

    Thank you for this opportunity. Btw, I hate vanilla scents except for Bulgari Black.
    Alica - alicacleis61 at gmail dot com

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  58. I am a Spiritueuse Double Vanille fan. I love the smokiness and non-cloying sweetness of this scent.

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  59. I used to love Shalimar, back in the day.

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  60. I'm not big on vanillas because I don't care for sweetness in a scent. I'll have to check out some of these suggestions.

    Thanks for hosting the draw.

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  61. I would like to participate in the draw, too. I am looking forward to purchasing the Hermessence Vanilla.

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  62. What a wonderful site :-D

    And OH how I would LOVE to experience more of Andy Tauer's perfumes. I have only sniffed L'Air du Desert Marocain.

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  63. Douce Amere & Tobacco vanille are the 2 that are always in my rotation........others come & go!
    would love to be included in the draw

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  64. I wish I could have smelled the Korres vanilla cinnamon. Right now I am really enjoying the Kiehls Vanilla Cedarwood line as far as bath products go. I really like woody vanilla.

    Please enter me in the draw.

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  65. Anonymous12:39

    I always love a good vanilla, as long as there is something interesting included to temper the sweetness that often accompanies them. Thank you for the holiday draw, it has been so much fun to participate!

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  66. Sara McGavin12:48

    I love Felanilla by Parfumerie Generale - the fascinating banana wood opening makes it clear it's not a normal vanilla, and then it dries down to such a furry, lush comforting scent but with the elegance of Shalimar (which sadly doesn't work on my chemistry)

    I would love to be entered for the Explorer Set! Thanks :)

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  67. I do like Vanille Galante (it smells wonderfully airy and candy-like without ever getting anywhere near cloying or sweet on me!), though I do not wear it often. I would love to try some of the woody and smoky vanillas!

    I think my favorite part of the advent calendar has been getting introduced to some wonderful new blogs. Thanks for the draw and please include me :)

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  68. Anonymous12:50

    I never met a vanilla I didn't like! Thanks for the generous draw- I am a total Tauer fan and would love a chance to win the explorer set. Happy Holidays:)
    Ramona

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  69. Anonymous13:02

    I love vanilla, in all its many forms....

    Thanks for the draw! I'm ltrittipoe(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  70. Please include me in the draw! I'm not a huge fan of vanilla centric perfumes, although Patchouli 24 is plenty quirky and does have that vanillic scent of old books.

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  71. Zazie13:12

    My favorite vanilla perfume is Shalimar,

    but I've quite liked quite a few from your present and past lists:
    havana vanille, vanilla and anise, vanille insensé...
    That's about it: I love vanilla as a supporting note, even as a STRONGLY supporting note - but not as the star. If it's the star - it must be in something to eat, not to wear!!!

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  72. Please include me in the draw. Many vanilla scents smell like Playdoh to me, so I don't usually look for them. Three that I do love are Guerlain Cuir Beluga (vanilla custard in a suede bowl), Yves Rocher Vanille Noir, and Outremer (formerly L'Aromarine) Vanilla. Shalimar is very vanilla on me, as is the pre-reformulation EdT of Vol de Nuit. The EdP Is all rich melded nut, but the old EdT is vanilla cookies.

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  73. Barbara B13:20

    In the US, vanilla is used as an adjective to describe something as safe or boring. I love vanilla scents (with the exception of the 90s when everyone reeked of cheap vanilla)and don't find them boring at all. I like my husband to wear Givenchy Pi and YSL Pour Homme.
    Please enter me in the draw!

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  74. I want to eat it all right now!
    also -
    Osmo Scents Vanille Bourbon Il Profvmo
    Jalaine - Vanilla; and Silk
    Montale Vanille Absolu
    Van Cleef & Arpels Orchidee Vanille and Les Nombres d`Or Vanille by Mona di Orio - wonderful !!!

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  75. Anonymous13:26

    Vanilla is my alltime favorit smell.
    In food, scents, cosmetics. a girl can never have enough vanilla.
    Count me in for the draw please

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  76. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  77. Carol S13:41

    Thank you for hosting Andy's Advent draw , please enter my name .
    There are so many scents with an overdose of vanilla I could never name just one favorite .

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  78. I love Vanilla Insensee and Cuir Beluga.

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  79. I would love to participate! I think of Arctic Jade by Agonsit as being another odd vanilla.

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  80. Tauer advent calendar, wonderful idea. Would love to explore his other scents. I have L'air

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  81. Thanks so much to you and Andy for the Advent draw!

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  82. I love vanilla in small doses, best paired with citrus notes.
    Please enter me in the draw!

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  83. i am getting my hands on L'Occitane discontinued Vanilliers..what's your opinion about it ..have not smelled it but among the list you put, i have douce amere because Sheldrake said it was the most challenging Lutens fragrance for him to create

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  84. blackw0lfx14:19

    I would like to participate in the giveaway too.

    As for vanilla I dont have any to add to the list but I am going to add a few of these and a few from the comments for me to try!

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  85. Kim M14:19

    Guerlain does fantastic vanillas but I am intrigued by the sound of the Milinard Vanilla Marine!

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  86. I have not tried any of the Vanillas listed above...it hasn't necessarily been one of my favorite scents. Although I do love vanilla beans. Vanilla Insensee by Atelier cologne I have tried and like. I suppose I should expand my horizons a bit now :)

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  87. Kim M14:23

    (I mis-typed MOLINARD!)

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  88. I've never found a vanilla yet that I could wear - they mostly remind me of being in college when all my girlfriends wore fragrances that made them smell like cakes or fruit salads. And yet I still am looking! I like smokier, more leathery fragrances and would love to find something along those lines. I'll be watching this thread, for sure.

    (And kind thanks to Mr. Tauer for his generosity. I would swoon over this set.)

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  89. I rather do not like vanilla-based scents.
    Please enter me to the draw.

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  90. I love Vanille Insensee, but there are so many others to explore... Thanks for today's Advent draw.

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  91. Anonymous14:35

    Thanks for the drawing. I never really thought about Douce Amere as a vanilla. I better go try it on again!
    R_UN

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  92. I do like vanilla fragrances and I thank you for the suggestions. I also want to thank Andy for always being so generous with his giveaways and talent.

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  93. Julie Ellen14:39

    Thanks for the holiday draw!

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  94. hotlanta linda14:41

    Liz Zorn`s VanillaVille is off the beaten path!! :-)

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  95. Not really sure I like vanilla, but will make one I have the SOTD in honor of the giveaway! Amour Liquide.

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  96. I am more of a boozy/smoky vanilla gal but you have listed a few of my favorites here. Eau Duelle EDP, Vanille Galante, and Cuir Beluga are all recent purchases and favorites of mine. I am so loving this Vanilla series! Please enter me in the wonderful Tauer draw...thank you!

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  97. I am still "working with" my sample of Diptyque Eau Duelle, and am starting to enjoy it much. Love Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille though. Oh, how I would LOVE to be entered for Mr. Tauer's gift.

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  98. MaggieQ14:59

    I don't know about my lucky bone but of course I would like to participate in the draw!

    I love Vaniglia by Santa Maria Novella. It is spicy and powdery, I also get a hint of smoke. It is sweet but not foody.

    Another favorite of mine is Manor from indie house Solstice Scents. This one is vanilla with woods and incense, very mysterious. Definitely quirky :)

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  99. I'm sure many of my fav perfumes contain vanilla, especially since I'm a Guerlie girl, but there are only 2 "vanilla" perfumes in my collection - Mona do Orio Vanille and SL Douce Amere. Love them both!

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  100. meganinstmaxime15:07

    I've enjoyed your vanilla series very much. I only have one vanilla so far - Vanille Tonka that I love but am keen to try more. And keen to try more Andy Tauer - I wonder what sort of wonderful vanilla he would craft?

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  101. I'd love to be entered into the Tauer draw Elena. Thank you for this! As for vanilla, I love the way it's used in Habit Rouge!

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  102. Loving your vanilla series! I am a huge Douce Amere fan as well, sad it's discontinued. Thanks for hosting the draw!

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  103. I'm not the biggest vanilla fan but I have moments when I need a cosy scent witch have vanilla in the base.Talking about vanilla may be the first and most important to mention are most of the Guerlain perfumes.Superbly done it's a pleasure to wear them Spiritueuse Double Vanille,Bois d'Armenie are among the favourites.

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  104. The only vanilla-centric frag I've worn is Mona di Orio's Vanille, which is decidedly non-Gourmand. Love it! Rich but not sweet. (I love the way that Guerlain uses vanilla in their basentoes as well.) Thank, Andy, for the draw.

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  105. not a big vanilla fan, but dropping a comment for an entry ;)

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  106. Dina C.15:37

    I've been slow to warm up to vanilla, because so often it's that cupcake frosting vanilla. But little by little I've found some that I like. My list includes: Kenzo Amour, Guerlain Vol de Nuit Evasion (very hard to find), and Hermes L'Ambre Des Merveilles.

    I think I've got a tiny sample of the AA Ylang & Vanille somewhere. Maybe I'll wear that today and give it a test drive. I think I need to explore the woody vanillas more since I like woody scents.

    I'd like to be entered in the drawing. Thanks.

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  107. Alessandro15:43

    Please put me in the draw. You forgot to mention Tobacco and Vanilla by Tom Ford, one of the best vanilla scents around!

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  108. I do like a dry vanilla in the winter! Please enter me in the draw and thanks!

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  109. I would love to be entered in Andy's drawing, thank you!

    Two other vanillas I adore: Givenchy Organza Indecense and Montale Paris Chypre Vanille (LOVE!).

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  110. My favorite vanilla du jour is Eau Duelle. and I would love to enter into the draw!!

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  111. Albi15:54

    I love vanilla. Especially the gourmand or the creamy vanilla.

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  112. Love vanilla in cooking, but not so much in perfume, at least not when I can detect it as vanilla. weird because I love warm, rich, scents. Please put me in for the advent calendar draw!

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  113. I'm afraid I haven't tried any vanilla perfumes yet. I'm always worried they'll be cloying or suffocating. Is there anyway you could do a series about airy, translucent vanillas?

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  114. I love a lot of the vanilla perfumes mentioned here, like Guerlain SDV and Mona d'Orio's. I am dying to try Annick Goutal Vanilla Exquise. Please include me in the draw for the Tauer Explorer Set. Thanks!

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  115. Anonymous16:20

    I like the Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise.
    I would like to take part in the draw.

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  116. peace_quotes16:21

    I haven't tried the scents you mention. What I do not like about vanilla in perfume: actual vanilla ends in a slightly liquor-y basenote or burnt sugar basenote. Vanilla in perfume turns into a zap - a cloying powdery note on me.
    I'm proud of myself for starting to participate in the Tauer Advent calendar this year before the last twelve days of Christmas sets in. Meeting those holiday deadlines!

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  117. Anonymous16:21

    Enter me in the draw please! And thank you for this series - I like vanilla scents, so it's wonderful to learn about all the variations out there.

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  118. I think of Andy's Pentachord White as being a very quirky vanilla. It's like a vanilla in outer space to me.

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  119. Cynthia L16:31

    I like the Atelier Vanilla. My favorite vanilla is a bottle of Eau de Shalimar I got on a discount site. Funny because I really can't bear Shalimar. I would love to win Andy's explorer set!

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  120. Thank you for this series - who knew vanilla was so exciting? :)

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  121. Thanks again Andy for hosting another year of the Advent Draw, and thanks to perfume Shrine for hosting today's draw !

    I'm a major vanilla fan in all things, and do appreciate gourmand frags. I believe one of the reasons I'm such a rabid Guerlain addict is that vanilla is one of their "house" notes utilized in the majority of their frags.

    Please do enter me into today's draw.

    Happy Holidays Everyone !

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  122. I like 7 billion hearts by I hate perfumes!

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  123. Patricia R.16:35

    I like vanilla, especially quirky, and, at times I can be carried away by vanillas. Jo Malone's V.+ Anise sounds nice.I would like to try more of the unusual combinations, such as incensey vanilla, v. with woods, herbs and green bits, such as reeds.

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  124. Sounds awesome. Thanks again for the draw!

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  125. Lauren P.16:49

    I haven't explored many vanilla perfumes... maybe a goal for the new year?

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  126. Loved reading your Vanilla series, very informative!

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  127. I like vanilla to eat of course, and it makes an appearance in many perfumes I like but a wall of vanilla makes me feel like I'm drowning. I've loved reading the vanilla series though! Mind opening...
    Thanks for the opportunity at the draw!

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  128. Count me in for the draw.

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  129. Dubaiscents16:51

    I love vanilla scents and have really enjoyed the series. I wore L'artisans Tea for Two today which had a lovely vanilla note in the base. Thanks for the Tauer draw.

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  130. I have really enjoyed the whole vanilla series. Not sure where L di Lolita falls on the list but it's a good one! And yes, please enter me in the drawing,thanks :-)

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  131. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity! I have loved the Tauer fragrances I have been lucky enough to try so far.

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  132. C.H.17:00

    I'd love to be entered in the draw; meanwhile I'm usually a fan of the woody vanillas but you've sold me on Vanille Galante! Thanks for the rec.

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  133. I would love to be entered in the drawing - Andy's work is always so amazing!

    Re: Quirky vanilla fragrances - I always found Ava Luxe's Ambra Tibet to be an odd one - very vanilla with an unexpected almost menthol quality.

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  134. Anonymous17:04

    I haven't found a vanilla that I love but the "boozy Vanille by Mona di Orio" sounds like one I'd like to try. Andy's fragrances are among my favorites. Please enter me in the draw and thank you for hosting!

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  135. Anonymous17:05

    Oops, that's me at 19:04 - Rachel h. Thanks.

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  136. Hi! I found my over to this site by following Andy Tauer's Advent Calendar post, so of course I would like to be entered into the draw.

    I am newly pregnant and my sense of smell has turned into a superpower. The only vanilla I can handle at the moment is Vanilla Insensee. Atelier's entire line of light but persistent and interesting scents really seem to be working for me right now.

    Thank you!

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  137. Oh this vanilla series. Have they come to an end? I enjoyed them so much. I am not sure I know of many quirky vanillas. I know I have a very visceral reaction to vanilla; for instance, Vanilla Incensee makes me want to shower in alcohol and then scrub myself down with coarse salt.
    I will try Douce Amere since it is one of your favorites. And, please, do enter me in Andy's contest.
    Thanks!

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  138. Erika17:21

    I'm a fan of Vanilla Insensee

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  139. Eleni17:25

    Eau Duelle is on my wish list, but I'm waiting to go through my bottle of Eau de Shalimar first. These are the only vanillas I have not found cloying so far (not that I have sampled that many).

    Please enter me into the Andy Tauer draw. Thank you!

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  140. Hannah17:28

    I'd love to be part of the draw! Korres Cinnamon Vanilla sounds wonderful, and very season-appropriate. I enjoy the cinnamon-vanilla pairing in L de Lolita Lempicka, but that's less quirky and more edible - starting out heavy and decadent and drying down into the salty/sweet combination of the snack food you just can't leave alone.

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  141. Lisa17:34

    I need to spend more time with vanilla, I think, though I'm not generally a gourmand fan.

    Please enter me in the giveaway!

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  142. Vanilla and Andy Tauer = perfume heaven and favorite things!

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  143. I am not really into vanilla scents - it is a note I try to learn to appreciate.
    I would like to take a part in this wonderful draw.

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  144. My vanilla is Caron's Pour Un Homme.
    I'd love to participate in the draw, thank you!

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  145. I love Vanille by Mona di Orio - a very personal interpretation of this ingredient.
    Please enter me into the draw.
    Thanks!

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  146. I would love to be included in the draw as well!

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  147. Anonymous18:11

    Shalimar was my first perfume and I've never looked back. Although I sample many different types, my comfort scents always list vanilla as one of their base notes. I'd say my quirky vanilla would be Cologne of the Missions Le Couvent des Minimes. Pure sweet vanilla as I've never smelled it before. A very unusual fragrance.

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  148. Anonymous18:15

    Kindly enter me in the draw...

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  149. Thank you for hosting Andy's fun Advent Calendar. Love him, love LDDM and URV. Love your blog...I new have a few more frags I must try!

    Though I cannot tolerate cloyingly sweet florals, I love vanilla even when it is much sweeter than what I normally like.

    One of the few department store perfumes that I wear is Organza Indecence. I know...sweet, but I love it and always get compliments when I wear it.

    ReplyDelete
  150. nightporter18:22

    I think Vanille by Mona di Orio is quirky and wonderful.

    I would like to be entered in the draw. Thank you for hosting!

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  151. I love quirky vanilla and three of those on your list today are favorites: Vanille Insensee, Vanille Galante and Cuir Beluga. However, my favorite vanillas are the woodsy, smoky ones like MdO's Vanille and, most especiallly, CB I Hate Perfume's 7 Billion Hearts. Thank you and thank Andy for the draw!

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  152. orchdldy18:50

    Vanilla - the most exotic orchid scent ever!!

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  153. Paul18:54

    Vanilla mixed with citrus sounds lovely. Great draw!

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  154. yetaj19:15

    I'd like to participate in the draw, please!

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  155. I would love to take part in the drawing. Thank you!

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  156. Mary K19:20

    Thank you for hosting Andy Tauer's drawing today, and a thank you to Andy for being so generous with his Advent Calendar!

    For vanilla scents, I enjoy two that you mentioned today: Vsnilla Anise and Douce Amere.

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  157. Mary K19:22

    And please include me in the drawing!

    ReplyDelete
  158. I love vanilla. I really like it mixed with Citrus scents

    brendapenton(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  159. I love all kinds of vanilla fragrances, though the only one I have on this list is Vanille Insensée.

    My *favorite* is Mona di Orio's Vanille.

    I'm also fond of CB I Hate Perfume's 7 Billion Hearts, Serge Lutens Un bois vanille, and Parfums de Marly's Herod

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  160. Please enter me to the draw :)
    My fav is L'artisan Havana Vanille/Vanille Absolument because it is a dry one and not gourmand.

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  161. ElizabethC20:07

    Would love to be entered in the drawing. It is colder than normal in Seattle and I have been wrapping myself up in Shalimar!

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  162. Anonymous20:16

    Vanille absolument
    Thank you
    Phanie

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  163. please do enter me in the drawing for the tauer set! love the tauer perfumes that i have tried.

    love "douce amere"---it's one of the vanilla containing scents i do like. would like to try the diptyque "eau duelle" as it sounds very intriguing.

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  164. Anonymous20:21

    Thanks for including me in the draw!

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  165. Auguszta20:37

    I'd love to take part in the draw.

    As for vanilla, the only vanilla fragrance I can tolerate to some extent is Un Bois Vanille, as it smells smoky to me.

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  166. Hello! I like bitter vanilla, as was in old versions of "Comptoir Sud Pacifique"s scents before their re-formulation.

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  167. Natalie20:49

    Fave vanilla is By Kilian's Amber Oud -- not very quirky, but lovely nonetheless.

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  168. my favorite vanilla is Sublime Vanille or Havana Vanille,
    chears, Mariann

    ReplyDelete
  169. Laurels21:09

    I've really been enjoying your Vanilla Series, and have saved all the posts for future reference. The only one of the above I've tried so far is Vanille Insensee, which smelled like sweet cardboard on me.

    Please enter me in the drawing, and many thanks to you and Mr. Tauer.

    ReplyDelete
  170. Love to be in the draw! When it comes to favourite vanillas - i love vanilla- it's for the moment un bois vanille by mr serge lutens. But in always looking for a new favourite!
    Love, Sanna

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  171. I enjoy vanilla scents, especially the odder ones like Vanille Galante and Mona di Orio. My latest favorite is the one by van Cleef and Arpels

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  172. Please enter me in the draw,Elena!I enjoy vanilla scents,but not those that emphasize the gourmand part too much.I like and own Shalimar and Dzing,and I'm interested in testing Felanilla.But I admit vanilla wouldn't be my main pursuit as I like chypres,leathers,dark florals and animalic orientals more.

    ReplyDelete
  173. Katy21:40

    My favorite vanilla aspect is the smokey one. The best vanilla ever to me is a Lafco vanilla candle, it was not sweet! Please enter me in the draw.

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  174. My favorite vanilla so far from all the series you are presenting is the Mona di Orio.
    Please enter me for the Tauer draw. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  175. I would like to participate in the draw!
    Another vanilla? why not Noir Tropical by Maria Candida Gentile? velvet and elegant, not sweetish at all.
    Ah, and thanks so much for the draw :)

    ReplyDelete
  176. I would like to participate in the draw for Andy's wonderful prize.

    I like vanilla fragrances best if they're not too sweet. I adore Santa Maria Novella "Vaniglia," although, it took a while for me to appreciate it because it's got so many facets.

    --Cristine

    ReplyDelete
  177. Flora22:15

    I do like vanilla, as long as it isn't paired with something too sweet.

    Yes, please enter me in the drawing

    ReplyDelete
  178. love vanilla,favorites include Lalique,Sweet redemption ,hypnotic poison.love to be in draw please.

    ReplyDelete
  179. Green note22:40

    Haven't played much in the vanillas, still so much to explore... The Advent Calendar is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  180. Ah. I like smokey, woody vanillas, like Tabacco Vanille.

    Please enter me in the draw, thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  181. This looks great- I'd love to take part!

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  182. I would love to be part of the drawing! Thanks so much! As to Vanilla, I've avoided it most recently, thorough I do admit to enjoying Vanilla Insensee. I also enjoy the vanilla in Shalimar. TFT

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  183. I would love to take part in the drawing. Thank you!

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  184. Anonymous23:25

    Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Ylang & Vanille is my favourite, and easily the sweetest perfume in my collection. --AnnieA

    ReplyDelete
  185. Anonymous23:32

    Please include me in the draw as well, I'd lile to try tauer's orange perfume.I sampled lately some Frederick Mallee perfumes, one had vanilla and was somewhat powdery.Ronnie

    ReplyDelete
  186. Guerlain's Tonka Imperiale! But right now I'm obsessed with L'Air du Desert Marocain!

    ReplyDelete
  187. would love to participate and possibly
    win the prize!
    sounds like it smells GREAT

    ReplyDelete
  188. I enjoy vanilla scents ! I think my favorites are L by Lotita Lempicka (by Maurice Roucel) and Body Fantasies Vanilla (floral vanilla without going too plastic on my skin). Thank you for the draw!

    ReplyDelete
  189. Thanks to this blog, and generous samples, just tried vanille 44 today...
    & would love to enter draw, too
    jjlook

    ReplyDelete
  190. Christopher00:34

    My favorite vanilla will always be that of a few bars of Marseille soap, summer 1992. Favorite comment on vanilla: in Patrice Leconte's The Hairdresser's Husband ("Death is yellow and smells of vanilla.")

    ReplyDelete
  191. Joaquim00:35

    Please enter me in the draw.

    Vanilla? Mona di Orio's Vanilla or...7 Billion hearts by CBIHP, this second is, for me, the best vanilla in the market, sweet and smoky!
    Thank you for the draw

    ReplyDelete
  192. Morrocan Melody00:37

    Hello, yes I would like to participate in today's draw. Nothing is as delicious as smelling a high quality vanilla extract out of the bottle. When it comes to perfume I prefer a smoky edge to vanilla to cut the sweetness - some must trys on your lists!

    ReplyDelete
  193. Has anyone mentioned Luctor et Emergo yet? Would love to enter the draw!

    ReplyDelete
  194. Anonymous00:52

    Thank you for hosting the draw! Please include me. I've lurked for many months now and am finally writing a post. Interesting that Eau Duelle is mentioned; I have a sample and now I am off to try it!
    Jtizzle

    ReplyDelete
  195. Vanilla is a favourite note, especially in my vintage Ambre Sultan. Thanks for the draw!

    ReplyDelete
  196. Please enter me for the drawing. I like spicy vanillas and I see several things in your list I'm going to have to give a try. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  197. zeram101:47

    I want to be part of it (i.e. please enter me in the drawing). Love my Guerlain SdV!

    ReplyDelete
  198. Anonymous02:08

    mmm. love le labo vanille 44. but otherwise quite dislike vanilla.

    thanks for the drawing :)

    ReplyDelete
  199. Thank you for suggesting new vanilla scents, since it can be a jungle out there.

    And because I need to widen my horizon when it comes to perfume I would love to participate in the draw, please.


    ReplyDelete

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