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.

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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.

M.Micallef Art Collection Vanille: Vanille Marine, Vanille Orient, Vanille Cuir, Vanille Fleur (new fragrances)

Vanilla lovers rejoice! The attentive to detail niche brand M.Micallef, which has previously spoiled us with its Notes Gourmandes line, is issuing a new line of fragrances based on the perennial favorite: vanilla, coming from the Bourbon variety growing as a tropical orchid in Madagascar.
The Art Collection Vanille is artistically themed, unisex in its appeal and with handcrafted labels by Martine Micallef herself. Four interpretations of vanilla, in as predictable (oriental) or unpredictable (marine) or more intriguing versions (leathery or floral) to cater to every whim and every mood! 

VANILLE MARINE (marine vanilla)- the Water-themed scent of the collection opens with fresh and vitalizing notes of lemon and black currant on a heart of white flowers and vanilla. Benzoin, musk and wood provide a solid base for this fragrance that evokes vanilla covered with sea spray.

 VANILLE ORIENT (oriental vanilla)- classic Oriental notes of amber, musk and sandalwood are combined with vanilla and vanilla flower for a subtle and mysterious scent.

 VANILLE CUIR (leathery vanilla) - aromatic mint and lavender, with a touch of begamot, open this Leather-themed fragrance, whose spicy floral heart of cinnamon, cumin and orange blossom yields to a deep base featuring tonka bean, vanilla, cedar and sandalwood.

 VANILLE FLEUR (floral vanilla)- the collection's Floral fragrance opens with juicy peach atop a harmonious blend of feminine rose and sensual vanilla.

The fragrances are available in 50ml/1.7oz bottles. International launch is set for July 2012 (First in Fragrance already has samples available) with several U.S. retailers starting stocking the new fragrances on July 16th.