A Week of Vanillas: Annick Goutal Vanille Exquise

This is the fourth review in a five-part series looking at several different lovely vanilla options available to perfumistas.

Annick Goutal Vanille Exquise

Here’s a brief blurb on Vanille Exquise:

Vanille Exquise was introduced in 2004. Developed by perfumer Isabelle Doyen, this scent is a “vanilla that is evocative of temptation nestling between the fantasy of far-flung islands and the memory of Cleopatra's vanilla almond milk baths.”

Notes: vanilla, angelica, almond, benzoin, gaiac wood and white musk.

This is a strange tangy kind of vanilla. It has the sweetness of vanilla, but it is mixed with a saltiness, like vanilla mixed with salt water and crushed sea shells. It feels very "vanilla meets the sea" to me. Or maybe vanilla flavored salt water taffy, if such a thing exists? That sharp tang is probably the angelica, which is really biting on me. It sweetens up a little on me over the dry down, but that sharp salty tang never goes away. It's got good staying power, lasting five to eight hours strongly on me, and then more faintly for another three hours or so. It’s lovely and complicated, and if you are looking for a less foody vanilla, this might be a good choice for you.

Vanille Exquise is available a whole host of places, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Beauty Encounter.

Want more reviews?
~ For a review from Legerdenez check here.
~ Jenny over at Perfume Making has her review here.
~ Robin at Now Smell This! reviewed Vanille Exquise here.