Hypnotic Vanilla

First Impressions & Dry Down

Hypnotic Vanilla opens with a blast of fruity sweetness. The red berries and calipsone are prominent, trying their best to mimic that salty-marine vibe of Gaultier Divine. It's close, maybe 87% there, but lacks the airy, sophisticated touch of the original. The heart of jasmine and lily is present but feels a bit more synthetic. The drydown is where this shines, becoming a cozy, meringue-musk. It's the most similar to the original here, offering a pleasant, sweet warmth. The patchouli is very subtle, mostly acting as an anchor.

Projection Power

Longevity is surprisingly good. I get about 6 hours on my skin, with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. After that, it sits closer, becoming a skin scent. the performance is more than acceptable. Don't expect beast mode; this is a subtle, everyday wear.

Is it Worth It?

Hypnotic Vanilla is a decent clone of Gaultier Divine for those unwilling to shell out the big bucks. It's not perfect, showcasing a slightly synthetic edge, especially in the opening. However, the drydown is lovely and the performance is solid point. If you can snag this for under $30, it's a worthwhile purchase as a daily driver. But for a sweet, comforting scent on a budget, this gets the job done.