Vanilla So Sweet

Conclusion

Vanilla So Sweet is a good, albeit not perfect, alternative to Spiritueuse Double Vanille. If you're seeking the complexity and boozy vanilla of the original, you might be disappointed. However, if you're looking for a sweet vanilla fragrance with incense accents on a budget, this is worth a try. For those prioritizing affordability, Vanilla So Sweet offers a reasonable facsimile.

Scent Breakdown

Vanilla So Sweet opens with an assertive incense note, a touch more abrasive than the smoother bergamot-forward start of Spiritueuse Double Vanille. The pink pepper adds a spicy lift, though it feels slightly synthetic. The heart offers a cedarwood that is present but a bit dry, alongside a whisper of ylang-ylang. The rose is almost undetectable to my nose; a significant departure from Guerlain's richer floral heart. The base is where this clone shines, exhibiting a potent vanilla and benzoin accord. It's a sweet vanilla, but lacks the boozy depth of the original. Overall, I'd place it at about 82% accuracy. It captures the general essence, but some notes feel rushed and less refined.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is moderate. I get about 5-6 hours on skin with noticeable projection for the first hour. After that, it settles into a skin scent. On fabric, it lingers slightly longer, around 7-8 hours. The projection is decent, but not overwhelming.