Angelique Extrait de Vanille

Olfactory Experience

Riiffs' Angelique Extrait de Vanille aims squarely at Nishane's Ani. The opening presents a recognizable ginger and bergamot tandem, mimicking Ani's bright start. Pink pepper adds a slight sharpness, more pronounced here than in the original. The heart introduces cardamom and rose, the rose leaning slightly synthetic, a common trait in clones at this price point. Black currant is present, offering a tart counterpoint, but it's dialed back compared to Ani's richer fruitiness. The base is where the distinction becomes clearer. The vanilla is certainly there, sweet and prominent. Benzoin offers a resinous warmth, while sandalwood attempts to round out the composition. However, the sandalwood feels thinner and less creamy than Ani's, giving it a flatter, more linear drydown. Overall, I'd place it around 85% similar to Ani. The main difference lies in the quality of the ingredients; it has some of the original's DNA, but with cheaper building blocks.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get about 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first two hours, then settles closer to the skin. Don't expect beast-mode performance like the real deal.

Conclusion

If you crave Ani but balk at the price, Angelique Extrait de Vanille provides a passable alternative. It captures the essence of the fragrance without replicating its depth and richness. However, difference (Ani costing roughly 10x more), it's a worthwhile entry point. Just be aware of its synthetic edges. Serious enthusiasts of Ani will likely perceive the differences.