Starlight Vanilla

First Impressions & Dry Down

Starlight Vanilla aims for Nishane's Ani, and gets respectably close. The opening bursts with ginger and a citrus tang, mimicking Ani’s bright spice, though Zara's version smells a touch more…linear. Ani has a smoother, more rounded quality. The heart offers cardamom and a jammy rose but leans less botanical, more sugary. The drydown is where the similarities really shine: vanilla, benzoin, and sandalwood create a warm, inviting base. It's about 86% similar, differing primarily in the opening's sophistication and the heart's depth. There is a slight synthetic vanilla edge compared to the original's richer composition.

Final Thoughts

For the money, Starlight Vanilla is a great deal if you enjoy the Ani DNA. It captures the essence without completely replicating the luxurious feel. If you crave the high-end nuances and powerful projection of Nishane's creation, stick with the original. However, if you're budget-conscious and seeking a palatable, crowd-pleasing vanilla-spice fragrance for everyday wear, Zara’s offering is a solid choice. If you're happy with 'good enough' Zara wins.

Longevity & Projection

Don't expect beast mode performance here. Starlight Vanilla projects moderately for the first hour, leaving a pleasant scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent; I get about 5-6 hours on skin and a bit longer on clothes. It's acceptable point, but Ani offers superior performance.