I have been noticing the new vanilla scents that are dropping or becoming noticed right now are having a smoky/bourbon appeal to it which to me can be a good thing or a bad thing depending how it is executed because it can be really masculine for my body chemistry.
Phlur Vanilla Skin is a very light mist, and it does have more of a bourbon than vanilla; this would be a “ that if you want a sweeter smell. I will suggest wear a vanilla type of lotion to help tone down the smokiness. In fact this reminds me of Bath and Body Works COFFEE & WHISKEY in their men’s collection which I love and wear during fall at times although I find BBW a tad sweeter. For this 3.0flz, it was $20 which is not bad for the amount you get!
And speaking of bath and body works , they have dropped the new men’s collection called Vanilla Noir which smells amazing and smell wayyyy better than the women’s vanilla romance , which I found to be way too smokey & bourbon for me (perhaps they mixed it up 😓😓).
🛍Brand: PHLUR
💲Item: Vanilla Skin hair and body mist
💰Price: $20
👍Pros: good price for amount you get , great for travel
🤔Cons: can be too Smokey depending on taste, light in smell
... Read moreFall is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to switch up our fragrance game! This year, I've noticed a major trend: smoky vanilla scents are absolutely everywhere, and I'm totally here for it. It’s not your grandma’s vanilla; it’s deeper, more mysterious, and frankly, a bit seductive. Think warm bonfires, rich bourbon, and that cozy feeling you get from a perfectly spiced drink.
One of the biggest questions I get about these scents is, “Won’t it smell too masculine?” And I totally get it! Some smoky notes, especially bourbon or whiskey, can lean that way. But that’s where the magic of personal fragrance comes in. For instance, with a scent like PHLUR Vanilla Skin, which has a prominent bourbon undertone, I love to layer it. My go-to trick? Pairing it with a super sweet, creamy vanilla lotion or body butter. This softens the smoky edge, making it perfectly balanced and more ‘me’. It allows me to enjoy that intriguing depth without feeling overwhelmed. You can also experiment with layering a light floral or fruity mist on top to add a touch of sweetness and femininity, creating a unique signature scent that's all your own.
When we talk about 'smoked vanilla,' it's not just about that boozy bourbon note. There's a whole world of smoky nuances out there! Some fragrances achieve a smoky feel with notes like tobacco, oud, incense, or even certain woody accords. These elements add complexity and warmth, transforming simple vanilla into something truly captivating. For me, these are the notes that scream 'fall evening' – perfect for those cooler days and nights when you want a scent that lingers subtly and evokes comfort. It’s all about finding which kind of smoky depth resonates most with your personal style.
Choosing your perfect fall fragrance means taking your time. Don't just spray it on a test strip! Always try it on your skin, especially with deeper, more complex scents like these. Our body chemistry can really change how a fragrance develops, so what smells amazing on a friend or on paper might be totally different on you. Give it a few hours to see how the top, middle, and base notes unfold. That initial burst of vanilla might settle into a beautiful, lingering smoky sweetness, or a surprisingly masculine edge. This is crucial for making sure you’ll truly love wearing PHLUR Vanilla Skin or Bath & Body Works Vanilla Noir throughout the day.
And for those of us who adore body mists, like the PHLUR Vanilla Skin hair and body mist, knowing how to make them last is key. Since they're lighter than Eau de Parfums, I like to spray them generously Post-shower on warm, moisturized skin. This helps the fragrance cling better. Sometimes, I even spritz a little on my hair for a subtle scent trail that lasts longer. The Bath & Body Works men’s Vanilla Noir, while marketed for men, is incredibly versatile and can be a fantastic option for anyone who loves a richer, sweeter take on smoky vanilla. Don't let labels limit your scent exploration! Both of these options bring that desired cozy, intriguing vibe needed for the fall season, offering different takes on the beloved smoky vanilla trend.