“Tom Ford’s Provocative Vanilla Fragrance is Anything But What You’d Expect”
First impression of the Vanilla Sex perfume
As someone who is heaux for gourmand scents—and has a drawer full of sweet, dessert-inspired fragrances—I was eager to try Vanilla Sex. Plus, its clever name and popularity on TikTok enticed me. However, I was skeptical at first because the risqué name combined with the marketing seemed too good to be true.
After the first spritz on my wrist, it exceeded my expectations. For one, the decadent blend of various vanilla notes pulls you in like an affectionate hug from a lover. It’s comforting and welcoming in its familiarity. Yet, the mix of sandalwood, almonds, and florals add an unexpected twist, making this hug feel a bit titillating and unexpected.
Overall, the scent resembles a vanilla cream bar or a vanilla milkshake with cookie dough toppings. It’s sweet but not overpowering, and it somehow transforms into a powdery scent that creates a softness to your skin’s natural aroma.
Vanilla Sex is like the older sister to Fenty Beauty’s Eau de Parfum and the ingénue cousin to Maison Margiela’s Whispers in the Library.
How long does Vanilla Sex last for?
This is where it gets a little anti-climactic. Although Vanilla Sex is impossible to ignore—and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments when I wear it out to events—the scent does fade within a couple of hours compared to other perfumes.
The good thing is that the scent isn’t potent, so it’s less likely to give you a headache. However, if you’re hoping for lasting power, you may have to carry it with you to do touch-ups throughout the day.