“My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard…..”

One fragrance everyone women should own is vanilla.

Why? Because it’s basically the fragrance equivalent to Kelis’ Milkshake song.

Vanilla, used in many women’s fragrances is said to have the effect of attracting men, it is suggested that vanilla reminds them of mother’s milk and therefore they are subconsciously attracted to that/ you. Whether you believe that fragrance folklore or not I can tell you from experience that vanilla has gotten me a date  (this also has happened to my friend)  and  it will definitely get you a compliment, and to be franc who doesn’t like getting some “you smell really good “praise on a fragrance you have chosen.

Vanilla is present in many fragrances and can be described as smelling sweet, fruity, heavy and rich even woody it is generally classified under the category note of spices but can blend well into any fragrance group or family . Vanilla is such a versatile scent there’s no need to be afraid of it being sickly sweet every women can wear it , it’s just a matter of finding the one that suits you.

Here are some of my favourites that always get compliments.

Un Bois Vanille – Serge Lutens  (long, rectangular with a honey coloured fragrance)

Sweet, mature, slightly bitter not the typical vanilla.

This sweet mature vanilla scent is truly intoxicating. The Tonka bean and creamy coconut milk notes weave throughout the fragrance. There is a slight note of beeswax and a hint of bitter almond and guaiac wood in the mid to bottom layers. The bitter almond and guaiac wood bring a point of difference to this sweet elixir and in doing so bring all the scents together to give this vanilla fragrance a more grown up feel. It has great staying power and wears well on its own or with any other fragrances. Great for a candlelit dinner or a night/day out.

The Healthy Fragrance Vanilla Grapefruit – Lavanila Laboratories ( long, thin ,rectangular with pink flower crest)

Bright, sweet, thrilling, a creamy vanilla with a punch of grapefruit. 

The citrus punch of grapefruit hits you first but blends down with the warm creamy madagascar vanilla which unfolds onto your skin to give you a truly euphoric edible smell.I found this fragrance in Sephora four years ago and fell in love with it. This is the fragrance that got me a date – he kept reaching for my wrist. You can buy it from I Am Natural Store  .  Lavanila Laboratories fragrances all focus around vanilla, there are other combinations besides the grapefruit and vanilla and also a plain pure vanilla scent. This is a great pick me up fragrance for night or day and also comes in a convenient roll on so it easy to be date worthy any time

If you’re not ready for a standout vanilla note in your fragrance then I suggest you try out some of the fragrances below.

Classique intense – Jean Paul Gaultier  (gold feminine physique)

Sexy, sweet, rich soft oriental with rose, jasmine and patchouli.

An oriental with a sweet twist, this fragrance has a rich undertone of an oriental but the vanilla creates a soft sweetness to it. Classique intense is like a Prada Saffiano Bag in the colour Marsala (Classic in style with a twist of colour). This is a beautiful fragrance on its own but also wears well with others. Great for an anniversary dinner, dinner with friends or an event meeting.

M- Mariah carey  (purple Butterfly shaped)

Creamy, sweet with a hint of incense.

Now I know some people have aversions to celebrity fragrances, but you see fragrance is a bit like clothes, clothes should never wear you, you should wear your clothes. If celebrity fragrances smell beautifully on your skin you’d be missing out by not wearing them.

Now … back to M.

Sweet marshmallow, creamy tiara flower and gardenia notes with a base of moroccan incense, amber and patchouli create an alluring effect.  Although this does not have vanilla as one of the main ingredients (I like to think the marshmallows are vanilla flavoured) it truly encapsulates the sweetness of vanilla. Its soft (marshmallows and white florals) and strong (Incense based) notes pull together for a balanced creamy scent. Suitable for summer and winter, great for a first date, night out or work.

Anise and vanilla Jo Malone (cubed rectangular bottle)

Green, spicy wood with an unexpected sweetness of vanilla   

This fragrance opens with a strong anise note, then gradually moves through slight notes of tuberose and frangipani and settles with a woody sweet base of vanilla, vetiver, amber and Tonka beans. The vanilla opens up in the bottom layers with a blend of woody undertones. This vanilla note has a slight greenness to it rather than the typical rich sweetness vanilla is often know for, giving it depth and interest. It’s deep, dark and then lightens up several hours, less is best with this fragrance as a little goes a long way. This is great for someone who likes fragrances from Comme des garconçs as there is an intricate story being told as the fragrance unfolds. Definitely for the rebel vanilla chic girl. A beautiful fragrance for coffee while discussing political events and your dreams. This can be worn either at night or during day and has great staying power.

Let’s be Franc:

Vanilla is a beautiful versatile scent, it may help you with attracting a man, it will definitely get you some compliments but overall it’s YOU that makes YOU desirable and vanilla just helps to amplify that

Love

LetsBeFranc