A naughty AND nice vanilla? [reviewing Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli | 64 edp, by Kayali]

 “Calling all vanilla lovers!! Get ready for Vanilla | 28’s boujee big sister, something deeper, more intense, sexy, and RICH AF --- Vanilla Royale!"

 

 "It’s no secret that I am a vanilla lover and OBSESSED with gourmand fragrances. I am addicted to the sweet and captivating qualities this note brings to a juice, and I’ve always wanted to create a more decadent and intense version.” – Mona Kattan

With an enhanced blend of exotic florals, rch spices, and dark, decadent notes, the eleventh fragrance in the Kayali collection, Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli | 64 unites contrasting textures: gourmand indulgence with rich sensuality for an intense new level of sophistication. As a new member of the Kayali vanilla family, this complex explosion of sweet vanilla mixed with sugared patchouli will be the crown jewel in every vanilla lovers collection.

Collaborating once again with senior perfumer Gabriela Chelariu from famed perfume house Firmenich and the nose behind Vanilla | 28, Mona Kattan has taken her love for gourmands one step further; “the vanilla note is always a part of our Kayali DNA, but for this scent, I really wanted to show another side to this delicious ingredient, make it something incredibly over-the-top, and to make everyone feel like the royal version of themselves!”

"For the opening of Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli | 64, the elegant and warm vanilla orchid and creamy jasmine unite with golden rum for an intoxicating intensity. In the heart of the fragrance, vanilla infusion, vanilla surabsolute, and crème brulée create an overload of sweet, gourmand sensations while nuances of almond, tobacco, and caramel from the tonka bean bring an intense level of irresistibility. Powerful yet delicate, the spicy rose bouquet, along with smoky leather, creates an intriguing signature that is raw and velvety yet distinctively refined. Earthy with woody and camphorous facets, sugared patchouli glistens with sparkling sweetness while toasted tones of brown sugar further enhance the dark, decadent richness. The amber brings glowing intrigue to the exotic royal oud woven throughout the fragrance to enhance the dry down further. Finally, a tender trace of creamy musk creates a scent uniquely contrasted by soft sensuality and deep, luxurious richness."

🚨 New Kayali release 🚨

I still haven't gotten around to buying a full-sized version of their original Vanilla edp yet [loved my couple of 10ml bottles, but own too many vanilla fragrances to justify getting another until I've used a few up], however as this edition is being referred to as being limited edition, I jumped on it immediately online, without going to a Selfridges store to test it beforehand.

Is it I-must-have-it, lovely, nice, or meh? 

Vanilla Royale opens with fluffy Vanilla, aged up with a creamy rum accord - golden rum is sweeter & richer than regular rum, which is an accurate description of the sugared rum accord used in this fragrance. 

The spicy/sweet powder mix of the jasmine & rose, and the sugary heat of the candied patchouli brings a undertone reminiscent to gingerbread to the fragrance. The leather accord is faint, but I can just about seperate it underneath everything else going on in the fragrance - this traditionally masculine touch adds depth to Vanilla Royale. 

 Like my previous review for LOVEFEST, if you enjoy Invite Only, then you'll most likely love the drydown for this perfume too; the base becomes more musky & woody, and the dirty spicy heat also seems to grow more intense. There is the now-familar sweet hay-like undertone to everything. The wood is stronger compared to the previous Kayali fragrance and is traditionally masculine, so the creamy vanilla, amber and sugared notes don't become overwhelming.

Official key scent Notes: Vanilla Orchid, Creamy Jasmine, Golden Rum, Vanilla Infusion, Vanilla Absolute, Tonka Bean Accord, Spicy Rose Bouquet, Smoky Leather, Crème Brulée, Sugared Patchouli, Musk, Brown Sugar, Amber, Royal Oud.

I loved Vanilla Royale from the first spritz onwards - and strangers have approached me to ask what I'm wearing too. Another huge plus for me is the impressive longevity & aura that Vanilla Royale has; a couple of the more recent Kayali perfumes I bought [Utopia & Eden] left me a bit disappointed because they don't wear as long as I think perfumes in their price range should, but this wears for over 12 hours and never goes close to the skin.

I'm going to have to splurge on a 100ml bottle of Vanilla Royale, because I've been wearing my current bottle almost daily, so have already used a significant amount. If you are a fan of Vanilla & Invite Only, then Vanilla Royale is a must-own.

Vanilla Royale comes in 50ml [£79] & 100ml bottles [£107].

In the UK you can buy Vanilla Royale from Selfridges, from Boots (online only), Cult Beauty, and Sephora UK [formally Feel Unique].