Vanilla, But Not Like You Think
Ah, vanilla. Often misunderstood as a “basic” scent, but let me stop you right there—there’s absolutely nothing basic about VANILLA | 28 by KAYALI. This Eau de Parfum is the epitome of warm, spicy, and sweet. It’s like being wrapped in a cashmere blanket while sipping on a cup of caramel latte, with just a hint of mystery wafting through the air. (Yes, I went there. It’s that good.)
After trying this fragrance for a month, I’m convinced that VANILLA | 28 is far more than just a pretty bottle on my vanity. It’s become part of my daily ritual—whether I’m off to brunch with friends, heading to a romantic dinner, or just lounging at home pretending I’m a sophisticated Parisian (with Netflix on, of course).
But let’s dive into the details of why this perfume is turning heads and capturing hearts, including mine.
First Sniff: What Exactly is VANILLA | 28?
Think of VANILLA | 28 as the ultimate dessert for your senses—but without the calories (you’re welcome). It belongs to the Warm & Spicy fragrance family, which means it’s perfect for those cozy fall and winter vibes, but trust me, I wear it all year long. The scent type is called Warm & Sweet Gourmands, and honestly, it lives up to its name. You’re greeted with the lush scent of vanilla orchid and Brazilian tonka that make you want to sniff your wrist all day long (I’ve done it; no shame). Then there’s the deeper base of amber woods, patchouli, and brown sugar that rounds it out with a sultry, sophisticated warmth.
What’s truly magical is how it transforms throughout the day. A spritz in the morning gives you that soft, sweet vibe, but by evening, it deepens into a rich, spicy scent that’s anything but ordinary.
Meet the Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy
We’ve all got that one friend who’s the life of the party, right? Well, VANILLA | 28 is that friend in the fragrance world. It’s bold without being overpowering and sweet without being cloying. It belongs to the Warm & Spicy family, which means it’s the perfect balance between cozy and sultry. This scent feels like a hug from someone you don’t want to let go of (too cheesy? Maybe. But you get the idea).
Why Vanilla?
The vanilla here isn’t the artificial, too-sugary variety. Oh no—this is Madagascan vanilla orchid, which brings an elegant, creamy sweetness that feels refined. Paired with tonka absolute and a blend of musky, amber woods, this scent evolves throughout the day, keeping things interesting from dawn to dusk. One day, I even had someone follow me around the grocery store just to ask what perfume I was wearing. (Is that weird? Maybe. But I took it as a compliment.)
Personal Experience: From Morning Elegance to Evening Seduction
For the first few days of using VANILLA | 28, I couldn’t quite figure out why the scent felt so nostalgic. Then it hit me—this fragrance has layers, much like the best memories. It starts soft, with delicate vanilla and tonka, but then as it settles into the skin, it deepens into something richer, thanks to the amber, musk, and brown sugar. It’s like starting the day as a sweet vanilla cupcake and ending the night as a decadent crème brûlée.
Here’s how it plays out in real life:
- Morning: A spritz before heading out the door makes me feel polished and put together. It’s like my invisible confidence booster.
- Afternoon: The vanilla remains, but it starts mixing with the warm musk and amber, giving it a slightly more mysterious feel.
- Evening: By dinner time, it’s deep, warm, and spicy—a perfect match for candlelit dinners or a cozy night in with a glass of wine (or Netflix, if we’re being real).
The Secret Behind “28”
Here’s a fun fact: The number 28 represents the number of formulations it took to achieve the perfect blend of sweet and warm. Yep, KAYALI’s team worked their magic on 28 different versions before arriving at this masterpiece. And honestly, I’m grateful for their persistence because it paid off in spades.
Mona Kattan’s Magic Touch
Mona Kattan, co-founder of Huda Beauty, has described VANILLA | 28 as the fragrance for all your layers—because, let’s face it, we’re all multifaceted, right? Some days, we want to feel sweet and approachable; other days, we want to bring out our inner femme fatale. This perfume is the best of both worlds, and as Mona herself says, “bespoke beauty” is about creating a scent that is uniquely you. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even layer it with other fragrances from the KAYALI collection to create your own signature scent.
Speaking of, did you know this perfume is designed to be layerable? Yep! Mona suggests pairing VANILLA | 28 with ELIXIR | 11 (sold separately) for a rich, opulent scent that will have everyone leaning in for a second whiff. Who doesn’t love a good fragrance combo?
The Ingredients: More Than Just a Pretty Scent
I’m always a fan of products that are kind to the planet, and VANILLA | 28 checks all the right boxes. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, and naturally sourced. Plus, here’s something cool: since the ingredients are natural, the fragrance might change color over time. Don’t worry—it won’t affect how it smells or its longevity. Consider it a little piece of perfume magic. 🌟
Ready to smell like a warm, decadent dessert with a twist? You can get your hands on VANILLA | 28 for $138.00 exclusively at Sephora.com.
Fun Fact: The Power of Smell and Memory
Here’s something that always blows my mind: the sense of smell is directly tied to memory. Ever catch a whiff of something and instantly remember your grandmother’s kitchen or a vacation by the beach? That’s because scent is processed in the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memories. KAYALI takes full advantage of this connection by creating fragrances that can transport you to a different time and place. So, every time I wear VANILLA | 28, I feel like I’m whisked away to a sun-soaked evening in the Middle East, with warm winds and the scent of jasmine in the air.
A Little Scent Strategy: Application Tips
To make the most of this fragrance, you’ll want to apply it in strategic places. Here’s a pro tip: apply to the warmest spots on your body—like your inner elbows, behind your knees, or the nape of your neck. The warmth intensifies the scent, making it last longer. Oh, and don’t rub your wrists together after applying! I used to do this all the time, not realizing it breaks down the fragrance faster. Rookie mistake, right?
Feeling inspired to elevate your fragrance game? Snag VANILLA | 28 for $138.00 at Sephora.com, and get ready to make memories tied to the sweetest, most irresistible scent.
The Grand Finale: Sweet and Spicy, All Day Long
After a month of using VANILLA | 28, I can safely say this perfume has found a permanent place in my heart (and on my dresser). Whether I’m layering it with other fragrances or wearing it solo, it never fails to get compliments and make me feel like the best version of myself.
If you’re in the market for a scent that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and sophisticated, VANILLA | 28 is the one. And at $138.00 for the full-sized bottle, it’s an investment in smelling (and feeling) fabulous every day.
So go ahead, treat yourself—check it out at Sephora.com and experience the magic for yourself.
