Mod Vanilla

I truly adore this fragrance. However, it's disappointing that it doesn't linger on my skin for as long as I'd like. It's unusual for a scent not to last well on me, but I'm willing to overlook this shortcoming because the aroma is so captivating.

Like stepping into a sweet treat shop, Mod Vanilla embodies the essence of freshly baked waffle cones and creamy french vanilla ice cream. While not complex, its simplicity makes it an excellent foundation for other gourmand fragrances, and it also stands alone as a reliable, comforting vanilla. This scent settles close to the skin but leaves a pleasant trail on fabrics.

The drydown reminds me of Cloud, albeit with an added layer of sweetness from the vanilla. I also sense a lactonic quality that sometimes gives off a slightly offbeat impression. This scent is anything but linear, transforming significantly from first spray to drydown. Yet, throughout, I can distinctly detect notes of musk, praline, and vanilla, although surprisingly, there's no coconut presence – I instead get a creamy, milky sensation without the tropical connotation. Conversely, I don't pick up on the plum or freesia mentioned in the scent profile. In essence, this perfume is a softer, more musky version of Cloud with a richer, lactonic character. While it's not my personal cup of tea, it's far from being unremarkable.

This perfume is a peculiar blend of sour and fruity notes with a dominant vanilla accord. To me, it's as if someone attempted to create a feminine, vanilla-centric fragrance akin to Erba Pura but fell short, only for Ariana Grande's team to pick up the slack and mass-market it. The result is overwhelmingly juvenile and girly. Although it's not excessively pricey, this perfume's quality is evident. I firmly believe that its popularity stems from its association with Ariana Grande rather than its inherent merit; had this scent been released by La Riviere, it would likely go unnoticed. It's difficult for me to fathom why others praise this fragrance on others, as it bears a resemblance to the body mist from Sephora Collection Jour. If you appreciate that, you might enjoy this scent, which is better suited for summer.

I tested this perfume in an Ulta and had to have it because its scent reminded me of my first ever-owned perfume from the 00s (So...? Sinful). I have a lot of nostalgia for that original perfume, but hadn't been able to find it anywhere until now. Mod Vanilla has a strong vanilla presence, along with subtle notes of praline and chocolate. The smell is absolutely captivating, BUT unfortunately, its longevity is quite disappointing, even compared to some body sprays I've used in the past.