by Franck Olivier
Oud Vanille by Franck Olivier is a high-performance, unisex fragrance with a bold, incense-forward profile that leans slightly feminine due to its sweet vanillic and rose-dominant dry down. It opens with a sharp, intense burst of smoky incense, caramel, and rose that some describe as overwhelming or medicinal—similar to unlit Nag Champa incense or a heavy leather smoke. With time, the fragrance mellows into a rich, warm blend of vanilla, oud-like woodiness, patchouli, and musk, creating a soft, sultry, and expansive sillage that lasts up to 12 hours. The longevity and projection are exceptional, with strong sillage lasting for hours even on clothing. While not a direct dup of Lancôme Oud Bouquet or Shaghaf Oud, it shares their core DNA—sweet, woody, and oriental—though it feels more restrained and balanced in sweetness. It shines in cool weather, paired with layers like Jessica Simpson’s Fancy or Montale Vanilla Absolu to soften its intensity, and performs best when worn sparingly, especially in close quarters or warm environments. The bottle is modest, with a cheap feel and leaky cap. Overall, it's a standout value for under $30, offering niche-quality performance and depth that feels far more expensive than its price suggests.