Our take
What does Vanille Patchouli smell like?
Molinard is a Grasse house founded in 1849. According to retailers, it added Vanille Patchouli to its range around 2015. The perfumer is not disclosed. The name says almost everything, though the published pyramid is a little odd. Patchouli and sandalwood sit at the top. So you get damp earth and creamy wood straight away, with no citrus to open. Vanilla and benzoin follow and round it all off. Benzoin adds a resinous note, close to Papier d'Arménie, that gives the vanilla some texture. The base is just a soft white musk that leaves a clean skin trail. Patchouli stays readable from start to finish. It is far less sweet than Mugler's Angel, which pushes patchouli toward caramel. Molinard's take is simpler and more matte. Reports on longevity vary widely, from four to eight hours depending on skin.
When to wear it
A cold-weather scent for evenings or a Sunday in a jumper. Three sprays on the neck and wrists.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber family. Vanille Patchouli is one of 8 creations by Molinard in our encyclopedia.
