Our take
What does Vanille Santal smell like?
Reminiscence launched Vanille Santal in 2020, an eau de toilette by Céline Ripert. The house, best known for its patchouli, takes on a very popular pairing here. It turns gourmand from the first second. Warm spices and blond caramel smell like sugar melting in a pan. The heart calms down. Sandalwood adds a milky, creamy texture, and cashmere wood wraps it in felted softness. Madagascar vanilla and clean musk form the base. The vanilla is round and fairly sweet, with no smoky facet. Compared with Le Labo's Santal 33, Vanille Santal is far sweeter and much less dry. It's also simpler, with none of that cult scent's odd leathery twist. This is a comfort scent, not a showpiece. Several retailers report it discontinued since the range was overhauled, so remaining bottles are worth tracking down.
When to wear it
For autumn and winter, during the day or for a low-key date. Three sprays on a sweater keep it going for hours.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Vanille Santal is one of 20 creations by Reminiscence in our encyclopedia.
