Reviews
Dive into our curated collection of fragrance reviews, written by the passionate Fragrance Junkies team. From timeless classics to the latest releases, discover honest insights, expert opinions, and personal takes to inspire your next scent choice.
Oudessa - Sexy Vanilla
I recently had the chance to explore Oudessa, a new U.S. based brand with the tagline, "Luxury scents within reach." Intrigued by the promise of both luxury and value, I was eager to see if the brand could deliver on its bold statement.
First up- Sexy Vanilla, inspired by Tom Ford's Vanilla Sex. The original fragrance features notes of bitter almond, vanilla, ultravanil, tonka bean, and floral notes, but the real question was: Could Sexy Vanilla live up to the hype and the current buzz surrounding its inspiration?
Packaging, Bottle, and Atomizer
Let's start with the packaging, which always sets a strong first impression. The outer unit carton is made from high-quality embossed cardboard, giving it a premium feel while still being recyclable—something which I personally appreciate.
The bottle itself has a substantial weight to it—enough to convey luxury, but not so heavy that it feels cumbersome.
Now, the atomizer is often a make-or-break detail in fragrance, but I'm happy to report that Sexy Vanilla is not let down here. The atomizer dispenses a fine mist that delivers just the right amount of fragrance, which can be seen in our video.
The bottle itself has a substantial weight to it—enough to convey luxury, but not so heavy that it feels cumbersome.
Now, the atomizer is often a make-or-break detail in fragrance, but I'm happy to report that Sexy Vanilla is not let down here. The atomizer dispenses a fine mist that delivers just the right amount of fragrance, which can be seen in our video.
Overall, I’d give Oudessa a 10/10 in the packaging department. Every detail feels thoughtfully considered, making the unboxing experience a true pleasure.
The Fragrance
When I first tested Sexy Vanilla on a paper test strip, I wasn't entirely convinced. A green almond note was prominent, and I wasn't sure where the fragrance was heading. But as anyone who loves perfume will tell you, you can’t judge a fragrance by a test strip. Once applied to skin, the transformation was remarkable.
The initial spray offers a beautiful burst of vanilla—not overly sweet, just the perfect balance of warmth and richness. It’s unisex and elegant, without being cloying. As the fragrance develops, the bitter almond and subtle floral notes come through, and I honestly think they’re even better executed than in Tom Ford’s original. The dry-down is just divine: a rich, warm vanilla that lingers, complemented by tonka bean and almond.
As someone whose skin tends to "eat" fragrance quickly, I was thrilled to find that Sexy Vanilla lasted a solid 6-7 hours—an impressive feat, especially given the price. For $54, you’re getting a 50ml bottle that holds up remarkably well.
How Does It Compare to Tom Ford’s Vanilla Sex?
In terms of similarity, I’d say Sexy Vanilla is about 95% of the way there, and in the best way.
The parts of Vanilla Sex that I wasn’t particularly fond of are absent, yet Sexy Vanilla manages to retain the heart and soul of the original. I’m genuinely impressed with how well this budget brand has captured the essence of such a luxurious fragrance.
The parts of Vanilla Sex that I wasn’t particularly fond of are absent, yet Sexy Vanilla manages to retain the heart and soul of the original. I’m genuinely impressed with how well this budget brand has captured the essence of such a luxurious fragrance.
The Verdict on Dupes
Let’s face it, there are plenty of "dupe" brands out there, and I've often found that corners are cut in one way or another. Either the fragrance isn’t a true match, or it lacks staying power, or the packaging feels cheap. But Oudessa is an exception. They’ve somehow managed to offer a scent that’s incredibly close to the original, with great longevity, all while maintaining top-notch packaging, and at an affordable price. I’m still not sure how they’ve done it, but I’m certainly not complaining.
Given the current cost-of-living challenges, it’s refreshing to see a brand like Oudessa ensuring we don’t have to forgo high-end, luxury fragrances just because we’re being more mindful of our spending.
Exclusive Offer
And here's some good news for you! Oudessa has generously offered the FJ community an exclusive discount-use code “FJ10” at checkout to save 10% on any purchase made on their website https://oudessa.com/. I highly encourage you to try some of their fragrances and let us know what you think!