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 - Hidden Cherry
Having first sampled Oudessa last month and shared my thoughts on their incredible Sexy Vanilla—a fragrance clearly inspired by Vanilla Sex—I'd been eagerly anticipating the chance to dive into another one of their creations. This time, it was Hidden Cherry, a fragrance inspired by the iconic Tom Ford Lost Cherry.
After being so impressed by Sexy Vanilla, I was curious if Hidden Cherry could live up to the hype or if Oudessa was just a "one-hit wonder."
From the moment I sprayed Hidden Cherry, I was captivated. The opening is absolutely stunning, with an indulgent mix of bitter almond, dark cherry, and cherry liqueur. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter, immediately grabbing attention with a luxurious, almost boozy vibe. The richness of the cherry liqueur adds a true gourmand feel, drawing you in with its complexity.
As it begins to settle, the heart of the fragrance reveals itself. The sour cherry introduces a tartness that contrasts the initial sweetness, while the plum adds a juicy depth. The Turkish rose and jasmine sambac lend an elegant floral touch, softening the fruitiness and adding a level of sophistication to the scent. It’s a perfect transition from the bold opening to something more balanced and refined.
But what really impresses about Hidden Cherry is the dry-down. The base is where this fragrance truly shines—vanilla and tonka bean offer a smooth, comforting sweetness, while the cinnamon, Peru balsam, and benzoin add warmth and depth. The woody elements of sandalwood, cedar, patchouli, and vetiver create an earthy, grounded finish that lingers on the skin for hours.
Let’s talk about longevity.
Where Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry can fade a bit quicker than you’d like (I am honestly lucky to get 2 hours out of it), Hidden Cherry stays powerfully present throughout the day. I easily get around 6-8 hours from it, making it a true standout in terms of performance, when compared to the OG.
So, does Hidden Cherry match up to the success of Sexy Vanilla? Absolutely!
In fact, it may just be another testament to Oudessa’s ability to craft high-quality, inspired fragrances. They’ve proven they’re not a "one-hit wonder," and Hidden Cherry is further proof of their impressive range.
If you’re a fan of Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry but want something with more staying power and better value for money, Hidden Cherry is a must-try. Oudessa continues to impress with their ability to deliver luxurious, long-lasting scents at an affordable price.
Top tip-Try layering Hidden Cherry & Sexy Vanilla! Its an absolutely incredible combo, and at only $54 per bottle, it wont break the bank either
After being so impressed by Sexy Vanilla, I was curious if Hidden Cherry could live up to the hype or if Oudessa was just a "one-hit wonder."
From the moment I sprayed Hidden Cherry, I was captivated. The opening is absolutely stunning, with an indulgent mix of bitter almond, dark cherry, and cherry liqueur. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter, immediately grabbing attention with a luxurious, almost boozy vibe. The richness of the cherry liqueur adds a true gourmand feel, drawing you in with its complexity.
As it begins to settle, the heart of the fragrance reveals itself. The sour cherry introduces a tartness that contrasts the initial sweetness, while the plum adds a juicy depth. The Turkish rose and jasmine sambac lend an elegant floral touch, softening the fruitiness and adding a level of sophistication to the scent. It’s a perfect transition from the bold opening to something more balanced and refined.
But what really impresses about Hidden Cherry is the dry-down. The base is where this fragrance truly shines—vanilla and tonka bean offer a smooth, comforting sweetness, while the cinnamon, Peru balsam, and benzoin add warmth and depth. The woody elements of sandalwood, cedar, patchouli, and vetiver create an earthy, grounded finish that lingers on the skin for hours.
Let’s talk about longevity.
Where Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry can fade a bit quicker than you’d like (I am honestly lucky to get 2 hours out of it), Hidden Cherry stays powerfully present throughout the day. I easily get around 6-8 hours from it, making it a true standout in terms of performance, when compared to the OG.
So, does Hidden Cherry match up to the success of Sexy Vanilla? Absolutely!
In fact, it may just be another testament to Oudessa’s ability to craft high-quality, inspired fragrances. They’ve proven they’re not a "one-hit wonder," and Hidden Cherry is further proof of their impressive range.
If you’re a fan of Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry but want something with more staying power and better value for money, Hidden Cherry is a must-try. Oudessa continues to impress with their ability to deliver luxurious, long-lasting scents at an affordable price.
Top tip-Try layering Hidden Cherry & Sexy Vanilla! Its an absolutely incredible combo, and at only $54 per bottle, it wont break the bank either
You can also use the code "FJ10" at checkout & get an extra 10% off your order, exclusively for the FJ family!!
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!