I have spent more money on vanilla perfumes than I care to admit to my bank account. We have all seen the "vanilla girl" aesthetic plastered across every social feed, but let is be real: half the time you either end up smelling like a cheap car air freshener or you are out two hundred dollars for a bottle that disappears before you even leave the house. I picked up Khadlaj Sawaar Vanille Blanc on a whim because the buzz was getting too loud to ignore, and for once, I am not mad at the algorithm for de-influencing my savings.
The Spun-Sugar Cloud Experience
The first thing you notice about Vanille Blanc is that it does not hit you with that sharp, rubbing-alcohol sting that usually comes with affordable scents. It opens with this airy, almost fluffy combination of Powdered Sugar and a very crisp, subtle Apple note. It does not smell like a literal fruit basket; it smells like the idea of a fancy dessert being served in a room with very expensive curtains. The bottle itself is an absolute unit—heavy glass that feels significantly more luxe than the thirty-nine dollar price tag suggests. Finally, something that does not look sad on my vanity next to my designer bottles.
The Chaotic Travel Day Test
I decided to put this to the ultimate test during a six-hour travel day involving two delayed flights and the general misery of airport security. Usually, my fragrance is the first thing to give up on me under the stress of recycled airplane air, but this stayed cozy. It moved from that sweet, sugary opening into a much creamier, Cashmere and Amber heart that felt like wearing a literal hug. By the time I was waiting at baggage claim, I could still catch whiffs of the Sandalwood and Benzoin base notes.
- Wear Time: Easily 8+ hours on skin, and it clings to sweaters for days.
- Sillage: It creates a polite "scent bubble." People standing next to you will smell it, but you are not going to clear out an elevator.
- Texture: This is an Extrait de Parfum with 30% oil concentration, so it feels slightly richer on the skin than a standard spray.
The Final Verdict
If you have been eyeing high-end vanillas but cannot justify the "splurge" right now, this is a phenomenal alternative. It is frequently compared to Phlur Vanilla Skin, but in my experience, the Khadlaj version is much creamier and lasts significantly longer. It manages to be sweet without being juvenile and woody without smelling like a campfire. It is the kind of scent that makes you feel put together even when you are just wearing leggings and a messy bun.
Who Should Buy This:
- Anyone who wants to smell "expensive" on a CVS budget.
- Vanilla lovers who prefer a creamy, airy vibe over a heavy, spicy one.
- People who need their fragrance to actually last through a full shift.
Who Should Skip This:
- If you hate gourmand or sweet scents, stay far away; this is a sugar-lover's dream.
- Those looking for a "beast mode" fragrance that people can smell from a block away.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Lauren