Vanilla Sex
Eau de Parfum, Tom Ford (2023)

This is a pretty nice vanilla, tonka and almond fragrance. The negative thing is that there are many others out with the same notes that can be purchased for much less. The longevity is very good with this one though.

I recently reignited an interest in locating a unique, well-blended, vanilla-forward fragrance. I am not necessarily searching for an uber-gourmand vanilla fragrance. But I do hope for something warm, enveloping, inviting, comforting.

Among a few other fragrances, someone suggested I try TF Vanilla Sex.

To me, this opens as a rather bitter, prominent "bitter almond" note that projects strongly straight out of the gate. The almond opening is followed by a whisper of vanilla, which attempts to morph and blend with the opening. I would say the vanilla is more "vanilla extract" type versus anything vanilla baked.

That's about it. Bitter almond and a vanilla extract notes just as the manufacturer lists.

This is definitely a hard pass for me.

I love it! It’s a great blend of warm vanilla with an unexpectedly sexy musky base note. It’s a perfect “good girl / bad girl” fragrance for me and it layers well with many fragrances. The vanilla lasts longer than the musk so eventually the dry down is a gentle vanilla.

It's a bit disappointing; maybe my expectations were too high. I've heard people talk about a strong vanilla extract note, like the one in Spiriteuse Double Vanille, but I don't pick up on that richness. Not a fan of the almond note at the beginning, but luckily, it fades, leaving a soft vanilla with a hint of tonka beans. Performance is decent, but overall, it feels like another money grab. I'd say skip it.