Best Perfumes for Women

Oriana vs Delina by Parfums de Marly

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Oriana and Delina are two of the most popular women’s perfumes from Parfums de Marly. As such, they are many times the two final choices, that people will decide between buying.

I have tested each of them and actually really like both of these scents. However, which of them actually smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy? Here is my full breakdown of this competition.

 

 

Tale of the Tape: Oriana vs Delina

Oriana

Notes include: orange blossom, marshmallow, grapefruit, orange, bergamot, raspberry, black currant, whipped cream, musk, ambrette

Click here to try: Oriana

Delina

Notes include: rose, rhubarb, litchee, musk, vanilla, peony, and vetiver

Click here to try: PARFUMS de MARLY Delina, 2.5 fl. oz.

Read my review: Delina

Opening

Delina starts off with a very pleasant fruity and powdery blend. The rose is already out and prominent alongside that litchee note.

It’s sweet, yet also tart and juicy. The litchee is joined by a bright bergamot citrus aroma and a tart rhubarb bringing it all together.

Later, the peony and vanilla will ascend, but this is what I get early on with this PdM fragrance.

Oriana opens up with raspberry and citrus up top. Early on, it is more of a light and sugary sweet type of aroma, with some tart qualities.

The light creaminess and powdery aroma will come along more so in the middle act, once some of the fruitiness burns off, and the marshmallow takes on a larger role. Orange blossom and marshmallow with a sweet fruitiness, is the core of what I get.

So, Delina is more powdery in the front end of things, and Oriana in the back half.

Which is better? I like both of them. I think that I have a slight preference for what I get out of Delina, at the start.

Edge: Delina

Projection

Neither of these have too heavy of a scent, but do a good job at hanging around and projecting themselves.

With Delina, it hangs out in the 4-6 foot range from the skin. Pretty moderate, for the most part, but definitely not weak.

With Oriana, it’s somewhat lighter and more airy than is Delina. Not so much so, but I feel like it’s a step behind its competitor in this category.

Edge: Delina

Longevity

Delina gets me in the 9-10 range, on skin. It’s a very good performer, but just shy of being an elite one.

With Oriana, it’s not a beast performer. 6.5-8 hours or thereabout. I’ve never found it to be totally lacking, but it doesn’t last super long, and doesn’t match what I’ve gotten with Delina.

Edge: Delina

Versatility

Seasonally, I think both of these are more suited for the spring and summer months. But, anything from a temperate climate to higher heat works.

Each of them is more of a daily wear and potential signature scent. But, I think that Delina is more well put together and ‘mature’, I feel like it’d fit in better in more places.

You could wear them at night, but both are better served in the daytime. Not really sexy ‘night club beasts’, though they are attractive.

I’d give a slight edge to Delina in more formal situations.

Edge: Delina

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Parfums de Marly perfumes do I enjoy more?

In actuality, these are two of my favorites from the women’s side of things by this brand. As such, the competition is closer than it seems.

With Oriana, I enjoy the lightness and the fruity/sugary sweetness that it provides. The whipped cream and powdery dynamic is awesome.

Hints of soapy clean. The marshmallow, orange blossom, musk are really great in the back half. However, that also might not be for everyone.

The performance is decent, but not spectacular for the price.

Between them, I’d say that Delina gets the nod for me. I think that it smells somewhat better overall. The rose and peony are used better than the orange blossom or Oriana. It’s got more of a balance and I also enjoy what it develops into.

Plus, the performance is better. 

For most people, I’d say Delina. Unless that sweet fruitiness of Oriana sounds like more your style, go with Delina.

Winner: Delina

4 Perfumes Similar to Mod Vanilla

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Mod Vanilla was one that I bought a travel sprayer of (along with Mod Blush) back when it was first release. Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised at just how popular of a perfume it has since become, but I kind of am.

With that popularity, has also come people searching for potential alternatives to this Ariana Grande scent. Whether it’s something that similar but a bit different, a cheaper substitute, or one that aims to try and match the same Mod vibe; here is my ongoing list keeping track of perfumes which fit the bill.

Fragrances that Smell Like Mod Vanilla by Ariana Grande

mod vanilla review

An Inspiration

Dark Plum Vanille by Dua Brand– So, the rest of the list after this will be perfumes that are similar without trying to be a near match to our target. However, the Dua Brand does have their inspired version of Mod, Dark Plum Vanille.

If you want a cheaper alternative that aims to be close to the original, this is currently your best bet.

Now, I have yet to try this one from Dua. They usually do a great job and I’ve owned over a dozen of their other ‘inspired’ fragrances, so I trust that they can make the most of this formula (and the reviews seem to think they did).

40 Sweets

Cheirosa 40 by Sol de Janeiro– This one from Sol de Janeiro often gets compared to Mod Vanilla and it is indeed similar. Not the same, mind you, but pretty close for a body mist.

Plum and cassis are notes up top which give this one a sweetness, while being a bit tart. To me, the fruitiness is the main distinction, 40 has a much greater influence with those notes than the plum that’s in the Ariana perfume.

It’s a light and sweet fragrance with some floral influence (jasmine mainly), musk, amber, and of course the vanilla. Actually, fairly creamy at times, and also a good stretch where it leans more powdery and musky.

Pretty nice as a potential substitute for Mod Vanilla, since it’s not too expensive. Again, don’t expect an exact match, just something quite familiar.

Cloud

Cloud by Ariana Grande– Yes, another release from Ariana Grande. There are lots of them with a ton of overlap, Mod Vanilla and Cloud are such a case.

To me, it’s mainly in the sweetness (praline) and the musk notes, with the vanilla that makes it a fairly close comparison between them. Now, they’re not the same, just similar. It’s difficult to not smell comparable, with so many common notes.

Outside of that, Cloud has a lavender and musky finish. While with Mod Vanilla, I got more of a powdery back half with a sugary/musky/warm aroma.

Either way, if you haven’t tried Cloud and like Mod Vanilla, this might be for you. Cloud review

Viva Delicious

Viva Vanilla by Bath & Body Works– This one comes in variants of body spray, perfume, and lotion. So, there’s going to be slight differences in how it comes across from each type.

This is a very much simplified fragrance compared to Mod Vanilla, but also quite similar in what it does.

Here, you have: vanilla, plum, and amber. Warm and somewhat smoky with how it comes across and the sweetness is toned down. To me, the plum note in the Ariana Grande perfume is already very light, so it not being too big of a factor here isn’t much different.

But, the sweetness of the floral notes, cocoa butter, and praline are absent. As is the musk. Not an exact match here, but what you get for this price point is quite beautiful and has enough similarities to be worthwhile to check out.

4 Perfumes Similar to Vanilla Sex

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Vanilla Sex is a release which has really caught on for the brand since its release. Not too complicated of a perfume, but one that has a rather unique feel within a space of vanilla scents, that is extremely well covered.

On this page, I want to keep track of other fragrances that I find which either smell similar to or have a close style to or are cheaper alternatives to this popular Tom Ford fragrance.

Fragrances that Smell Like Vanilla Sex by Tom Ford

Vanilla Closeness

Intimate with Vanilla by Dua Brand– Very clever with the wordplay on the Vanilla Sex moniker, but Intimate is the ‘inspired by’ take on this Tom Ford perfume from The Dua Brand.

If you want an option that tries to match what you get with our target fragrance, this release from Dua should be as good as any. I’ve bought over a dozen scents from them and they really do come close to the mark each time.

Vanilla, tonka bean, bitter almond, sandalwood, and the rest are here. I haven’t tried this one out personally, as of now, but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.  So, it makes the cut.

Another Inspirational Vanilla

Gourmand Vanilla by Dossier– For those who want something that is trying to be as close to smelling like the Tom Ford as it can, Gourmand Vanilla is another option.

I’ve also had good experience with Dossier’s perfumes, the pricing is good and they seem to come close to the designer fragrances, most of the time.

You might want to just see which one is cheaper on any given day. But, here’s a backup choice instead of the Dua.

Tahitian Vanilla

Vanille de Tahiti- This one from Perris isn’t the same as Vanilla Sex, but it is another vanilla perfume with a somewhat similar style and some overlaps.

Vanille de Tahiti has a fairly short-lived stage, in which it has a dirtier and earthy kind of aroma on top of the main vanilla note. Champaca and ylang-ylang. That will clear out and the champaca smells a lot like orange flower.

A floral and tropical kind of fragrance, that becomes dry and more powdery instead of creamy with its vanilla finish. Sandalwood and amber round things out.

I quite enjoyed wearing my sample vial of Vanille de Tahiti. The opening few minutes almost put me off of it, but it gets way better thereafter. This is one that if you like the Tom Ford perfume, you’ll probably like this one too, even if it’s not an exact match.

Deeper Hypnosis

Hypnotic Poison– Another one that’s not the same and probably the most distinct from Vanilla Sex on the list, but has plenty of overlap. Mainly, the vanilla and almond notes being prominent in the mix.

This is also a more complex scent, so, there are more facets to it than in Vanilla.

I get a more noticeable almond here with the Dior than in the Tom Ford, which is much more vanilla centered. The fruity notes also separate it with both apricot and plum making an appearance. The floral heart is also more of a factor, thanks to jasmine, and a sweetish tuberose.

Again, not going to be a near duplicate of the same aroma, but one that should have plenty of fans that are into wearing the Tom Ford scent too. Nice performance and one that’s been popular for a long time.

Angels’ Share Paradis by Kilian

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Angels’ Share, the wildly popular release from Kilian has finally got a proper flanker version that has some significant changes from the original here in 2025, Angels’ Share Paradis.

I bought a decant of this newer Kilian perfume in order to test it out and compare it with my bottle of Angels’ Share. How does it smell? Does Paradis last long? Is it actually worth a buy?

Angels’ Share Paradis Overview

Notes include: raspberry liquor, cognac, praline, tonka bean, Bulgarian rose, moss, oak, sandalwood

Click here to try: Paradis

My Full Review

Angels’ Share Paradis starts things off with a boozier aroma than the original. The cognac and raspberry liquor are really prominent versus the apple and cinnamon kick that you get with the first Kilian release in this series.

So, it’s more alcoholic, sweeter, and doesn’t have the same spiciness.

The next things that I notice, in terms of differences, are the tonka bean and moss notes.

The moss note hear gives Paradis a fresher and woodsy vibe that the original doesn’t have. Now, the oakmoss isn’t a massive note, but it is a persistent one which plays its smaller role well.

The tonka bean also seems like they added to it in this version of Angels’ Share. The more that I wore this one, the more noticeable the tonka bean was, particularly in the middle act of its development.

Also, there is a Bulgarian rose addition to this. Not too distinct, since it does have a lighter sweetness and greenish touches usually. As such, it blends in pretty well in this mix.

The back half of this feels like the original Angels’ Share with some raspberry lingering around and that moss.  Warm, with oak, and an edible gourmand aroma to it.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The performance here is exactly the same that I get with Angels’ Share. Tried both multiple times both together and separate. Noticed no difference.

Maybe you could say that the sillage is a bit lighter thanks to the slight freshness of Paradis. To me, not really. The projection is still quite strong when it opens up and it lasts as a moderate perfume for the rest of the way.

Longevity is also in the 9-13 hour range for me. No increase, but they also didn’t manage to screw this up.

Seasonally, this is still an autumn and winter wear. Have tried it on a warmer day and wasn’t feeling the results. I’d stick with the cooler parts of the year.

Still indeed a unisex and very versatile with it. Mass appealing, but maybe you don’t want to wear a boozy scent to the office. Same rules apply as Angels’ Share.

Overall Impressions of Angels’ Share Paradis

Overall, do I like Angels’ Share Paradis? Yes. However, I don’t like it more than the original and that kind of defeats the purpose of me owning a bottle. Especially, at the elevated price point versus what I can get a refill of Angels’ Share for.

It’s different but not greatly so. Plus, the performance is basically the same as what I already get with the first one.

The raspberry is a nice addition and the moss adds a nice touch to the blend, but I’m not too excited about it versus what I already have a bottle of.

I do think it’s worth trying out, if you liked the original. If you can test it out, these differences might make a bigger impact on your sense of smell than it did mine. Angels’ Share Paradis is a very likeable perfume, still great, but a step behind its predecessor in my opinion.

Personally, I’ve wanted to wear my travel sprayer of Smoking Hot by Kilian versus getting a bottle of Paradis. I would grab a full bottle of that or a refill of the original, before shelling out more money for a raspberry version.

Divine EDP vs Le Parfum by Gaultier

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Gaultier’s Divine has already become a wildly popular perfume release. As such, they followed up the original eau de parfum version with a newer Le Parfum in 2024.

I recently received samples of both of these scents with my latest Gaultier order. How do each of these smell? How long do they last? Which of them is the better fragrance?

Tale of the Tape: Divine EDP vs Le Parfum

Divine EDP

Notes include: calypsone, lily, ylang-ylang, salty note, meringue, musk, patchouli

Click here to try: Gaultier Divine EDP

Le Parfum

Notes include: lily, frangipani, salt, solar notes, amber, benzoin

Click here to try: Divine Le Parfum

Opening

Divine EDP opens up with a salty aquatic accord, sitting on top of white floral notes. The calypsone gives it a watermelon sort of aroma that is paired with some other light fruit notes including bergamot.

It’s bright, cold, and has a sweetness to it that is an interesting play off of that saltiness. The meringue note is already adding a touch of powder to this blend, which I’ve really enjoyed catching whiffs of.

Personally, I don’t get the ‘egg’ sort of aroma that the meringue can put off. If it’s there, it’s sitting underneath enough of everything else for me to not pick up on. Though, just be aware that other people have talked about this being a factor.

Pressing my nose up close, there’s a lot going on here, a bit messy at times. However, in the air Divine EDP absolutely works well in this opening stage.

Le Parfum does away with much the aquatic accord and zeros in on that saltiness and lily note that is found in the original. At least early, the saltiness fades here much quicker on me than the EDP.

The melon like freshness is there to some extent, but the solar notes, and amber are already taking a large share of the attention early on.

After 10 minutes or so, it becomes sweeter and the frangipani becomes more apparent. Though, this isn’t a great frangipani note to me, nor one that truly stands out on its own.

It’s creamier and warmer than what you get with the eau de parfum version. But, it is still very much a tight blend of notes.

Which is better?

The similarities are there for sure and I actually like both of these perfumes quite a lot after testing them. Though, I think that I’ll give the opening act to Le Parfum.

Edge: Le Parfum

Projection

The eau de parfum will leave a nice scent trail in your wake. It’s not a super heavy feeling fragrance, it’s fresh and aquatic with how it presents, but the projection is good. I’d say it’s above average but not massive.

Le Parfum has a ‘thicker’ feeling to wear, but it still retains some of that fresher aspect of Divine EDP. It’s the sweeter of the two fragrances and also has a larger reach than the original.

It’s strong, and at times, very strong if you give it a few too many sprays. Le Parfum will moderate, but it easily takes this category.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Again, this is another category that I don’t think will really disappoint anyone purchasing either of these perfumes.

The EDP will last somewhere in the 8 hour range, on my skin. Maybe it can go an extra hour or so, but that seems to be about it.

Le Parfum will last for over 10 hours. I’m not sure exactly when it quits, I’d guess in the 12 hour timeframe on skin.

So, both of these are performers, but Le Parfum takes it to a higher level than does the original.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

With the EDP, it is more of use in the spring and summer months. Or, when it is moderate to warmer out.

Le Parfum has it edged, however. It can pretty much go year round. I don’t think it’ll hold up quite as well in the higher heat versus Divine EDP, but it should do well in the warmer weather, and can

Neither of these is a formal sort of scent. The EDP can feel pretty casual and has that beachy sort of vibe to it. That’s more of a daytime wear, while Divine Le Parfum can fit in day or night, a bit better.

Edge: Le Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which Gaultier Divine perfume do I enjoy more?

This is a tough call for me, since I really do like each of these scents. As far as mass appealing perfumes go, these are both unique enough from the field and have great performance.

It’s actually closer than it looks based on how the categories each played out.

With Divine EDP, I like the kind of salty watermelon aroma that I get in the beginning and that meringue actually works well on my skin. The florals and musk are nice enough when they begin to come out more in the mid of this perfume.

I lean more towards Le Parfum with how it smells. I like the amber and benzoin combination in the dry down. Furthermore, the extra performance that I can get from this perfume and the versatility, really solidifies my pick between them.

That being said, it might be a good idea to try either of these before you buy, if you’re someone unfamiliar. I think they’re pretty safe blind buys, but there does seem to be somewhat sizeable contingent of people who don’t like these formulations.

Winner: Le Parfum