Best Perfumes for Women

Santal 33 vs. Baccarat Rouge 540

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Santal 33 by Le Labo and Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 have been two of the most popular and best-selling perfumes of the past few decades. The type of fragrances that you can detect almost anywhere, when walking through a crowd.

Because of this massive success, it often becomes a two way race for many people, as to which on they’d want to buy. A bit odd, considering how different these scents are from one another. However, which of these actually is the better perfume? Continue below for my full comparison.

Tale of the Tape: Santal 33 vs. BR 540

Santal 33

Notes include: sandalwood, violet, iris, amber, cardamom, leather, papyrus, cedar

Click here to try: Santal 33 on Amazon

Read my original review: Santal 33

Baccarat Rouge 540

Notes include: saffron, hedione, cedar, ambroxan, fir resin

Click Here to try: BR 540 at Saks

Read my full review: Baccarat Rouge 504 EDP

Opening

Santal 33 starts off with a blend of cardamom, sandalwood, papyrus, leather, and violet. It has a slight spice, but nothing too much.

People do talk about a dill or a pickle juice sort of aroma with Santal 33. I’ve never gotten too much of that, personally. For some, it may be more prominent, but I doubt it for most people.

Leather and the papyrus are the two interesting notes here to me. Otherwise, this opening act is kind of uninspiring, in my opinion. Later, the development becomes softer, woodier, with a powdery finish. That’s much better.

With Baccarat Rouge, we begin with the saffron note and the jasmine. It’s clean with a resinous and woody base. To me, the jasmine note has a bit of a lemon sort of finish to it. Nothing massive, but it’s always there on me.

Somewhat spicy at times, but the ambroxan notes are really going to start coming through very early in the wear.

Which is better? The opening of Santal might be its weakest point. Going head to head versus BR 540, I’m going to take how the latter of the two starts off.

Edge: BR 540

Projection

Santal 33 has the lighter sillage of the two. However, it’s certainly not weak and has a pretty darn good projection for the first hours of the wear. I’d say it projects to about a 7 foot radius, at it’s peak.

Not amazing. But, good enough.

Santal doesn’t hit the same level as Baccarat. It’s not a super heavy scent, but it’s always projected well above average for me. It settles down into something more moderate, but it’s peak and sustained power is greater than that of the Le Labo.

Edge: BR 540

Longevity

On my skin, Santal 33 lasts for 7-8 hours. It’s fairly good performance, but nothing elite by any stretch of the imagination.

It’s a fairly easy win for Baccarat in this category. It has a wider range of outcomes for me, but it has a much higher ceiling than does the Le Labo.

I get a minimum of 8 hours of wear out of BR 540 and up to 12 hours. Somewhere around 10 is what I expect, of course that can fall short or exceed it by a good margin.

Edge: BR 540

Versatility

Here’s a category where I will give an edge to Santal 33. I do think that it’s a bit more versatile in warmer weather. Closer to being a year round perfume versus the autumn and winter dominance of BR 540.

The Le Labo is also closer to a more genuine unisex. Most guys would rather wear Santal 33 versus Baccarat (though some can pull off either).

Edge: Santal 33

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these perfumes do I prefer? In terms of how each smells, it’s a closer race than you might expect from the outcomes of the categories. The scent of each of them is pretty much dead even, in my opinion.

So, a lot of this is going to come down to the performance. Also, the fact that Baccarat has a better start.

With Santal 33, I really enjoy the dry down. It’s what saves the perfume from just being pure hype. Slightly sweet, powdery, and woody. The violet, amber, iris, leather, and woods are really good.

I actually prefer the dry down period a bit more than Baccarat. Those notes are more appealing than the cedar and ambroxan which come on stronger in the tail end of Baccarat (which isn’t bad at all).

Each of these perfumes, does feature something that can be bothersome to a certain percentage of people, which is why I’d recommend sampling before a full purchase to see if you’re one of them.

With Santal 33, it’s the so-called ‘pickle juice’ smell. With Baccarat, it’s the ‘dentist office/plastic’ aroma that some get. Neither is present on me, but I guess some people can get some odd smells out of these perfumes.

I give a very slight edge to Baccarat for the win. It’s really a neck and neck battle between them. I suppose you could also say that Santal 33 has more value based on price, but both of these are expensive fragrances.

Here’s my posts on cheaper alternative to each, if you want to save some money: Baccarat Rouge Alternatives, Santal 33 

Winner: Baccarat Rouge 540

4 Perfumes Similar Smelling to Thank U Next

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Thank U, Next has become a very popular release from Ariana Grande. It actually smells familiar and like other perfumes on the market, yet, it has unique points which keep it distinct.

For a good portion of people, this scent doesn’t particularly work on their skin, and has a so-called ‘pickle’ aroma.

I never got that during testing, but it seems to be a problem for some. Anyway, I wanted to present some similar alternatives to Thank U, Next that might be a better substitute.

Which perfumes smell comparable to Thank U, Next?

I haven’t found an exact match of the Ariana Grande scent, as of now. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper super close smelling perfume of it, I’m not sure it yet exists. But, I’ll update the page over time if that changes.

Even Thank U, Next 2.0 doesn’t exactly do the same thing as the original. You can read my comparison here: Thank U, Next vs. 2.0

The Closest Thing

Malibu Night by Dime– This is the best option that I’ve found so far, if you want something that smells quite a lot like Thank U, Next. The problem is, it’s not any cheaper. Basically, a lateral move.

However, Malibu Night also doesn’t smell exactly the same as the Ariana scent. So, there are a few differences.

This does have a good amount of juiciness of raspberry up top. But, the coconut will take control. Quite tropical at times, in it’s presentation, but settles down into something with more of a musky aroma.

Still has that creaminess in the finish. But, I think that Malibu Night uses it’s rose and peony notes a tad stronger than what you get with Thank U, Next. Lighter with a very nice coconut aroma, less of the pure sweetness, but still quite similar.

More Floral, Great Pear

Donna Acqua by Valentino– Donna Acqua is a great fragrance that shares some overlap with Thank U, Next in terms of its notes and overall style. The pear is what is really going to stand out, as their shared commonality.

This Valentino scent is more floral and less sweet when compared to the Ariana frag. The frangipani adds sweet creaminess (along with sandalwood), that mimics aspects of the coconut in our target scent. Plus, the almond provides an additional nuttiness, and furthers the gourmand quality.

The pear gives this the ‘Acqua’ title and it’s a pretty similar experience to Thank U. However, it is probably stronger in this one and doesn’t have to split duties with the raspberry. Donna Acqua takes on more floral characteristics as it dries down, with an additional jasmine note.

Bolder and Better for Cold

Classique Intense by JPG– This Gaultier scent has similarities that many fans of Thank U, Next should enjoy. It’s not a smell alike, but shares aspects with both Thank U, Next and 2.0.

This is a creamy and fruity white floral fragrance with tropical hints peaking through. This one is better in the colder months than the more spring/summer friendly Ariana perfume. Classique Intense is sort of an inversion of much of the Thank U, Next style.

Pomegranate like 2.0, without the sheer juicy quality of the pear note. The pear is a note that may be giving some people the odd smell or one that some simply do not enjoy. Instead, you get tiare, vanilla and orange blossom along with the rose of the original Thank U.

Powerful, sweet, and great for the winter months. Think of it as a Thank U, Next’s slightly more mature and sexy cousin.

Potential One?

Eyes on Me by Miu Miu– Now, this is a newer release and I haven’t gotten to try it yet. But, the overall structure and notes seem to really share a great deal with Thank U, Next. So, I’ll link to it and update, if and when I get to try. As of now, you may have to order it from Japan.

Raspberry, macaron, and rose. It looks like this one lacks the pear and the musk note. But, you get benzoin in the base, which actually might be an improvement. It is pricier than the Ariana Grande perfume, but who knows how much better it might be.

Just on the face of it, Eyes on Me looks like an exceedingly close match. Sans pear note, it just might work better for people, also.

Ariana Grande Cloud vs Thank U Next

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Ariana Grande’s perfume line has become super successful over the past handful of years. Not just one dominant best-seller, but multiple fan favorites have been brought to market. Two of them, are Cloud and Thank U, Next. Two fragrances that are distinct from one another, yet actually share some of the same notes.

It can be a hard decision to pick one of them versus the other. However, in this post, I will do just that. Comparing each on a head to head basis, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Tale of the Tape: Thank U, Next vs. Cloud 

Cloud

Notes include: pear, lavender, bergamot, praline, whipped cream, vanilla orchid, coconut, musk, wood

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray, clear, 3.4 oz

Read my full review: Cloud by Ariana Grande

Thank U, Next

Notes include: pear, coconut water, macarons, pink rose, raspberry, musk

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Thank U, Next Perfume 3.4 oz

Read my full review: Thank U, Next

Opening

Cloud opens up with a blend of notes lead by pear, that is both sweet and bright. The lavender note makes itself known early on, but has sort of a rough finish to it. Cloud itself has a light, fluffy, and sort of airy style to it.

Later on, more of the praline, musk, and whipped cream will emerge in support of the main stars of this perfume.

Meanwhile, Thank U, starts out with that same pear note that is joined by an even juicier and delicious raspberry. Also, very sparkling with how it smells. This is paired with warm macarons and the coconut note that is also in Cloud.

Thank U, Next is a bit thicker but each has that watery sweetness provided by the coconut. Which might be slightly more noticeable in Thank U, Next.

Which is better?

For me, it’s a close call. Some people apparently get a pickle juice aroma from Thank U, on their skin, but I don’t at all.

These two do share a similar overlap, but I think I prefer the macaron note versus the lavender that presents in Cloud.

Edge: Thank U, Next

Projection

The opening act of each, hits about the same level of sillage as the other. Both Ariana Grande perfumes, are strong and project themselves well for a time after spraying.

The separation comes once each has settled. Cloud is pretty moderate, you’ll know it’s there, but it’s not consuming the room.

Thank U, Next is also moderate but closer to what could be considered strong. It’ll project itself from the skin, a few feet further, and just pack a bigger punch in general.

Edge: Thank U, Next

Longevity

On my skin, Cloud will stick around for about 6 hours. It has consistently been at this level, each time that I’ve tested it out over the years. It’s solid enough, but never reaches an elite standard.

Thank U, Next has a wider spectrum than its competitor, but is ultimately a longer lasting scent. This perfume will go 7-8.5 hours on me. It can vary, depending on the day, but it exceeds what Cloud does.

Edge: Thank U, Next

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are very versatile. Some Ariana Grande perfumes are geared more towards teenagers. These two, can definitely be appreciated by a wider age group than others in the line.

Seasonally, Cloud is better suited for the cold to moderate temperatures of autumn through early spring. Thank U, shines in the spring and summer months, but can venture into the colder weather.

Hotter days favor Thank U. Colder days favor Cloud.

Can be worn casually or out at night. Neither is super formal, probably not an office scent for most folks. They pretty much occupy the same space. No clear winner here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Cloud is a nice perfume. I’m personally not that high on it, but I do enjoy it to some extent. I think that its association as a BR 540 ‘clone’ has hyped it up somewhat.

Nonetheless, the experience of wear Cloud is a pleasant one. The lavender is my least favorite aspect, in the early stages. But, I really like the dry down period of light and clean sweetness. The coconut, whipped cream, and praline.

The Cloud moniker is very apt. The newer releases in the series, Cloud 2.0 and Cloud Pink are quite similar, but a bit better than the original.

Still, Thank U, Next is more enjoyable. Thank U 2.0, isn’t as good as the original.

To me, Thank U, Next is the better perfume. It smells better and performs well. I think it’s one of Ariana’s top releases. The raspberry, coconut, and pear notes are really nice. It’s semi-aquatic and has a sparkling essence.

Later, it is a musky and sweet scent. The sweetness isn’t really a distinct note and just kind of a blend. Not my favorite part of the wear, but still attractive.

If I have to choose one of these, it’s Thank U, Next. It’s not miles ahead, just far enough to create a clear separation.

Winner: Thank, U Next

11 Amazing Sandalwood Perfumes for Ladies

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Sandalwood is an extremely popular note in both men’s and women’s fragrances. It’s also huge in soaps and body washes. There’s just something about this particular wood note that just draws people in. Most of the time, it’s merely a piece of the composition, and not the overall star.

However, since people love it so much, perfumers have met the demand and created scents built around sandalwood. In this post, I want to explore some of the best options for women, who are looking for a great perfume that is highlighted by sandalwood.

Favorite Sandalwood Fragrances for Her

Before getting into the list, I want to state, that these aren’t presented in any sort of ranked order. Each of these scents, offers something different, while using the sandalwood note and still being the best to do it. There should be something here for just about every taste or style.

Sandalwood & Spice

Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau De Parfum, 1.7 Ounce– Santal Blush is smooth and low key. This is a sandalwood scent that is paired with exotic spices, that don’t overpower the composition. It’s woody, floral, spicy, and beautiful.

It opens with a full array of interesting spices, such as caraway and pepper. Then, it takes on its floral phase, with ylang-ylang. Yet, the peppery spice remains throughout and sits on top of the ever-present sandalwood…which is a bit sweet itself.

Santal Blush is pretty simple and straightforward, but a great fragrance nonetheless, to serve as a main wear or to serve as a base to pair with another perfume. Really gorgeous entry from Tom Ford.

Warm, Sweet, and Milky

Santal Massoia by Hermes– Resinous, milky, smooth, with hints of dried fruits keeping it all together. This Hermes perfume combines our sandalwood note with a similar wood, massoia.

The combination of the two along with dulce de leche, help to create a delicious creaminess to the unique woody aroma. The floral notes are there, but not distinct, more like an impression of the whole bouquet. Soft touches, not a garden.

It’s like a fresh, milky sandalwood fig aroma. The dried fruits adding some sweetness underneath. This Hermes is on the upper end of the price spectrum, though, well worth giving a try if you’re a sandalwood fan.

Bois des Iles by Chanel– This is an older Chanel perfume from back to the 1920s, Bois des Iles is a great mix of sandalwood and spices. It has some similarities to Egoiste from the men’s line, but is more of a sandalwood focused blend, with greater floral touches.

Tonka bean lends some creamy sweetness, the ylang-ylang and orris give it a floral and somewhat powdery finish, but the lead is the woods. Bois des Iles opens with aldehydes and coriander creating a spicy and fresh dynamic.

It settles down into a woodsy and amber-laden perfume, with a warmth that is great on an autumn or winter’s day.

May not be for everyone, as it does have more of a floral aroma versus the others on this list, but it is unisex and Egoiste is the more masculine alternative.

Blended Sandalwood

Samsara by Guerlain for Women – 3.3 oz EDP Spray– Feminine floral with sandalwood. Intoxicating jasmine and iris create that familiar powdery aroma with a creamy finish.

It’s been around for decades, so, there are different formulations at this point…which yield slightly different results.

Samsara still opens with it’s fruity notes of peach and citrus, leading the way, and its light floral ingredients just beginning to come through. That phase is short-lived and the flowers really take on a stronger role, with ylang-ylang, iris, rose, and jasmine being the major players.

Finally, the rest of the wear becomes sweeter and warmer, with tonka bean, vanilla, and our sandalwood note. Powdery, fresh, warm, creamy, and sweet. Beyond that, a fantastic performer, that will last for many hours.

Sandalwood and Iris

Santal Austral by Matiere Premiere– Creamy, powdery, and with a kick of benzoin in the base. Santal Austral starts things off with its velvety iris note sitting on top of the sandalwood along with almond milk…or at least that the aroma it gives off.

The base stars a tonka bean which adds to the effect, with the benzoin coming through in the latter stages.

It opens with a bit of sweetness. Then, the warmth and dryness of the remaining notes really start to come in, while it retains that iris powder. Though, that’s not an overwhelming aspect, since Santal Austral has a solid balance.

Santal and Woods

Diptyque Tam Dao Eau de Toilette-1.7 oz– Another more of a pure bred sandalwood scent. This one is definitely a woodsy/forest type of fragrance with other notes such as cedar and cypress. Has a very dry and soft aroma.

Unisex, but leans more toward the masculine end of things. Tam Dao features a light rose, in the opening, before moving to its woody rest of the wear.

The sandalwood comes off as fresh, probably due to the strong cedar and cypress combo. Plus, there is a nice amber note, which helps to warm and soothe.

Warm and Smoky 

Sensuous by Estee Lauder for Women – 3.4 Ounce EDP Spray- A sweeter take on sandalwood with a honey notes and a warm sort of smoky profile. Sensuous is one for the colder months of the year, as it really stands out in the freezing weather.

As its name suggests, Sensuous is sexier and more alluring perfume than the previous entries. It is still not a heavy scent, but one that is quite intriguing to experience with its notes of amber, black pepper, sandalwood, magnolia, and ghost lily.

Smooth Creed Sandalwood

Creed Santal Eau De Parfum Spray for Unisex, 4 Ounce– Usually thought of as a men’s fragrance but Original Santal is definitely one that falls in the unisex category. This is a scent that really grew on me, the more that I wore it.

It is sandalwood that is paired well with a slightly spicy cinnamon and smooth vanilla and tonka bean notes.  A very nice scent to wear in the wintertime, not very loud, but sweet and inviting.

I don’t really want to call it a gourmand, but the vanilla/cinnamon, do make it feel somewhat edible at times. Ultimately, the sandalwood is what this one is all about.  Read my full Review of Creed Original Santal.

Beautiful Serge Lutens Fragrance

Serge Lutens Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, Santal Majuscule, 1.7 Ounce– Simple and rather straightforward affair. Santal Majuscule has a certain darkness to it, underneath the rich sandalwood, with the bitter sweetness of unprocessed cacao.

Not for everyone, but a very interesting scent, indeed. The cacao isn’t too prevalent, after the start, and it’s more about the rose note flanking the sandalwood.

Santal Majuscule is an all-day wear, with moments of being powdered, then it feels sweeter and creamy. Very nice and popular perfume from Serge Lutens.

Greenish & Leather

Le Labo ‘Santal 33’ Eau de Parfum 0.025 oz Sample– A great performing fragrance that has a unique ‘greenish’ woodsy smell and a nice leather note to go along with it. There is a bit of spice to it, but Santal 33 can also come across as sour on some folks.

This is a fragrance that really depends on your body chemistry and the batch to see how well it turns out. The leather note gives it some uniqueness from many other sandalwood perfume options for women. It is a unisex scent.

Early one you will get more of the papyrus influence, out of the woody notes. Yet, the sandalwood is present throughout, also sharing time with cedar.

The back half is my favorite part of this perfume. Softer, muskier, and the sandalwood. With iris, leather, and amber you get a powdery and clean aroma that really highlights our target woody note. Santal 33 review

Tropical Sandalwood Vibes

Pacifica Beauty Sandalwood Spray Perfume, 1 Ounce– Sandalwood perfume that is blended with tropical citrus fruit. The orange and tangerine are most prevalent in the early stages, but the sandalwood comes out, during the dry down period.

Gives you some sweetness (especially up front), in that familiar citrus way, before coming across with a cleaner and classic fragrance vibe. A nice and affordable sandalwood option. You can usually find bottles in the $10-20 range.

As far as the cheapest options go, this one is a great option without much cost. Though, not up to the same level as the high end perfumes on this list.

Vanille de Tahiti by Perris Monte Carlo

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Vanille de Tahiti was released by Perris Monte Carlo in 2020. I received a sample as a bonus to one of my orders some time ago. I hadn’t heard of this one and actually put off trying it out for a long while. But, eventually I got around to Vanille and wanted to see what it was all about. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

Vanille de Tahiti Overview

Notes include: champaca, ylang-ylang, vanilla, amber, sandalwood, musk

Click here to try: Vanille de Tahiti

My Full Review

Opening minute is pretty dirty with how it comes across. Between the the ylang-ylang influence and champaca  opening, I get why people might get put off by it. That does clear out pretty fast, for me at least.

The ylang-ylang initially has its earthier aroma going for it, but then starts to take on its more banana-like scent. The champaca here, really comes across as an orange flower note, at least a few minutes in. With those two and the vanilla, there plastic/rubbery tinge to this scent.

Much more floral on the skin. Like a tropical flower smell, once that initial dirtiness wears off. The vanilla seems like one part of a triad on the skin, whereas it feels more dominant early on, when sprayed on clothes.

Actually on clothes, this has a classier Le Male vibe to it, that same fuzzy spice (sans mint/cinnamon). Strange.

Eventually, both on skin and clothes it becomes very much the same. Still, an early divergence.

More of a light champaca, ylang-ylang with a definite sweetness, vanilla, and amber especially. The vanilla isn’t pure creamy vanilla either. Leans that way with the sandalwood influence but Vanille de Tahiti does have a musky/powdery undertone throughout.

The dry down for me is a rather simple aroma of a naturalistic vanilla, amber, and sandalwood. It’s creamier at this point, still a lovely sweetness without being sickly, and this Perris perfume has a nice balance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is a moderate fragrance with how it projects with a lighter scent trail. It’s not going to necessarily reach across the room. However, in my testing of it, it does create a nice scent bubble and is noticeable for almost the entire wear.

The longevity with this one is around 7-8 hours. It’s not the most powerful scent out there, but it does stick around for a good while. It’s nothing elite, but I really wasn’t disappointed with this Perris fragrance.

Seasonally, this one is a bit too much for the height of summer, but it can fit in nicely during the rest of the year. I think it actually works better on a mild day versus the coldest days of winter.

Yes, this is a unisex scent too. Maybe the floral notes make it lean more traditionally feminine, but if you’re a vanilla fan, this can absolutely work for anyone.

Vanille de Tahiti is more of a daytime fragrance. It can be worn casually, to work, dressed up, etc. I don’t think it’d be out of place in certain nightlife situations, but it’s also not a complete club beast or anything.

If it works for your skin, this will probably get complements. Though, I’m not sure how it’s going to come across to those who have noses the really focus in on the more animalic/dirty aspects of the perfume.

Overall Impressions of Vanille de Tahiti

Overall, do I like this perfume? Yes, I actually kind of love it. I knew nothing of this fragrance when I received it, but it’s won me over.

The opening minutes almost made me doubt, but it is a beautiful scent, once I’m past that. Even still, it’s nothing all that bad.

I guess there are some people who get a dirty or toilet type of smell for a long duration. Not the case for me, it’s more just a dirty floral scent for a brief time.

That’s probably going to stop me from giving this a total buy recommendation. I’d say for sure try, if you can before you commit. It’d be disappointing to find out you’re one of those people, who it smells terrible on, after splurging on a fully bottle.

The sandalwood, vanilla, and amber dry down is awesome. With the remaining floral notes floating around, it’s very enjoyable.