kayali

Mod Vanilla vs Vanilla 28

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Mod Vanilla and Vanilla 28 are two very popular inexpensive to mid-range priced perfume options. Obviously, the competition is between that signature note, and these can sometimes be the final perfumes under consideration for a purchase.

But, which of these scents is actually the better buy? Which vanilla fragrance smells better? Lasts longer? I’ve tested each of them and here’s my full breakdown.

Tale of the Tape: Mod Vanilla vs Vanilla 28

Mod Vanilla

Notes include: pink freesia, dark plum, vanilla, musk, praline, cocoa butter, orris butter, jasmine

Click here to try: Mod Vanilla

My full review: Mod Vanilla by Ariana Grande

Vanilla 28 

Notes include: vanilla orchid, tonka bean, brown sugar, amber woods, musk

Click here to try: Vanilla 28 by Kayali

Read my review: Vanilla 28

Opening

Mod Vanilla opens with a collection of lighter notes that will eventually fall into to the background, though they remain well-balanced even on the first sprays.

The pink freesia becomes immediately apparent alongside the notes of fresh musks.

The musk maintains its presence throughout the fragrance’s development, and while I don’t consider Mod overly reliant on this note, it does stand as the most prominent among the three opening accords.

Accompanying these two elements is a subtle plum that introduces an additional tart quality to what is already a notably sweet composition. From the very start, you’ll also detect some of the fragrance’s central aromas.

Vanilla makes its presence known, and is joined by praline and cocoa butter. The praline emerges as a significant component that will define much of this fragrance’s character.

As this opening act transitions, the freesia and plum become considerably softer within the overall blend.

Vanilla 28 launches immediately into its own sweetness. The tonka bean and brown sugar really stand out during this initial stage of wear.

While the vanilla orchid maintains its presence throughout, the fragrance clearly emphasizes those other two notes in the opening.

However, this perfume never becomes overwhelmingly cloying or juvenile in its sweetness. It’s more refined to me, than is Mod. The tonka bean does eventually soften, the vanilla becomes more prominent, and the composition develops some musky undertones as it evolves.

Which is better?

I really do like the opening act of Mod Vanilla a lot. There’s plenty going on, it’s more complex, and simply smells quite good.

However, I prefer how the Kayali fragrance starts out more. The tonka bean, brown sugar, and vanilla are really great in this mix.

Edge: Vanilla 28

Projection

In terms of projection, the Ariana Grande perfume delivers some impressive strength during the initial two hours of wear.

I was genuinely surprised by how effectively it projects and creates a noticeable scent trail behind you. While not overwhelmingly potent, Mod Vanilla does perform well above average in this regard.

Following that two-hour mark, the fragrance settles closer to the skin, though it doesn’t become a true skin scent until around the four to five hour point for me.

The projection with the Kayali perfume remains fairly moderate. You’ll experience about thirty minutes of solid strength with Vanilla 28 creating a pleasant aura around you.

After that point, it settles into a light to moderate range. It’s not completely weak, just not the type to fill an entire room.

The Ariana Grande fragrance definitely takes this category.

Edge: Mod Vanilla

Longevity

The longevity of Mod Vanilla proved surprisingly impressive compared to other Ariana fragrances that have been released.

This fragrance keeps up for over 8 hours on my skin, finally becoming undetectable somewhere between the 8.5 to 9 hour mark. For me, at least.

On my skin, Vanilla 28 lasts somewhere in the 5 to 6 hour range. Again, not particularly impressive, but still acceptable. Performance isn’t where this fragrance truly shines.

Another advantage for Mod.

Edge: Mod Vanilla

Versatility

Regarding the seasons you should wear Mod Vanilla, I like this during winter’s colder months. That being said, it works perfectly well whenever temperatures are moderate. Just avoid high heat and humidity, and this fragrance will be fine.

Vanilla 28 also works best during autumn or winter months. If you live somewhere with cooler spring weather, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to wear it. They’re the same in their seasonal use.

Mod Vanilla is a sugary sweet perfume, so don’t anticipate something suitable for formal occasions or office wear.

Mod appeals to a younger demographic, though some older women would certainly appreciate it as well. Mod has a delicious gourmand quality that feels fun, instead of something that is sexy or seductive. The overall vibe is casual and cozy.

Vanilla 28 works across various situations and does so better than the Ariana scent. It maintains its sweet character while still appealing to different age groups.

While it’s not a formal type of perfume, Vanilla 28 functions well in numerous scenarios on its own. Plus, you could layer it with another Kayali perfume to mix things up.

Edge: Vanilla 28

Overall Scent

So, overall which of these fragrances do I actually prefer?

Mod Vanilla is a solid release, though it doesn’t rank as my favorite Ariana Grande perfume or come close to the top of my list.

It shares some similarities with Cloud and isn’t particularly unique, in terms of how it smells.

If you already own and enjoy Cloud, you probably won’t need to add this one to your collection. While they are different fragrances ultimately, they cover much of the same territory.

I like the opening act of Mod Vanilla and the performance is much better than I expected. Really, could be a consideration when compared to the Kayali.

Yet, I prefer Vanilla 28 to Mod. I’m really drawn to the brown sugar note that it has.

Yes, it can be overly sweet or lack sophistication, but I think it works here, and isn’t a potentially cloying as Mod vanilla.

The performance sits in the middle range and trails it’s competitor. If you plan to wear this as a standalone fragrance rather than layering it with others, keep this in mind.

While it wasn’t completely disappointing in that aspect, Vanilla 28 isn’t a long-lasting powerhouse.

Overall, though, I think that Vanilla 28 just smells better and has a better vanilla note. So, it gets the win.

Winner: Vanilla 28

Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper | 25 by Kayali

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Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper 25 is the last of the perfumes from the Kayali sample set, that I had to review. Totally forgot about this one over the past few months and so have revisited the scent for that purpose. Wasn’t one of the options that I was particularly excited to try out, but does it actually exceed expectations?

What does Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper 25 Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, pink pepper, saffron, Bulgarian rose, vanilla orchid, sandalwood

Click here to try: Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper 25

My Full Review

The opening of this one really goes heavy on the spice and bergamot note. Pink pepper and saffron come in and make a bold, warm, and peppery statement up top. With that strong citrus brightness from the bergamot.

It’s a bit too much for me. This does improve as it settles. The Bulgarian rose will start to take over and this one loses a lot of the shock of the top notes. At this point, it’s the rose and saffron and patchouli heading things.

That pink pepper sticks around, but it is at a greatly diminished level.

For basically the rest of the way, this is a dry rose and saffron fragrance. Sure, there is some woodiness and musk floating around, but the two main attractions dominate.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one does start out with some nice power and can leave a scent trail in ones wake. That spicy impact early on will carry well in the air and leap off of the skin.

Even beyond that, I still get to spend plenty of time with Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper, as a moderate fragrance that doesn’t hit skin level status until the latter back half of the wear.

While it isn’t too complicated of a perfume, Sweet Diamond actually sticks around fairly well for a Kayali scent. 7-7.5 hours, on my skin. Obviously, the vast majority is when it is in its saffron and rose phase, but I still pick it up.

Seasonally, this would work better in the colder to milder temperatures of autumn and winter. It’s fine in spring, also. I would probably skip wearing Sweet Diamond in the summer, outside of some evenings perhaps.

Within that time frame, it’s pretty versatile. I don’t find it to be sexy or formal, but it could work for most other occasions or a daily wear. Also, since Kayali perfumes are so layer-able, you can get some addition use out of Sweet Diamond by going that route.

Overall Impressions of Sweet Diamond

Overall, do I like this fragrance? It’s okay. I don’t think that it’s terrible on its own, but it also isn’t a perfume that wows me at any time. It is about what I expected from Sweet Diamond. It might be a better bet for layering than for solo use.

I usually enjoy saffron and pink pepper separately. However, together in this scent, it’s too overwhelming early on. Sweet Diamond does improve some, as it dries down, but it’s not that complicated of a fragrance to truly make a difference.

The performance is good for this brand, however. So, if this ends up being one of the scents that you like, you at least get some value out of it. I don’t hate Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper, but Huda Beauty has released better.

Utopia Vanilla Coco | 21 by Kayali

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Utopia Vanilla Coco 21 is one of the more popular scents from the Kayali lineup.  Probably not the top of the list, but it is a sought after scent. Being one of the vanilla perfumes from the brand, it often comes down to deciding between this and Vanilla 28. How does this one smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Utopia Vanilla Coco Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, jasmine, coconut, sandalwood, vanilla Bourbon

Click here to try: Utopia Vanilla Coco

My Full Review

Utopia starts off without it focus being on the vanilla note. Instead, this one is lighter and sparkles with a lovely pear blossom note and some assorted citrus, lurking in the background.

Aside from those notes, the coconut is playing a stronger role in this opening act, while jasmine joins the citrus in the background.. At first, it’s more of a secondary role, but will gradually take over for that pear blossom.

About 30-45 minutes in, the fruitier aspects of this will wane. Vanilla and coconut are now the leaders and the other notes are simply providing a freshness to keep it from becoming a thicker and creamier scent.

Sweet, fresh, and dry. Sandalwood is basically the only other note that has any real effect on how this smells. It’ll basically be a vanilla and sandalwood mix, with coconut, and mostly the jasmine still hanging on.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Like others from Kayali, this one isn’t going to be a heavy, scent trail leaving bomb. For the first hour or so, it does have a nice amount of projection and can leave some scent hanging in the air in your wake.

After that, it’s going to be sticking closer to the 3-5 foot range. Not too bad and I didn’t find Utopia to be completely weak. But, it will be a fairly light perfume for most of the wear.

The longevity is somewhere in the 5-6 hour range for me. Not going to be an all-day affair, if you want longer, be sure to bring some more with you for re-application. It’s pretty mid-range like the others in the line.

Seasonally, this is a vanilla fragrance that can work in the summer. I’d say it’s probably best in the warmer temperatures of late spring than the absolutely sidewalk melting days. Though, it’s still pretty good there as well. Can absolutely venture into the fall.

It’s a versatile wear. Good with other perfumes as a part of a layer, while being able to stand alone. It’s fine during the daytime as a casual wear or even one that can be used in the office. Very pleasant and likeable.

Overall Impressions of Utopia Vanilla Coco

Overall, do I like Utopia Vanilla Coco? Yes, I think it’s one of the better perfumes from Kayali. However, I prefer the smell of Vanilla 28 to this one. Between those two, I’d go with that before choosing this.

But, I do think that this one is a good pickup for those who want a lighter, fresher, and less vanilla dominant scent. Or, for those who want something which is a great candidate for layering with other perfumes.

The pear blossom with the coconut and lighter vanilla in the opening is lovely and the sparkling lightness is a joy to have around. The latter stages are more focused on that vanilla note and not as inspiring.

The performance is pretty mid. Don’t expect to be dealing with an absolute beast. It’s passable, just not great.

Utopia Vanilla Coco is one to try from Kayali. Not their absolute best, but in the upper half of their offerings for sure.

Deja Vu White Flower | 57 by Kayali

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Deja Vu White Flower 57 is another one of the fragrances which came with the Kayali sample set that I purchased a few months ago. This was one, that I wasn’t sure if I was going to actually enjoy or not.  But, I tested it out anyway. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is White Flower worth a try?

What does Deja Vu White Flower Smell Like?

Notes include: tuberose, vanilla, gardenia, jasmine absolute, orange flower

Click here to try: Deja Vu White Flower | 57

My Full Review

The opening of Deja Vu reminds me of something that’d be from the L’Interdit line of perfumes by Givenchy. The tuberose is joined by vanilla and some fruity notes which are unlisted. More background facets, but something else is there beyond the floral notes.

That initial sweet burst will burn off and this one becomes more floral, with a slight greenish aroma to it. Not too garden-like However, The tuberose is the most dominant of the floral note.

However, there will be periods throughout where the jasmine and gardenia are quite strong. The orange flower, is noticeable once the sweetness has faded a bit, but never comes close to taking the top spot.

The dry down is mostly the tuberose, with orange blossom and vanilla flanking the main attraction. The rest is a green flowery impression.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is slightly above average. It’s not going to leave a massive trail, choke out a room, or radiate off of the skin to a great degree. It is however, noticeable, and gives you a 3-6 foot radius during the majority of the wear.

While Deja Vu is not super heavy, but has a pretty solid longevity versus others in the series. On my skin, this one could stick around for up to 7 hours. Maybe expect 5.5-7 hour as a range. Very useful, not elite.

Seasonally, this one strikes me as being best in the springtime, with autumn and summer being close alternatives. Really, anytime it isn’t too hot, Deja Vu should work just fine. it has a nice sweetness and vanilla, but isn’t thick enough to feel all that cloying, outside of miserably hot days.

This can be worn in a bunch of different scenarios. It can be a daily wear, layered with other fragrances, it’s attractive enough for the nightlife, etc. Mostly, this is a daytime wear for casual to semi-formal occasions.

Overall Impressions of Deja Vu White Flower

Overall, do I like Deja Vu? Yes, it was surprisingly my favorite perfume of the Kayali sampler. Maybe it shouldn’t be surprising since I enjoy the L’Interdit series and this is pretty much a simpler form of those perfumes.

The initial sweetness, fruitiness, and tuberose dominance is great. Even the dry down, when the other floral notes start to have their say, is still quite enjoyable.

The performance is better than most of the other fragrances and Deja Vu is a value proposition in comparison to the more linear Kayali perfumes. This one isn’t complex either, but it is one that you can wear on its own, if you decide not to try it as a part of the Kayali layering.

If you’re going to try any of this brand’s perfumes, this would be the one I’d most recommend or Vanilla.

Lovefest Burning Cherry | 48 by Kayali

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Lovefest Burning Cherry is one of the most popular options from Kayali. This is probably due to its somewhat close resemblance to Lost Cherry by Tom Ford. But, I wanted to do a full review of this fragrance on its own to see how it performs and what it smells like. Is this perfume worth trying out?

What does Lovefest Burning Cherry Smell Like?

Notes include: burning cherry, raspberry, praline, palo santo, guiac wood, patchouli

Click here to try: Lovefest Burning Cherry 48

My Full Review

Lovefest Burning Cherry has gotten a lot of attention due to its similarities to Lost Cherry by Tom Ford. It definitely is a pretty close relation to that fragrance, but does have enough differences to be distinct.

The opening is where things are most similar. The cherry note here is the main attraction and probably takes on an 80/20 split with the raspberry note. This does feel like a thicker and quite a syrupy cherry note versus the Tom Ford.

Along with that, we do get some additional gourmand sweetness from the praline note, along with an incense smokiness coming from the ‘burning cherry’ itself (and palo santo). There is a powdery bit of aroma here, which comes from a shorter-lived floral accord (heliotrope, apparently).

After the opening, this will begin to change more towards the smokiness, with added woods, some light patchouli and amber. This is where it shifts away from being a Lost Cherry near dupe, into something a little more independent.

Palo santo and guaiac wood really start to come into their own, with the slightly resinous amber note. The cherry note does stick around for the duration, while the other notes fade away. Burning Cherry More balsamic, less floral

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Burning Cherry opens up with some decent projecting power, but it is pretty middle of the road, for the entirety. Maybe an hour with good sillage, then medium, and dries down with the last few hours being really light.

The longevity isn’t bad either, but not elite. I get 7-7.5 hours on the skin. It’s actually one of the better standalone performers in the Kayali lineup.

Seasonally, this one is going to work best in the autumn and winter months. The cherry, smoke, amber, etc. isn’t going to be great in the heat. Though, is quite good on a crisp evening in February.

It’s more of a casual or nighttime sort of scent. Obviously, you can get plenty of use out of this as a part of a layering combination. It’s attractive as a gourmand sort of wear, not really all that sexy to me, but I suppose some might find it to be.

Overall Impressions of Lovefest Burning Cherry

Overall, do I like this scent? I do. It’s one of the better offerings from Kayali. I’m not absolutely amazed by it, but I think that it a nice wear and well worth a try.

Unlike some of the others, this one can really be worn on its own and be appreciated, without having to layer it with anything. Though, I’m sure people have also figured out plenty of options to pair it with.

I like the syrupy thickness that the cherry note has, the woods in the base, the amber, and the hints of heliotrope powder. Not a super complicated fragrance, there is enough here to enjoy, and the performance is pretty good.

This is worth a try, either through the sample set or one of the travel sizes. It is a perfume that does a lot of things right and actually does smell good.