"Fragrance is far from a one-size-fits-all experience. While the days of sniffing perfume samples nestled into the pages of magazines have ended, the world of fragrance is more robust than ever. From #PerfumeTok to the virality of scents like Glossier You, it feels like everyone has a fragrance recommendation that they swear is better than all the rest. But as a beauty editor, I’d like to think that my unbiased nose lends a little more to the conversation than just extra noise. In 2024 alone, I’ve tried dozens of perfumes, and have taken my own preferences out of the equation to try to really nail down which are really, truly special. One way I know when I’m onto something? When strangers on the street ask me what perfume I’m wearing, which is exactly what happened when I started wearing Phlur’s Vanilla Skin.
Phlur, which originally launched in 2015, then re-launched in 2022 by influencer Chriselle Lim, has become an industry favorite for modern fragrances inspired by memories, moments, experiences, and feelings. You might be familiar with Missing Person, their cult-favorite fragrance that went viral for its nostalgia-inducing scent that somehow feels inherently recognizable. While I too was on the Missing Person bandwagon for quite some time (I’m a sucker for any skin-like scent), their recently launched Vanilla Skin has replaced it as my favorite everyday, go-to perfume.
What Does Phlur Vanilla Skin Smell Like?
If I had to describe my ideal perfume, it would be a scent that’s musky, skin-like, and subtle. Any gourmand scent is something I’d ordinarily stray away from, but Vanilla Skin has encapsulated sweetness in such a unique and multidemensional way that it’s made me rethink my perfume preferences altogether. Top notes of sugar, pink apple, and pink pepper, and a base of vanilla and sandalwood combine for a scent that’s both sweet and spicy; like a cozy, November day spent inside watching movies and baking cookies.
The first time I spritzed Vanilla Skin on my wrists, it prompted an audible “oh!” from me. Vanilla Skin combines the skin-like qualities I look for in a perfume with the warmth that cold-weather fragrances are synonymous with in a lighter, “she just smells really good” way. I feared it would transport me back in time to the days of my youth that were filled with far too many spritzes of Bath & Body’s Warm Vanilla Sugar, but it’s a far cry from the artificial-smelling vanilla notes of the late aughts. Instead, it’s a bit more nondescript, but has an undeniable, skin-like creaminess that’s literally had me responding to stranger’s “what perfume are you wearing?” questions on the street. While I don’t usually wear the same perfume every day—I’m usually testing multiple at a time and alternate between the ones I own—I’ve found myself reaching for Vanilla Skin nearly every day since I got it.
How Long Does Phlur Vanilla Skin Last?
While I personally have been using the Vanilla Skin Eau de Parfum, it also comes in a body mist and newly launched deoderant, which has become a staple in my routine, too. I can’t speak on the body mist, but I’ve found the Eau de Parfum to last all day—I still can smell the scent lingering at the end of long office days when I get home and hop in the shower.
If you’re on the hunt for a new signature fragrance for the cooler months, Phlur’s Vanilla Skin is worthy of the title. And now through November 11th, you can take up to 20% off Phlur’s fragrances at Sephora with the code SAVINGS.
Maddie Galassi, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Madeline Galassi is the Fashion & Beauty Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the fashion and beauty categories of the site. She brainstorms, writes, and edits stories across a broad range of topics including trend reports, product reviews, celebrity style, and more. She’s always keeping a pulse on the latest trends to create timely, exciting content for our readers.