If I received a pound for each compliment that this £250 perfume has garnered for me, I could purchase another bottle.

      As a beauty editor, my inbox consistently receives updates on new perfume launches each day. One fragrance category that appears to be gaining immense popularity is vanilla perfumes. It's a fact that gourmand perfumes are being introduced at a rapid pace, with nearly every new fragrance featuring notes of something edible. Nonetheless, even as someone who enjoys sweets, I find that some vanilla perfumes can be a bit too sweet or even cause headaches. There are only a few I genuinely like to wear.

      When I stumbled upon Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder eau de parfum, it immediately caught my attention. The concept of a more powdery version of vanilla appealed to me as a lighter alternative to the numerous heavy, syrupy vanilla scents available. I'm glad I tried it because it has become one of my most complimented fragrances, and it's likely the longest-lasting perfume I've encountered. While the eau de parfum originally captivated me, since trying the newer Vanilla Powder Extrait, the compliments have surged. If you’re thinking about picking up a bottle of either the eau de parfum or the extrait, continue reading for my detailed review of both and why at least one should find a place on your shelf, regardless of your feelings toward vanilla.

      **Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum**

      **MATIERE PREMIERE**

      Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Madagascan vanilla, coconut powder, heliotrope, palo santo, white musks

      If you're not a fan of vanilla perfumes, you might want to stop reading here; this fragrance might not be for you. However, I must mention that this particular vanilla scent is less syrupy and sugary than many other heavy vanilla perfumes on the market. The eau de parfum version of Vanilla Powder feels light and airy, almost fluffy as it dances in the air. There's a slight saltiness that prevents it from being too sweet. Spraying the eau de parfum feels like applying a dusting of desiccated coconut and powdered vanilla to your skin, accompanied by a gentle, lingering muskiness underneath. It's a creamy, refined interpretation of vanilla, and its projection and longevity are unparalleled. While many long-lasting perfumes fade after a few hours, this one is detectable even the next day. It can linger on knitwear for weeks. I once sprayed it before heading to work at 7 A.M., received several compliments throughout the day, and by the time I got home in the evening, I could still smell it in my room. So, it’s clear that a small spritz goes a long way, and you won't need to reapply.

      **Vanilla Powder Extrait**

      **MATIERE PREMIERE**

      Vanilla Powder Extrait de Parfum

      Key notes: Vanilla, palo santo, coconut powder, white musks, tonka bean absolute

      You might think the Vanilla Powder Extrait would be even more intense, but I find it to be somewhat milder than the eau de parfum. It maintains the same captivating lasting power, impressive silage, and delicious fluffiness of the EDP, but with a more smoky, toasted vanilla essence. The addition of warm, smooth tonka bean in the extrait provides a sensual, slightly smoky quality, as if the edges of the vanilla powder are kissed by flame. It ranks among the most sophisticated vanilla perfumes I’ve tried, and I truly couldn't count the number of compliments I've received since acquiring a bottle. Again, just one or two spritzes are sufficient, as both its projection and longevity are truly exceptional. Although they both bear a price tag of £250, it feels like a worthwhile investment considering how little you require to enjoy the fragrance all day without needing to reapply.

      **The Verdict**

      Both Vanilla Powder EDP and Extrait are exquisite fragrances, and given the numerous compliments I’ve received along with their remarkable staying power, I wholeheartedly recommend them. However, I don’t believe you need to own both. If you prefer a scent that draws attention wherever you go, the eau de parfum offers an addictive powderiness that envelopes you like a halo. I personally find it more potent than the extrait. However, if forced to choose, my preference leans toward the extrait. It shares the same powdered vanilla essence as the eau de parfum, but with a more mesmerizing and refined twist. It remains incredibly long-lasting and garners compliments, yet it's smoother and sits a bit closer to the skin, which I adore.

      If you're undecided between the eau de parfum and the extrait, or if you'd like to experience them before committing to a full-sized bottle, I highly recommend trying a perfume discovery set or a travel-sized vial to familiarize yourself with both scents (a word of caution: you might end up wanting both). One of my favorite discoveries has been the Vanilla Powder hair perfume, which envelops your hair in a captivating veil of powdered vanilla that wafts with every movement. Trust me, if you wear Vanilla Powder, you'll receive a flood of compliments, so wear it wisely.

      **