What Vanilla 28 smells like
Editorial inference
It opens as a creamy, slightly boozy vanilla with a hint of jasmine, sweet but not sugary. As it settles, brown sugar and tonka make it warmer and a little caramel-like, and the base of amber, woods, musk and patchouli adds a soft spiciness. It wears close and warm, like a vanilla you’d want on a sweater, and it’s simple enough to layer with other scents.
Vanilla 28 notes
Brand description Source: Fragrantica.
- Top notes
- vanilla orchid, jasmine
- Heart notes
- brown sugar, tonka bean
Kayali lists vanilla orchid, tonka absolute and amber woods as key notes and describes jasmine, patchouli and brown sugar as well. Fragrantica’s pyramid places them in the same order.
How long Vanilla 28 lasts, and how it wears
Editorial inference Typical figures, not our own timing.
- How long it lasts
- 7–9 hours
- Projection
- Moderate at first, then close to the skin
- Season
- Fall and winter; evenings year-round
- Best for
- Evenings, dates, cozy weekends and cold days
- How much to spray
- 3–5 sprays
Based on the Eau de Parfum concentration and wear reports on Fragrantica, where most wearers describe strong longevity and a scent that stays fairly close to the skin. Skin, climate and how much you spray all move these numbers, which is one more reason to try a sample before a bottle.
Vanilla 28 is one of our best perfumes for women and best fall and winter perfumes.
To get more from a bottle, see where to spray and how to make perfume last longer, how to layer it with another scent, and how to store it so it doesn’t go off.
Should you sample it?
Editorial inference
You might like it if
You love vanilla and want one that’s warm, rich and a little sophisticated, for fall, winter and evenings.
You might skip it if
You want something fresh or light, or dislike sweet scents in warm weather.
Why Kayali Vanilla 28 is a cult favorite
Editorial inference
Kayali is the fragrance brand of Mona Kattan, co-founded in 2018 with her sister Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty. Vanilla 28 was one of its first perfumes, created by Gabriela Chelariu, and grew into the brand’s best seller through social media and word of mouth. Kayali says the 28 is the number of versions it took to get the balance right.
It’s popular because it sits between two kinds of vanilla. It’s sweeter and cozier than a dry, woody vanilla, but the amber, patchouli and tonka keep it from smelling like frosting. Kayali also designs its perfumes to be layered, and Vanilla 28 is the one most people layer with.
How to wear it
Editorial inference
Vanilla 28 is at its best in cool weather, when sweetness feels comforting rather than heavy. Three or four sprays is plenty; it lasts well but doesn’t fill a room.
To layer, spray it first and then add a fresher or more floral scent on top: a light citrus or a clean musk keeps it lighter for daytime, and a rose or jasmine makes it more romantic.
Versions of Vanilla 28
The same name covers several different perfumes. Here is how they relate, so you sample the right one.
| Version | Launched | How it differs |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla 28 Eau de ParfumGabriela Chelariu | 2018 | This page. Vanilla orchid, brown sugar and tonka over amber woods. |
| Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar 42 | 2024 | Much sweeter and more playful: candied pear and a bubble-gum sweetness over vanilla and tonka. |
| Yum Pistachio Gelato 33Olivier Cresp, Sébastien Cresp | 2023 | An Eau de Parfum Intense that’s nutty and creamy rather than warm and ambery. |
| Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 | 2024 | Fruity and fluffy: strawberry, coconut and pink marshmallow over whipped vanilla. |
| Vanilla 28 body spray | A lighter spray of the same scent for hair and body. Fades much sooner. |
If you like Vanilla 28, also try
Editorial inference
- RicherTom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de ParfumVanilla with pipe tobacco, spice and dried fruit. Darker, richer and much more expensive.
- BudgetAriana Grande Cloud Eau de ParfumCoconut, praline and musk. Lighter, airier and much less expensive.
- LouderYves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de ParfumVanilla with coffee and white flowers. Louder, darker and more of a night-out scent.
- SweeterLancôme La Vie est Belle Eau de ParfumIris and praline over vanilla. Sweeter, more powdery and more of a classic department-store gourmand.
- More floralValentino Born in Roma Donna Eau de ParfumJasmine over smoky bourbon vanilla. Similar warmth with more flowers.
More cheaper alternatives to popular perfumes are in our perfume dupes guide.
Vanilla 28 questions
What does Kayali Vanilla 28 smell like?
Warm, creamy vanilla with brown sugar and tonka, a hint of jasmine, and a base of amber, woods and patchouli. Sweet and cozy, a little boozy, but not candy-like.
How long does Kayali Vanilla 28 last?
Usually seven to nine hours. It stays fairly close to the skin after the first hour or two, so people near you notice it more than people across the room.
Why is it called Vanilla 28?
Kayali says the number is how many versions it took to get the formula right. Every Kayali perfume has a number for the same reason.
Is Kayali Vanilla 28 for men or women?
It’s sold mostly as a women’s perfume, but warm vanillas like this suit anyone, and plenty of men wear it.
Who owns Kayali?
Kayali was founded in 2018 by Mona Kattan with her sister Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty. Vanilla 28 was created by the perfumer Gabriela Chelariu.
Key notes are from Kayali’s published descriptions; the full note list is from the source named above. Longevity and season are typical figures, not our own measurements. Read how we compare perfumes, or what EDT, EDP and Parfum mean.
