Vanille Absolu vs Hypnotic Poison

Vanille Absolu is a well-regarded Montale fragrance that most who enjoy it describe as delicious and a great value alternative to pricier vanilla fragrances. However, it's a polarizing scent with strong projection that not everyone appreciates, and some users report experiencing anosmia with it over time.

Hypnotic Poison is a divisive fragrance with devoted fans and skeptics. While older formulations were praised for depth and longevity, recent batches are noticeably weaker and reformulated. The scent's gourmand profile (almond, vanilla) appeals to some but the initial notes (often described as root beer, playdough, or rubber) are off-putting to others, making it highly dependent on personal skin chemistry and preference.