Fall Fragrance Edit: The Best Vanilla & Oud Scents Curated by Olya Bar — E.796

In this special annual episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down once again with fragrance expert Olya Bar to explore the most captivating scent trends of the season. Known for her deep industry insight and refined taste, Olya returns to guide listeners through this year’s most distinctive fall fragrances — highlighting the evolution of vanilla and oud beyond the mainstream.

Shifting Tastes and a New Perspective on Scent

This year marks a new chapter for Olya, both personally and professionally. Now leading digital strategy at Europerfume and recently becoming a mother, she reflects on how her sense of smell — and taste in fragrance — has evolved. “Things that used to excite me before just don’t anymore,” she admits. “It’s not about losing interest, it’s about refinement.”

The Evolution of Vanilla

Vanilla, she says, continues to reign — but in deeper, more complex ways. Gone are the days of sugary, cupcake-style gourmands. This season, perfumers are elevating vanilla into richer, saltier, and more resinous interpretations.

Key standouts include:

• Réserve en Afrique’s Vanille Mafonja (South Africa) — A sophisticated vanilla wrapped in cinnamon, pink pepper, and ylang-ylang, evoking the warmth of tropical air and the glow of a campfire.
• Matiere Premiere’s Vanille Poudrée Extrait — A darker, boozier take on the original cult favorite, now grounded with tonka bean and tonality that’s less powdery, more sensual.
• Fugazzi’s Vanilla Haze Extrait — A bold, buttery, cashmere-soft scent with almond, hazelnut, and coconut milk — playful yet elevated.
• Atelier des Ors’ Vanille N° (Novae Vanilla) — A luminous, powdery vanilla infused with mimosa and minerals, blurring the line between softness and structure.
• Mancera’s Xplicit Vanilla — A daring mix of brown sugar, dark chocolate, and oud — boozy, resinous, and perfect for colder nights.
• Liis’ Woody Vanilla Interpretation (Bo) — Though not technically a vanilla-forward perfume, its tonka bean and almond heart dry down into an elegant sweetness that fits the fall mood.

Oud Reimagined

The conversation then turns to oud, one of perfumery’s most misunderstood ingredients. Olya explains its origins — a resin formed when certain trees are infected by specific fungi — and how quality varies dramatically by source and aging. “It’s one of the oldest and most revered ingredients in perfumery,” she notes, “but also one of the trickiest to master.”

For those hesitant about oud’s potency, she recommends starting with lighter interpretations such as Mysterious Oud by Chabaud, a soft, airy blend that retains oud’s warmth without overwhelming the senses. For those seeking depth, Montale’s Dark Oud offers a stunning leather-sandalwood fusion that has remained a quiet classic.

Emerging trends include oud paired with unexpected tropical notes — such as pineapple and coconut — as seen in Montale’s Oud Sapparot, a daring fusion of brightness and shadow that transitions seamlessly from summer to fall.

A Season for Depth and Discovery

As the fragrance world becomes increasingly saturated, Olya encourages slowing down and curating a personal “tasting experience” at home — sampling fewer, higher-quality fragrances that speak to your mood and chemistry rather than chasing hype.

For fall 2025, one thing is clear: vanilla and oud are evolving into mature, multidimensional expressions — less sugar, more substance. These are scents that embrace warmth, texture, and identity — perfect companions for cooler weather and introspective moods.

Listen to the full episode of Skin Anarchy to discover Olya’s complete list of recommendations and deeper insights into the craftsmanship behind this year’s most captivating fall fragrances.

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