The Vanilla Fragrance Fantasy

Vanilla, vainilla, vanille, vaniglia; in all languages, the name of this luxurious ingredient just rolls off the tongue!

Present in both the fragrance and flavours industry, it has the power to envelop you into a vanilla fantasy, triggering all your senses in the process. It's taste intensifies and diffuses within your mouth, whilst your nose relishes its warm scent. Whereas, when smelling Vanilla, its fragrant aroma diffuses into your nose, to your odour receptors, tantalising your taste buds.

Whether it is the rich flavour of your favourite ice-cream, the fragrance from essential oil, or your go-to candle, the value of this ingredient should be widely appreciated, as it's simply addictive!

A Little History

As ubiquitous as this ingredient is, not many know much of its origin. Grown originally in Mesoamerica, modern-day Mexico, and Guatemala; Vanilla actually comes from the orchids of the genus Vanilla and grows in a vine-like manner, climbing the trunks and branches of neighbouring trees. A plant with a strong character, inclusive of both its scent and flavour, it is even specific on where it chooses to grow, where it successfully grows only in 10 to 20 degrees north and south of the equator.

Currently, approximately 75% of the vanilla sold on the market derives from the vanilla plants growing on islands found in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar and Réunion. This species of Vanilla is known as Bourbon Vanilla, named after Réunion Island, which was originally known as Île Bourbon.

Although the ingredient can be found elsewhere, it does require more of a hunt, as these forms of Vanilla are regarded to be rare and more expensive. This includes one, Mexican Vanilla, which in comparison to Madagascan Vanilla, is supposedly smoother, richer, and darker; and two, Tahitian Vanilla, which projects more floral nuances, due to being packed with the chemical heliotropin. Either way, they all propose the deluxe, palatable, velvety Vanilla that we adore!

The Birth of A Star from Bean to Oil

A gourmand scent, with comforting, earthy-sweet characteristics. Vanilla is celebrated for its feminine qualities and is considered one of the most recognizable, and coveted notes in contemporary perfumes, despite its high price. Considered the second most expensive spice, following saffron, Vanilla requires intensive production labour.

Unfortunately, for the vanilla orchids to produce the vanilla beans, the plant must be pollinated by hummingbirds or specific species of bees, native to that region, which must be done within a short time window, when the flowers are open.

A recognised issue since 1837, luckily a solution was swiftly found.  However, surprisingly no lab was required, and instead, it all lay down to the discovery made by Edmond Albius, a 12-year old boy, who whilst playing care-free on the island of Reunion, figured out that you could pollinate vanilla by hand. Crazy as it may sound, it is exactly this painstaking and laborious process that is still used when harvesting vanilla for commercial purposes. Can you imagine how many individual hands this must require?

Nevertheless, an alternative was found in 1889, known as vanillin. Synthetic, cheaper, sweeter and creamier than the natural alternative; it premiered in the world of perfumery via the parfum, Jicky by Guerlain. To this day, vanillin is vastly used in modern perfumes.

More than just a scent

Vanilla has endless benefits, and so, the finger count begins. It is a natural antidepressant, a nerve stimulant, and an ingredient with the all-wanted anti-ageing powers. Besides, in the 1700s, physicians recommended vanilla as a drug for male patients to ensure potency. Did you know that the vanilla perfume is also amazing in boosting your mood?

Conclusively, it is no secret, that the ingredient embodies sophistication, sweetness, and sexiness, all tied into one, and spurs a euphoric effect, like no other! As a powerful aphrodisiac, a scent of love, it is no wonder why Maison 21G has chosen VANILLA VENUS, as one of their 34 scent ingredients! Naming this potion after the Roman Goddess of love, we have brought you the opportunity to create your perfume in Singapore, at our Maison’s!

Our Recommended Mixes

Our first recommendation, that will mix elegance with a boost of freshness, is our VANILLA VENUS fragrance and our LIME LIGHTS perfume. A bubbly, yet sophisticated potion, of two iconic scents wrapped into one, ready to be sprayed onto your naked skin.

If you prefer a bolder creation, even more than vanilla itself, then VANILLA VENUS with LAVENDER LEGEND perfume is exactly what you need! A duo that will capture attention, with its incredibly powerful scent, a birth of the captivating mixture of pure power and might.

And finally, the most important blend that we recommend for our ladies, a sexual extravaganza, a weapon for any woman…VANILLA VENUS along with our SLEEK SANDALWOOD fragrance, for the heart of your elixir! A creation that will enclose you into a cloud of lust, and seduction, and will turn heads, due to its magical and impulsive characteristics. Spray it onto your naked skin, and exhibit yourself, leaving a stimulating trace

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