Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette (2010)
by Diptyque

This is probably my most favorite fragrance of all time, and I have likely smelled hundreds in the last ten years.

I'm a vanilla lover, and while test-driving a bunch of other vanilla bomb fragrances, my first impression of Eau Duelle was that it was simply a 'nice vanilla' that was easier to wear than many of the others. It wasn't until I went through three decants that I realized it was perfect. I now like it even more than the cult classic Tihota, which I also own and paid a lot more for. I live in Canada where it's cold half of the year, and this is the fragrance I reach for more than any other on cooler days.

It's a classic and just smells great without any pretensions. A dry vanilla surrounded by cold spices and frankincense, which are subtle and just give the vanilla some character. The vanilla smells wonderful without being gourmand or sweet, and I can't get enough of the smell when I wear it. I own the EDT, and have never tried the EDP because the EDT just seems perfect.

From November, 2015. Review is for the EDT:

My favorite vanilla scent. Eau Duelle features a rich, unsweetened vanilla blended with incense, tea and dry woods. I get the impression of something very gray and earthy when I wear Eau Duelle, almost mineralic, as if hot vanilla tea is being poured over smoky stones by a campfire in the woods. Still, this is very much a vanilla scent, and the vanilla is healthy and robust, so it features the naturally sweet qualities of vanilla but in no way has it been "artificially" sweetened. There is nothing sugary in Eau Duelle or anything that smells unnaturally cute. My review is for the EDT, and while I know an EDP has been released and by all accounts is very good, I like the EDT so much I have no desire for anything different. Still, it can't hurt to check out both versions before making a purchase. Projection is average but solid, longevity is very good at 8 to 10 hours. Thumbs up, and an easy 9/10 rating for this one.

Eau Duelle EDP unplugged.

I like the EDP version better. This edt is different enough from the edp they seem like separate fragrances.

The problem with the edt for me, is that you have to like vanilla fragrances to like this one as it is mostly about vanilla and I don’t really gravitate to vanilla fragrances.

It’s a fairly pleasant lean (thin) vanilla with a light mix of herbs, tea and spices that create an almost edc quality and is entirely unobjectionable. I envision wearing this in summer as you would an edc because it’s unobtrusive, polite, pleasant and easy-going, so it certainly has a place for those who like fresh vanilla fragrances.

But I found the vanilla fairly boring, and I liked the juniper sidenote better. I just couldn’t get interested in Eau Duelle edt. The edp, which is formulated differently - more powdered, lacking the thin, transparent vanilla of the edt - pleased me a lot more.

Sweet! Turns woody-sweet. Slight spice. Lots of vanilla here. A bit of saffron & juniper. So far, every note seems well-blended - hard to pick out individually. The sweetness stays throughout. It becomes powdery sugar on my skin. Vanilla is certainly long-lasting. I like!

A beautifully light, fresh and aromatic vanilla. It’s not too heady, nice for summer.