Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo Review (Geza Schöen) 2024 +Scent of Subtlety Giveaway

Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo

Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo courtesy of the brand.

Some months back whilst in conversation with Ormonde Jayne founder, perfumer and Creative Director Linda Pilkington, she explained to me that soon a new fragrance would be launched based around a vanilla accord. As can be expected from her brand this was to be no typical overly sweet synthetic use of materials to mimic the sense of vanilla, rather a subtle and refined creation one she described as, “Noble. Attractive. Resplendent.” Known for a signature of elegance throughout their collections I was keen to explore Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo.

Linda Pilkington of Ormonde Jayne

Linda Pilkington courtesy of the brand.

The seed of Ormonde Jayne was sown through the lens of Linda Pilkington’s travels, she journaled her experiences extensively writing about each sojourn to distant lands. For this creation she looked back to her childhood, specifically three years spent travelling across Africa. Central to the theme were the rugged landscapes of rouge dirt tracks and the orange tones of sunsets which Africa offers up. Wanting to recreate these experiences in scent form she studied various raw materials to deliver a non-commercial vanilla with nuance.

 African sunset Dave Hoefler Unsplash 

Once again Linda Pilkington teamed up with perfumer Geza Schöen for Ormonde Jayne. The result is a sensual fragrance which acts like a silky second skin. This perfume has longevity and gently wraps itself around the wearer as a soft caress. I immediately pick up on the use of pink pepper, osmanthus and Sicilian bergamot in combination with the bourbon vanilla and Madagascan vanilla it brought across a delicate effect almost akin to the wafts of a baked flan. The warmth I detect through a buttery orris and hints of spices in this case a surprising utilisation of coriander and carrot seeds. The composition of Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo is complex and interesting keeping one engaged and digging to find more aspects through each sniff. One second subtle florals make their appearance felt, the next an amalgamation of gentle woods. Arching over all the ingredients is the star of the show, the unique vanilla accord.

Ormonde Jayne London Vanille des Afriques intensivo

courtesy of the brand

Vanilla from Madagascar is pivotal to connecting the spices, florals, and woods  that create a sensorial symphony. Vanille des Afriques Intensivo is an intimate luxurious silken wrap for the wearer. There are no rough edges to this perfume. It invites you to experience a moment of calm and serenity far from the madding crowds.

Karl Topham, Senior Editor and UK Brand Ambassador

Notes: Orris butter, jasmine absolute, magnolia bud oil, osmanthus, coriander seed, Sicilian bergamot, carrot seed, pink pepper, Madagascan vanilla, Bourbon vanilla, cedarwood, vetiver, amber, musk.

Disclaimer: Travel size atomiser of Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo sent to Karl for review, thoughts are his own.

Ormonde jayne tasting menu 12 x 2 ml

Travel atomizer by Michelyn and Tasting menu via the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Ormonde Jayne, we have a 10 ml travel size atomiser of Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo AND a taster menu for one registered reader in the USA & UK ONLY, You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying which note intrigues you most based on Karl’s review and where you live. Draw closes 04 13//2024.

If you would like your comment to count twice, please include a quote from Linda Pilkington’s Creative Director’s in Perfumery article here

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44 comments

  • sjmin209 says:

    I’m most interested in how the magnolia bud oil plays out. I’ve rarely seen this note and wonder if this is one of the “unusual flowers, resins and woods” that Linda refers to in her discussion.

    In California, USA

  • phuongmtran says:

    I look forward to trying Ormonde Jayne’s take on the vanilla accord. This sensorial symphony sounds so comforting. I am in CA, USA.

    “Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection.”

  • msvillaire says:

    ‘It has all come about through little more than happenstance,’ is my favorite quote. I wish everyone finds their path in grace. I am so interested in the all of the notes that compliment this non commercial, double vanilla blend. Magnolia can be gorgeous when done well. I’ve never heard of its bud oil!!

  • Venus says:

    I’ve yet to own any of Ormonde Jayne fragrance but I have heard nothing but good things about the brand. I’m very interested in their new release. The notes sounds right up my alley and would love the opportunity to win this giveaway. From USA

  • MelKT42 says:

    (Colorado, USA) A “sensual fragrance which acts like a silky second skin” is what draws me into this scent the most. Yes, I love vanilla but what I really am interested in finding out about this fragrance is how Geza Schoen turns this note into that second skin feeling. As for the article from 2015, “At this time, Linda has no plans to distribute the fragrances stateside…” thank goodness that she changed her mind! Because of that, I’ve been able to sample Geza’s creations and even have a travel sized Ormonde Woman for when I’m feeling earthy and slightly witchy.

  • EmJay87 says:

    For me it has to be the carrot seed! Of the 50 perfumes I own, not one of them contains carrot seed or anything carrot adjacent.

    London, UK

  • clarchik says:

    I have heard this is a cousing to the original Vanille Iris, and curious to explore it as these are my 2 favorite notes

  • chrisskins says:

    Yowza! So exciting! I’d love to try this vanilla ++. I’m a big fan of Ormonde Jayne, have visited the shop. I have OJ Woman and love it for it’s beautiful blending of ingredients. None of Linda Pinkerton’s perfumes are anything less than very well-blended and tasteful. I live in NY.

  • JSO says:

    I am curious as to how the vanilla connects with the spices, florals and woods. Located in the US.

  • Naomi says:

    I am a great admirer of Linda Pilkington and her company. Ormond Jayne has put out some truly excellent fragrances (Ormonde Woman and Prive come to mind), and I had the joyous privilege of meeting Linda virtually to learn about her Silk Road line a few years ago. What a personable and approachable artist and business woman she is! I will never forget that experience. My favorite quote from her article encapsulates what I think has driven her excellence into a product that has reached around the world: “Essentially, I needed to be surrounded with like-minded people with high expectations and demanding briefs to keep me on my toes and push me to achieving something extraordinary.” Indeed she continues to do so. I have not gotten to sample this newest creation, Vanille des Afriques Intensivo, but I can believe Karl’s description of it being “a subtle and refined creation”, true to vanilla without any mainstream sweetness or rough edges – just what I would expect of Linda’s vision. Thank you for this generous draw, I would be thrilled to sample all the offerings! I live in NH, USA.

  • mugatzer says:

    I have been so eager to try this! I am most intrigued by the orris butter, and loved Karl’s description of its warmth in harmony with the other silken aspects of the scent. I am in IL, USA.

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    The Morris butter is the most intriguing to me. I need to know what this evokes. I live in Oregon.

    “Once the bee is firmly buzzing around my bonnet, my thought pattern does not switch off.”

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    I have always been a huge fan of OJ fragrances. This one surely sparks my interest and very excited to try

  • Teresa C says:

    I hate to be, well, VANILLA about it, but the note that most intrigues me is the Vanilla, Madagascar version. It’s such an interesting note when handled correctly, and not subjugated to merely dessert sweetness among other more prominent notes. The word Noble in the perfumer’s description also kind of caught my eye! I live in the USA.

  • snowflake15 says:

    I sounds like putting on a cashmere wrap when it’s chilly. Fabulous! Can’t wait to try it. The orris note interests me most. NY State USA

  • madamepeace says:

    The carrot seed and coriander seed notes intrigue me! It sounds so good blended in with what sounds like pure indulgent comfort with that special vanilla accord mentioned.

    In the Creative Directors of Perfumery with Linda Pilkington, the founder and perfumer of Ormande Jayne, I love her quote when she says “Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection. It can be a moody song with romantic lyrics, the perfect colour of coral, a shimmering stretch of sand and sun, the inside of a vintage Bentley together with a good stretch of the imagination and my relentless passion for ‘only the best will do’ make for an Ormonde Jayne perfume.”

    That is exactly the kind of talk someone would say that cares a great deal about not just creating something that will just appeal to masses in some capitalist kind of way, but honors the creative spirit of creating something to sort of scratch that itch within to somehow encapsulate the beauty you have seen in this life to be remembered reverently through an art medium as special as perfumery.
    From OR, USA.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    Once again Linda Pilkington teamed up with perfumer Geza Schöen for Ormonde Jayne. The result is a sensual fragrance which acts like a silky second skin. This perfume has longevity and gently wraps itself around the wearer as a soft caress. I immediately pick up on the use of pink pepper, osmanthus and Sicilian bergamot in combination with the bourbon vanilla and Madagascan vanilla it brought across a delicate effect almost akin to the wafts of a baked flan. The warmth I detect through a buttery orris and hints of spices in this case a surprising utilisation of coriander and carrot seeds. The composition of Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo is complex and interesting keeping one engaged and digging to find more aspects through each sniff. One second subtle florals make their appearance felt, the next an amalgamation of gentle woods. Arching over all the ingredients is the star of the show, the unique vanilla accord.

    Vanilla from Madagascar is pivotal to connecting the spices, florals, and woods that create a sensorial symphony. Vanille des Afriques Intensivo is an intimate luxurious silken wrap for the wearer. There are no rough edges to this perfume. It invites you to experience a moment of calm and serenity far from the madding crowds.

    Karl Topham, Senior Editor and UK Brand Ambassador

    Notes: Orris butter, jasmine absolute, magnolia bud oil, osmanthus, coriander seed, Sicilian bergamot, carrot seed, pink pepper, Madagascan vanilla, Bourbon vanilla, cedarwood, vetiver, amber, musk. A beautiful description by Karl the notes that really intrigued me were orris butter, bourbon vanilla and Madagascan vanilla. There was never a time when I sat down and planned to create a “Perfume House” – as hard as it may be to believe, it has all come about through little more than happenstance. Walking along Bond Street twelve years ago I bumped into to a good friend, Bruce Anderson, who I had not seen for years and who was now working for Chanel Fine Jewelry. Our history went back a long way, he had even sold my parents a diamond bracelet which they gave me for my 21st birthday present. We talked about old times and Bruce remembered I used to make scented candles and other scented concoctions and it prompted him to ask if I could develop a special scented candle for his Chanel Boutique. It was a great opportunity and I really didn’t want to let him down. Several months later and after a lot of meetings I finally received approval and the first order. In my innocence, I wrote the invoice in my best handwriting in orange ink, sealed with a wax stamp! Later I was called by the accounts department who informed me they can’t pay an invoice like this and to form a company with a registration number.

    ormonde jayne Boutique-BondStreet

    Ormonde Jayne Boutique- 28 Old Bond Street

    And that is how Ormonde Jayne came about. My husband came up with the name, taking my middle name and combining it with the street we lived on in Primrose Hill – we wanted something personal, easy to remember and English – and I designed the logo and registered it…. all so I could write an invoice for Chanel! The work I had put into this first Chanel candle creation had cost a great deal of time and money. It crossed my mind that if I could make this work as a business, this would be the ultimate career. Essentially, I needed to be surrounded with like-minded people with high expectations and demanding briefs to keep me on my toes and push me to achieving something extraordinary. Before long I had several high profile designers and hoteliers on my books but the next step was to do a trade show to attract buyers from the high-end stores. A larger investment was needed to build a rather chic pop up Ormonde Jayne store and once again my husband stepped in and gave me an interest free loan of £5000. Then I hit Bond Street undercover to look over all the beautiful chic stores and made my notes. It paid off; Ormonde Jayne picked up first prize for the best stand design at the show and I received orders from Neiman Marcus, Bergorf Goodman and Takashimaya in Manhattan, as well as Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty’s in London. I love this quote. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    Vanilla from Madagascar is pivotal to connecting the spices, florals, and woods that create a sensorial symphony. Vanille des Afriques Intensivo is an intimate luxurious silken wrap for the wearer. There are no rough edges to this perfume. It invites you to experience a moment of calm and serenity far from the madding crowds.

    Karl Topham, Senior Editor and UK Brand Ambassador

    Notes: Orris butter, jasmine absolute, magnolia bud oil, osmanthus, coriander seed, Sicilian bergamot, carrot seed, pink pepper, Madagascan vanilla, Bourbon vanilla, cedarwood, vetiver, amber, musk. I am fascinated by the notes especially magnolia bud oil, carrot seed and coriander seeed as well as Madagascan and Bourbon vanilla.

    As luck would have it, an excellent perfumer, Geza Schoen, came into my life. He had read about Ormonde Jayne and wanted to know if I had an alcohol license. At the time, he had seventeen years of experience creating perfumes and now he wanted independence. It was a perfect match, I needed help and he needed a studio to work from, crimping machines, filters, distilled water and denaturized alcohol . We hit it off straight away, the dynamics worked. Not only did he love my ideas but was positively happy to be involved and loved the fact that money was no object when it came to the formulations; they simply had to be the most elegant perfumes in the world. That was twelve years ago (2002), and it took two years to put the first four perfumes together (Ormonde Woman, Tolu, Champaca and Frangipani), as we searched for ingredients not widely used in the perfume industry, we found oudh (Ormonde Man), hemlock (Ormonde Woman and Man) , all fabulous and mysterious oils . I know when we found the right ingredients because I felt an intense sense of excitement and anticipation. I loved this quote because of the chemistry between Linda and Geza creating fabulous and mysterious oils. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    I love vanilla and this sounds really comforting. I’d love to win and live in Indiana.

  • Steve A says:

    Immediately intrigued by reading “The result is a sensual fragrance which acts like a silky second skin. This perfume has longevity and gently wraps itself around the wearer as a soft caress”. US

  • TheTara says:

    This sounds so sophisticated! I’d love to see how the osmanthus works to help create the overall vanilla scent. I also really liked this quote: “It can be a moody song with romantic lyrics, the perfect colour of coral, a shimmering stretch of sand and sun, the inside of a vintage Bentley together with a good stretch of the imagination and my relentless passion for “only the best will do” make for an Ormonde Jayne perfume.” Thank you and hello from CO, USA!

  • Belladonna says:

    I love the idea of a luxurious wrap that wafts flan!! It sounds beautiful! Here’s Linda’s fun quote, “ In my innocence, I wrote the invoice in my best handwriting in orange ink, sealed with a wax stamp!”. Thanks for the opportunity- in the US

  • mdellaroc says:

    What a beautiful story for a vanilla fragrance. Vanilla is so ubiquitous that a strong direction is necessary to set it apart. Sounds delightful. In maryland.

  • Kelly Atwood says:

    Oh my goodness, I am beyond excited for this one. I love everything Geza does and am so intrigued by this vanilla. The combo of bergamot, orris and vanilla has my ears perked. I would love to be considered for the giveaway, thank you! I live in Texas.

  • womaningold says:

    This is what I love, Vanilla is my second name. Perfumer Geza Schöen for Ormonde Jayne is another reason I want to try this frag so bad. Please consider me in your giveaway.
    Thanks a million!
    Greetings from USA

  • opalbear says:

    Oh wow I think the use of coriander seed and magnolia bud oil is a stroke of genius! Also love that carrot seed is being used for that second iskin powder and that the homage to vanilla is not being over shadowed by heavy woods, resins or sugary florals…. It sounds lovely. Geza definitely knows how to create skin scents!! I’m in California USA thank you for the chance to win this one!

  • Trinity33 says:

    Ormonde Jaye does second skin fragrances so well. Vanille des Afriques Intensivo sounds like a luxurious expanse of silk. The delicate spring florals and orris combine with the amber, musk and two types of vanilla to create a sensual wrap on the wearer. I’m in the US.

    From the article: “ The creative and original ideas that form Ormonde Jayne have all developed from my passion for travel. Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection.‘

  • Jake Dauod says:

    I am most intrigued by the bourbon vanilla. It may be a basic note, but I really do love it. Pairing that with the fact that the fragrance is smooth, with some florals, citrus, and spice… I’m very interested in trying this fragrance! Warm regards from Illinois, USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Linda’s fragrances are always resplendent. This sounds amazing and I love to eat silky flan. Sounds like a comforting “hug” like fragrance. I’m curious how it compares to my beloved Vanille d’Iris (discontinued I believe). “Once the bee is firmly buzzing around my bonnet, my thought process does not shut off”. That sure shows the passion to the art of perfumery. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • mleenstra says:

    I’ve heard so many good things about this fragrance and happy to see Karl include a review of it. There have been a fair few vanilla releases the past year but something that caught my eye here are the use of carrot seed and coriander seed which I love in combination with orris (heavenly) but have not smelled in combination with vanilla ever I think. So yes… so interested in smelling this. And I also finally found out how Ormonde Jayne got its name “My husband came up with the name, taking my middle name and combining it with the street we lived on in Primrose Hill” (this was actually something I’ve been wondering for a while! Thanks for the review and give away. Marit UK

  • wandering_nose says:

    I would love to see how the carrot and coriander seed notes contribute to the creation feeling noble, attractive and resplendent. As a major fan of Geza Schoen’s creative approach and his masterpieces, I am truly intrigued and would love to try Vanille des Afriques Intensivo. An unusual, alternative iteration of a vanilla-centric perfume is always a much welcome experience. A silky second skin with longevity sounds like what I’ve been on the lookout for. Thank you! I am based in the EU but I have an address in the UK too.

  • mmerline says:

    Vanilla is at its best rich, but not overly sweet, so I was intrigued to read Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo is “no typical overly sweet synthetic use of materials to mimic the sense of vanilla”. The name would suggest ruddy tones conveyed with robust materials; instead this sounds quite smooth, with lightly warm tones, and the vanilla accord at its center. Lovely.

    And thank you for linking to Linda Pilkington’s Creative Director’s in Perfumery article. This qoute stood out: ” I know the basic accord of the formulation, the oils I will search for but the most important aspect is the philosophy of why it has to be like it is. The private area, the part of the perfume I can’t and do not want to explain to anyone except Geza. I talk the idea through with him and we develop the idea to the next stage.” Interesting take on the creative process.

    I’m in the midwest, USA. Would love to try Vanille des Afriques Intensivo and the taster menu. Thanks!

  • sillage4ever says:

    Carrot seed and coriander seed raise my eyebrows the most on this unusual vanilla. Ormonde Jayne is always great stuff.

    As for quotes, ” Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection.”

    I’m in the USA, thanks for the generous drawing.

  • y1NYang69 says:

    Noble. Attractive. Resplendent. Definitely a powerful description of not only this fragrance but this brand. I haven’t tried that many from Ormonde Jayne but the ones I have smelled were memorable. Would love to have a sampler set so I can experience even more from them. The Madagascan vanilla is definitely the most interesting note at the center of this fragrance it appears. As Linda Pilkington said, “I would research and find unusual flowers, resins and woods not necessarily used in the modern international perfume industry.”. This is just one aspect that makes the brand stand out as unique

  • cynthmarie says:

    I’m always curious about Ormonde Jayne because of the way they make their perfumes feel effortless, but with varied and interesting facets. The magnolia and coriander intrigue me in this vanilla scent. I love this quote from Linda Pilkington as she describes inspiration: “It can be a moody song with romantic lyrics, the perfect colour of coral, a shimmering stretch of sand and sun, the inside of a vintage Bentley together with a good stretch of the imagination and my relentless passion for “only the best will do” make for an Ormonde Jayne perfume.”
    Can’t wait to try this new one. US

  • yvree says:

    Excited for a sophisticated vanilla, Osmamthus amd orris butter vatch my attention. Very interested in also seeing how carrot seed plays out. I live in the US

  • deeshla says:

    Ok – I’ve got to smell this. It’s the carrot seeds that I find the most intriguing! Linda’s quote about her method struck me as poetic:“Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection.”

    I’m a registered reader from Atlanta, USA.

  • foreverscents says:

    I have tried a few Ormande Jayne fragrances and there are NEVER rough edges in any of them. I love how smooth and elegant they are. Vanille des Afriques Intensivo sounds like another beguiling fragrance from this house. I love buttery orris, pink pepper, and Bourbon vanilla. I like the quote: “No constraints, no financial confinement, no timings, just pure creativity.”
    I live in the USA.

  • bel says:

    I’m interested in the coriander and carrot seed notes, and the idea of a herbal, floral, woody vanilla. I liked Linda’s description of her creative process with Geza Schoen as a translation of her concept, and that there is a “private area, the part of the perfume I can’t and do not want to explain to anyone except Geza.” USA.

  • Froaderick says:

    The warmth of orris butter (along with so many other facets) make this sound so very intriguing! I was instantly hooked when i sampled Ormonde Jayne Man that I immediately bought a full bottle, so I’m excited to see how this one captivates. Linda’s description of London as “… a unique location where diversity can be celebrated on every corner” is so very appropriate and exemplifies the concepts for her unique fragrances. Cheers from Ohio! 🙂

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the wonderful writeup Karl.
    This is such an interesting fragrance – classically constructed and sensual in it’s approach to highlighting the vanilla through multiple facets. I really enjoyed seeing osmanthus and orris butter in there .

    I would love to sample this.

    Cheers from WI, USA