On The Nose Perfumes Sainte Vanille (Gabrielle Durand) 2024 + Sacred Chant of Scent Giveaway

Sainte Vanille by On the Nose Perfumes

On The Nose Perfumes Sainte Vanille via the brand

Imagine, if you will, that vanilla—the humble hero of the fragrance world, has found its calling, like a wanderer guided by a faint, enchanting light. Sainte Vanille is a natural perfume that feels like a spiritual experience. It’s as though vanilla attended a sacred ceremony, emerging with a depth and personality that transcends the ordinary. Sainte Vanille took me on an aromatic pilgrimage, where lovely, aged Madagascan vanilla tincture sits at the altar, embraced by the sacred companions of Frankincense Rivae and myrrh absolute. This fragrance is truly a hymn that flows through the senses, elevating and grounding at once.

Vanilla flower and beans

Vanilla via the brand

On The Nose Perfumes Sainte Vanille opens with an aged, handmade Madagascan vanilla tincture; the fragrance welcomes me warmly. It’s rich and inviting; the intoxicating aroma of pure vanilla envelops me. But what takes this journey to sublime heights is the twist of clove-derived vanillin, which adds a touch of creamy, smoky spice that unfurls with the vanilla, lending depth and character through its undertones. The opening is immediate without being performative.

On the Nose Perfumes Sainte Vanille

Sainte Vanille Mood Board

Now, let’s get to the heart of Sainte Vanille, which is where things get really intriguing. The inclusion of Frankincense Rivae (aka sweet frankincense) invites a welcome divine aspect, whispering wisdom from ancient lands and guiding my senses through a mélange of spice and warmth.  A retreat where incense smoke curls lazily through the air, mingling with the sweetness of myrrh absolute that reflects the school of invocation. But it doesn’t stop there, the addition of the finest ethereal notes of rose and the complex, fruity, leather of osmanthus weaves in delicately alongside iris, sensual jasmine, and bright, tangy kumquat. This exquisitely crafted combination by Gabrielle Durand feels like an artist’s brush on a canvas, creating a picture that is both definitive and serene, nurturing but never overwhelming.

Gabrielle Durand Founder Perfumer at On the Nose Perfumes

 Perfumer Gabrielle Durand via the brand

” I wanted to explore what happens when the warmth of Madagascan vanilla steps into a sacred, incense-filled space and allows itself to be transmuted. The supporting accords (leather, polished wood, altar flowers, citrus glow, and earthy musks) became the ornamentation that carries this inner transformation outward.”

On The Nose Perfumes Sainte Vanille’s earthy base of Cyprian labdanum and Galbanum resin not only grounds the fragrance but also adds a balsamic green snap, reminding me of the beauty found in deep roots, the kind that thrive. A psychological anchor, a fragrant omen to keep my feet on the ground while my spirit aspires to the ethereal. I asked Gabrielle what the trickiest material was to work with while creating Sainte Vanille.

 

Galbanum in perfumery

Galbanum via the brand 

“The trickiest material was the very green galbanum resinoid. I wanted a vivid blast of green in the incense accord, but I didn’t want it to dominate as the fragrance unfolded.” Gabrielle Durand, Founder/Perfumer at On The Nose Perfumes.

As I wore Sainte Vanille, it felt like a gentle veil, adding to and elevating my own essence. In my mind’s eye, I envisioned serene temples where incense burns and sacred chants fill the air—an invitation to probe deeper into my innermost self, while feeling wrapped in nature’s finest offerings. In the clutter of life, where my senses often drown in the mundane, Sainte Vanille was like a muse for me, a gentle reminder to find beauty in my own daily rituals, to indulge in those sacred moments. Sainte Vanille can transform each day, making every inhale a moment of gratitude.

sacred temple

So, if you catch a whiff of this sacred nectar, welcome it. Let it flow over you and remember: It’s about undertaking a journey of the senses, one that grounds while allowing your spirit to soar. Why not allow yourself to pursue this worship-worthy vanilla into a world of depth, richness, and divine discovery?

Notes: aged Madagascan vanilla tincture, vanillin extracted from cloves, frankincense rivae, myrrh absolute, cyprian labdanum, galbanum resin, kumquat, osmanthus, rose, iris, jasmine, and elemi.

Sandi Lundberg, Senior Contributor

Disclosure: Sandi received a Discovery for review, thoughts and words are her own.

Please visit On The Nose Perfumes Online Shop and support our Artisan Perfumers.

Sainte Vanille On The Nose Perfumes

Thanks to the generosity of On The Nose Perfumes, we have a 15 ml bottle (a $140 value) of Sainte Vanille to give away to a lucky, randomly selected registered reader in the Continental USA. You must register for your entry to be counted. To be eligible, please comment on what sparks your interest in Sandi’s review, Draw closes 11/26/2025

Please read Gabrielle Durand’s Profile in American Perfumery. Gabrielle is also a Guest Contributor for Cafleurebon: Notes from the lab. Ida’s review of Thorny Issue, and Honey Trap, Sandi’s review of Solar Flair. Gabrielle is featured in our Natural Perfumery Next Gen Article

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26 comments

  • brentm says:

    Love the note combination. Vanilla and frankincense sounds devine! I need to try all of On the Nose’s scents. USA

  • acg233 says:

    Ooh, I love a vanilla and the combination with the incense notes sounds amazing. I love the description of the sacred chant- it gives a beautiful visual of the impression upon wearing this one. Would love to try it!

    USA

  • INYA says:

    I liked the combination of notes: kumquat, myrrh, frankincense and clove. Sounds wonderful – some of my favorite notes. MI USA

  • RH says:

    The note breakdown is interesting on this one. Can’t recall seeing kumquat in a frag before.

    Sandi wrote that while wearing it, they “envisioned serene temples where incense burns and sacred chants fill the air.” This is the exact feeling I’m seeking from my next perfume, so fingers crossed I win this one! If not I’ll be seeking out a sample for sure.

  • GPGod says:

    What really sparks my interest in Sandi’s review is the idea of vanilla stepping out of its comfort zone and into a sacred, incense-filled space. I’m so used to vanilla being treated as dessert or cozy background noise, but the way Sainte Vanille is described here feels almost like a character arc: aged Madagascan vanilla tincture at the altar, slowly transformed by frankincense rivae, myrrh, and those “altar” notes of leather, polished wood, and flowers. That shift from familiar comfort to something devotional and inward-looking is exactly the kind of vanilla I want to wear.

    I’m especially drawn to the tension between the plush, enveloping warmth and that vivid green snap from galbanum and Cyprian labdanum. The idea that the base works like a psychological anchor, keeping your feet on the ground while your mind is in temples and smoke and chant, makes this sound less like a simple gourmand and more like a genuine mood shifter. The inclusion of osmanthus, kumquat, iris, and jasmine on top of the resins and vanilla also tells me this isn’t just “pretty”.. it’s layered, textural, and made to be sat with, not rushed.

    The way Sandi describes Sainte Vanille as a gentle veil that makes daily rituals feel a little more sacred really sealed it for me. I love the thought of a vanilla that doesn’t shout, but quietly rewires the way you experience your own day. That’s the kind of connection I’m always hoping to find in a bottle.
    I live in the continental USA.

  • crownroyale47 says:

    I like how Sainte Vanille is positioned as more than a perfume. It is presented as a spiritual experience, not just a vanilla scent. The way the writer describes the vanilla as if it has gone through a sacred rite makes me curious. I like the idea of vanilla that is aged, handmade and treated with reverence, not just “sweet” or cozy. I am drawn to the pairing of Madagascan vanilla with frankincense and myrrh because it sounds grounded, meditative and textured rather than edible or playful.

    The blend of spiritual warmth and sensual detail also stands out. The incense, the soft smoke, the osmanthus and jasmine feel like the kind of composition that would linger close to the skin and change over time. That complexity pulls me in. I am interested in how the perfume moves from an inviting embrace to something deeper and more introspective. The review makes it feel like the fragrance is meant to elevate your mood, not just decorate it, and that is the kind of vanilla I want to explore. I’m from the US – New Jersey.

  • Ensorceler says:

    What sparks interest in Sandi’s review is the way it elevates vanilla from a simple sweet note to a sacred, spiritual experience infused with incense, resins, and complex florals. The description of vanilla as a deep, textured, and meditative fragrance invites curiosity about how it can ground and uplift the wearer simultaneously. The careful balance of rich Madagascan vanilla, frankincense, myrrh, and green galbanum promises a unique, artfully crafted scent journey that’s both comforting and profound, making Sainte Vanille feel like an olfactory ritual rather than just a perfume. This poetic take makes one want to experience its sacred richness firsthand.

    – USA –

  • zibbyz says:

    This sounds like a wonderful combination of comfy and sacred. I was interested in Sandi’s question on the trickiest material and her response on the galbanum and wanting the green aspect to not take over the scent. This sounds wonderful. I’m in the US in Washington state.

  • Kassie Tocko says:

    this fragrance sounds literally divine from how the reading made it sound. it is of fragrance to transport us places on our mind’s that can sometimes be otherworldly & i feel that those frag moments are some of the best- & then, a fragrance reminder to appreciate life’s blessings, as well? the total package! this was a beautifully written review, as usual, & i was captivated by how heavenly it makes saint vanille sound. this fragrance sounds incredible- the notes are absolute perfection, in my opinion, & so i can only imagine the fragrance being perfection as well.

  • Kassie Tocko says:

    also, i am so sorry- to add to my review, i do live in the united states. thank you, as always, for all your generosity in sharing fragrances on both sides- you are very appreciated. these are always such blessings- to be able to read & be apart of special giveaways. i know that i would not even own such a fragrance if it weren’t for this wonderful blog! i was so lucky & was able to win one fragrance so far & it was literally the best thing ever! thank you everyone! happy thanksgiving!

  • flygator23 says:

    As soon as I see vanille, it is say no more. However, with the discussion of the incense accord, I became especially intrigued. I just returned from visiting temples in Japan, and this feels like it could be a lovely reminder. It sounds like a special fragrance to experience.

  • Bran J says:

    This seems like a divine vanilla literally. The enveloping transformative nature of the incense and frankincense evolving the fragrance and a blast of green. This truly invokes a meditative transcendence of vanilla. Spiritual and bright. Very intriguing.

  • xoe says:

    “A hymn that flows through the senses” — What a phrase! I love the fact about the galbanum and would love to smell the green in the incense. I am in the US.

  • kellyatwood says:

    The blend of vanilla and frankincense sounds absolutely divine! I would love to be considered for a bottle, and am located in TX. Thank you!

  • alleycat says:

    The way the incense plays off the vanilla sounds so rich and comforting. Sounds perfect for the chilly winter season! I am from New England, USA.

  • cielitolindo717 says:

    Wow- Sainte Vanille sounds amazing. I adore vanilla and incense that evokes sacred space and practice. This part especially got me: “I envisioned serene temples where incense burns and sacred chants fill the air—an invitation to probe deeper into my innermost self, while feeling wrapped in nature’s finest offerings. In the clutter of life, where my senses often drown in the mundane, Sainte Vanille was like a muse for me, a gentle reminder to find beauty in my own daily rituals, to indulge in those sacred moments.” Thank you to Sandi for this review. USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I didn’t know there was different varieties of frankincense. I started my perfume journey with a lot of vanilla, but I got bored with them and so many are sweet. This sounds amazing with the resins. I’ve not known of a worship worthy vanilla yet. I also didn’t know that there is a clove based vanillin. This sounds lovely. Thanks for the interesting read and chance to win this. USA.

  • mmerline says:

    Sacred incense is an elegant twist on a vanilla fragrance and the smoky vanillin in the opening is a deft bridge to sweet frankincense and myrrh. There are some surprises here too; the “bright, tangy kumquat” takes this in a direction I wouldn’t expect, as does the “balsamic green snap” of galbanum resinoid held back until the base shines through. I love incense fragrances, but I don’t think I’ve worn one with a strong emphasis on vanilla or a green cast. Cool.

    I’m in the USA.

  • reyessence89 says:

    The interesting context that the vanilla is placed in… to me it evokes “inner sanctum” – protective, cozy, meditative, and peaceful.

  • David F says:

    Vanillanin from aged clove is something I’ve never conceived. Has to be not only worth the trouble extracting but assumingly sets it apart from other rich blends with the same vibe. The rare frankincense, myrrh, labdanum, and resinous parts sounds heavy. Not only by its deep color but the complexity and way it’s layered speaks volumes of it. I’m definitely interested and would hold this one close because it’s not a simple spray but and experience encapsulated in time. From USA.

  • opalbear says:

    Every single note selected is something I would have chosen! I’ve been wanting kumquat in fragrance, it’s such a perfect citrus. And the labdanum and Galbanum are a perfect balance while vanilla does best with some incense imo, if it’s not already in a resinous amber accord. This sounds divine! I am located in California, thank you for the the generous giveaway.

  • jennapark says:

    I love vanilla fragrances but not basic vanilla it has to have some interest.These notes sound interesting but specifically the galbanum. Green notes in vanilla can be masterpieces or flops. I have no doubt this fragrance is blended to perfection. I also like an incense note with vanilla fragrances. Sainte Vanille sounds like a beautiful sophisticated vanilla. I’m always interested in how different fragrances feel for different people. I was very intrigued the author says she feels gratitude when with this. I’m in USA Pennsylvania

  • foreverscents says:

    As someone who burns frankincense and myrrh resins, Sainte Vanille very much appeals to me. I love the idea of a vanilla fragrance with these sacred resins. That this contains galbanum–one of my favorite fragrance notes–puts Sainte Vanille at the top of my most desired fragrance list. This fragrance sounds divine–literally.
    I live in the USA.

  • Annika says:

    It’s gratifying to see vanilla as a fragrance note, treated with such respect. Sainte Vanille is not geared towards the bakery sweet cake batter palettes. This is a sophisticated vanilla fragrance supported by spices, resins, elegant florals and aged vanilla tinctures. A lot of thought went into composing this scent and I would love to try it. MD, USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the sweet and soulful review! On the Nose Perfumes Sainte Vanille feels like a warm hymn whispered under golden candlelight — vanilla in its most tender form, gently softened by a touch of creamy musk and a hint of soft woods. What struck me was the use of galbanum to impart that astringent green tone to tie everything in together.
    Cheers from WI, USA