Spice and Black Vanilla is the best vanilla fragrance on a budget.
In this review, I’ll explain to you why. I’ll describe its smell and performance and anything else you need to know.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Spice and Black Vanilla’s scent profile consists of vanilla and cardamom (spice). This is all you’ll smell for the entire wear.
- This lasts six hours on the skin, and there is explosive projection during the first couple of hours.
- Cardamom, Vanilla, and Tobacco are the only notes listed for Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla.
- The best time to wear this is in the winter.
- Spice and Black Vanilla is an affordable clone of Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme.
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What Does Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla Smell Like?
The opening is a potent dose of cardamom. I won’t lie. It feels like someone is chasing me around with a pepper shaker under my nose.
I never need to scrub it off my skin, but it is intense, to say the least. Within a few minutes, the bourbon vanilla slowly eases its way in.
At the 15-minute mark, the vanilla takes over. It’s creamy, rich and warm. It reminds me of smelling cooking vanilla you’d find in your kitchen cabinet.
However, it never has a syrupy nature or even much sweetness at all.
The spices coat the edges and keep things interesting. At the 30-minute mark, they are barely noticeable and will stay this way for the rest of the wear. The tobacco listed in the scent profile is nearly non-existent.
Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla notes:
- Cardamom
- Bourbon Vanilla
- Tobacco
Spice and Black Vanilla Performance
How Long Does Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla Last?
Spice and Black Vanilla lasts five hours on the skin with light projection. The first spray pushes out a couple of feet and remains present for the rest of the wear. This performance is with five sprays.
When Should I Wear Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla?
This is fall and winter wear. Before I bought it, I thought I could get the cooler spring and summer temperatures out of it, too. But I can’t, nor can you. The warmth of the spices and vanilla becomes too intense.
As for occasions, it is all. This is an easy scent to spray on and go. It’s subtle enough for the office and sophisticated enough for all other occasions.
Is Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla Likable?
This translates to its excellent mass appeal and likability. There are no decisive notes in Spice and Black Vanilla; it’s a hard scent not to enjoy.
Cremo SPice and Black Vanilla Clones
There are multiple fragrances with similar aromas. However, the most notable is Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme. It is spice and vanilla dominant as well, but it has a few noticeable differences.
Spicebomb Extreme uses cinnamon instead of cardamom and has a prominent tobacco accord.
Overall, Spicebomb Extreme is a slightly more complex fragrance. But for the price, Spice and Black Vanilla holds its own.
How Do The People Rate Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla?
Don’t just trust me; what do the masses think? This information is pulled from fragrantica.com. Providing a general estimate of what others think.
At the time of writing (March 2024), Spice & Black Vanilla has 1,259 votes with a rating of 4.48 stars out of 5. Based on the cost-for-value metric, it is rated as excellent value.
Here are the top three pros and cons:
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Great scent.
- Positive reactions from others.
Cons
- Low projection on some people.
- Batch variations affect performance.
- Synthetic smell.
Final Words
Is Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla worth it? Yes. I even consider it a must-have because it is extremely affordable and high-quality. There are no red flags. It’s an excellent addition to every collection.
Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla is one of the best cheap winter colognes for men. However, don’t limit yourself to Spice and Black Vanilla. Discover the best cheap winter colognes for men here.