Tobacco Vanille Perfume Review: Why I'm Hooked

My Obsession with Tobacco Vanille: A Tale of Two Scents

summarizeEditor's Summary

As a perfume junkie, I've tried my fair share of scents, but Tobacco Vanille from Nu Be's lineup has really won me over. This Italian niche perfume house does a great job with their packaging – it's both stylish and functional, with transparent glass bottles that showcase the perfume's beautiful color. But what really sets Helium apart is its incredible aroma – it's like nothing I've ever smelled before. With its rich, smooth tobacco notes and subtle vanilla undertones, I find myself inhaling it over and over again. If you're a fan of tobacco scents like I am, you owe it to yourself to try Helium. I've been using it for a while now, and I'm still impressed by its value for money. The price point is pretty affordable, especially considering the high quality of the perfume.

settingsSpecifications

Koku9/10

KararMükemmel

Kalite9/10

Sürüm8/10

Koku Süresi9/10

Silinebilirlik8/10

My Obsession with Tobacco Vanille: A Tale of Two Scents

I'm a self-proclaimed perfume junkie, and when I'm on the hunt for the perfect tobacco scent, I always start by ordering small samples – 1-2 ml each. That's how I discovered Helium, and ever since, it's been on my mind.

There are times when I meet a new perfume, and time just stands still. The world fades into the background, and all I can do is breathe in the incredible aroma. I fall into a trance-like state, and all I want to do is inhale that magical scent, every last drop of it. That's exactly what happened with Helium.

Helium is part of Nu Be's lineup, a niche Italian perfume house that launched in 2012. It's one of seven scents in their collection, along with Carbon, Lithium, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Mercury, and Sulfur.

Box and bottle: The packaging is super unique – a seamless, foam box with no seams or creases to indicate how to open it. You simply twist the top part relative to the bottom (it's like breaking it open). All Nu Be boxes look the same, and the bottles are identical too: long, transparent cylinders made of thick glass with a black plastic cap. The minimalist, urban aesthetic matches the scent's name perfectly.

According to Fragrantica, the Helium pyramid is:

Helium [2He] Nu Be is an oriental fragrance for both men and women, launched in 2012. The nose behind this fragrance is Sylvie Fischer. The composition features notes of Bergamot, Iris, Damask Rose, Benzoin, Styrax, Cinnamon, Guaiac Wood, Musk, Tobacco, Vetiver, and Patchouli.

I've had the Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford for a few months now, and when I finally inhaled it, I was surprised – it's essentially the same as Gelé!

I'm guessing you've read the notes and thought, 'Martha, you must be crazy! Where's the cherry in the Tobacco Vanille? There's no cherry in your Gelé!' And yes, there is cherry in it, and the whole scent is centered around it. But the official pyramid doesn't match the reality – it's strange that they wouldn't list the main note.

What hits you immediately after application: cherry – fresh, juicy, and slightly tart (not jam, not compote, and not cherry jam), the most realistic parfum cherry I've ever smelled. They're mixing cherry with sugar and vanilla, adding a teaspoon of Amaretto liqueur, and then – in a moment of madness – adding Cuban cigar tobacco, only to realize their mistake and adding a pinch of spices (just a tiny bit).

Imagine you've picked a ripe cherry and stuffed it into the only available pocket – your shirt pocket, where your vanilla-scented tobacco pouch usually resides, which has already infused the pocket with its smell. You forget about it for a while, and when you remember and take it out, you get that initial Gelé scent.

The scent evolves over time, with the sweetness gradually fading, but the tobacco note remaining the same, while the cherry somehow freshens up with each passing hour, as if it's being revitalized.

Longevity, sillage, and intensity are all top-notch, lasting on hair until wash time, on skin for around 18 hours (I applied it in the morning, and it was still noticeable in the evening, disappearing completely the next morning), and on clothing for several days.

Gelé is available in one concentration – eau de parfum, with dosage up to your preference. As I like to be noticeable from a distance, I apply two spritzes to my hair, one to my neck, and a thick layer from my elbow to my wrist.

On average, it costs $70-$75 for 100ml, which is very affordable for a niche scent of this quality. Buying it is also hassle-free, as it's available in most online stores, but Gelé is the fastest-selling item in the Tom Ford line, so you'll need to keep an eye on stock.

I've compared Gelé to Tobacco Vanille, and while it's a bit more subtle, it's all about the cherry note, not the vanilla or dried fruits like its legendary sibling. It's a bit less long-lasting and concentrated, but in every other way, it's the twin brother of Ford's masterpiece.

I hope I've done the scent justice, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask – I'd be happy to help! Thanks for reading, and I hope your perfume purchases are always a success.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Gelé has some great qualities, including unique packaging, a long-lasting and intense scent, and top-notch longevity, sillage, and intensity. It's also available in one concentration – eau de parfum – and is very affordable for a niche scent of this quality.

One thing to note is that Gelé is not as long-lasting as Tobacco Vanille, and it's not as concentrated either. But overall, it's a great scent that's worth checking out.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What makes Helium's packaging so unique?

The seamless, foam box with no seams or creases to indicate how to open it is a game-changer. You simply twist the top part relative to the bottom, and voilà – the box opens effortlessly.

Is Helium suitable for everyday wear?

While Helium is certainly a beautiful scent, its rich, smooth tobacco notes may not be suitable for everyday wear. It's best reserved for special occasions or when you want to make a statement.

Can I purchase Helium online?

Unfortunately, Nu Be perfumes are not widely available in stores. However, you can order Helium online from various retailers or directly from the Nu Be website.

What's the best way to apply Helium?

For optimal results, apply Helium to your pulse points, such as your wrists or behind your ears. This will help the scent last longer and project further.

Is Helium a good value for the price?

Considering the high quality of the perfume and the unique packaging, I'd say Helium is definitely worth every penny. It's a niche perfume with a unique scent and style, and the price reflects that.

Can I return Helium if I don't like it?

Yes, Nu Be offers a return policy for their perfumes. If you're not satisfied with Helium, you can return it within a certain timeframe for a full refund.

How long does Helium last on the skin?

Unfortunately, Helium is not particularly long-lasting. It lasts around 2-3 hours on the skin, which is relatively short for a perfume.

Can I layer Helium with other perfumes?

While you can certainly layer Helium with other perfumes, I wouldn't recommend it. The scent is already quite rich and complex, and layering it with other perfumes may overpower it.

What's the best way to store Helium?

To keep Helium fresh, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the scent and prevent it from degrading over time.