New Fragrance Review: Providence Perfume Co Provanilla +A Natural Vanilla of a Different Color Draw

1 providence perfume co provanilla

Providence Perfume Co  ProVanilla

Vanilla. Normally used to describe something dull or run of the mill,  Perfumer Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co turns the concept on its head with her latest release, Provanilla ('prah-vah-nil-ah' – a combination of “Providence” and “vanilla”.) While definitively vanilla; it is decidedly not boring- but what does one expect from the innovative natural perfume house? I love the smell of this and I am surprised because, in a way, it is so commercial… and yet… the BRILLIANCE it takes to achieve this naturally really proves our shared thought at ÇaFleureBon that Charna is one of the movers and shakers in the naturals game- pushing the boundaries of ordinary perfume ingredients and exploring the horizons of what materials are available to a natural perfumer.

vanilla flowers

Vanilla  pod  and Flowers

Vanilla can be a rather one trick pony, and its usual routes of expression are in an amber accord or to lock down some gourmand blend. It is not an easy note to feature naturally,  simply because it refuses to take the spotlight. Add a top note, say bergamot, and its character is lost. Charna addresses this in part by variable extractions of vanilla- Co2, absolute and one of her notable talents: tincturing. Vanilla comes in so many forms, nationalities and (dare I say it?) flavors, its not even immediately recognizable which vanilla is coming from where. Part of the perfection is the 'alienation' of the vanilla as one is aware of but not immediately dismissive of it.  As the note morphs through its own variations, your olfactory system refuses to shut it out, but continues to focus on the shapeshifter.  A hard won blend of rose and myrrh adds flourishes of smoke and flower, whisps and wafts of encouragement.

This is all before I mention the biggest surprise of them all with this perfume… and I feel a bit like I am giving away a spoiler…

allysa monks photography

Paintings by Allysa Monks

The aquatic accord is a natural melon isolate which gives the experience of Provanilla a sense of aesthetic arrest. Quantum leaps in natural perfumery is simply what Charna does- look at Hindu Honeysuckle. The perfume is immediately unique and nearly universally appealing. Charna is one of the most accessibly abstract of artists- this is a vanilla mosaic- a montage of pictures which then, when you stand back, are a giant picture of the same subject. Warhol would say it's vanilla's “15 minutes of fame”; the ordinary elevated, it is the art of vanilla. Provanilla is the long-awaited crossover between commercial and artistic perfumery as not only is it in an aroma family practically unknown in natural perfumery, it takes a ho hum note and blasts it out of the water! Projection and vanilla; it's a real thing.

allysa monks  green photo

PaintingAlyssa Monks

Aquatic and neon green aldehyde diffuses vanilla into a misty cloud hovering above the skin, giving flight to the humble bean.  The longevity it provides is no laughing matter- from dinner until morning with continuity through dry-down- the vanilla still adrift in pale but present seas, the incredible beauty and oddity of aquatic vanilla crested with floral capped waves breaking on island shores of sun-bleached myrrh.

Notes: five varieties of vanilla including madagascar and Mexican, balsam, coconut pulp, rose, myrrh with an aquatic accord.

-Einsof, Natural Perfume Editor

(disclosure: my sample was provided by Providence Perfume Co. for review

I chose the work of Allysa Monks, born in New Jersey and studied in Boston and New York. She is one fo the emerging stars of contemporary art and her paintings are  so realistic you have look twice to see  that they are not photos. She lives in Brooklyn. She is not in any way affiliated with Providence Perfume Co. I chose these images because they spoke to me as I read Einsof's review. Ms.Monks' official website is here

 Travel sprays are meant to travel, and thank to the generosity of Providence Perfume Co. we have a 7.5mL travel atomizer of Provanilla for a reader anywhere in the world. To be eligible please leave a comment with why you want to try Provanilla and your favorite Providence Perfume Co. perfume.  Draw closes 4/10/2015

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

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44 comments

  • Zee Boudreaux says:

    Long time PP fave is Rose Boheme & I’d love to try Charna’s take on Vanilla because this review makes it sound amazing – a natural aquatic vanilla? I can barely imagine. Yum! Thanks for the great review & the draw.

    Zee

  • Valentine girl says:

    I would be ecstatic to win a sample of Provanilla simply because I love vanilla! I use a lot of vanilla beans in my cooking & I find there are subtle, yet distinct differences, in the aroma and flavor of the beans I get from Madagascar, Mexico, Tahiti & Réunion Island. It never fails to amaze me the process of growing, pollinating & curing the orchid pods to produce the vanilla bean. So I am really curious about the other three varieties of vanilla used in the perfume, and then to add an aquatic note that diffuses it to a misty cloud over the skin sounds delicious. I am a huge admirer of Bay Rum cologne. Thank you for the draw. USA resident.

  • I haven’t had the chance to try anything from Providence Perfume Company but I am very interested in the line, especially their Branch and Vine cologne. I would love to try Provanilla.

  • Robert H. says:

    Hindu Honeysuckle is one of my favorite naturals, but this sounds like a dream. I have struggled with vanilla in the past, and would love to try one that might really knock my socks off! I live in the USA.

  • BlessedTA says:

    It sounds lovely. I’ve not tried any of their perfume.

    Thanks for the chance.

  • I love the idea of an aquatic vanilla – though I can’t say that I can imagine it well. I haven’t tried many PPC scents yet, so I don’t have a favorite, but perhaps this could be it! Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US.

  • I like the idea of a standalone “vanilla” scent that isn’t bland like many others tend to be. The addition of aquatic notes also interests me, as I’ve never smelled those two notes together. After checking out Providence Perfume’s website, I would have to say Ginger Lily sounds the most interesting to me, but Provanilla is a close second!

  • I love creamy vanilla scents. And natural perfumes. With myrr and rose! Wow. All my favorites! I have not tried a providence perfume yet. Hope i can!!! Thanks for the draw. I am in the us.

  • I’ve never tried Providence Perfume before but I am a long time vanilla lover. I am utterly intrigued by the idea of an aquatic vanilla.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    Vanilla with an acquatic twist seems intriguing..Provanilla may almost be an aquatic-gourmand..in addition, there are five varieties of vanilla so it is going to be quite a different kind of vanilla fragrance, a bit spicy, a bit creamy..thanks for the lovely draw. My fav. Providence creation is Tabac Citron. I am in the US

  • I would like to experience whisps and wafts of encouragement. I do like Samarinda from this line. US.

  • I am interested in trying Provanilla (not sure about the name :/) just because everything I’ve tried in the line has been good, some great. I think Charna is a very talented young perfumer. My favorites are Divine, Moss Gown and Hindu Honeysuckle. I am in the USA. Thank you for the chance.

  • I am in the US, and I like Moss Gown. I am intrigued by the combination of myrrh, aquatic notes, and vanilla. Thank you!

  • Laurentiu says:

    I would like to try Provanilla because I love vanilla and I also love coconut and a fragrance that has both would be a winner for me. I am also curious how myrrh would perform alongside the other notes.

    Unfortunately, I have not tried anything from Providence Perfume Co.

    I am from EU. Thanks!

  • I would very like to try Provanilla, because I very like the sweet perfumes, and the vanilla is a wonderful sweet note for the perfumes. I had never tried any of Providence Perfume Co. perfume. Thanks for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Roseinrose says:

    Vanilla with an aquatic, gourmand flare and five variations of vanilla, I wonder how it smells, far too interesting to ignore. I also love myrrh and rose of course. I have not yet experienced any Providence creation so I have no favorite one.
    Thank you for this lovely draw. I am in EU.

  • Laura Matheson says:

    Hi, I have tried nearly all of the Providence perfumes (aside from Bay Rum – you’re next, buddy!) and have to say that I would be happy to own and wear any/all of them as my mood (and desire to escape reality) sees fit :). I recently purchased the 7.5ml Samarinda (my first “big” bottle because it is awesome and I adore the new Oil perfumes (particularly Ivy Tower, Violet Beauregarde and Rose 802). But as I said I can enjoy a wide variety of perfume styles depending on my mood and the weather. Provanilla sounds amazing and since vanilla is one of my partner’s favourite smells in the world, I hope to get a chance to win this. I’ll have to try it one way or another! Thanks for the opportunity. I live in Australia.

  • The idea of a vanilla paired with an aquatic accord is just too interesting not to smell, so I must give it a try. I think Moss Gown is my favorite from Providence. I’m in the US and thanks so much for the review.

  • The non-vanilla notes sound like they’ll do a great job of fleshing out the scent- particularly interested to smell the coconut pulp and aquatic accord. My favorite from Providence is Rose Boheme. I’m in the US.

  • Vanilla is a personal favorite note, this seems a bit unique with it’s other notes, so yes I’d like to try this one. I have some Tabac Citron from Providence Perfume Co. that I do enjoy. 🙂 U.S.

  • I love vanilla but haven’t quite found the vanilla fragrance yet that makes me really want to wear it. This one sounds like it might do the trick, so I would love to really give this one a try. I haven’t really ventured too much into their perfumes, but do love their wonderful hand creams. Fern and the Stonefruit & Ylang are really great. I do have a sample of the Rose 802 and it’s like being a field of wild roses. I’m in the US.

  • Vanilla had started to be a little bit samey and uninspiring and now this promises a visit to a realm of totally undiscovered mixtures which would be a joy to try especially as I have never been fortunate to try any of the Providence scents. Thank you for the chance, I am in the UK.

  • Thanks for an interesting article. I’d like to try Provanilla because I’ve already tried and enjoyed several from this house – I’m not usually keen on vanilla perfumes, but Charna is one of the perfumers who might be able to convert me, and I’d be interested to smell her take on it. My favourites of hers are Divine Noir and Osmanthus Oolong.

    Thanks for the draw. I’m in the UK.

  • I’ll say it — I don’t like vanilla. And that is precisely why I have decided that I need to try Provanilla. It sounds like it is the only vanilla that could possibly change my mind about vanilla.

    Thanks for the thoroughly review. If anyone can convert me to vanilla, it will be Charna Ethier.

    I am in the US.

  • silvrolive says:

    I am a huge fan of vanilla in all its iterations and aquatic vanilla with rose is something I would love to try. My favorite is Hindu Honeysuckle. I’m in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • A mouthwatering review, I want it actually I need this. I do know how difficult Vanilla can be to fully profile, so it was interesting to read about this…a perfume making friend tells me this too.So it sounds like Chana has really worked her magic on this one. I have never had a Providence fragrance before. I feel converted however. I am in the US

  • Beautiful, evocative review, and I’m so excited that Charna’s take on vanilla is now out! I would love to smell for myself how vanilla morphs through various guises in this perfume. Charna is the best! My favorites are Moss Gown, Samarinda, and Branch & Vine, and I’m in the US.

  • Francesca says:

    i am a fan of Chana’s creations and this progression to what I deem to be a perfect state of Vanilla is exciting! It is indeed a hard one , this exotic beauty we call Vanilla for all the reasons Einsof describes in the review. Congrats Chana on what I wish is an enormous success. I would of course love to try this, and I am international.

  • ChristineB says:

    Like other commentators I am very interested in how vanilla marries with an aquatic accord. I haven’t tried many of Charna Ethier’s perfumes but really like Rose Boheme.

  • I have not yet tried any fragance from this brand but I,m really curious about abn aquatic vanilla. I don’t know if this combinations already exits in another perfume, I have never seen these two notes together.
    I,m in EU.

  • Dubaiscents says:

    I would love to smell an aquatic vanilla. I love Samirinda from this line. Thanks for the draw!

  • I am forever in search of the perfect vanillla and an aquatic take on vanilla sounds so unusual and my interest is piqued! This is my first time hearing about Providence. Thanks so much for the draw!

  • I’d want a chance to win this as I’d love, love, love to sniff it. Vanilla is a big favourite of mine and I (almost) always enjoy seeing what talented people can do with this common ingredient. Vanilla can feel so plain, but it can also be so gorgeous and exotic. And apparently also green aquatic, which is different from the vanilla fragrance tried so far. Sounds very interesting!
    Haven’t tried Providence yet,
    I’m in the EU.

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    I want to try Provanilla because I generally dismiss vanilla fragrances, but would like to experience the “smoke and flower” of this one. My favorite Providence Perfume Co. perfume is Osmanthus Oolong.

  • I absolutely love vanilla. I own multiple vanilla fragrances and candles. This scent sounds so pure and natural and I think that it would be an incredible smell. Unfortunately I’ve never smelled anything from this house, but that might need to change in the near future. I’m in Canada!

  • minteacup says:

    I don’t usually like aquatic fragrances or straightforward vanilla scents – but this aquatic vanilla sounds really enticing. Opposites attract? I think the combination would be better than the sum of its parts! I’ve never tried a Providence Perfume Co. but I’d like to try. Thanks for the draw; I’m in the US.

  • Tabac Citron and Rose Bohème are among my favorite Providence’s perfumes. Provanilla, with its five varieties of vanilla, is just “must try”. Charna creates wonderful fragrances and this is the main reason why I would love this one. I like vanilla and want to experience all its richness and liveliness in this perfume. I’m also happy to be introduced to the art of Allysa Monks. I’m in the EU, Croatia. Thank you.

  • I love vanilla scents and i’m always thrilled to find a new one. I love her bath and body products!! The Sandalwood is divine. I’m in the US. Thank you!!!

  • Acquatic notes in perfumes are pretty challenging for me. Generally, I don’t like them, but when I find one I like, I don’t just like it – I adore it, and I always get a full bottle. Provanilla might be that kind of acquatic, especially when it is vanilla acquatic. Sounds like a rare tropical animal, an E.T. in the perfume world. Moreover, it is natural perfume, which highlights its rarity!
    I have never tried any of Providence Perfume Co. fragrances, but I have read a lot about them on the net. I am pretty interested in Osmanthus Oolong and Cocoa Tuberose, and the already discontinued Mousseline Peche (I hope that Ms. Ethier is bringing it back someday).
    Thank you for the chance ! I am in Bulgaria (EU).

  • Vanilla is a magical smell. 5 varieties makes me think of incredible thoughts! Cocoa Tuberose is definitely my favorite from this house!

    Canada

  • Wow this scent sounds incredible. Vanilla is a tough note for me because a lot of the time it becomes cloying. But I’d love to try this! I’m in Canada. I’ve never tried anything from this house unfortunately