Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Rice
Ellis Brooklyn, the clean-beauty fragrance house founded by Bee Shapiro, continues its tradition of approachable luxury with Vanilla Rice, a 2026 release that reimagines the gourmand genre. Crafted by perfumer Nicole Mancini, this unisex Eau de Parfum centers on an unusual star note: toasted rice. The result is a warm, creamy, and subtly floral scent that feels both familiar and novel.
Vanilla Rice is positioned as a versatile everyday fragrance, suitable for date nights, office wear, and casual outings. With a moderate longevity and soft-to-moderate projection, it aims to be a comforting companion rather than a statement piece. The official Ellis Brooklyn website rates its longevity at 4 out of 5, and early user reviews on Fragrantica give it an overall score of 4.17 out of 5.
This review breaks down the notes, performance, seasonality, and value of Vanilla Rice, drawing on verified data from the brand and Fragrantica. Whether you are a gourmand enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this article will help you decide if this fragrance belongs in your collection.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first 0–30 minutes are dominated by the nutty, slightly smoky aroma of toasted rice, softened by a burst of fresh freesia and a hint of citrus from mandarin. The rice note is surprisingly realistic and immediately sets this apart from typical vanilla-heavy gourmands.
After about an hour, the heart emerges: sakura blossom (cherry blossom) and jasmine nectar lend a delicate, powdery floralcy, while coconut milk adds a creamy, almost lactonic texture. The rice note recedes but remains a subtle backdrop, blending with the florals to create a soft, comforting bouquet.
Four to six hours in, the base notes take over. Vanilla and tonka bean provide a sweet, warm foundation, while skin musks and clean musk keep the scent close to the skin. The drydown is powdery, slightly sweet, and very wearable—a cozy, skin-like finish that lingers for several more hours.
Performance Dashboard
Moderate, approximately 6–8 hours on skin. The official Ellis Brooklyn site rates it 4/5.
Soft to moderate. Projects about an arm's length for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin.
Moderate. Leaves a soft trail that is noticeable but not overwhelming.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
No specific data available. Based on user ratings, it likely receives positive feedback for its unique and pleasant scent.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique toasted rice note that sets it apart from other gourmands.
- ✅ Versatile for multiple seasons and occasions.
- ✅ Good longevity for a moderate projection fragrance.
- ✅ Clean, skin-safe ingredients (Ellis Brooklyn is a clean-beauty brand).
- ❌ Soft to moderate projection may not satisfy those who want a strong scent bubble.
- ❌ The powdery drydown may feel too subtle for some.
- ❌ Price point ($35–$115 for 50ml) is mid-range but may be considered high for a fragrance with moderate performance.
Price & Value
“Good value for the quality, especially if you appreciate unique gourmands and prefer subtle, skin-like scents.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported. The fragrance is consistent across early releases.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Those who enjoy warm, comforting gourmand scents with a floral twist.
- Fans of rice, coconut, and vanilla notes.
- People looking for a versatile, unisex everyday fragrance.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer bold, loud fragrances with heavy projection.
- Individuals who dislike sweet or powdery scents.
- Anyone seeking a purely tropical or beachy coconut fragrance.
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🧪 Layering Ideas
- Layer with a simple vanilla body lotion to enhance the gourmand aspect.
- Pair with a coconut-scented hair mist for a tropical twist.
- Combine with a clean musk fragrance like Ellis Brooklyn's Musk to add depth.
