Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille

Name: Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille: A Masterpiece of Gourmand Art
Item: Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille
Rating: 4.2
Author: James Whitmore

Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille: A Masterpiece of Gourmand Art

An in-depth look at Christopher Sheldrake's iconic 2003 vanilla classic.

By James Whitmore, Fragrance News Reporter · April 4, 2026 · Updated June 29, 2026

James covers releases, brand news, and industry shifts in fine fragrance. Former beauty desk editor; trained nose since 2014.

Released in 2003, Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille remains a benchmark in the world of niche perfumery. Crafted by Christopher Sheldrake, this fragrance shifted the perception of vanilla from a simplistic, sugary additive to a sophisticated, woody, and resinous olfactory experience. As part of the Les Eaux de Politesse and the wider Serge Lutens portfolio, Un Bois Vanille captures the essence of a dark, mysterious forest floor infused with the warmth of high-quality vanilla beans. It is a fragrance that balances the line between edible gourmand and serious, artistic perfumery.

4.2 Overall

Longevity

0.0

Projection

0.0

Sillage

0.0

$120-$160

🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

sweet gourmand woody coconut powdery

Notes Pyramid

Top

Mexican vanillaliquorice

Heart

coconut milkbeeswaxbitter almond

Base

sandalwoodtonka beanbenzoinguaiac woodmusk

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity

8-12+ hours

📢 Projection

moderate to strong

💨 Sillage

strong

When to Wear

🌸SpringOK

☀️SummerAvoid

🍂FallAvoid

❄️WinterBest

🌙 evening events📌 cold weather casual wear📌 intimate gatherings

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall

4.2

⏱️ Longevity

4.0

💨 Sillage

3.8

💰 Value

4.1

💌 Compliment Factor 0.0/5

8/10, as the scent is highly approachable and comforting, often drawing positive attention for its realistic and warm vanilla profile.

Pros & Cons

✅ Exceptional longevity
✅ Unique, non-linear vanilla profile
✅ High-quality resinous base

❌ Can be too sweet for some
❌ Strong presence may not suit office environments

Price & Value

$120-$160

“Excellent value for the niche market given the complexity and longevity.”

📜 Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported

Explore More

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🧪 Layering Ideas

Layer with a clean musk to brighten the composition
Combine with a spicy incense scent to emphasize the woody base

🏆 Final Verdict

Un Bois Vanille is a foundational fragrance for any vanilla lover. Its ability to balance gourmand sweetness with deep, woody resins makes it a timeless staple in the Serge Lutens collection.