Summer Fridays’ Sunlit Vanilla Perfume Review

When a beloved skincare brand ventures into the world of fine fragrance, it’s always a moment of anticipation. Will they capture the magic, or will it fall flat? Summer Fridays, the brand behind the iconic Lip Butter Balm that has taken over our vanities, has launched its first fragrance, Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum. Essence beauty editor Kimberly Wilson shares her thoughts after a few weeks of wear.

From Lip Balm to Fine Fragrance

The inspiration behind Sunlit Vanilla is simple yet brilliant: bottling the essence of Summer Fridays’ bestselling Lip Butter Balm. The goal was to capture that ‘endless summer’ feeling, translating the creamy vanilla scent into a cozy gourmand fragrance. The brand describes it as a blend of cool vanilla ice cream with the delicate sweetness of crème brûlée.

Upon first spritz, Wilson noted that the listed bergamot top note was incredibly subtle. What immediately took center stage was the heart of coconut and caramel, evoking a vivid image of fresh coconut being cracked open near bubbling caramel. This isn’t a fragrance for those seeking subtlety; Sunlit Vanilla announces itself with warmth and sweetness right from the start.

A Familiar, Polished Scent

As the fragrance dried down, the vanilla, tonka bean, and amber notes emerged, creating a deeply familiar and comforting aroma. It settles into a warm, skin-close scent that feels instantly recognizable. The coconut note is crucial, preventing the fragrance from becoming a simple vanilla single-note and adding a welcome dimension.

While Wilson wished for a slightly more ‘solar’ or beachy vibe to match the ‘Sunlit’ name, she found herself repeatedly reaching for this warm, enveloping vanilla. Her most accurate take? It smells like a more sophisticated, self-aware version of a classic vanilla scent – think ‘Warm Vanilla Sugar went to therapy and started shopping at Sephora.’

Why It Works

• Deeply comforting without being basic.
• Evokes a sense of luxury during everyday activities.
• The creamy musk keeps the scent close to the skin.
• Tonka bean and amber add depth, preventing a one-note experience.
• Familiar yet polished and intentional.

Priced at $82 for a 50ml bottle and $30 for a 10ml travel size, Sunlit Vanilla offers an accessible entry into the world of fine fragrance. It’s a perfect choice for those who love the idea of smelling like dessert but want a scent sophisticated enough for public wear.

Layering Possibilities

Sunlit Vanilla also shines as a layering piece. For those seeking to enhance the ‘sunlit’ aspect, layering it over Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk can add the missing sunshine and beach air notes. Alternatively, combining it with Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit offers a brighter, citrus-forward tropical twist. For an intimate, skin-like finish, layering over Glossier You amplifies the musk notes.

The Verdict

For vanilla lovers, Sunlit Vanilla is a must-try. While it might not convert those who typically avoid vanilla, its blend of coconut and amber provides enough dimension to be intriguing. Summer Fridays hasn’t reinvented the fragrance wheel, but they’ve created a wearable, cozy, and ultimately worthwhile debut fragrance.