by Maya Njie
Vanilj by Maya Njie unfolds as a softly spiced, warm cardamom-centric scent with a dry, earthy backbone of wood and musk. The vanilla presence is subtle, more a persistent warmth than sweetness, blending seamlessly with cardamom and amber to create a minimal, inoffensive, and intimate aroma. It evokes raw cardamom crushed under your fingers and mingled with smoky wood, suggesting a forest walk or a quiet kitchen where cardamom is freshly ground. While some note a resemblance to baked goods, most agree this is far from gourmand—instead, it feels authentic and mature, with a rugged, soft texture rather than a sugared one. The overall impression is cool and dry, leaving little trail but leaving a deep personal comfort. It’s a true unisex fragrance, not leaning masculine or feminine despite its optimism and warmth.