Anise & Vanilla - 877

Inspired by Jo Malone London's Vanilla & Anise, The Essence Vault's No. 877 keeps the licorice-tinged star anise opening that made the original distinctive, then moves straight into a soft incense-and-cinnamon heart rather than the neroli, frangipani and tuberose bouquet of the designer version. The base is where the two get closest: a warm, creamy vanilla cut with amber and musk that lingers as a comforting, slightly powdery skin scent. As a dupe it simplifies rather than replicates - the fragrance is noticeably flatter and less textured than the Jo Malone original, with the spice notes doing more of the work and the florals essentially dropped. Projection is moderate for the first couple of hours before settling into a close, intimate vanilla base that behaves more like a body mist than a statement scent. It suits relaxed autumn and winter wear - evenings at home, casual daytime layering, or anyone who wants the gourmand-spice idea of the original without the designer price tag.