‘This smells like the way the sky looks during Twilight on a September evening. 10/10 Definitely a very very hidden gem’This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Cremo describes this popular scent as ‘aromatic, soft, and warm'(Image: Cremo)
Most people expect to spend £50 or more on a decent aftershave, and that’s before even thinking about the luxury end of the market. But one £30 spray is turning heads online, with users expressing disbelief at the quality that rivals far pricier options.
The Spice and Black Vanilla Eau de Toilette (£30.95 for a 100ml bottle) from Cremo is a warm, sweet, and spicy blend of tobacco, black vanilla, and cardamom. It’s the sort of comforting yet assertive scent that suits both daily wear and special occasions like date nights.
The fragrance gives off a cosy, inviting vibe while still feeling sophisticated and confident, making it an unexpected standout for anyone looking to upgrade their scent game without splurging. Plus, Cremo now offers a matching Spice and Black Vanilla Body Wash (£12.95), which could make a thoughtful gift set for an upcoming birthday or special occasion.
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Fragrances featuring tobacco and vanilla remain hugely popular, with Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille (£222, Cult Beauty) standing out as a cult favourite. Its rich, sweet-spicy scent is iconic, though it comes with a luxury price tag.
Otherwise, Molton Brown’s Tobacco Absolute Eau de Parfum (£140) is a slightly more affordable version. It comes with complex notes of smoky tobacco, sensual Peruvian balsam, and zesty ginger, for a warm, woody scent.
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£30.95
Cremo
The fragrance is a blend of black vanilla and a spicy zest of cardamom.
However, for those who would prefer something fresher, Cremo also has the Citrus & Mint Leaf Eau De Toilette (£30.95). This revitalising scent features notes of fresh mint, citron, cedar and moss.
As previously noted, though, Cremo’s Spice and Black Vanilla has gained some rave reviews. One user via Reddit compared it to a £150 aftershave Heaven On Earth, continuing: “This stuff lasts forever and smells like Heaven On Earth. I put it up there with some of my favorites already. I heard to let the bottle macerate and it smells even better but I can’t believe it smells the way it does ALREADY.
“Today is a beautiful day where I am, a nice wind chill outside and sunny but this fragrance in the air is so beautiful and melodic. Seductive and harmonious, cool and sweet, free and aesthetic. Like all worries fall to the wayside and everything is just okay and you can relax, and breath. Cozy too. This smells like the way the sky looks during Twilight on a September evening. 10/10 Definitely a very very hidden gem.”
Meanwhile, another said: “I love the smell and its longevity and have no complaints and will be purchasing the other colognes.”
The wallet-friendly scent has been described as ‘a perfect blend that rivals the Oud fragrance popular at the moment'(Image: Cremo)
And someone else remarked: “If you like a strong scent that lasts, then this is for you! Warm, sweet, and crisp spice, a perfect blend that rivals the Oud fragrance popular at the moment. It definitely turns heads.”
However, one individual observed: “I wish Cremo would sell a sample pack consisting of two to three scents, and that way we could determine the scent that we like.”
On a brighter note, this Spice and Black Vanilla fan piped up: “This is a scent that smells far more expensive than it is. It’s long-lasting, and only a few sprays are needed.”