Memoirs of a Trespasser vs A Whiff of Waffle Cone: Which Vanilla Is Yours?
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Imaginary Authors makes two very different vanillas. Memoirs of a Trespasser is a dry, woody, resin-heavy vanilla that even some vanilla haters like, while A Whiff of Waffle Cone is a loud, sweet, caramel and cream gourmand that smells like dessert.
- Want vanilla that smells like wood and smoke: Memoirs of a Trespasser.
- Want vanilla that smells like ice cream: A Whiff of Waffle Cone.
- Both lean fall and winter on Fragrantica.
If you want an Imaginary Authors vanilla, these are the two to choose between. Both put vanilla front and center. That is where the similarity ends.
One is a cabin. The other is a dessert shop. Here is how to pick the right one for you, based on Fragrantica notes and what reviewers say. For the rest of the line, see our Imaginary Authors guide.
Imaginary Authors Memoirs of a Trespasser
Imaginary Authors Memoirs of a TrespasserVanilla, myrrh, guaiac wood, benzoin, oak barrelsShop now
The brand lists Madagascar vanilla, guaiacwood, myrrh, benzoin resin, ambrette seeds and oak barrels. Fragrantica's top accords are woody first, vanilla second, then amber and warm spice.
One Fragrantica reviewer calls it a vanilla that "even vanilla haters would appreciate." Another found the opening "sickly sweet" before it settled. Reviewers often compare it to Maison Margiela By the Fireplace, Jazz Club and Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille.
Not everyone loves the start. One reviewer says the base reminded them of glass cleaner at first, though others say it improves on skin.
Imaginary Authors A Whiff of Waffle Cone
Imaginary Authors A Whiff of Waffle ConeSyrup, caramel, whipped cream, vanilla, cinnamonShop now
Fragrantica lists syrup, caramel and ice cream on top, whipped cream, vanilla and cinnamon in the heart, and amyris in the base. Its top accords are sweet, vanilla and caramel.
Fans say it smells like an actual waffle cone, warm and buttery, not fake. Critics call it "suffocatingly strong and sickly sweet." Even gourmand lovers split on it, so this is a love it or leave it scent.
Side by Side
| Memoirs of a Trespasser | A Whiff of Waffle Cone | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Woody, resinous vanilla | Sweet gourmand vanilla |
| Key notes | Myrrh, guaiac, oak barrels | Syrup, caramel, cream |
| Sweetness | Medium | Very high |
| Longevity (reviewers) | 6 to 8 hrs | 10+ hrs |
| Office safe? | Yes, in small doses | Only with one light spray |
| Often compared to | By the Fireplace, Tobacco Vanille | Real dessert |
Notes and comparisons from Fragrantica and the Imaginary Authors site. Office advice is our own.
Which Vanilla Is Yours?
Ask yourself one question: do you want to smell like a place, or like a treat? Memoirs smells like a place: wood, resin, a cabin, an old bookshop. Waffle Cone smells like a treat.
If sweet perfumes give you a headache, skip Waffle Cone and go Memoirs. If you love gourmands and want compliments on the bus, Waffle Cone is the louder, more fun pick.
- Memoirs of a Trespasser: the better everyday vanilla for most people.
- A Whiff of Waffle Cone: the better pick for true gourmand fans.
For most people, Memoirs of a Trespasser is the smarter buy. It is more versatile, less sweet, and works from the office to a night by the fire. Pick Waffle Cone only if you already know you love loud dessert scents, and then wear it proudly.
Want more vanilla ideas? See our best Arabian vanilla perfumes and our best Imaginary Authors for fall.
Which one is right for you?
- Want woody, smoky vanilla: Imaginary Authors Memoirs of a Trespasser
- Want sweet dessert vanilla: Imaginary Authors A Whiff of Waffle Cone
- Want it for the office: Memoirs of a Trespasser
- Want the longest wear: A Whiff of Waffle Cone
FAQ
What is the best Imaginary Authors vanilla?
It depends on taste. Memoirs of a Trespasser is the woody, resinous vanilla, and A Whiff of Waffle Cone is the sweet, dessert vanilla.
Is Memoirs of a Trespasser sweet?
Not very. Fragrantica lists woody as its top accord, and some reviewers say even vanilla haters like it.
Does A Whiff of Waffle Cone smell like ice cream?
Fragrantica lists ice cream, caramel, syrup and whipped cream, and many reviewers say it smells like a real waffle cone.
Is Memoirs of a Trespasser like By the Fireplace?
Fragrantica reviewers often compare the two. Memoirs is built on vanilla, myrrh, guaiac wood and oak barrels, so try both if you can.
Try it before the full bottle.
Wear a decant for a few days on your own skin, then decide. Or let the finder narrow it down for you.
