TOCCA’s brand new Laila Eau de Parfum just dropped in September 2025, and it’s making a bold statement: “Life is short, eat the cake.” If that tagline doesn’t immediately tell you everything you need to know about this fragrance’s personality, nothing will. This is TOCCA’s first-ever gourmand fragrance, and they’ve clearly decided to go all-in on the concept of “piacere” – Italian for pleasure.
First Impressions
The opening is genuinely surprising. Most gourmand fragrances hit you with obvious sweetness right away, but Laila starts with what TOCCA calls “sprightly citrus” – green mandarin and bergamot that feel bright and almost effervescent. There’s also this intriguing “desert rain accord” that adds an unexpected freshness, like the clean scent of air after a thunderstorm.
But here’s where it gets interesting: within minutes, that toasted vanilla starts emerging, and it’s not your typical vanilla-bomb approach. This vanilla feels warm, almost caramelized, like someone’s actually been cooking something delicious in the kitchen.
The overall first impression is sophisticated indulgence – this isn’t trying to be a teenage vanilla fantasy. It’s gourmand for adults who want to smell delicious without smelling juvenile.
The Scent Journey
| Top Notes | Heart (Middle) Notes | Base Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bergamot | Jasmine Nectar | Toasted Vanilla |
| Green Mandarin | Lily of the Valley | White Woods |
| Desert Rain Accord | Cardamom Blossom | Golden Amber |
What You’ll Actually Smell
The heart is where Laila shows its complexity. Jasmine nectar and lily of the valley provide floral sophistication, while cardamom blossom adds an unexpected spicy-sweet element that keeps things interesting. This isn’t just “vanilla and flowers” – there’s genuine artistry in how these notes interact.
The gourmand aspect is beautifully balanced. Yes, there’s that toasted vanilla doing the heavy lifting, but it’s grounded by golden amber and white woods that prevent it from becoming cloying. The overall effect is like wearing the scent of a high-end patisserie – delicious but refined.
Throughout the wear, there’s this subtle saltiness that might be coming from that desert rain accord. It adds depth and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming, which is often the downfall of gourmand fragrances.
How It Develops
Laila is fairly linear, but in a good way. Rather than dramatic transformations, it’s more about the gradual intensification and softening of the same beautiful theme. The citrus fades within the first hour, leaving you with that gorgeous vanilla-amber-floral combination that defines the fragrance.
The dry-down is where it really shines. After about 3-4 hours, you’re left with this warm, skin-like scent that smells like you’ve been baking all day and the sweetness has just settled into your clothes and hair. It’s intimate and comforting without being boring.
Real-World Performance
The Longevity Reality
Here’s where TOCCA fans know what to expect: longevity is decent but not exceptional. You’re looking at about 4-6 hours of noticeable wear, with the scent becoming more of a skin scent after the first few hours.
However, the sillage during those first few hours is lovely. People will definitely notice you’re wearing something special – it projects beautifully without being overwhelming. The kind of scent that makes people lean in slightly when talking to you.
Pro tip from experienced TOCCA wearers: layering with an unscented lotion or the matching body products significantly improves both projection and longevity.
When and Where It Works
This is autumn and winter perfection. The warmth of the vanilla and amber makes it ideal for cooler weather, though it’s not so heavy that it couldn’t work in air-conditioned spaces during summer.
Age-wise, it’s surprisingly versatile. While the “decadent” marketing might suggest it’s for mature women, the playfulness of the composition makes it work for anyone who appreciates sophisticated gourmands.
Perfect for: cozy date nights, brunch with friends, any situation where you want to smell approachable but special.
Why This Gourmand Is Different
The quality is immediately apparent. At $86 for the full size, this isn’t budget fragrance pricing, but you can smell where that money went. The vanilla feels rich and natural, the florals are refined rather than synthetic, and the overall composition feels thoughtfully crafted.
It avoids the common gourmand pitfalls. No overwhelming sweetness, no Play-Doh vanilla, no cloying artificial fruit. Instead, it’s balanced, sophisticated, and genuinely pleasant to wear and smell.
The “desert rain accord” is genius. This mysterious note adds a freshness that keeps the fragrance from becoming too heavy or overly sweet. It’s what makes Laila wearable rather than just gourmand for gourmand’s sake.
The TOCCA Factor
The packaging is gorgeous – that signature TOCCA elegance in a heavy glass bottle with their distinctive bird-adorned cap. It looks expensive on your vanity and feels substantial in your hand.
The brand story resonates. TOCCA has always been about combining vintage femininity with modern confidence, and Laila delivers exactly that. It’s indulgent without being guilt-inducing, sophisticated without being pretentious.
The Verdict
Laila succeeds where many gourmands fail – it’s genuinely delicious without being overwhelming, sophisticated without being boring, and unique enough to stand out in an increasingly crowded gourmand market.
At $86, it’s positioned perfectly in that sweet spot between accessible and luxury. You’re getting genuine quality and artistry without paying niche prices.
This is TOCCA’s first gourmand, and it’s a strong debut. They’ve managed to create something that feels distinctly TOCCA while exploring new territory for the brand.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves gourmand fragrances but wants something more sophisticated than the typical vanilla bomb; TOCCA fans ready to try something different; anyone seeking a signature scent that’s indulgent but refined.
Skip if: You prefer fresh, citrusy fragrances; you need maximum longevity; you find any sweetness in fragrance off-putting.
The bottom line: Laila is proof that gourmand fragrances can be sophisticated, complex, and genuinely pleasurable to wear. It’s decadent in all the right ways and deserves serious consideration from anyone building their autumn fragrance wardrobe.
