Mona Kattan is the self-proclaimed Perfume Princess, sister of Huda Beauty and founder of Kayali. I’ve been purchasing Kayali fragrances for a while now and one of my favourite things about the brand is that there are 10ml minis of every scent meaning if you’re someone like me who likes a wide range of fragrances to choose between you can do so without breaking the bank.

Kayali’s latest launch is the stunning Vacay In A Bottle range that came out on 2nd May 2024 and it’s no surprise here that I just had to try them!

If you’ve purchased a Kayali fragrance before then you know that the packaging doesn’t disappoint and this launch was no different. The set retails for £88 with each 10ml worth £28 when purchased separately.

As someone who’s been emerged in the beauty world for years, I am a complete sucker (and lover) of brand’s marketing and social strategies. I’ll be honest, if it wasn’t for Mona’s social presence and how she (or her team) interact with their customers, I likely wouldn’t have been pulled in so much but with the gorgeous visuals and teases across social media, I couldn’t resist!

THE SCENTS:

• Marrakesh in a Bottle Orange Blossom | 24
• Capri in a Bottle Lemon Sugar | 14
• Maui in a Bottle Sweet Banana | 37
• Maldives in a Bottle Ylang Coco | 20

Key Notes: Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Pink Pepper, Turkish Rose, Neroli, Cedarwood

I was drawn to this scent by the majority of the notes aside from the Pink Pepper and Turkish Rose as this isn’t something I’d typically go for. I think this is the most distinctive scent out of the collection and I’ve personally never smelt anything similar. This is a warm scent, one I’d be more inclined to wear of an evening. I initially really enjoyed this on first spritz but as time has gone on it’s my least favourite out of the set. This has quickly become a ‘required taste’ scent for me.

Key Notes: Lemon, Sugar, Freesia, Raspberry, Vanilla, Musk

Now this has grown on me. This was initially my least favourite scent of them all.. clearly I was having an off day. The lemon is sweet but not too sickly. I’m all for sweet scents but can’t stand anything too sickly, I find they give me headaches and make me feel quite nauseous throughout the day. It’s a light, fresh scent and I definitely prefer this as it wears rather than the first hit of the top notes. For me, this is a great day-time fragrance and one that is perfect for “vacays”.

Key Notes: Sweet Banana, Pear, Coconut Cream, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vanilla

This is my second favourite out of the set. It is YUMMY. Again, I would describe this has more of a fresh scent and for me, it transports me to being on the beach with calm waves gently crashing in the background – heavenly. I was worried the Sweet Banana would be too artificial smelling for me but it’s not at all. The mix with the Coconut Cream and hint of Vanilla is perfection.

Key Notes: Rosemary, Wild Lemon, Starfruit, Banana Blossom, Ylang-Ylang, Coconut Milk

Saving the best until last, Maldives in a Bottle! Wow. This scent really knocks it out the park for me. I adore anything with Ylang-Ylang and the blend with the Coconut Milk, Banana Blossom and Wild Lemon is beautiful. I can’t say I know what a Starfruit smells like but clearly it works for me! Rosemary can be hit or miss but this isn’t overpowering at all.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, I’m really happy with the set and think it was money well spent. It’s a shame my nose had a switch up and I’m not enjoying Marrakesh in a Bottle Orange Blossom | 24 but fragrance is very personal and what I might dislike you may love and visa versa.

If you’re yet to try any Kayali fragrances I really encourage you to give any of them a go if you’re in the market for new scents. The Vacay In A Bottle collection has very recently launched as individual 10ml fragrance which typically retail for £28 each. I’ll dive into my favourite Kayali buys another time but for now, I’m going to sit back, soak in number 20 and pretend I’m on a beach in the Maldives not sat in bed in Surrey.