ESScent Of The Week: Unleash Your Inner Goddess With Burberry’s Latest Fragrance – Essence

When a perfume promises intensity, I always approach with a discerning eye—or in this case, a carefully tuned nose.

But as soon as I sprayed Burberry Goddess Intense, I knew I had found a fragrance worthy of its name. Bold yet balanced, this one carried high expectations and I’m here to say, it delivered.

But let’s rewind — what is Burberry Goddess Intense, and how exactly does it compare to the original, you may be wondering?

Well, first off, if you’re a vanilla girl like me, you’re in luck. The initial spritz opens with creamy vanilla—warm and inviting without feeling overly sweet. You’re not going to smell edible with this one, but it’s still comforting, yet not predictable (let’s be honest — we’ve had a lot of vanillas come out this year, that pretty much all smell the same). The fragrance unfolds with a refined lavender note that elevates the composition. Unlike traditional lavender scents that can feel sharp or medicinal, this one is seamlessly integrated, adding an airy, sophisticated dimension. 

As the fragrance develops, the smoky depth of vanilla wood takes center stage. This unique addition to the “quatuor vanilla” blend adds a layer of intrigue. The patchouli in the base further grounds the scent, giving it an earthy, textured quality. But buyer beware, if you’re not a fan of patchouli — which I am — this scent won’t be for you. Together, these elements create a warm, earthy, gourmand-woody profile.

Compared to the original Burberry Goddess (which quickly became a fan fave), the Intense version amps up the drama as the name would suggest. When does intensity not come with a bit of drama? The added smoky vanilla wood and bolder lavender notes make it richer and more complex, making it suitable for both men and women. While the original feels breezy and light—perfect for daytime wear—Goddess Intense is rich, dense and thick, designed for fall/winter evenings or when you want a touch of boldness.

Why I love it: Before I even reached for the bottle, I’d heard whispers about this fragrance—some good, some bad. But those who loved it, truly loved it, so I knew I had to make a determination for myself. Fragrance lovers on social media (#PerfumeTok, specifically) were raving about its smoky depth and addictive sweetness. Naturally, I was intrigued. Could it really live up to the hype? As someone who’s sniffed and sampled my way through countless perfumes, I’ve learned that not all buzz-worthy launches deliver. But Burberry Goddess Intense turned out to be the rare exception.

For me, the fragrance’s genesis is as compelling as its scent. Inspired by actress Emma Mackey’s powerful journey alongside a pride of lionesses, this fragrance really is a narrative of strength, self-discovery, and unapologetic femininity. 

Then there’s the design. The bottle, with its clean lines and golden hue, feels like a statement of understated luxury. Sitting on my vanity, it looks like it belongs—a perfect balance of elegance and modernity.

Perfect pairings: One of the most exciting aspects of Burberry Goddess Intense is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with complementary scents that enhance its warm and gourmand character. To amplify its creamy vanilla undertones, layering it with a vanilla-focused scent like Jo Malone’s Vanilla & Anise or Atelier Cologne’s Vanille Insensée works wonders. The added sweetness creates a plush, enveloping cloud that feels comforting yet indulgent.

If florals are your preference, pairing Goddess Intense with a rose-forward scent like Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s À La Rose can add a fresh, romantic twist. The lavender in Goddess Intense blends effortlessly with the delicate floral notes, giving the fragrance a sophisticated, modern edge. And then finally, for an evening look, layering it with a smoky, spicy perfume such as Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille elevates the amber and cocoa in Goddess Intense, creating a seductive, unforgettable scent combination. These combinations highlight the versatility of Burberry Goddess Intense, showcasing its ability to adapt beautifully whether you’re dressing up or adding subtle elegance to your everyday routine.

My final thought — it doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime fragrance lover or someone new to exploring perfumes, this one is worth a try.