KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 Review: The Ultimate Guide
Have you been searching for a perfume that smells like a delicious dessert wrapped in a cloud? You probably heard about KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 on social media.
This fragrance took the beauty world by storm when it launched. Everyone seems to be talking about this sweet, fluffy perfume. But does it really live up to all the hype?
I tested this perfume for weeks to give you the complete truth. This review covers everything you need to know before spending your money on this viral fragrance.

Key Takeaways
- What makes this perfume special: KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 delivers a sweet gourmand experience that blends fluffy marshmallow with fresh strawberry and creamy vanilla notes. The fragrance feels light and airy rather than heavy or overwhelming.
- The scent profile you get: This perfume opens with bright fruity notes and settles into a sugary vanilla and strawberry blend with hints of coconut and whipped cream. Many reviewers compare it to the smell of strawberry shortcake or a Hostess Snowball dessert.
- Longevity concerns to know: The biggest complaint about this fragrance involves its staying power. Most users report the scent lasts only 2 to 3 hours on skin, which disappoints many considering the premium price point.
- Perfect for layering: This perfume works beautifully when layered with other sweet fragrances or matching body lotions. The light composition makes it an excellent base for creating custom scent combinations.
- Price and size options: You can purchase KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 in four sizes ranging from a $29 travel spray to a $138 full-size bottle. The travel size offers a smart way to test the fragrance before committing to a larger purchase.
- Best alternatives available: Several budget-friendly options deliver similar marshmallow and vanilla gourmand profiles at a fraction of the cost, making them worth considering if you love this scent family.
What Is KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 Eau de Parfum
KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 represents the latest addition to the brand’s popular Yum collection. The fragrance launched in late 2024 and quickly became one of the most talked about perfumes on TikTok and Instagram. This Eau de Parfum Intense promises a sweet, fluffy marshmallow experience with fruity accents.
The brand KAYALI comes from beauty entrepreneur Mona Kattan, who co-founded Huda Beauty with her sister. She created KAYALI to focus specifically on fragrances. The name means “my imagination” in Arabic. The brand specializes in layerable perfumes that work well alone or mixed together.
This specific fragrance belongs to the gourmand family. Gourmand perfumes smell good enough to eat. They feature notes like vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and sugar. The number 81 in the name follows KAYALI’s numbering system for their different scents. Each fragrance gets a unique number to help customers identify it easily.
The Complete Note Breakdown and Scent Profile
Understanding the notes in a perfume helps you predict whether you will enjoy it. KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 contains three layers of notes that develop over time on your skin.
The top notes include Pink Lady Apple, Italian Lemon, Freesia, and Nectarine Blossom. These notes hit your nose first when you spray the perfume. They create a fresh, fruity opening that feels bright and cheerful. Many reviewers note a strong bergamot quality in the initial spray.
The middle notes feature Orange Blossom Water, Pink Marshmallow, Strawberry, and Coconut Flakes. These heart notes emerge after about 10 minutes. This layer delivers the main character of the fragrance. You smell the sweet marshmallow and juicy strawberry most clearly here. The coconut adds a creamy tropical touch.
Top 3 Alternatives for KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81
My Honest Experience Wearing This Fragrance
I tested KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 for three weeks straight. I wanted to give you a complete picture of how this perfume performs in real life. The experience includes both impressive qualities and disappointing limitations.
The first spray delivers a burst of sweet strawberry with a bright, almost citrusy edge. The scent smells fresh and cheerful. Within five minutes, the marshmallow quality starts to emerge. The fragrance becomes softer and fluffier. I notice the vanilla coming through along with hints of cotton candy sweetness.
Around the 30-minute mark, the perfume settles into its main personality. This stage showcases the creamy strawberry and vanilla blend most clearly. The coconut adds subtle warmth without taking over. The scent stays close to your skin. People need to stand near you to smell it.
The biggest issue appears after about two hours of wear. The fragrance becomes very faint. By hour three, I struggle to detect it on my skin at all. I applied 5 to 6 sprays, which should provide decent longevity. The light composition works against staying power.
Longevity and Projection: The Reality Check
Let me be honest about performance. This area represents the weakest aspect of KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81. Many viral reviews claim 6 to 8 hours of wear time. My experience tells a different story.
On my skin, the fragrance lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours maximum. I tested it multiple times to confirm this pattern. The projection stays intimate from the start. You create a subtle scent bubble around yourself. People cannot smell it unless they hug you or stand very close.
I tried several methods to extend the longevity. Using a matching body lotion underneath helps somewhat. The fragrance lasts closer to 3 to 4 hours with this technique. I also tested applying it to clothing. The scent lingers longer on fabric, lasting about 4 to 5 hours on sweaters and scarves.
The name “Eau de Parfum Intense” feels misleading. Most Eau de Parfum concentrations last 4 to 6 hours minimum. Intense versions should perform even better. This fragrance behaves more like an Eau de Toilette in terms of staying power.
Who Should Buy KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81
This perfume suits specific types of fragrance lovers. Understanding whether you fit the target audience helps you make a smart purchase decision.
Sweet perfume enthusiasts will absolutely love this fragrance. If you enjoy gourmand scents like vanilla, caramel, and sugar, this perfume belongs in your collection. The marshmallow and strawberry combination delivers serious dessert vibes. You should already know you enjoy very sweet fragrances before buying.
Layering fans find excellent value in this perfume. The light, sweet profile makes it perfect for mixing with other scents. You can layer it with deeper vanilla fragrances for more complexity. It also pairs beautifully with fruity or floral perfumes. The fragrance acts as a sweetener to enhance other scents.
Young fragrance wearers gravitate toward this playful scent. The fruity, candy-like quality appeals to teens and twenty-somethings. The fun, cheerful personality matches an energetic lifestyle. However, mature perfume lovers who enjoy sweet scents appreciate it too. Age matters less than your scent preferences.
Comparing It to Similar Marshmallow Fragrances
Several other perfumes share DNA with KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81. Comparing them helps you decide if this specific fragrance offers unique value or if alternatives work better.
Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy gets mentioned frequently alongside this KAYALI fragrance. Both feature marshmallow and orange blossom notes.
However, Love Don’t Be Shy smells more sophisticated and complex. It costs significantly more but offers better longevity. The KAYALI version smells sweeter and more youthful. Love Don’t Be Shy leans more elegant and refined.
Ellis Brooklyn Marshmallows shares the same perfumer with Yum Boujee Marshmallow. Gabriela Cherlariu created both fragrances. Ellis Brooklyn Marshmallows features lemon, peach, caramel, and a subtle patchouli base.
It smells more unique and interesting. The KAYALI version plays it safer with more straightforward sweetness. Both deliver fluffy marshmallow vibes but take different creative directions.
Bath and Body Works Strawberry Snowflakes offers a budget-friendly alternative. This body spray costs under $20 and delivers similar strawberry and creamy notes. The strawberry reads more prominent and almost icy compared to the KAYALI version.
How to Make This Fragrance Last Longer
Since longevity represents the main weakness, you need strategies to extend the wear time. These tips help you get more mileage from each application.
Start with proper skin preparation. Apply an unscented moisturizer to your pulse points first. Hydrated skin holds fragrance better than dry skin. You can also use a matching vanilla body lotion. This creates a scent base that reinforces the perfume notes.
Apply the fragrance to strategic locations on your body. Spray your wrists, neck, behind your ears, and inner elbows. These warm areas help diffuse the scent. Some people spray their hair or clothing for extended longevity. The fragrance clings longer to fabric fibers.
Layer the perfume with other KAYALI scents for added depth and duration. Try pairing it with Vanilla 28 or Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar. The shared vanilla notes create harmony. The heavier base of other fragrances helps anchor the light marshmallow scent. You can also mix it with slightly deeper gourmands.
Price Analysis and Size Options
KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 comes in four different sizes to fit various budgets and needs. Understanding the price per ounce helps you identify the best value.
The 10ml travel spray retails for approximately $29 to $38. This size contains about 0.34 fluid ounces. It provides enough product for testing the fragrance and determining if you enjoy it. The price per ounce runs quite high with this option. However, it prevents you from wasting money on a full bottle you might not love.
The 50ml bottle costs around $98 to $108. This mid-size option contains approximately 1.7 fluid ounces. It offers better value per ounce than the travel size. This size suits people who confirmed they enjoy the fragrance but do not need the largest bottle. It strikes a balance between value and commitment.
The 100ml bottle represents the largest size at approximately $138 to $169. This 3.4 fluid ounce bottle provides the best price per ounce. If you absolutely love the fragrance and plan to wear it regularly, this size makes financial sense. Given the longevity issues, consider whether you will actually finish such a large bottle.
The Best Places to Buy and Special Offers
You can purchase KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 from several authorized retailers. Each option offers different benefits and potential savings.
Sephora serves as the primary retailer for KAYALI fragrances. Shopping at Sephora provides access to their rewards program. You earn points on every purchase that convert to discounts. Sephora also runs regular sales events where you can save 10% to 20% on perfumes. Their generous return policy lets you return opened fragrances if they do not work for you.
Amazon offers the fragrance through authorized sellers. The prices sometimes run lower than Sephora. Amazon Prime members get free shipping and fast delivery. However, watch for price fluctuations and ensure you buy from legitimate sellers. Check that the listing specifies “ships from and sold by Amazon” to avoid counterfeits.
The KAYALI official website occasionally features exclusive sets or limited editions. Shopping direct from the brand ensures authenticity. You might find special bundles that combine the perfume with other products. Sign up for their email list to receive notifications about sales and new launches.
Ulta Beauty carries select KAYALI fragrances. Their rewards program offers excellent value with regular bonus point events. Ulta provides both in-store and online shopping options. You can test the fragrance in person before buying. Their platinum membership tier earns points faster.
Real Customer Reviews and Common Complaints
Reading what other customers say provides valuable insight beyond my personal experience. The fragrance receives mixed reviews across different platforms.
Positive reviews consistently praise the delicious smell. Customers love the sweet, fluffy marshmallow quality. Many describe it as their new signature scent. The strawberry and vanilla combination wins fans. People enjoy receiving compliments when wearing it. The beautiful bottle design also earns appreciation.
The most common complaint centers on longevity. Countless reviewers echo my experience with poor staying power. People feel frustrated paying premium prices for such short wear time. Many mention needing to reapply every few hours. This issue appears in reviews across Sephora, Amazon, and Reddit.
Some customers report the scent differs from their expectations. A few people find it too sweet or cloying. Others expected more prominent marshmallow notes and get more strawberry candy instead. The disconnect between marketing descriptions and actual smell disappoints some buyers.
Quality control concerns occasionally surface in reviews. A small number of customers received bottles that seemed diluted or off. Some report the fragrance smelling different from tester bottles in stores. These issues may relate to batch variations or improper storage during shipping.
Tips for Layering with Other Products
Layering transforms KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 from a standalone fragrance into a versatile tool for your perfume wardrobe. These combinations create new scent experiences.
Pair it with vanilla body lotions for an enhanced gourmand experience. Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar works beautifully. The combination creates a richer, longer-lasting vanilla marshmallow scent. The body lotion provides a base layer that reinforces the perfume notes. Try coconut or strawberry lotions for different variations.
Layer it with deeper vanilla perfumes for added complexity and longevity. KAYALI Vanilla 28 makes an excellent partner from the same brand. The two fragrances blend seamlessly together. You can also try it with Ariana Grande Cloud or Phlur Missing Person. The lighter Yum Boujee Marshmallow adds sweetness while the base perfume provides staying power.
Combine it with floral fragrances for a sweeter twist. Try layering with rose or jasmine-based perfumes. The marshmallow sweetness softens bold floral notes. This creates a more wearable version of intense floral scents. Experiment with different ratios to find your perfect balance.
Mix it with woody or musky perfumes to tame extreme sweetness. If you find Yum Boujee Marshmallow too candy-like alone, add a sophisticated woody base. This grounds the sweetness with mature depth. The contrast creates an interesting sweet-meets-sexy vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 actually last on skin?
Most users experience 2 to 3 hours of wear time on bare skin. The fragrance fades quickly compared to typical Eau de Parfum concentrations. You can extend longevity to 3 to 4 hours by applying moisturizer first or using matching body lotion. The perfume lasts longer on clothing, approximately 4 to 5 hours on fabric. Plan to reapply this fragrance multiple times throughout the day. The short longevity represents the biggest complaint in customer reviews.
Does this perfume smell exactly like marshmallows?
The fragrance smells more like sugary strawberry cotton candy with vanilla than pure marshmallows. Many reviewers note the marshmallow quality feels less prominent than expected. You get more strawberry and whipped cream notes than actual marshmallow. The scent resembles strawberry shortcake or a Hostess Snowball dessert. The fluffy, sweet character provides marshmallow vibes without smelling literally like roasted marshmallows. Some people wish for a stronger marshmallow note in the blend.
Can I wear this fragrance to work or professional settings?
This depends on your workplace culture and dress code. The very sweet, candy-like smell works better for casual environments. Creative industries and retail settings generally welcome playful sweet scents. Traditional corporate offices might find it too youthful or informal. The light projection means it stays close to your skin and does not overwhelm coworkers. If your workplace allows casual dress, this fragrance probably fits.
Which KAYALI perfumes layer best with Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81?
KAYALI Vanilla 28 makes the perfect layering partner from the same brand. The two fragrances share vanilla notes that blend seamlessly together. Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar also pairs beautifully for an extra sweet gourmand experience. Some people mix it with Vanilla Royale for added richness. The Wedding Silk Santal adds woody depth to balance the sweetness.
Are there cheaper alternatives that smell similar?
Several budget-friendly alternatives deliver comparable marshmallow and vanilla sweetness. Al Rehab Choco Musk Marshmallow costs under $10 and features similar dessert vibes. Dossier Floral Marshmallow offers a Love Don’t Be Shy dupe for about $30. Bath and Body Works Strawberry Snowflakes provides strawberry cream notes at around $15. Lattafa Yara gives you fruity vanilla gourmand character for approximately $25.
Is the Eau de Parfum Intense stronger than regular Eau de Parfum?
Despite the “Intense” label, this fragrance does not perform like a typical intense concentration. The staying power resembles an Eau de Toilette more than Eau de Parfum Intense. The name seems misleading based on actual performance. Most Eau de Parfum Intense fragrances last 6 to 8 hours or longer. This KAYALI version fades within 2 to 3 hours for most people.
