Plumeria, also called frangipani, is the flower of island leis, from Hawaii to Tahiti. In Tahiti it is known as tipanie, and it gives its name to Monoi Tiki Tahiti Tipanie, a plumeria body oil made with Tahitian monoi and coconut. Here is how it smells, how to use it, and how it compares with the other monoi scents.
Plumeria, frangipani, tipanie: one flower, three names
Plumeria is the botanical name used in Hawaii and most of the U.S. Frangipani is the name more common in Australia, the U.K. and Bali. Tipanie (sometimes written tipanier) is the Tahitian name. They all describe the same five-petal tropical flower, usually white with a yellow center, that is strung into leis and tucked behind the ear across Polynesia.
If you have smelled a fresh plumeria lei in Honolulu, you already know the scent family of Tipanie monoi.
What does Tipanie monoi oil smell like?
Soft and velvety. Tipanie opens with a gentle plumeria floral, then settles into a light, creamy coconut base. It is the most subtle scent in the Monoi Tiki Tahiti line: noticeable on skin, delicate rather than heady, and long-lasting.
Like every Monoi Tiki Tahiti oil, it starts as Monoi Tiare Tahiti, tiare blossoms (the Tahitian gardenia) steeped in refined coconut oil, and each bottle still holds a dried tiare flower. Tipanie adds a plumeria fragrance on top. Curious about the base flower? Read what tiare smells like.
Who will love Tipanie?
- Anyone who loves the smell of a plumeria lei and wants to wear it every day.
- People who find Tiare too strong and want a softer floral.
- Gift shoppers sending a little bit of the islands to someone on the mainland.
Want a bolder floral? Try Tiare or Pitate (jasmine). Want something warmer? Try Vanille. Compare all of them in our monoi oil scent guide.
How to use a plumeria body oil
After the shower
Pat skin until it is just damp, then smooth a few drops of Tipanie monoi oil over arms, legs and shoulders. Damp skin helps the oil spread thinly, so a little goes a long way. More tips in how to use monoi oil on skin.
As a light plumeria fragrance
Dab a drop on wrists, behind the ears and at the collarbone. On an oil base the scent stays close and personal, which suits plumeria's soft character.
In your hair
Rub one or two drops between your palms and smooth over dry ends, or work more into lengths as a pre-shampoo mask for 15 to 30 minutes, then shampoo. See how to use monoi oil for hair.
For massage
Warm a little in your hands first. The coconut base glides easily, and the light floral keeps it relaxing rather than overpowering.
Layering and pairing ideas
- Tipanie + Tiare: two island flowers, one soft and one rich. Wear Tipanie by day and Tiare in the evening. A natural pairing with the Tiare monoi soap in the shower.
- Tipanie + Vanille: floral and warm; layer a drop of each for a creamier scent.
- Tipanie + Coco: one lightly floral, one barely scented, for days you want less fragrance. Shop Coco.
Any two 4 oz oils reach our free U.S. shipping line of $30. For more combinations, see the Tahitian holiday gift guide.
Good to know
- It may be solid when it arrives. Monoi is mostly coconut oil, which turns solid below 68°F (20°C). Stand the bottle in warm water for a few minutes to melt it.
- Patch-test first if you are trying a new fragrance, and stop using it if you notice irritation.
- Not a sunscreen. Monoi is a beauty oil; use sunscreen as directed on its label when you are out in the sun.
Plumeria monoi FAQ
Is Tipanie the same as plumeria and frangipani?
Yes. Tipanie is the Tahitian name for plumeria, which is also called frangipani.
Is it an essential oil?
No. Tipanie is a ready-to-use body oil: Tahitian monoi (tiare flowers steeped in coconut oil) with a plumeria fragrance. You can apply it straight to skin and hair; there is nothing to dilute.
Which Monoi Tiki Tahiti scent is the lightest?
Tipanie is the most subtle scent in the line. Coco is the choice if you want the least floral.
Where is it made, and where does it ship from?
In Papeete, Tahiti, by Parfumerie Tiki, which has made monoi since 1942. Hawaiian Resources Co. of Honolulu is the official U.S. importer and ships every order from Hawaii. New to monoi? Start with what is monoi oil.
Keep reading: Monoi oil scent guide · What does tiare smell like? · Tahitian vanilla body oil: how to wear it · Tamanu monoi oil · Monoi soap: the 6 scents and how to use them · Tahitian gift guide: monoi oil gifts under $35 · Jasmine (pikake) body oil: Pitate monoi · Ylang ylang body oil: monoi Ylang Ylang · Sandalwood body oil: monoi Santal · Tahitian coconut body oil: monoi Coco