Back to School? Choose a Vanilla Scented Perfume That’s Classy & Clean
WH e-commerce editor Jasmine Gomez smelled so good at the office this week, I had to ask her what perfume she was wearing. "It's funny you should ask," she answered, adding that whenever she wears Mugler's Alien Goddess, she receives a compliment learn more.
What's the difference between a classic vanilla scented perfume and a perfume oil, you may ask? An oil can be applied to the skin, and it's more concentrated and hydrating than an old school perfume.
A sprayable vanilla scented perfume, on the other hand, is made of alcohol or water that applies and evaporates quickly. Hints of anise and clove add spiciness to the purple vanilla orchid notes in this cologne, which is meant to be a "modern story of vanilla." If I had to pick the most popular vanilla perfume on this list, my choice would be this gem by Kayali.
Made with heliotrope, orchid, daylily, and sandalwood, the notes of this beautiful fragrance are sweet but not overpowering, making it the perfect everyday scent. Though the name is Black Opium, this iconic fragrance is both sweet and warm thanks to notes of coffee, white flowers, and vanilla. It's the perfect one to pick up when that chill in the air comes around. If walking into an ice cream parlor is one of your favorite smells in the world, you've found your new scent. It’s sweet but never cloying — more cozy cashmere than candy shop. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and made with sustainably sourced, fair-trade vanilla. 7 Virtues is known for its mission-driven approach, supporting communities and promoting transparency in beauty. Rihanna’s Nude was one of my first perfume purchases during COVID. Coach Platinum exemplifies the artful use of this sensual note, harmoniously pairing it with opulent rum and sophisticated tobacco.
He emphasized artisanal quality and brand reputation, ensuring each recommendation came from houses known for vanilla scented perfume craftsmanship. Consumer feedback and industry accolades played a crucial role in evaluating each cologne’s popularity and impact. Mal aimed for versatility in his selections, considering colognes that would suit various occasions and personal styles, ensuring a wide appeal among modern men. Vanilla is one of the most expensive ingredients in the world.
Vanilla Fields was a favorite back then and has remained timeless ever since. It’s a blend of fruity and floral notes complimented by a strong vanilla base. With nearly 4,000 5-star reviews on their site alone (and nearly an additional 1,000 on Sephora), Sol de Janerio’s “Brazilian Crush Cheriosa ‘71” is a crowd favorite. Certain fragrances possess an inherent luxuriousness that instantly makes you smell rich. One such scent is Baccarat Rouge 540, renowned for it’s lavish notes of saffron and ambergris. Tom Ford Black Orchid, with it’s opulent blend of black truffle, chocolate, and patchouli, is another excellent choice. For a sophisticated and regal aroma, Portrait of a Lady Perfume by Frederic Malle doesn’t disappoint. Eau Des Merveilles by Hermes and Paris Biarritz by Chanel are equally enchanting options. If you prefer a more subtle but elegant fragrance, Prada Infusion D’Iris is an ideal choice. Perhaps one of the most intricate vanilla scents out there, this delicious perfume combines vanilla, patchouli and iris and evokes a deep sense of calm. With notes of black plum and vanilla, this succulently sweet and gourmand scent is reminiscent of a comforting plum vanilla scented perfume with oodles of vanilla custard. 98% of the vanilla used in fragrance and flavourings is synthetic due to the costly process of harvesting and extracting natural vanilla. This gives you an easy way to compare each fragrance on our list. Most people use cost as the number 1 factor when purchasing anything. However, if you are looking for a low cost option, then Cremo Spice And Vanilla is the one you should get. Layering your perfumes can make a gourmand fragrance feel even more complex, personal, and long-lasting, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Raguenes explains there are two different routes you can take when layering perfumes.
For starters, you can mix complementary fragrance notes (for example, vanilla and wood scents) for added depth. You can also experiment with contrasting notes—think a rich chocolate scent combined with a citrus perfume—to create a unique juxtaposition. Either way, layering your fragrances can create your very own sweat treat you won’t be able to get enough of. Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid is another popular choice for vanilla perfume enthusiasts.
My personal experiments confirm that a light, sweet perfume can transform a routine moment into a festive one. I feel a strong pull toward the cozy and indulgent nature of vanilla. For long-lasting fragrance, apply vanilla perfume to your pulse points like the wrists, behind the ears, and the neck. Coffee Break is the best perfume that smells like coffee with milk and lavender syrup served in a glass with ice. Once the beeswax is melted, carefully pour the mixture into a small glass bottle or jar. Practically, let’s call it a vanilla scent because, well, it is—but it’s not one of those single note gourmands that makes you smell like a pastry.
The vanilla here is warm and deep and mixed with notes like saffron, sandalwood, incense, and musk to bring an earthy sexiness that not only makes it more wearable, but more masculine as well. It’s more like you were dancing all night with someone vanilla scented perfume vanilla perfume and you woke up with their smell still lingering on your skin. If there’s any vanilla perfume that can perfectly balance warm and sweet with smoky and woodsy, it’s Who is Elijah Haze Eau de Parfum.
Not to mention, it was inspired by the infamous Burning Man festival, so you know it smells like a good time. Jo Malone makes some of the most iconic and well-known perfumes, and over the years, I've accrued a few favorites that always win me compliments. When I first sniffed this debut from the brand, I had mixed feelings, but after I let it melt into my skin for a few hours, I quickly became kind of infatuated with it. Below, I'm sharing the top 18 best fragrances I'm currently obsessed with and which never fail to earn me compliments from strangers and loved ones alike. Growing up, the bottles of body sprays, lotions, butters, and eau de toilettes that lined my bathroom vanity were far sweeter than a dessert-filled episode of The Great British Bake Off. If it smelled like a frosted bakehouse cookie with sprinkles or the Cinnabon stand at the mall, I was, without a doubt, wearing it. Studies have shown that the scent of vanilla can trigger a release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals, creating a sense of relaxation and happiness. This mood-enhancing quality makes vanilla a perfect choice for perfumes designed to captivate and entice. The science absolutely supports the incorporation of vanilla into a scent has mood-elevating benefits, including and potentially expanding into the bedroom. Whether or not you are a coffee drinker, its warm, toasted quality can add depth and long-lastingness to any fragrance it’s in. If you’re in need of a new signature scent, here are 17 coffee perfumes to try for fall 2023, from flirty and feminine to complex and unisex by nature.
Still, that coriander gives it an attractive spicy, fresh twist that makes it interesting. This fragrance vanilla scented perfume the essence of lush orchid-filled jungles and verdant fields of tall grass, evoking a sense of adventure. At its heart lies the earthy richness of vetiver, its deep and grounding aroma enveloped in the warmth of vanilla bourbon. A delicate hint of lavender adds a touch of aromatic freshness, creating a scent that is both bountiful and delectable. Just a quick spritz of this intense cologne and instantly embody Madagascar's coastal beauty wherever you go. Vanilla and amber always go great together, but along with the leather, you get something truly divine. What you’re left with is a unique cologne that smells sweet, luxurious, smooth, and extremely elegant. It doesn’t take long for the creamy scent of vanilla to appear either. It features notes of candied pear, bubble gum, vanilla cream, and sandalwood, having a nostalgic, candy-like sweetness with brightness from the pear that makes it feel elevated. If you're looking for the ultimate classic, look no further than this option from Chanel. Whether you're a perfume pro or just starting your collection, you're probably familiar with Chanel No. 5, and with good reason. It's easily one of those perfumes that people will smell and immediately catch on to. As a fan of Victoria Beckham's makeup, it didn't surprise me to see she had a vanilla fragrance that was just as good. This one is best described as a "sensory seduction" that contains notes designed to transport you to the valleys of Java. For instance, hybrid formats that blend alcohol-based sprays with oil-infused mists have helped extend longevity by nearly 40% in selections like Maison IRFÉ’s Marshmallow Musk 11. Released in 2024, this scent blends magnolia petals and Earl Grey tea with marshmallow-vanilla midnotes, though users may notice varied longevity on different skin types 1119. Wearing Kilian Paris Love, Don’t Be Shy felt like wrapping myself in velvet. The scent itself is almost powdery with facets of warmth and sensuality. In fragrance, musk is extremely versatile, with the ability to balance and accentuate throughout the olfactive composition.
Remember that perfumes interact differently with individual body chemistry, so it’s recommended to test samples before committing to a full bottle. The epitome of luxury in the coconut-vanilla category, Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc remains a benchmark for tropical-inspired fragrances. Whether it’s a classic scent that has captivated people for almost a century or a modern fragrance with a unique twist, you’re sure to find a vanilla perfume that captures your heart. Kayali Vanilla is a super sweet fragrance with a warm hit of amber at the base. It’s quite a youthful perfume which is great news for teens who want an affordable vanilla perfume that smells delicious.
But while it is inexpensive, the bottle certainly has an elegant and almost designer look so nobody will be any the wiser. We’re most definitely in our vanilla era—and so is Boy Smells. Their new perfume was launched in 2023 and turns the traditional vanilla fragrance on its head. This surprisingly elegant and richly layered scent smells just as good as any of the more traditional colognes on this list. It’s an unexpected vibe for a body spray, which usually lean more toward the “aggressively fresh” arena, but this is warm, deep and unmistakably vanilla - in a very good way. Spicy cardamom and fruity orange flower are rounded out by cozy sandalwood and sweet vanilla bean. We review products independently and our recommendations are genuine. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Using a small funnel, transfer the perfume to a perfume bottle or mister bottle. Marie Claire is also an authority on perfume, having tested over 500 fragrances for the Marie Claire 2024 Fragrance Awards. We continually stay up to date on the latest fragrance trends, innovations, and releases. Brooke Knappenberger tests and names Jo Malone London Vetiver & Golden Vanilla as the best vanilla cologne. It’s perfect for those who want a fragrance that can transport them on a sensory journey to far-off lands. Whether you prefer sweet and vanilla scents or fresh and citrusy fragrances, there are options available for every budget.
For those who prefer natural and organic perfumes, Blade + Bloom Good Vibes Aromatherapy Fragrance Oil is an excellent choice. Priced at $18.00, this fragrance oil is made with essential oils and has a calming and uplifting scent that’s perfect for relaxation and self-care vanilla scented perfume. This perfume combines notes of lemon, bergamot, and petitgrain to create a bright and invigorating fragrance that’s perfect for summer. A signature ingredient in the composition of sensual fragrances.
The exotic-looking intense blue bottle adds that little extra luxury and long after you have left the room, everyone will know you were there thanks to the incredibly long-lasting sillage. The most common species of vanilla hails from Indonesia, Reunion and Mexico, where the plant was first discovered in the 1500s. Initially, it was believed to have no known qualities other than as a fragrance, but it didn’t take long before people recognized it as a flavoring for food also. If you’re looking for the best vanilla scented perfume for long winter nights, look no further. “Black Opium” has been Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic vanilla fragrance since 2014. This is the vanilla-scented perfume that set the original standard.
