There’s nothing vanilla about vanilla. This scent note is all the rage at the moment–as it should be. Vanilla can have calming effects on both adults and children, and it has been shown to lessen crying in infants. According to WebMD, it can even provide relief from sleep apnea. The best part, though? It smells absolutely gorgeous. It’s also one of the most expensive spices in the world to produce.
There are countless fragrances that feature vanilla as the main note, but the following 10 are some of my favorites. I’m excluding Kayali’s Vanilla 28 from this list even though that might be my top pick because we’ve all heard of it. I’m hoping this list offers you something new to try.
First, we’ll start with the lighter vanillas. Vanilla + Crème by Michael Malul is a recent launch with notes of blushing pear, pink grapefruit, bulgarian rose, almond blossoms, caramel, and creamy vanilla skin. This has a fruity-fresh opening, and reminds me of that first bite into a juicy, perfectly ripe pear. As it develops on the skin, it becomes a light, fluffy vanilla that would suit any age, year-round.
A fragrance I love that I never hear talked about is from Chloè’s Atelier Des Fleurs collection, and it’s called Vanilla Planifolia, named after a species of vanilla orchid. What’s unique about this one is its verdant freshness–it reminds me of a green banana in the best possible way (don’t be put off–it’s not that artificial banana scent you might be imagining). This one is unique, yet simultaneously crowd-pleasing.
Guerlain is known for their expertly-crafted, intoxicating vanillas, and Angèlique Noire is no exception. This is one of the most unique vanillas–actually, perfumes in general–that I’ve ever smelled. Opulent, smooth, and a marriage of polar opposites, this fragrance has mesmermized millions. Angelica is an herb seldom used in perfumery that has a slightly bitter aroma, but adds intrigue to an otherwise done-before (but still heavenly) vanilla scent. If you want to stand out but still garner compliments with your perfume, try this.
An honorable mention from Guerlain is the venerable Spiritueuse Double Vanille, a personal all-time favorite of mine that I’ve reviewed before (it’s a pure vanilla scent with subtly-smoky notes).
Ormonde Jayne’s Vanille Des Afriques Intensivo is a unique blend of orris butter and Madagascan vanilla absolute, featuring other notes of carrot seed, Sicilian bergamot, coriander seed, and pink pepper. Almost zesty on first spritz, this becomes sweeter and more ambery as it settles on the skin, creating a fresh and unexpected take on vanilla that is certain to get compliments any time of year. It’s also a maximum strength perfume and will project far and wide.
Let’s move to the “true vanilla” category. Many of these scents remind me of pure vanilla extract you’d use in baking, but each with its own charm. Indult’s Tihota is named after the Polynesian word for sugar and features just two notes: vanilla bean and musk. To me, this one is simple, raw, vanilla, not too sweet or boozy. It’s a cult favorite for a reason.
Jeroboam’s Insulo follows a similar scent path, but veers off in a spicier direction, with notes of vanilla, jasmine, and musk. This one smells like a deeper version of Kayali Vanilla 28, and reminds me of brown sugar–it’s ultra-cozy without becoming too sweet. It’s also an extrait de parfum, meaning it’s highly concentrated (you don’t need to spray a lot of it to enjoy its beautiful scent trail).
Before we veer into our deepest, darkest vanillas, I’d like to share what might be my current favorite vanilla perfume: Encore Une Fois from Infiniment Coty Paris. Dubbed an “addictive vanilla elixir” by the brand, this features notes of vanilla planifolia, vanilla bourbon, and Peru balsam. It has that vanilla extract note to it, but it’s much less sweet than others I’ve mentioned. It smells expensive, and it is, but this just might be my favorite out of everything on this list. It’s not too spicy, not too strong, not to sugary, not too “evening” – it’s the perfect balance, and would make a stunning signature scent. It’s also truly unisex.
Absolute Aphrodisiac by Initio is perhaps the most sultry on this list–powerful, deep, and undeniably attention-grabbing, this one reminds me of dark syrup. It features notes of white flowers, amber, vanilla, musk, and castoreum, the last of which adds an animalic touch. I imagine a temptress wearing this sweet, sensual, slightly powdery scent. It’s unforgettable, but also surprisingly wearable.
Another dark and spicy option is Sana Jardin’s Vanilla Nomad, a 100% vegan perfume with notes of benzoin, sandalwood, and Moroccan jasmine absolute. The warmth of vanilla meets an exotic, incense-like intensity, making for a beautiful, earthy masterpiece that thrives in winter. Beware, though–this is not your vanilla cupcake perfume. This is something far more refined and rather surprising.
Speaking of vanilla cupcakes, let’s end on a real crowd-pleaser that still manages to smell extremely distinctive: Fire at Will by Jovoy Paris. When I wear this, it brings a smile to my face. It smells like the fanciest, most elevated expensive vanilla cupcake you could find in France, without being overwhelmingly sweet. It smells like sugared vanilla, but it’s not as spicy as some of the others, making it perfect for day or night. If there’s one safe blind buy on this list, it’s Fire at Will. This is pure, comforting warmth in a bottle.
