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15 Delish (and Not Too Sweet!) Vanilla Perfumes to Elevate Your Fragrance Stash

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Photo by @Kayali/Instagram

Vanilla, renowned for its warm, sweet, and comforting aroma, has long been hailed as a timeless fragrance note adored by perfume enthusiasts worldwide. Get ready to treat your senses with our ultimate guide to the most deliciously delightful fragrances that will leave you smelling like a literal snack. We're here to assist you in discovering the crème de la crème of vanilla-infused scents, ensuring you feel fabulous and oh-so-fragrant!

From super-sexy and spicy to comforting and calming, we're unveiling the best vanilla perfumes that promise to enhance your fragrance collection. Read on for the most invigorating vanilla scents currently available on the market.

JULIETTE HAS A GUN Vanilla Vibes Eau de Parfum

Vanilla Vibes is packed with the comforting scent of warm vanilla and the refreshing scent of sea salt, crafting a captivating and refined fragrance. The brand deems this intoxicating scent more than just a fragrance; it's an ode to adventure and freedom. “I’m a picky person regarding fragrances, but I find myself reaching for this one more often than expected. It’s just the right amount of scent; not overpowering, but doesn’t wear off an hour after spraying,” says an IPSY reviewer. Reach for this elegantly feminine scent to instantly unlock a core summer memory and experience the fresh beach-like feels.

2. Best Warm Vanilla Scent:

KAYALI Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum Vanilla

KAYALI Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum Vanilla

With its blend of creamy jasmine, Madagascan vanilla orchid, and Brazilian tonka, each note of Vanilla 28 helps create a symphony of warmth and sweetness. As the 28th iteration, this scent embodies sweet, sweet perfection. One Ipster praises this sweet scent for having the right vanilla touch: “I LOVE this perfume. It smells so, so, soooo yummy. Not too vanilla-y, but just right.”

3. Best Cozy Vanilla Scent:

TOKYOMILK Tainted Love Parfum

TOKYOMILK Tainted Love Parfum

This scent is daring and irresistible, giving off a lingering impression of dark vanilla bean, sandalwood, sensual orchids, and spicy undertones. I love, love this! I always get compliments when I wear it. If this were the only perfume I could ever wear again, I’d be fine with that!” says an Ipster. Prepare to be addicted to the cozy scent of Tainted Love, a fragrance that leaves a lasting impression and is bound to become an essential part of your signature scent collection.

4. Best Woody Vanilla Scent:

COMMODITY Gold Expressive

COMMODITY Gold Expressive

With this fragrance’s rich blend of amber, sandalwood, and vanilla, this scent is a luxurious symphony of sweetness and warmth that lives up to its name—GOLD! “This scent is everything! It smells divine, deep, and earthy, not too flowery, just a lovely full-bodied scent,” says an IPSY reviewer. With Gold Expressive, luxury isn't just a word—it's a whole vibe. So go ahead, spray away, and let the good times roll.

5. Best Sweet Vanilla Scent:

PINROSE Secret Genius Eau de Parfum

PINROSE Secret Genius Eau de Parfum

Prepare to over-indulge in a scent that's as sweet as it is sassy! Pinrose's Secret Genius is like a delicious caramel vanilla treat for your senses. With this scent, it's all about celebrating what makes you unique. “This is my absolute favorite kind of fragrance; the vanilla notes are very prominent, and it overall smells like an amazing dessert,” raves an Ipster. So, unleash your inner genius and let your true self shine with this irresistible fragrance.

6. Best Floral Scent:

BOND NO. 9 Greenwich Village Eau de Parfum

BOND NO. 9 Greenwich Village Eau de Parfum
Courtesy of BOND NO. 9

Inspired by the neighborhood's eclectic and artistic heritage, this oriental vanilla scent is an addicting ball of energy trapped in a bottle. With cassis, mandarin, peony, and vanilla notes, it offers a compelling blend of fruity sweetness and floral elegance, perfectly complemented by hints of patchouli and praline. Just a few spritzes and let Bond No. 9 Greenwich Village transport you to the heart of the city that never sleeps.

7. Best True Vanilla Scent:

TOM FORD Vanilla Sex

TOM FORD Vanilla Sex
Courtesy of TOM FORD

This intoxicating fragrance redefines the allure of vanilla, combining deep and bright notes to create an unforgettable scent. With vanilla tincture from India, vanilla absolute, and sandalwood essence, it exudes a glamorous and seductive charm that is impossible to resist. Whether seeking a touch of mystery or a bold statement, Vanilla Sex is a perfectly sweet match.

8. Best Fresh Vanilla Scent:

CHRISTIAN DIOR Vanilla Diorama

CHRISTIAN DIOR Vanilla Diorama
Courtesy of CHRISTIAN DIOR

Inspired by one of the couturier's favorite desserts, this opulent scent captures the essence of Madagascar vanilla with warm, intense notes of rum and patchouli. Fresh citrus accents and a hint of cocoa add depth and complexity, making this fragrance irresistible and impossible not to adore.

9. Best Dark Vanilla Scent: 

BYREDO Vanille Antique

BYREDO Vanille Antique
Courtesy of BYREDO

Vanille Antique is a decadent indulgence designed for the night's ritual, elevating any fragrance wardrobe. This exquisite scent transforms the classic sweetness of vanilla into something unexpected and nuanced, with layers of earthiness and darkness that tantalize the senses. Cashmere wood, ciste, and musky notes effortlessly combine to create an intoxicating ambrosia that lingers on the skin. Reach for this dark and seductive gem to complete your night out on the town look.

10. Best Smoky Vanilla Scent:

KILIAN Smoking Hot

KILIAN Smoking Hot
Courtesy of KILIAN

Inspired by the allure of European clubs and Eastern hookah lounges, this scent is a caramelized delight. With notes of cinnamon bark, oakmoss, and pure jungle essence bourbon vanilla, it evokes a sense of sensuality and mystery that is impossible to resist. Embrace the heat and let Smoking Hot redefine your idea of a smoky fragrance—trust us, it's the perfect blend of sophistication and seduction.

11. Best Classic Vanilla Scent:

CHANEL No 5 Eau de Parfum

CHANEL No 5 Eau de Parfum
Courtesy of CHANEL

Since its inception in 1921, this iconic fragrance has epitomized elegance and sophistication. The Eau de Parfum version, crafted by Jacques Polge, pays homage to the original composition with a fuller, more voluminous interpretation. With its exquisite blend of May rose, jasmine, aldehydes, and bourbon vanilla, Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum exudes a captivating floral richness that is classic and modern, making it a timeless addition to any fragrance arsenal.

12. Best Everyday Vanilla Scent:

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Gentle Fluidity

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Gentle Fluidity
Courtesy of MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN

Say hello to your new signature scent. This fragrance is like a magic potion that unlocks two distinct olfactory adventures using the same ingredients. With this intoxicating scent, prepare to be swept away by a lavish concoction of coriander seeds, musk, and vanilla. Spicy floral notes of coriander seeds blend with amber wood for a sweet and savory scent. It's like having two fragrances in one bottle—perfect for those who love to mix things up and keep life interesting.

13. Best Seductive Vanilla Scent:

YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Opium Eau de Parfum

YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Opium Eau de Parfum
Courtesy of YVES SAINT LAURENT

This seductive fragrance is a daring blend of adrenaline-rich coffee, sweet vanilla, and delicate white flowers, enveloping you in an intoxicating aura of sensuality. Inspired by the bold and adventurous woman, it captivates the senses with its warm floral heart and sweet vanilla base, making this the perfect date night scent.

14. Best Earthy Vanilla Scent:

JO MALONE LONDON Vetiver & Golden Vanilla Cologne Intense

JO MALONE LONDON Vetiver & Golden Vanilla Cologne Intense
Courtesy of JO MALONE LONDON

This fragrance captures 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.

15. Best Sweet and Spicy Vanilla Scent: 

BOY SMELLS Vanilla Era

BOY SMELLS Vanilla Era
Courtesy of BOY SMELLS

Get ready to step into a new era with this perfume gem. It's the ultimate blend of innocence and rebellion, where vanilla gets a spicy, fun makeover. Picture yourself wrapped in layers of sweet vanilla absolute, playful white tulip, and a kick of black pepper and saffron. As the day unfolds, notes of saffron, cashmere wood, and black amber add depth and mystery. But the real magic? The base notes of vanilla absolute and coffee absolute leave an irresistible, long-lasting impression.

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About the author
Chelsea Hall
Chelsea Hall
Chelsea is an NYC-based fashion and beauty writer with over 7 years experience. She has held roles at publications such as Harper's Bazaar, WWD, InStyle, and Marie Claire. Her writing has also appeared on ELLE.com and POPSUGAR.com.
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Article Last Updated March 18, 2024 12:00 AM