This Bath & Body Works vanilla scent is my latest favorite, and I love the creamy body lotion. In addition to vanilla scented perfume, the lotion has notes of cardamom and woods to give it a spicy, woody fragrance. Made with coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, the dermatologist-tested lotion provides lightweight hydration, which is especially great during the dry winter season.

Taking the world by storm since 2018, this perfume offers a more contemporary take on vanilla that's both familiar and surprising. Although I have a variety of floral, woodsy, and fresh fragrances, I’m a sucker for gourmand scents. The decadent, dessert-like vanilla scented perfume aromas are not only intoxicating, but they’re compliment magnets. I’m talking about strangers stopping me mid-stroll to ask what I’m wearing or friends and family members wanting to know where I got it so they can get one, too. It’s Tom Ford’s Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum, and because I’m no gate-keeper, it’s on rare sale at Nordstrom until May 17.

Another favorite fragrance of VanDerMillen's is this classic designer pick, which just got a new, more intense version. Despite its four vanilla notes, this fragrance isn't overly sweet, but rather mature and balanced—everything I want a vanilla fragrance to be. While Marie Claire's Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender loves a great vanilla scented perfume, she can't stand smelling too similar to a baked treat. Instead, she prefers a juxtaposition of sweetness with airy or woody notes.

Its creamy vanilla bean base note perfectly contrasts with intoxicating orangeflower, jasmine, and spicy cardamom, resulting in a floral, woody, and sweet fragrance. As a vanilla loyalist with over 80 different bottles that contain the note in my collection (yes, I've counted), I'll be the first to tell you hardly any two vanilla scents are the same. So, I made it my mission to find the best vanilla perfumes on the market. Ahead, you'll find reviews of a few of my all-time favorite scents, plus a few selects from experts and fellow Marie Claire editors.

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. Far from being a one-dimensional, saccharine note, vanilla is a sophisticated chameleon. In the hands of the right perfumers, it can be sculpted into myriad aromatic profiles, each offering a unique sensory journey. From seductively smoky to ethereal and velvety, vanilla fragrances span a vast olfactory spectrum. Whether you're a longtime vanilla lover or a sceptic just dipping your toe into the world of gourmand scents, these fragrances prove that vanilla is anything but boring.

Its top note is fruity apricot, which eventually gives way to jasmine, one of my favorite florals. The bottom notes are warm brown sugar and amber, which works together to create that vanilla-like note. It’s lovely, soft and just the thing I’d spritz myself to lift my spirits.

A floral cocktail of crushed leaves, white orris, and rose provides a subtle smoothness that you’ll want to make your signature scent. For those seeking the pinnacle of vanilla luxury, this Guerlain creation is a dream come true. Created in 2021 by perfume maestro Thierry Wasser, this is a true ode to vanilla, using the finest Planifolia vanilla from Madagascar. This fragrance is a study in contrasts, with the rich, creamy vanilla balanced by a touch of ylang-ylang and a hint of woody notes. It opens with scents of pear and lavender and evolves into a sweet, creamy mix of whipped cream, coconut, praline, and vanilla. But before it tips into an overly sweet territory, it settles with notes of musk and woodiness, which adds a touch of warmth and pairs perfectly with the sweeter notes.

Best Warm: Phlur Vanilla Skin

Beautycon is a global platform that brings together beauty enthusiasts, brands, and industry leaders to explore the latest trends, innovations, and conversations shaping the future of beauty. Phlur’s Vanilla Skin Perfume is also available in a travel size ($29), as well as in a Hair & Body Mist ($38, and as a set ($109) with the travel size and perfume. It’s lighter than I usually go for, which makes it a good perfume for the office.

I also swear by the body oil version of this scent, which I use straight out of the shower almost every day. While it’s enough to give me a subtle fragrance that lingers until the next time I shower, I also find that it’s the perfect base for whatever perfume I spritz on later, Missing Person or not. 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods is a modern, clean fragrance that’s earned cult status, thanks to the the Kardashians being genuine fans of the brand. This hero scent opens with a soft, juicy pear note that quickly melts into a heart of delicate rose and finishes with rich, creamy Madagascar vanilla. What sets it apart is its warm, woodsy base that adds depth and elegance.

It actually reminds me of a headier version of Bath & Body Works Warm Sugar Vanilla. If you weren’t aware, a lot of folks go for that sort of thing, according to Bettina O’Neill, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Mechandising, & Wholesale of Scentbird, the perfume subscription company. “Vanilla is highly recognizable in a scent, as it’s sweet, warm and rich and is usually used as a base note,” O’Neill said. It has a sexiness to it that smells like you might have just been in an Uber with a boyfriend whose scent subtly rubbed off on you.

There is something slightly sweet, slightly creamy, and oh so delicious in the air. Because if there's one thing we are dousing ourselves in at the moment, it's vanilla perfumes. I’d always stayed well clear of them because traditional gourmand perfumes would smell too sugary and make my teeth ache with just one sniff. Although I like a vanilla-frosted cupcake as much as the next person, I don’t fancy smelling like one.

Ahem, no perfume list would be complete without Baccarat Rouge 540, which takes on a unique sultry and sweet tone that is completely iconic. "I love gourmand scents, and Baccarat Rouge 540 is my go-to," says Cosmo US assistant shopping editor Hannah Oh. When you think of the classic J'adore Dior, you probably imagine a big bouquet of flowers. But to Cosmo US's beauty editor Beth Gillette, the iconic scent takes on more of a citrus tone. "J'adore Dior is very good! It's like a whiff of fruits and smells really sweet to me," she describes. Testers agree, with one saying it's like a group of women sitting in a fragrant garden, drinking bottomless bellinis.

Below, we’re sharing editor-approved vanilla fragrances to add to your scent collection, so you can smell just as tantalizing as the ingredient itself. And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, these perfumes also make an excellent gift for all the women in your life. Long gone are the days when vanilla fragrances were confectionary overloads. Harris explains that in present-day vanilla is often paired with woodsy, citrus, or spicy notes to help balance the sweetness of vanilla scented perfume while still letting it shine through. Consider a vanilla fragrance that combines other favored notes for a more sophisticated take on the gourmand scent.

I've tried some of the most popular gourmand fragrances out there, and have built up quite the collection of vanilla-based scents over the years. I feel like there's a common misconception that vanilla fragrances are overly sweet and not very sophisticated, but as a beauty editor, I'm here to tell you that that's simply not the case. In fact, some of my most sophisticated and expensive-smelling perfumes are centered around vanilla, as this note can add an incredibly warm, seductive edge to a wide range of scents.

These Irresistible Vanilla Perfumes Will Seduce Even the Most Discerning Sceptics

Because our body chemistry and personal taste change with time, I’ve been hunting for a new perfume; preferably one infused with the classic note. Whether you’ve been considering purchasing your first Phlur perfume or want to add a seasonal Phlur scent to your rotation, these are the best eight Phlur fragrances I’ve tried. Not in baking, although we are approaching the return of The Great British Bake Off, but in perfumes, where ‘edible’ notes are all the rage. I'm a big fan of this new iteration, in which the scent is amplified with a fourth vanilla wood note. A scent sketched in ink and softened with vanilla, YSL's Muse fragrance is the maison’s most seductive tribute yet.

Sweet perfumes have always had a bad rap, as the mere thought of anything "sweet" evokes memories of cheap, childish body mists and sprays that smelled like candy, apples, and sugary vanilla. It’s not overwhelming, and I’m guessing that’s because of the coconut blossom in its base. The mist also has hints of sea salt, which I love, as well as tonka bean. Although I’d pick this scent for someone 25 years-old or younger, plenty of women, 30 and up, wear it religiously. Personally, I like spritzing a little into my hair brush, and then combing the scent through.

Glossier You Eau de Parfum

The answer is a resounding yes, according to some of the world's best noses, who are all noticing that the spice is spiking in popularity. The heart of For Her by Narciso Rodriguez is orange blossom, which immediately bursts with sparkling energy as it makes way for musk and vanilla to take the spotlight. Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia UK's Beauty Writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral). Harper’s BAZAAR participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

Best Vanilla Perfume Overall: Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum

It's hard to get a cherry perfume right (it's easy to step too much into the scent that it smells nauseating and medicinal), but this one from Tom Ford manages to do so perfectly. Typically a floral perfume person, but wanna try the sweet side of scents for a lil change-up? Add Lancôme's La Vie est Belle to your lineup, which is a very feminine floral scent. Shop Vanilla Sex while it’s still marked down at Nordstrom until May 17. Plus, snag more sweet-smellling perfumes that are classics, but with a twist.

What Are the Most Popular Vanilla Perfumes?

The juicy strawberry notes play with the light salinity of salt to create something mouthwatering and truly unique. Inspired by choux à la crème (or cream puffs), this fragrance has a top note of citrus peel that cuts through the sweetness of its vanilla, caramel, and cocoa notes. Choux Choux will also be available in candle form come Valentine’s Day. From soy milk scents to birthday cake EDP, gourmand fragrances have taken over.

However, it's the minerality and freshness of the salt and floral notes that make this fragrance something I could wear every day. Vanilla scents can range from sweet and gourmand to warm and woody, and each category offers something unique. There are sugary vanillas perfect for those who love to smell like a treat. Then there are the darker, spicier vanillas, with hints of tobacco or amber, offering a more sultry, sophisticated vibe. Some prefer fresh, floral vanillas with a light, airy feel, while others gravitate toward rich, resinous versions that leave deep, intoxicating scent.

Best for Daily Wear: Phlur Vanilla Skin

On fragrance labels, you may run across different names, such as eau de toilette, eau de parfum, or perfume oil. The difference here is the percentage of perfume oil and its concentration, which can affect the longevity and character of the fragrance. Choosing between the three is a matter of personal preference and skin and nose sensitivity. Here, Harris breaks down the pros and cons of each type of fragrance. As we age, our skin’s natural oils interact differently with perfume.

If creamy, warm gourmand fragrances are your calling, look no further than Phlur's latest launch. It is laced with bright pink pepper, warm cashmere wood, sensual oud and of course the star of the show cosy vanilla for a lasting scent that is guaranteed to make heads turn. “Vanilla scented perfume is a lot more nuanced and complex than most people realise,” explains Glyde.

And if pistachio isn’t your thing, Kyse has a slew of tasty scents like Gateau de Carnaval (Carnival Cake) or Delizia di Marshmallow. “Spring fragrance notes are taking a fresh spin with the infusion of citrus forward scents,” says Levy. Lemon, orange, and grapefruit twists add levity to fragrances and give them a bright quality. In Glyde’s eyes, beauty is a source of joy and means of self-expression, which is why gourmand perfumes are proving popular. If you’ve ever had a loved one prepare you a meal or offer you a home-baked good, then you know the comfort of those delicious aromas,” Glyde explains.

If you’re dead set on grabbing a Kayali vanilla perfume but want something slightly less popular, go for the Utopia Vanilla Coco, which is a little softer and has boozy and delicious vanilla bourbon. Soft Spot is another your-skin-but-better scent that’s memorable, but not overbearing. Perfumer Honorine Blanc describes Soft Spot as “an unexpected duality of softness and strength,” according to Phlur, which perfectly encapsulates its unique scent. Soft Spot combines skin-like, musky notes with soft citrus and watery florals for a fragrance that’s inviting and intimate. One of my all-time favorite scents, Phlur’s Vanilla Skin is warm and sweet and totally addicting. According to Phlur, Perfumer Clement Gavarry, who created Vanilla Skin, wanted the fragrance to “play with contrasts” against vanilla.

It's a warm and spicy scent that opens with sugar and pink pepper, then develops into a warm mix of cashmere and vanilla, and settles down to a woodsy, creamy scent thanks to the sandalwood. Every season, I declutter my home and get rid of everything from clothes to shoes to beauty products that no longer serve me. However, when it comes to my perfume collection, in which I practically have a Sephora’s shelf worth of products, I have a hard time scaling back.