The 19 best vanilla perfumes, according to shopping editors

Of all the beauty products in the world, fragrance is my favorite — especially those containing a strong note of vanilla.

Yes, yes, I know. The scent can be at times…well, vanilla; sometimes too syrupy, young or worse, a combo of both. However, as a fragrance aficionado (hence, why I’ve been assigned to write this article on the best vanilla perfumes), trust me when I say that there’s a myriad of options, ranging from subtly sweet to sophisticatedly complex.

From Byredo’s Vanilla Antique to Kayali’s Vanilla 28 to Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62, there really is a vanilla scent for everyone.

For many years my signature scent was Dior Addict, which has bourbon vanilla absolute. I loved it because it wasn’t sugary but warm, spicy and with a touch of sweetness. Containing mandarin leaf, queen of the night flower and tonka bean, I loved how it developed as it heated against my skin.

It was, a former partner told me, “intoxicating” and “yummy” — exactly the vibe I was going for.

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.

“As fragrance sparks memories, vanilla can often be associated with childhood, feeling safe and warm, including the aroma from baking cookies and cakes,” she explained. “It can also be considered sexy, and historically it’s been one of the ingredients that men love most in their fragrance and in their partners. It all depends on how much vanilla is used in a fragrance and the mix of the other ingredients.”

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. And I’m in luck, because there are plenty currently on the market.

To help myself (and you) narrow down the search, I asked members of the New York Post commerce team to give their favorite vanilla perfumes, as well as test out a few to see which, if any, are worthy of being added to your perfume wardrobe.

To learn more about perfumes and other vanilla perfumes worth checking out, drop to our FAQ with O’Neill below.

Best Vanilla Perfumes of 2024

Best Overall: Eau so Vert Vanilla Embers

Of all the perfumes tested, this was the staff favorite! Personally, I loved how the brightness of the orange flower blended with the vanilla and cardamom to create something warm and inviting. It’s definitely signature scent-worthy. Here is what two other of our shopping team members had to say:

While my go-to everyday perfume is Glossier’s You, I really liked Vanilla Embers, both on its own and on my skin. This scent felt very familiar, perhaps like something I’ve noticed on a friend in passing, and also universally flattering. Of course, I was drawn in by the soft, creaminess of the vanilla but what really stood out to me with this fragrance was the lingering and luxurious almost-amber note that felt very unique to this scent compared to other vanilla perfumes. Overall, it’s not overpowering, but was strong enough to stay on my skin for quite some time. — Meaghan Roche, Senior SEO Commerce Manager

My favorite fragrances are sweet-yet-spicy, and I’ve long been wary of vanilla-based blends. (Perhaps for fear of smelling a bit too much like a baked good.) Even so, I was immediately drawn to this warm scent. There are inviting hints of vanilla without being too on the nose (no pun intended). It’s just the right amount of scent to have a comforting presence without getting overwhelming. — Hannah Southwick, Page Six Commerce Writer

Key Notes: Cardamom, Orange Flower, Sandalwood, Upcycled Turmeric Root, Vanilla Bean

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Best Natural: Lavanila Pure Vanilla Perfume

A perfume I’ve previously used and remember enjoying is the Lavanilla Pure Vanilla fragrance. I remember it being lightweight when spritzed on, not being overpowering and including notes of goji berry and botanicals to complement the vanilla scent beautifully. Additionally, the glass bottle is nice to display and you’ll love its gentle, cruelty-free formula, for sure. — Victoria Giardina, Commerce Writer & Content Strategist

Key Notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Heliotrope, Goji berries

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Most Sexy: Kayali’s Vanilla 28

This is a good vanilla, you guys! Like, real good. It’s so good, in fact, that the last time I popped into Sephora to spritz myself down in it, I found it completely sold out!

I’d categorize it as part of the gourmand family, so if you like Sol de Janeiro’s Sol Cheirosa, this may be for you. Its first impression is sweet and salty — sort of like a sexy, salty cake. However, the dry down is where the real magic is, overtime developing into something more musky and grownup-ish. It’s addictive, and something I imagine would bring all the boys (and girls) to the yard. However, it’s definitely not obscure, so if you want something few others own, I’d look elsewhere. 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.

Key Notes: Vanilla Orchids, Tonka Absolute, Amber Woods

Other vanilla perfumes from Kayali that you might enjoy include: Kayali Vanilla Oudgasm, Kayali Vanilla Royale Royale Sugared Patchouli

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Best Warm: Phlur Vanilla Skin

This vanilla perfume pick is a bit lighter than the rest. However, the vanilla scent is undeniable. Some say it’s a dupe for Billie Eilish Eu de Parfum or Pink Sugar. I do not agree with either of these assessments. Vanilla Skin is a grown girl’s vanilla perfume, sophisticated, warm and worth the blind buy. It’s sweet but not in-your-face, candy-coated sweet. It’s the type of fragrance one wears when they want to smell enticing (edible, perhaps) but still be taken seriously. Wearing close to the skin, it doesn’t announce itself as soon as you walk into a room, but it certainly won’t be overlooked by those lucky enough to stand close. I can see myself wearing this all year round, as the summer heat will only bring out the notes of sandalwood and jasmine petals. In winter, it will go perfectly with your coziest sweater and sexiest pair of knee-high boots.

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. The latter is what I have and it’s 100% worth the extra money.

Key Notes: Sugar Crystals, Pink Pepper, Jasmine Petals, Cashmere Woods, Vanilla, Sandalwood

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Best Long Lasting: Sana Jardin Vanilla Nomad

I prefer a warmer, muskier scent and that is how I would describe Vanilla Nomad. The sandalwood notes really stand out to me without overpowering the vanilla and jasmine. It’s just the perfect balance of the three. It gives off an earthier — and less chemical vibe — than some of the other vanilla perfumes I have tried. I also found that I preferred the scent even more about about an hour of wearing it. It does last a long time! — Miska Salemann, Commerce Writer

Key Notes: Italian Bergamot, Cardamom Oil, Jasmine Absolute, Vanilla, Sandalwood

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Best from Tom Ford: Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille

Now, if you know the scents from Tom Ford, you know the designer has more than a few vanilla perfumes. There’s Vanille Fatale, which is leathery with a hint of sweet, and Vanilla Sex (don’t you just love that name?) has sexy sandalwood, along with two different vanilla notes. However, most people say Tobacco Vanille leaves the biggest impression.

This is not a sweet perfume. It’s rich and smokey, almost like a sexy tobacco pipe. A bestseller at Neiman Marcus and rated for longevity by Sephora shoppers, it’s the opposite of the typical vanilla perfume and definitely for the grown and sexy types. As someone who does like something slightly more sugary, it’s not a favorite of mine. However, for the non-perfume perfume wearer, this unisex scent will please. It’s unexpected and has that old-money, quiet luxury vibe to it.

Key Notes: Tobacco Leaf, Vanilla, Ginger

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Best Gourmand: Skylar Clean Beauty Boardwalk Delight

In the interest of total transparency, I have a confession to make: the entire reason I bought this fragrance in the first place is because it’s supposed to smell like cotton candy. And it does, but there’s also a really clean vanilla base that comes through. I found my new year-round everyday scent in Boardwalk Delight, even though it’s meant to evoke summer nights on the boardwalk. I tend to like my perfumes to be rather light (heavy scents, especially florals, overwhelm me quickly), and this one is perfect — subtly sweet without being cloying, and lasts all day with minimal reapplication. — Angela Tricarico, Decider Commerce Writer

Key Notes: Pure Vanilla, Cotton Candy, Coconut Milk

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Best Luxury: Armani Bleu Turquoise

Armani Bleu Turquoise is like a whispered secret in a bustling room — subtle yet utterly captivating. It is a prime example of how vanilla should be dressed in a fragrance. Its woody notes complement the deep vanilla trail it leaves behind so beautifully that it garners compliments everywhere I go and is totally addictive to those close to me. For lovers of fine fragrance who don’t want to have to go far to get it, it’s a complete win. — Kendall Cornish, Commerce Writer

Key Notes: Black Pepper, Frankincense, Jasmine Absolute, Ylang-Ylang, Salted vanilla accord

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Best Spicy: Bohoboco Vanilla Black Pepper

Combine the sweetness of Bath & Body Works Warm Sugar Vanilla with spicy black pepper and you’ll get this best vanilla perfume. Again, one of my favorites that we tested in-house. The vanilla can be detected right away, and it stays into the dry down. What I like best, however, is that the nutmeg starts shining through after a few minutes, and the orange blossom sort of brightens the entire fragrance up.

It’s lighter than I usually go for, which makes it a good perfume for the office. It also layers well with headier, more masculine scents, like D.S. & Durga’s Deep Dark Vanilla or even Heretic’s Dirty Vanilla. Several customers on ScentBird said it was a good date night perfume, as well, and that it was also sexy.

Key Notes: Orange blossom, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Heliotrope, Vanilla, Cedarwood

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Best Unisex: Heretic’s Dirty Vanilla

If you’re into perfume, you’ve heard of the brand Heretic and its infamous Dirty Vanilla. Although most of our writers and editors were on the fence about it, our deals writer loved it.

An inconvenient truth: not everyone smells good. Which isn’t to say that they smell bad, per say, just not good, great, sweet, seductive, multi-faceted, and with a depth and complexity that piques the interest, sensorial and intellectual, of those around them. No. Only some can smell that way. And those individuals are wearing Dirty Vanilla’s bold, honeyed, and warm Dirty Vanilla Scent. — P.J. McCormick, Deals Writer

Key Notes: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Coriander, Cedar

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Best with Coconut: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 71 Perfume Mist

You know the brand. You love the brand, and we love its Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 71 Perfume Mist. It’s beachy, soft and a total compliment maker!

It’s not overwhelming, and I’m guessing that’s because of the coconut blossom in its base. It magically tempers the sweetness of vanilla. 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. It gives a kiss of the scent without taking away from any of the other best vanilla perfumes I may have on.

Key Notes: Caramelized Vanilla, Sea Salt, Toasted Macadamia Nut, White Chocolate, Tonka Bean, Coconut Blossom

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Most Unique: DS&Durga Deep Dark Vanilla

This perfume will not be for everybody. In fact, most of our editors agreed that it was too “peppery” and masculine for their taste. However, I fully stand by this pick. Although I generally prefer more traditionally feminine perfumes (think scents with jasmine or amber), there was something — for me — truly hypnotic about this fragrance. It smells dark and rich like it belongs to someone who drives a Mercedes-AMG CLE Coup.

It’s the opposite of young, so if you go for scents like Pacifica’s Island Vanilla or Aquolina’s Pink Sugar, this may have too much bite for your olfactory senses. Now, having said this, if you like luxe perfumes with that unique, designer feel, give it a try. It also layers very well with BohoBoco Vanilla Black Pepper, if you want things a touch sweeter.

Key Notes: Orchid, Pink pepper, Green vanilla leaves, vanilla absolute, Dark patchouli

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Best Body Mist: Bath & Body Works Warm Sugar Vanilla

Simply put, this is a classic. When I think about vanilla scents, this is always the first one that comes to mind. The sweetness of the vanilla isn’t too much here, and it allows the notes of jasmine, orchid, and sandalwood to shine through beautifully. If you’re looking for an inexpensive vanilla scent that works in a quick pinch, you can’t go wrong with Warm Vanilla Sugar. — Angela Tricarico, Decider Commerce Writer

Key Notes: Vanilla, white orchid, sparkling sugar, jasmine, and creamy sandalwood.

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Best Hypoallergenic: The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods Eau de Parfum

It breaks my scent loving heart when I meet a woman who says she’s allergic to fragrance. A life without perfume? Terrible. Fortunately, The 7 Virtues’ Vanilla Woods Eau de Parfum is hypoallergenic. I literally was in Sephora the other day smelling it. Verdict? Not bad at all! The vanilla is undeniable, and so is its cashmere-like warmth. It actually reminds me of a headier version of Bath & Body Works Warm Sugar Vanilla.

Key Notes: Pear, Rose, Vanilla

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Most Sophisticated: Byredo’s Vanilla Antique

Remember when I promised that there were vanillas that were sophisticated and complex? Well, here you have it. If you’re a fan of Tom Ford’s vanilla perfumes or Heretic’s Dirty Vanilla, I feel confident that Byredo’s Vanilla Antique will be happy on your shelf. Like previously mentioned, it’s not sweet in the classic sense, so if you’re more of a sugary vanilla girlie, save yourself the money. However, its dark and earthy aroma is a must try for those who like fragrances in the woods category. It has musky undertones and an initial kick that you’ll either love or hate.

Key Notes: Freesia, Amber, Cashmere Woods, Madagascar Vanilla Beans

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Best Perfume Oil: Nest Madagascar Vanilla Perfume Oil

Some people (not me) don’t like their perfume to announce them before entering the room. For these folks, I often recommend a perfume oil, and for vanilla lovers, this is the one to go with. Nest Madagascar Vanilla has that unmistakable sweet scent and sticks to the skin — in a good way.

Grounded with vanilla orchid florals, the coconut note rounds the entire thing out to a lovely, almost tropical fragrance. It’s noticeable without being loud; the type of thing you would wear on a date or other occasions you’d like to draw people in. A little goes a long way tho, so I recommend keeping it under three drops if you buying as a bottle and not a rollerball (shown above).

Key Notes: Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Orchid, Coconut

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Best Affordable: Outremer Eau De Toilette Vanille

Like your perfumes simple, do you? Then I’ll recommend Anthropologie’s top rated Outremer Eau De Toilette’s Vanille. It’s light, sits close to the skin, and is easy to layer with other fragrances or scented lotions. I went through my bottle fairly fast, which I didn’t care about, since it’s under $30. The boyfriend I had when it was in rotation really liked it, and he was picky when perfumes were concerned. I enjoyed it for everyday type things but preferred something heavier come night.

Key Notes: Vanilla, Brown Sugar

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Best Bourbon: Laura Mercier Vanille Eau de Parfum

When I think of Laura Mercier, I always think of the brand’s incredible hydrating facial primer. However, lots of other people think of its fragrances like the Vanille Eau de Parfum. If you go for vanilla bourbon, which is also in my beloved Dior Addict, you may really like it. I’d categorize it as a woody floral, mainly because it has sandalwood, along with day lily and heliotrope. It also has sexy amber, which is sure to please anyone who likes fragrances with a musky finish.

Key Notes: Vanilla Orchid, Vanilla Liqueur, Vanilla Musk, Heliotrope, Daylily, Bourbon Vanilla, Sandalwood, Amber 

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Best Reviewed: Le Monde Gourmand Crème Vanille Eau de Parfum 

Any time I see the perfumes from Le Monde Gourmand I have to clutch my purse and run in the opposite direction. It’s not because they smell horrible — it’s the opposite! The scents are fantastic and inexpensive, which means they’re hard to resist. (Believe it or not, us shopping editors like to watch our coins too!)

The brand’s Creme Vanille is my recommendation if you’re about that vanilla girl aesthetic. 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.

Key Notes: Creamy apricot, Jasmine petals, Brown Sugar, Amber

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FAQ

What is a fragrance composed of?

“Your fragrance evolves over time, changing and deepening to the richer notes as the day progresses,” explained O’Neill. “The lasting power depends upon the percentage of perfume oil in it.”

Different Perfume Types:

● Eau Fraiche/ Body Mists: contains 1 to 3% of perfume oil, making it the lightest version with the least staying power and as well as the lowest cost.  Great for summer.

 ● Eau de Cologne EDC: has anywhere from 2 to 6% perfume oil, it is mostly used for men’s fragrances. 

● Eau de Toilette EDT: between 5 to 15% 

● Eau de Parfum EDP: between 15 to 20%, the most popular version, with longer staying power. 

● Parfum/Perfume/Extrait: has the highest concentration of oil, ranging from 15 to 40%, the most expensive version of a fragrance with the longest staying power.

“Top notes, also known as head notes, are the first impression of a scent when you first apply it to your skin, this generally lasts anywhere from five to 15 minutes. Middle notes, also known as the heart of the fragrance, makes up most of the scent’s ingredients, can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. 

“The base notes, sometimes called fond notes or the dry down, can last from 4 to 6 hours, leaving the lasting impression.”

Fragrance Families:

Woody	Floral	Fresh	Amber
Aromatic, dry woods, mossy wood and woody	Floral, soft floral and amber floral	Fruity, green, water and citrus notes	Soft amber, amber, woody amber

What is the best vanilla perfume for women?

This is a difficult question, because everyone has different taste when it comes to perfumes. While some people dislike the sweetness that vanilla gives, not every perfume with the note is candy-like. O’Neill told The Post, “I personally love a smokey vanilla as opposed to a sweet one, that can sometimes smell like vanilla extract!

“True vanilla fragrances are also seasonal, preferred to be worn in the colder seasons/ climates, so they perform best sales wise during fall and winter. And my tip is don’t buy a vanilla fragrance for someone who already claims that they don’t like it! But if you would like to introduce some to a friend who just hasn’t fully experienced scents with vanilla, then I would suggest getting her some samples to try first.”

If you’re looking to turn someone to a new perfume via sample, I do recommend Scentbird (no, this isn’t a sponsored post). It has hundreds of fragrances (niche and popular) to choose from, and you can subscribe for less than $20 per month!

Sephora is another place to find perfume samplers, though I will add you won’t get to pick what exactly goes into them. I’ve found the offering less unique, as well, and you know how I feel about wearing a scent every other person owns.

Now, having said this, trendy perfumes are trendy for a reason, and there are many that are worth checking out. Thanks to your body’s unique chemistry, a fragrance can smell completely different on you than it does your best friend, so don’t be like me but be more open to experimenting.

According to O’Neill, some of the most popular vanilla scents on the market include:

• Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62
• Juliette Has a Gun Vanilla Vibes
• Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille
• The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods
• Kayali Vanilla 28
• Phlur Vanilla Skin
• By Killian’s Love, Don’t be Shy
• Skylar’s Vanilla Sky
• Victoria’s Secret Bombshell
• Billie Eilish Eilish

“Many perfumes have vanilla in the base but it’s not necessarily detectible,” she said. “If the name of the scent has vanilla in it, you will definitely smell it, as it will be the main ingredient.”

Which perfume smells most like vanilla?

Again, this is a difficult question that has more to do with your olfactory and what it picks up. When shopping the best vanilla perfumes for you (or someone you care about), it can be helpful to think about the scent in a group or fragrance type. The can be broken down into the following:

Classic Vanilla Perfumes

• Victor&Rolf’s Flowerbomb
• YSL’s Black Opium
• Chanel No 5
• Guerlain’s Shalimar

Popular and Sugary Sweet Vanilla Perfumes

These fragrances are ideal for those who enjoy scents within the gourmand family (think dessert sounding notes, like coconut, and vanilla bean)

• Dior’s Vanilla Diorama
• Kayali Vanilla 28
• Ariana Grande Mod Vanilla

Sophisticated and Niche Vanilla Perfumes

O’Neill described these perfumes as “vanilla with an edge!”

• Eau so Vert Vanilla Embers
• DS&Durga Deep Dark Vanilla
• Sana Jardin Vanilla Nomad
• Absolute Aphrodisiac

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