Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Allure editors
Save this storySave this story
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Vanilla is like the cashmere sweater of fragrance notes: warm, cozy, and toasty, so of course, the best vanilla perfumes are regulars in our fragrance rotations. "It’s strongly linked to our memories and a signal for pleasure—it’s hard not to feel happy when you smell it," Meabh McCurtin, a perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances, simply put it. These days, however, we’re not referring to the overly sweet, ultra-gourmand body sprays of yesteryear (no shade, we’re still a fan of those), but sophisticated, grown-up takes on the classic note. Thanks to earthy, woodsy aromas, spicy kicks of pink pepper, or bright bursts of orange zest, many of our favorite vanillas offer more than meets the…sweet tooth. Keep reading to find mouth-watering scents that are sure to become your new signatures.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Salt Eau de Parfum, $115
- Best Creamy Vanilla: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum, $150
- Best Powdery Vanilla: Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum, $176
- Best Sweet Vanilla: Laura Mercier Vanille Eau de Parfum, $96
- Best Vanilla Perfume Oil: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla, $24
- Best Toasted Vanilla: D.S. & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla Eau de Parfum, $210
- Best Tobacco Vanilla: Victoria Beckham 21:50 Reverie Eau De Parfum, $200
- Best Citrus Vanilla: Liis Choux Choux, $175
- Best Vanilla Fragrance Mist: Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist, $38
- Best Classic Vanilla: Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum, $225
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
Best Overall: Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Salt Eau de Parfum
Ellis Brooklyn
Vanilla Salt Eau de Parfum
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Salt Eau de Parfum
Why it’s worth it: Summer might be winding down, but Ellis Brooklyn’s Vanilla Salt keeps the sun-soaked memories alive long after sweater weather sets in. Vanilla comes through right away, but not in a cupcake shop kind of way: Think mineral and sea salt on top, a splash of desert water, then a swirl of jasmine and whipped cream. Vanilla and musk linger in the base for a soft, skin-like finish—rather than syrupy and overly sweet. This is just the latest EB scent we're obsessed with—and we have the receipts to prove it.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
LargeChevron
“I'm not what you'd call a gourmand girlie—they tend to be too sweet for my floral/citrus leaning preferences, but Vanilla Salt has just enough vanilla that sits well with me, instead of feeling like I've walked into a cloud of cotton candy. I also like beachy scents but not the actual beach (lol), so I also really vibe with the sea salt and mineral accord notes—these are the kind of notes that transport me to a happy place. Vanilla Salt is a unique one in my collection but I can see it having very wid appeal. It's dreamy, yet grounding. Everytime I take a whiff of my wrists (which is a lot), I feel my anxiety slip away—even just a little.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: mineral accord, sea salt accord, desert water, jasmine, whipped cream, vanilla Madagascar absolute
- Sizes: 10 ml, 50 ml
Best Creamy Vanilla: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum
Octavia Morgan Los Angeles
Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum
Ulta Beauty
Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum
Bianca Richards
Why it’s worth it: Octavia Morgan’s Vanillin Supreme is an energizing fragrance that’s anything but staid—it’s made for those who want a scent that’s sweet and elegant, but still makes an impact. Top notes of spicy rum, sweet vanilla, and earthy sandalwood combine to create a hint of woodsiness that calms down as it dries, transforming into a blend of jasmine, rose, and cocoa. As it settles onto your skin, you’ll notice hints of bright orange and elemi, which is often described as lemony.
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
LargeChevron
“I am expanding my gourmand scent palette, and this latest addition to my stash is getting me super excited for fall! It has deeper, richer notes of rum, cocoa, sandalwood, and true Madagascar vanilla, making it the perfect choice to cozy up with a glass of wine and my go-to mystery novel.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: rum, vanilla, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, cocoa, elemi, orange
- Sizes: 50 ml
Best Vanilla Perfume Overall: Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum
Chanel
N°5 Eau de Parfum
Chanel
Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh with a bottle of the Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum
Dianna Mazzone Singh
Why it's worth it: You can't deny an icon. Chanel’s N°5 Eau de Parfum has been capturing hearts (and noses) since 1986—and even earlier, if you count the original scent that launched in 1921. Base notes of rose and jasmine give this fragrance a floral feel upfront, but as it dries down, the top citrus notes transform into a blend of smooth, creamy Bourbon vanilla and powdery, soapy aldehyde that hits all of our favorite fragrance bases.
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Mazzone Singh
LargeChevron
“Classics are classics for a reason, and if you've never smelled Chanel N°5… well, I'm actually jealous that you get to experience this beautifully-balanced blend of jasmine and sandalwood for the first time.” —Dianna Mazzone Singh, features director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: bourbon vanilla, May rose, jasmine, neroli
- Sizes: 1.2 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 6.8 oz
Best Sweet Vanilla: Laura Mercier Eau de Parfum in Vanille
Laura Mercier
Eau de Parfum in Vanille
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Laura Mercier Eau de Parfum in Vanille
Why it’s worth it: If you want to go all-in on smelling like a vanilla cupcake, spritz the Laura Mercier Vanille perfume on yourself, and indulge in the sugar rush. The beauty of this scent is that it has so much more to offer than sweet, warm vanilla (although it is definitely the star note): Think daylily, sandalwood, and amber for a balanced, multifaceted scent that lingers all day. (We recommend you spray lightly!)
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
LargeChevron
“I have been wearing this scent since high school, and it still makes me feel so girly like it did in the good old days (I admittedly have the same bottle in the OG packaging, since just two spritzes is enough to last the entire day). It smells so clean and fresh with the sandalwood and amber, but the layers of vanilla—there’s bourbon vanilla, vanilla orchid, vanilla liquor, and vanilla musk—give it that intoxicatingly sweet smell that I obviously can’t get enough of. It’s so nostalgic and comforting.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: vanilla orchid, vanilla liqueur, vanilla musk, heliotrope, daylily, bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, amber
- Sizes: 50 ml
Best Vanilla Perfume Oil: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve
Cyklar
Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve
Amazon
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Cyklar Vanilla Verve Perfume Oil
Why it’s worth it: Nothing says fall quite like a warm scent with a touch of sweetness, and that’s exactly what we’re picking up with Cyklar’s Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve. Fresh bergamot and green cardamom keep it crisp, while tonka bean, amber, and musk melt into lingering notes of vanilla, heliotrope, and ambrette seed. Some of our editors even treat it as a base for perfume cocktailing.
Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin
LargeChevron
“Cyklar's oil goes everywhere with me. It’s a grown-up vanilla that's equal parts mysterious and comforting, with some green notes to keep things fresh.”—Shanna Shipin, shopping director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: bergamot, green cardamom, vanilla, heliotrope, ambrette seed, amber, musk
- Sizes: 15 ml
Best Toasted Vanilla: D.S. & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla Eau de Parfum
D.S. & DURGA
Deep Dark Vanilla Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Revolve
Bluemercury
Allure content director Kara McGrath applying the D.S. & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla Eau de Parfum
Kara McGrath
Why it's worth it: D.S. & Durga’s Deep Dark Vanilla Eau de Parfum is an aromatic tribute to vanilla’s moodier side, highlighting the note’s underlying smokiness that’s usually masked by its hyper-sweetness. This toasty perfume intensifies a rich vanilla fragrance profile—count the types: vanilla derived from cold CO2 extraction, vanilla tincture from India, a liqueur-y vanilla absolute, and an ultra-vanille accord—with spicy pink pepper, patchouli, and green vanilla leaves, which have an earthier scent than the typical beans.
Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath
LargeChevron
“This really smells like the pure vanilla extract you'd use to make cookies: It's not sweet, exactly, but rather rich and smoky and warm. I love wearing it when I go out to dinner because I think the gourmand fragrance complements the scent of a nice meal, rather than competing with it.”—Kara McGrath, content director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: vanilla absolute, green vanilla leaves, orchid, pink pepper, dark patchouli, hay
- Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml
Best Tobacco Vanilla: Victoria Beckham Beauty 21:50 Rêverie Eau De Parfum
Victoria Beckham Beauty
21:50 Rêverie Eau De Parfum
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
Former Allure associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez applying the Victoria Beckham 21:50 Reverie Eau De Parfum
Talia Gutierrez
Why it's worth it: Victoria Beckham’s 21:50 Reverie Eau De Parfum isn’t the sugary vanilla you used to douse yourself with in high school. Instead, this scent utilizes raw vanilla to harness all of its warm, smoky, and spicy facets, which are heightened by its tobacco leaf top note and juicy, bitter plum heart. Notes of tonka bean and cedarwood intensify the warmth of this perfume’s vanilla base for a scent that’s more sultry than sweet.
Tester feedback from former special projects manager Talia Gutierrez
LargeChevron
“Chances are, I'm probably wearing a vanilla fragrance. This is more of a wintery vibe, as it features cedarwood with a vanilla base, which is exactly what this fragrance encapsulates. I'll admit, the chic forest green and gold bottle caught my eye at first, but the scent alone is well worth the splurge.”—Talia Guitierrez, former special projects manager
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: vanilla, tobacco leaves, plum, tonka beans, cedarwood
- Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml
Best to Gift: Liis Choux Choux Eau de Parfum
Liis
Choux Choux Eau de Parfum
Revolve
Liis
Allure senior editor Paige Stables with a bottle of the Liis Choux Choux Eau de Parfum
Paige Stables
Why it's worth it: Embrace your sweet side with Liis’s Choux Choux Eau de Parfum, a dessert-inspired fragrance laced with olfactory sweet treats like fresh cream, cocoa, and, of course, vanilla beans. This scent’s warmth and sweetness are intensified with dashes of sandalwood, mocha, and fleur de sel caramel, a chocolate-covered salted caramel that’s as delicious as it sounds (and smells). And this packaging? The perfect addition to any vanity.
Tester feedback from former senior beauty editor Paige Stables
LargeChevron
"Much like choux à la crème—the delicious French pastry that inspired this fragrance—this Liis bottle is filled with a creamy, vanilla treat. It smells sweet (but not too sweet thanks to a splash of citrus) and warm and delicious…and I will be wearing this cozy scent all winter long.”—Paige Stables, former senior beauty editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Notes: vanilla beans, citrus peel, cocoa, sandalwood, mocha, fresh cream, fleur de sel caramel
- Sizes: 50 ml
Best Vanilla Fragrance Mist: Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Phlur
Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Amazon
Nordstrom
Revolve
Allure social director Kassidy Silva with a bottle of the Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair Body Mist
Kassidy Silva
Why it's worth it: Shocker: The standout note of Phlur’s Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist is vanilla, but what makes this 2024 Best of Beauty winner special are the additions that elevate its sweet, warm base. Hints of pink pepper, pink apple, lily, jasmine petals, sandalwood, and cashmere wood peek through for added depth and intrigue. “It's not for the faint of heart,” Chriselle Lim, founder of Phlur, previously told Allure. “We wanted to make sure that it was paired with some unexpected notes to add more depth to a universally loved scent.”
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
LargeChevron
“Phlur's Vanilla Skin is nearly good enough to eat. The creamy blend of vanilla, pink pepper, and sandalwood notes makes this fragrance truly delectable and a staple to wear through any season.”—Kassidy Silva, social media director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Notes: vanilla, sandalwood, pink pepper, pink apple, lily, jasmine, cashmere wood
- Sizes: 8 oz
Best Classic Vanilla: Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum
Tom Ford
Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein with a bottle of the Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum
Jennifer Hussein
Why it's worth it: If you want vanilla that’s sweet, spicy, and unapologetically extra, Tom Ford’s Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum has your name on it. A decadent duo of vanilla absolute and sandalwood feels like a loved one has wrapped you in a warm hug. Once its drydown begins, a savory, bitter bite of almond essence cuts through to leave your senses (and possibly your date’s) swirling.
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein
LargeChevron
“My fragrances always lean spicy and warm, but when I want to smell a little sweeter—say, for a date night—Tom Ford’s Vanilla Sex is what I spray on. This scent is as truly vanilla as you can find, which makes it the perfect base for layering with other scents.”—Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Notes: vanilla absolute, vanilla tincture, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber
- Sizes: 1 oz, 1.7 oz
Frequently Asked Questions
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our review of the best vanilla perfumes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
