Top 10 Vanilla Scented Perfume Picks for 2025

The cologne plays up the sweetness of vanilla scented perfume, but hints of amber and cedar tone it down so it doesn't smell like you drenched yourself in melted vanilla ice cream. If you’re a fan of gourmand fragrances, or if you want to know where the real baseline is set in vanilla perfumery, have a look at out picks for the best vanilla colognes. Within a few seconds, it’s like the beach is within touching distance as vanilla, glowing amber and coconut milk cosy up together to smell like sunscreen on the skin.

If you’re one of those folks who spend the majority of their free time scrolling (we're guilty as charged), you’ll know all too well that vanilla perfumes are ruling the roost right now. Personally, I prefer airy and light scents to bring with me while I travel, as I know I'll always be in the mood to wear them. This one is made with vanilla scented perfume, fresh pear, and rose, so it combines both floral and citrus notes for that pop of freshness. We love that Skylar makes gorgeous-smelling fragrances with ingredients we can actually pronounce. You'll never find animal byproducts, parabens, endangered plants, or skin sensitizers in their products.

Don't forget to browse our extensive vanilla scented perfume sale to stock up on the best vanilla scents for a fraction of their normal price. An oldie but a goodie, YSL Black Opium is an olfactory masterpiece and undoubtedly one of the best vanilla perfumes for ladies. With every spritz, a rich, vanilla-infused elegance laces skin and lingers throughout the day. Although creamy and sweet notes take centre stage, Black Opium isn't overpowering; in fact, it's nothing short of luxury and impossible to resist. No matter what the vibe, occasion or outfit, the gourmand fragrance note comes out on top.

The caramelized vanilla note really comes through, along with the toasted macadamia nut and tonka beans. I like to layer this with my shimmer SPF and feel like I am transported right to a hot tropical beach,” she tells me. Simply put, warm and cozy, this indulgent fragrance will keep you coming back.

Each time I set out to find a new perfume, I think of it as dressing my emotions, reflecting who I am and the story I want to tell. Vanilla scents offer such an ageless appeal, but the trick lies in understanding their complex composition. I’ve always been fascinated by how a scent can capture memories, evoke emotions, and even define a person’s essence. Vanilla is a distinct favorite among the myriad aromas that fashion and luxury consumers adore. Alluring yet familiar, musk is well known for its subtle animalic and skin-mimicking aroma.

This blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation gives today’s vanilla perfumes a warm and vibrant character, adding a layer of history to every bottle. It can brighten citrus top notes in the summer or deepen into a musky base in the winter, allowing both classic perfumes and innovative new blends to shine. This adaptability is why vanilla has remained so popular for decades.

This delectable scent is also under $100 a bottle, making it a winner. Vanilla scented perfume for women goes perfectly with floral and fruity compositions due to its mellow and sweet aromas. The best example of this is the Armani Code Femme, whose arrangement of fresh orange blossoms, bitter orange and jasmine is intensified by velvety vanilla from Madagascar. The fine essence of precious Indian sambac jasmine produces a sensual feminine aura with this vanilla women’s fragrance. Do you want a perfume that smells strictly of vanilla or has a faint whisper of sweetness from a vanilla note? If vanilla is in with other base notes, it’s likely you won’t smell too vanilla-ry.

Their blend of lighter top notes makes them warm-weather-ready. With so many notes to round out a vanilla base, the key to choosing the perfect perfume is actually staring back at you in the mirror—you! As a starting point, Nwasike recommends deciding what level of sweetness you’re after.

Right off the bat, you're hit with strong notes of vanilla scented perfume, but it's perfectly balanced with slight notes of musk and amber. After a few hours, the strong scent of vanilla dies down just a bit, resulting in a warm, inviting, and luxurious scent. And that concludes our round-up of the best vanilla perfumes for women (phew!). Add one (or two, or three or four) of these vanilla perfumes into your collection, and we guarantee you’ll be showered with compliments. And if you're looking to elevate your fragrance wardrobe even further, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Signature Scent.

Embrace the sophistication and warmth of vanilla with our top vanilla scented perfume, designed to leave a lasting impression. Shop our collection today and find your new favourite fragrance. If you’re a fan of warm, comforting scents, then the aromas of vanilla perfumes are for you—and perfect for the harsh winter.

It’s lovely, soft and just the thing I’d spritz myself to lift my spirits. The Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 40 collection pulls you in with a sheer touch of sophisticated sensuality and warm floral notes like alluring Black Amber plum, crème de cassis, and jasmine blooms. The dry fragrant notes of vanilla woods with a hint of warm musk add the finishing touches to Cheirosa 40.

Let me guide you through these olfactory delights, and perhaps you’ll find your new signature scent among them. Explore topics like how to interpret fragrance notes and why fragrance longevity matters for a lasting impression. What if I told you that your next personal aroma delight is in this post?

A scent you truly cannot get enough of, it begins with a dollop of whipped sugar creating a sumptuous milky hook with effervescent sweetness. Yes – especially when paired with Oud or musk to create extra depth and uniqueness. Brooke Knappenberger tests and names Kayali Vanilla 28 as the best overall vanilla perfume.

I’ve learned that the secret to making a fragrance last is applying it to hydrated skin, focusing on pulse points to let the vanilla scented perfume warm and radiate. Every bottle I’ve shared here tells a unique story of craftsmanship and style. Some reviewers have noted that its longevity can be inconsistent, with the unique opening fading within an hour on some skin types.

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’ve been wearing it for months now, as it’s not to loud for the office but still gives me that come hither vibe I demand from all my fragrances. The Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 59 scent encapsulates the feeling of relaxation and contentment after a day spent at the beach. Its notes are a combination of delicate florals, with a touch of juicy plum to add a creamy sweetness.

It has a scientifically recognized ability to soothe and comfort. There’s an undeniable pull toward the comforting and indulgent nature of vanilla. Its aroma is a story of sophistication and ease, speaking of both luxury and warmth. In my 15 years working in the fragrance and fashion industry as the Creative Director for IRFĒ, I’ve tested countless scents to understand what gives a perfume true elegance and staying power. It’s a passion of mine, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium is a best-selling fragrance that combines high notes of Pear Accord and Mandarin Essence with a sweet gourmand base of Vanilla, Cedarwood Essence, and White Musk.

I found myself standing taller, walking with more confidence, and damn I felt sexy. I’m not embarrassed to say that I wasn’t always a cologne connoisseur. For a long time, my go-to fragrance was whatever was on discount. Something to splash on before heading out rather than to savor and enjoy. Rich and evocative, Maison Margiela‘s Jazz Club is reminiscent of dimly lit lounges and the soft strumming of a double bass. It’s a fragrance for the bold, for those who yearn for an escape from the ordinary and dive into a world of sophistication.

From there, you dive further into the world of vanilla scented perfume and figure out if you prefer something woody, gourmand, fresh, or spicy. Next, consider the weather, and the occasion you’ll be wearing your fragrance to, wether that’s during the day, for a date night or special occasion, Nwasike explains. While warmer months evoke more fruity, fresh notes, we also wear less layers, allowing direct skin-to-fragrance contact. Meanwhile, colder months call for more clothing layers, which may make you opt for a warmer, bolder scent that won’t easily fade.

It’s warm, it’s sweet, it’s syrupy and creamy, all without being overbearing. Rumour has it that it’s Rihanna’s favourite, so if it’s good enough for RiRi, it’s good enough for us. The base of the fragrance is jojoba oil, which is super moisturizing, and keeps the scent on your skin for longer. One of our testers uses this fragrance as an essential step after her morning and evening showers, since it offers a fresh aroma throughout the day.

In my experience creating fragrances for IRFE, I’ve found that vanilla scented perfume base ingredients are essential for creating a layered and enduring experience. “This is my favorite curl-up and cozy scent,” wrote one satisfied user. “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.

Skin chemistry and temperature influence how vanilla develops and is perceived. Discover our bestselling vanilla creations and compare different interpretations – from attar oils to Eau de Parfum sprays. She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri.

Pepper, orange blossom, patchouli, tonka bean, cedar, and vetiver, to name a few. Sparkling orange and mandarin, backed by salty seawater and aldehydes, are sunshine in a bottle. Here, vanilla scented perfume and white musk mingle with amber, vetiver, and tonka bean. A true heavy winter pick, this is a genuine gourmand vanilla that, with cocoa, complements tobacco's smokiness perfectly. It's rounded by spicy ginger and sweet fruit notes, serving up dimension and richness like a top-shelf scotch.

It’s then balanced with spicy notes of pink pepper, while the headiness of sandalwood keeps it lingering on the skin. Set to dethrone the iconic Black Opium is this vanilla scented perfume offering from YSL. Libre has only been on the shelves for a couple of years, yet it’s quickly become one of Yves Saint Laurent’s most sought-after fragrances. Seriously though, this floral vanilla scent utilises notes of orange blossom and lavender for an intoxicating aroma. The Alien Goddess pairs citrusy and earthy Italian bergamot, vanilla bean, and jasmine (how ironic!), making it perfect for summer wear.

We avoid phthalates, a chemical used to increase the longevity of fragrances, as we don’t deem them necessary and are wary of their impact on our environment and waterways. At Floral Street, vegan, responsible and carefully-sourced ingredients are paramount. We work with perfume house Robertet to source both natural and synthetic fragrance ingredients and create certified vegan and cruelty-free perfumes. Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content for Who What Wear for over five years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.

The result is an uplifting vanilla scented perfume that has been scientifically proven to boost your mood. With hints of vanilla orchid, sugared violet, and sheer sandalwood, Cheirosa 59 is the perfect scent to transport you back to those blissful beach days. Vanilla perfumes are more than just a fragrance—they’re a sensory experience that combines warmth, sophistication, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re searching for a signature scent or looking to explore the world of fragrances with vanilla, there’s a perfect vanilla perfume out there for everyone. I like to think of this as a grown-up, more nuanced version of the sugary sweet body mists of my childhood.