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14 Grown-Up Vanilla Perfumes That Don’t Smell Like a Bakery
Inviting and seductive, but still playful.
Now that the weather is starting to cool down, it’s time to swap summer scents for fall perfumes. When it comes to picking a fall perfume, we have one word on our minds: cozy. Wearing a cozy scent makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cashmere blanket or wearing your favorite warm sweater next to a crackling fireplace. One of the coziest scent notes you can choose? Vanilla.
Don’t worry—a vanilla scent doesn’t have to be cloyingly sweet, like the vanilla-tinged fragrances of our youth. In fact, many new generation vanillas are smoky, woodsy, or even fresh. Vanilla can add a creamy depth to fragrances that makes them much more wearable. Our favorite vanilla scents are sexy, easy to wear, and the source of endless compliments. Keep reading for the vanilla perfumes that ELLE editors and rave reviewers love to wear.
Pros
- Floral and honey notes
Cons
- Pricey
New York City is a melange of a lot of pleasant and unpleasant smells. However, in Bond No. 9’s world, the city is a golden medley of dewy florals and vanilla.
Key notes: Cinnamon bark, patchouli, vanilla, amber, labdanum, moss
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Bond No. 9 rating: 5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Fragrance is my favorite form of escapism. Bond No. 9 does a great job of giving every neck of New York City its own distinct smell. New York Forever bursts with honeyed florals and a sweet vanilla dip that makes you forget about the city’s other scents.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some find it too sweet
Kayali’s Vanilla fragrance is both addictive and alluring. Equal parts creamy and seductive, the sugary scent features a mix of Brazilian tonka, Madagascar vanilla, brown sugar, and florals that leaves a mark on each person you encounter. (Trust us.)
Key notes: Brazilian tonka, Madagascar vanilla, and amber
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This scent is my absolute favorite, especially for fall! It smells warm and sweet. The best part is that it actually lasts on my skin for multiple hours.”
Burberry Goddess Refillable Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Three different vanilla notes
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Burberry Goddess is a gourmand goldmine. Featuring three vanilla notes, the scent bursts with a creamy, warm aroma that’s anchored by a brush of lavender in each spritz.
Key notes: Vanilla infusion, lavender, vanilla caviar, vanilla absolute
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Upon reading the notes of Burberry Goddess, I told myself I didn’t need another vanilla scent and planned on gifting it to a friend. Then, I smelled it for the first time and immediately changed my mind. It’s mine! The vanilla trio melds perfectly with the tinge of lavender, and imparts a sexy, sophisticated creamy smell that you'll want to spritz over and over again.”—Nerisha Penrose
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
Pros
- White floral and vanilla notes
Cons
- Not long-lasting
YSL Libre opens as a seductive dark floral arrangement, fitting for nighttime wear. Layer by layer, each note steals the scene from a burst of juicy orange blossom to warm vanilla as it dries down.
Key notes: Orange blossom, vanilla, and musk accord
Size: 0.33 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “I like my florals where I can smell them—in a sexy, sophisticated floral-vanilla fragrance. Libre makes me feel like a character in my own romantic comedy. The scent is mysterious, yet homely and familar.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Lasts for days
Cons
- Some find the scent too strong
For scents that last all day, very few come close to Amber Oud by Al Haramain. Melon, pineapple, and amber create sweet spots, but the sensual, mature side comes from musk and vanilla.
Key notes: Bergamot, pineapple, amber, and vanilla
Size: 2 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My introduction to Middle Eastern fragrance came courtesy of this gem from Al Haramain. I stole a few spritzes from my father’s, and shortly after, he gifted me my own. The musk is what stands out most and lingers on your clothes for days.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Soft but sweet
Cons
- Some dislike the packaging
You’ll immediately buy this fragrance for the gorgeous bronze packaging, but the guaranteed compliments prove its staying power. Warm and spicy notes of vanilla and musk form a cozy blanket that feels crisp like an October autumn day.
Key notes: Vanilla, mandarin, cocoa, and musk
Size: 1 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I really do enjoy this fragrance as it’s so simple to use as your go to fragrance. Sweet without being too strong which is great for the season!”
Pros
- Salt and sandalwood notes
Cons
- Some wish it were stronger
Most vanilla fragrances conjure images of a fireplace, toasted chai latte, or a delicious plate of cookies. Juliette Has a Gun’s Vanilla Vibes is the twist that’s less sweet, more fresh and alluring. Fun fact: this scent was actually inspired by Burning Man’s electric, carefree spirit blanketing the dusty desert gathering.
Key notes: Sea salt, sandalwood, and vanilla
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Beautiful! It comes off to me as a fresh vanilla. It smells truly like summer without the coconut. I’m not a coconut fan and so this is a summer vanilla for me. It doesn’t come off too strong for me, so you could probably wear this somewhere you don’t want a ton of projection.”
Armani Beauty Sì Passione Eau de Parfum Fragrance
Pros
- Fruity and subtle take on vanilla
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Here’s a scent that’s as startling as its fire-red packaging. Blackcurrant nectar, pear, and rose add the sparkle, while vanilla and cedarwood ignite the passion.
Key notes: Blackcurrant nectar, pear, rose, and vanilla
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is a lovely fragrance, opening with a lovely pear note and grounded by gorgeous rose and vanilla notes. This is a new favorite that I am wearing often. Excellent longevity.”
Mugler Alien Goddess
Pros
- Jasmine-forward vanilla
Cons
- Some find the scent too powdery
Mugler’s Alien Goddess offers a decadent ambiance built around Madagascar vanilla. The aroma sweetens with the addition of jasmine and bergamot.
Key notes: Italian bergamot, Madagascar vanilla, and jasmine
Size: 3 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I am a fan of the Alien line in general. This one is amazing. It has a warm and comforting scent. I love wearing it on weekends and on rainy days.”
Sol de Janeiro SOL Cheirosa ’62 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Sweet and nutty
Cons
- Some find it too sweet
Sometimes, our desire to smell like a tropical vacation leaves us with limited scent options that are childish and gimmicky. Sol de Janeiro’s Sol Cheirosa is the grown-up version of a fun summer day. In Sol de Janeiro’s world, summer feels warm (sandalwood, vanilla), sweet (pistachio, caramel), and bright (jasmine petals).
Key notes: Salted caramel, vanilla, and pistachio
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora rating: 3.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I got this because I love the Sol 62 body spray, but wanted something classier. I love this so much. My new signature scent. It smells like the 62, but with a little coconut and just a classier look and smell. Highly recommend this product. I get so many compliments when I use this. A must-have.”
Pros
- Warm pear and rose notes
Cons
- Doesn't work with every body chemistry
This Sephora bestseller is beloved by many for its youthful, fresh scent. The name suggests that it would veer toward deep, woodsy scents, but its pear, rose, and vanilla notes create a warm floral composition.
Key notes: Pear, rose, and vanilla
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I love this scent so much. It goes on a bit strong at first, but the dry down is lovely, and the longevity is amazing. I’ll put it on in the morning, and I can still smell it by the beginning of the evening.”
Byredo Night Veil Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum
Pros
- Woodsy and musky take on vanilla
Cons
- Pricey
Vanille Antique is the fragrance equivalent of a dark bar, a stiff drink, and a good date. It’s sultry, and manages to pull off a heady mix of vanilla, woods, and musk without feeling too overpowering.
Key notes: Vanilla, cashmere, wood, ciste, and musk
Size: 1.6 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 3.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This is a scent so good that once it hit the scene in New York, it became nearly as ubiquitous as Baccarat Rouge or Santal 33. That’s because it’s a very New York City vanilla—sexy, mysterious, and statement-making enough for someone to ask you what fragrance you’re wearing on the subway.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Fresh ozone notes
Cons
- May be too sweet for some
Gucci’s first floral gourmand is a home run. It smells sugary and nostalgic, but it’s still extremely wearable. The marine ozonic accord helps give the sweetness a hint of levity.
Key notes: Vanilla duo, vanilla orchid, marine ozonic accord
Size: 100 mL
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’m absolutely obsessed with this fragrance. I wasn’t expecting to love it (I’m not a floral girl typically), but I feel like I need to buy 500 backup bottles. Perfect.”
D.S. & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Natural vanilla scent
Cons
- Some find it too overpowering
This fragrance is described to recall “jungle vines and good times.” It’s a deep, smoky fragrance that uses real vanilla absolute to help you smell like the natural spice, not a synthetic version.
Key notes: Abreuva, orchid, pink pepper, vines, green vanilla leaves, cypress root, vanilla absolute, dark patchouli, hay
Size: 100 mL
Fragrantica rating: 3.1/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “If you like a smoky fragrance, this will be right up your alley. I spritz this deep scent on whenever I want to feel like I’m on a tropical vacation and going out for the night.”—Katie Berohn
Why trust ELLE beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty editor Katie Berohn and beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose scoured the internet and editors’ stashes to find the best vanilla perfumes on the market.
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