Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
To say we’re having a vanilla moment is an understatement. Vanilla is everywhere, and so are the best vanilla perfumes: standing next to you on the subway, walking past you in a crowded restaurant, and on the best-seller shelves at your local Sephora and Ulta Beauty. The fragrance world has embraced vanilla in a massive way over the past few years, with brands like Kayali, Sol de Janeiro, and Summer Fridays taking the lead; it’s sweet, cozy, and comforting no matter the season, and who doesn’t want to smell downright delicious?
But vanilla scents are so much more than just one-note, sugary-sweet fragrances. Part of its charm is the nostalgia factor; for many people, vanilla conjures up happy memories and feelings of joy and contentment. "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.
Our Top Vanilla Perfumes
- Best Warm Vanilla: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum, $150
- Best Fruity Vanilla: Armani Power of You Eau de Parfum, $138
- Best Sweet Vanilla: Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum, $82
- Best Longest-Lasting: Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21, $660
- Best Vanilla Perfume Oil: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve, $24
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Why does vanilla perfume smell different on everyone?
- How to layer vanilla perfume with other scents
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Vanilla is also super versatile and plays just as well with florals as it does with musky or spicy scents. It pops up in gourmand-forward body sprays and eau de toilettes for a light, fluffy hint of sweetness; sophisticated, grown-up takes on the classic vanilla; smoky and woody interpretations; and so much more. Thanks to 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.
Best Overall: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum
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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 we love it: Octavia Morgan’s Vanillin Supreme is a vanilla fragrance that’s anything but staid—it’s made for those who want a scent that is elegant yet impactful, and not to mention, long-lasting. Top notes of spicy rum, sweet vanilla, and earthy sandalwood create an unforgettably rich, sweet-meets-woody opening that calms as it fades, 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, in the drydown. Vanillin Supreme has quickly become one of our favorite vanilla fragrances simply because it’s so versatile; it’s an obvious choice for the colder months, but the floral and citrus notes make it work just as well in the heat.
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
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“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
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- Key notes: rum, vanilla, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, cocoa, elemi, orange
- Sizes: 50 ml
Best Fruity Vanilla: Armani Power of You Eau de Parfum
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Armani Beauty
Power of You Eau de Parfum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure contributor Kara Nesvig with a bottle of the Armani Power of You Eau de Parfum
Kara Nesvig
Why we love it: Passionfruit may be the key note in Armani’s viral hit Power of You, but it doesn’t claim the only starring role. In fact, Power of You shines because it’s a dreamy duo of both tart, juicy passionfruit and plush, soft vanilla notes. It’s definitely more fruity than gourmand, with lots of brightness up top and a shampoo-y clean, fresh opening that fizzes and sparkles. Later, however, Power of You relaxes into warm vanilla base notes, which help the passionfruit notes radiate without overpowering them.
Tester feedback from contributor Kara Nesvig
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“I’m not the world’s biggest vanilla fan at the moment; I’m a little bored by the vanilla obsession, to be frank, but there’s something about this hilariously named burgundy juice that I can’t get enough of. It’s just so happy! I spray it on and instantly feel more cheerful thanks to that bold passionfruit opening, and the vanilla is sweet but not cloying, with a nice creaminess that works well in the summertime. If you’re looking for an EDP that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky in the humidity, I think you’ll have a lot of fun with Power of You.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor
More to know
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- Key notes: passionfruit, vanilla
- Sizes: 10 ml, 50 ml, 90 ml
Best Vanilla Perfume Oil: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve
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Cyklar
Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve
Amazon
Sephora
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Cyklar Rose Bud Perfume Oil
Sarah Kinonen
Why we love it: For something that stays closer to the skin than a traditional eau de toilette or eau de parfum spray, try a fragrance oil. Cyklar’s Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve is a lush blend that lingers for hours. 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. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention that Vanilla Verve won a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for Best Perfume Oil, so you know it’s legit. (You can also scoop up the scent in various body-care products.)
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“Although I prefer to spritz on my fragrances, every now and then, a perfume oil is a cute change of pace. This one from Cyklar comes in a super-chic, palm-size glass bottle (it's 0.5 fl oz.!) that's spill-proof, great for mid-day touch-ups, and is easy to travel with (can be tossed into any bag!). Even easier? The application process—you just glide the rollerball across skin, making sure to hit pulse points, like inside of wrists and under ears. While I like wearing it solo, it's also fun to layer on top of my favorite musk scents: ByRosie Jane Rosie and Dedcool Xtra Milk. I've tried all of the scents, but my current favorite is the new Rose Bud, which is a true floral. The rose is so fresh and so spot on, and smells just like petals from the flower. It's not powdery, but there are warm notes of sandalwood and musk to give the fragrance a grounded, skin-like finish. I love it!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Key notes: bergamot, green cardamom, vanilla, heliotrope, ambrette seed, amber, musk
- Sizes: 15 ml
Best Longest-Lasting: Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21
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Guerlain
Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21
Guerlain
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Here's a fun fact: The “21” in Guerlain's Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 refers to the number of days the vanilla planifolia is cold-soaked in alcohol in order to transform into a luxurious, potent tincture. It's vanilla in one of its purest forms: comforting, luxurious, intimate, with a tinge of gentle sweetness. Quick fragrance lesson: Extraits are the most concentrated, reaching upwards of 22% to 30% fragrance oils. (By comparison, eau de toilettes typically fall in the 7 to 12% range and eau de parfums land around 15 to 20%.) Add musk to the mix, and you've got yourself a long-lasting perfume that some say even lingers post-shower.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“This is the perfume that made me go, ‘Oh, ok, so maybe I do like some vanilla scents. It’s intense and concentrated, but not in an overbearing way. It feels like a hug from someone you love, probably due to the musk and amber of it all. I bet my boyfriend would like wearing it, and the intersection of scents we both like is almost nonexistent. I get why it's making the rounds on the internet, and if it didn't cost so much, I'd recommend it to everyone. If you have the funds, I can vouch that this stuff lasts. I can still smell a bit the next day!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key notes: vanilla, spices, amber, opoponax (sweet myrrh), musk
- Sizes: 50 ml
Best Sweet Vanilla: Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum
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Summer Fridays
Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum
Amazon
Sephora
Revolve
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why we love it: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to smell like a decadent dessert—and Summer Fridays couldn’t agree more. The first fragrance from the wildly popular skin-care (and makeup) brand was inspired by eating ice cream on a sunny summer day, with dreamy, sultry, and sweet notes of coconut, caramel, tonka bean, and—you guessed it!—vanilla. Despite those powerful notes, Sunlit Vanilla is light and summery versus dark and rich, perfect for a beach vacation.
Tester feedback from former associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“Most vanilla scents lean on the sweet side (which I love), but Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla is an aquatic gourmand that sits in its own category. This scent reminds me of lounging beachside with a sugary cocktail in hand—everything I want out of summer." —Annie Blay-Tettey, former associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Key notes: bergamot, caramel, coconut, vanilla, musk, tonka bean, amber
- Sizes: 10 ml, 50 ml
Best Unique Vanilla: Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum
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Henry Rose
Dave Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Sephora
Credo Beauty
Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman with a bottle of the Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum
Katie Gunderman
Why we love it: Firstly, it’s very unique indeed to call a vanilla perfume “Dave,” but stick with us here. Henry Rose, the fragrance brand created by actor Michelle Pfeiffer, is an ode to her husband, David E. Kelley, who particularly loves it when his wife wears vanilla perfume. The scent has a lovely duality, as though Pfeiffer swiped her husband’s sweatshirt and their two fragrances mingled together; it’s as dreamy as a traditional vanilla gourmand can be, but pink pepper and neroli give it a lightness and complexity that sets it apart from more traditional sweet vanilla scents.
Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman
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“Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum is the most beautiful, warm, and rich vanilla scent. I love that the vanilla notes are not artificial at all and there is a musky depth to it. This gourmand is perfect for all seasons as it is light and sweet but still has a gorgeous spicy quality to it.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager
More to know
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- Key notes: tangerine, pink pepper, neroli, vanilla bean chantilly, tonka bean, cocoa shell
- Sizes: 8 ml, 50 ml
Best Vanilla Fragrance Mist: Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
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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 we love it: Shocker: The standout note of Phlur’s Vanilla Skin is vanilla, but what makes this 2024 Best of Beauty-winning hair and body mist interesting 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 intrigue. “It's not for the faint of heart,” Chriselle Lim, founder of Phlur, previously said of the original Vanilla Skin EDP. “We wanted to make sure that it was paired with some unexpected notes to add more depth to a universally loved scent.” The body mist is slightly toned down, as you can imagine, so it depends on your intensity preferences.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“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
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- Notes: vanilla, sandalwood, pink pepper, pink apple, lily, jasmine, cashmere wood
- Sizes: 88 ml, 237 ml
Best Woody Vanilla: La Collection Privee Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum
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Dior
La Collection Privee Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum
Dior
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the La Collection Privee Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: According to the house of Dior, founder Christian Dior slipped a lucky piece of wood into the lining of his outfit for the day. Bois Talisman is inspired by that daily ritual, with an additional nod to Dior perfumer Francis Kurkdijan’s own personal lucky charm, a sugar cube in his jacket pocket. Thus, the fragrance is a lush, rich blend of cedarwood, sugar, and yep, you guessed it—vanilla! (Three types of vanilla, to be exact.) While we believe that all perfumes are unisex and anyone can wear whatever they want, Bois Talisman is a great way for people who wear traditionally "masculine" scents to dip their toes—or is it their nose?—into the wonderful world of vanilla perfume. Like all of the Dior Collection Privée scents, Bois Talisman is dramatic, bold, and long-lasting.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“If you want a brooding, moody fragrance, this could be it. There are vanilla notes, yes, but any sweetness is enrobed in a heavy smoky and woodiness that makes this the most unisex (or masculine) fragrance in my wardrobe. One spritz lasts all day—I kid you not!—so dispense mindfully. It's far less honeyed than your typical vanilla, but very warm; in the vein of By the Fireplace but more powerful.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key notes: vanilla, cedar
- Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml
Best Spicy Vanilla: YSL Babycat Eau de Parfum
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YSL Beauty
Babycat Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why we love it: If your vanilla vibe is more rock star than pretty princess, try YSL’s viral Babycat, a spicy, glamorously bold bourbon vanilla. According to the brand, the evocatively named fragrance was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s love of leopard print, and that makes total sense; it’s a vanilla with claws. While the bourbon vanilla base definitely grabs your attention, pink and black pepper, saffron, and cedarwood are swirled in to give it a palpable kick. Babycat is a “big night out” kind of fragrance, one you spritz on after piling on the black eyeliner and slipping into your highest heels.
More to know
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- Key notes: pink pepper, black pepper, elemi, olibanum, saffron, cedarwood, vanilla, suede
- Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does vanilla perfume smell different on everyone?
It's not just vanilla that smells different on everyone. “Depending on one's own scent, natural skin oils, and pH, perfume notes can be brought out differently because everyone's skin composition is unique," says Delphine Jelk, Guerlain master perfumer and creative director of fragrance.
“Vanilla, for example, can often smell much sweeter on some people's skin; for others, it might come across as warmer and richer,” Jelk notes. Why? “If your skin is more acidic, vanilla can become sharper or spicier.” While we typically associate gourmand notes with colder weather, vanilla certainly can shine in warmer months, too. “Body temperature can also play a role, as warmer skin can intensify certain base notes, vanilla and amber being two examples,” Jelk explains. No wonder vanilla is a year-round scent for many editors.
How do you layer vanilla perfume with other scents?
As Jelk puts it, “there are no rules with fragrance,” but she says she personally likes to mix vanilla with iris and/or musks. She also prefers the term “fragrance wardrobing” over layering because it “allows you to personalize your trail rather than adding a perfume directly on top of another.” Her tip? One scent for your wrists, another for your neck, and perhaps a third for your clothes. “Create your own olfactive look, just like you would a fashion outfit,” Jelk says.
Meet the experts
- Delphine Jelk, Guerlain master perfumer and creative director of fragrance
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
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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.
