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, as evidenced by our trend reports; it’s sweet, cozy, and comforting, no matter the season, and who doesn’t want to smell downright delicious?
TL;DR: Our top vanilla pick is Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum for its all-year-round wearability. If you're looking for an atypical vanilla that leans woody/green, Byredo Future Memories will attract lots of curiosity (and compliments). Looking for an affordable pick? Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve is a grown-up vanilla that also happens to easily slip into any purse or bag.
Our Top Vanilla Perfumes
- Best for Everyday Wear: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum, $150
- Best Cozy-Hug Vanilla: Eauso Vert Vanilla Embers Eau de Parfum, $185
- Best for the Office: Byredo Future Memories, $235
- Best Dessert-Like Vanilla: Giardini Di Toscana Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum, $170
- Most Longest-Lasting: Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21, $660
- Best Woody Vanilla: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum, $350
- Best for Anytime, Anywhere Touch-Ups: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve, $24
Before you dismiss the popularity and hype: 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.
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 for Everyday Wear: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
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—it's a 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner, after all—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
LargeChevron
“While gourmands often lean overtly sweet, Octavia Morgan's Vanillin Supreme stood out for its refined interpretation of vanilla. The addition of rum and orange notes gives the fragrance a warm, citrusy depth that expands my understanding of what a vanilla-forward scent can be. Plus, it's incredibly sensual. For me, it took some getting used to at first, but there's so much beauty throughout the scent journey over the course of the day because it sends out those soft vanilla/jasmine notes, but the wear appears more rich and warm on the skin over time, which gives it that sensual feel." —Bianca Richards, social media manager
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: rum, vanilla, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, cocoa, elemi, orange
- Sizes: 50 ml
Best Cozy-Hug Vanilla: Eauso Vert Vanilla Embers Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Eauso Vert
Vanilla Embers Eau de Parfum
Shop
Eauso Vert
Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Eauso Vert Vanilla Embers Eau de Parfum
Sophia Panych
Why we love it: With a name like Vanilla Embers, it’s no surprise this scent absolutely glows with incandescent warmth. It kicks off with a combo of aquaflora—a green, floral note reminiscent of lily of the valley—and orange flower, but the golden, ember-like heat comes from peppery-yet-sweet cardamom and sandalwood blended with vanilla. As the weather gets cooler and days get shorter, Vanilla Embers begs you to take the night off and bask in its cozy embrace.
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
LargeChevron
“I love how vanilla smells and tastes in the kitchen. (Give me a simple sugar cookie, and I'm a happy camper.) However, I find that I don't really enjoy smelling like vanilla. Every vanilla-heavy fragrance I've tried, I've wanted to wash it off my skin minutes later. That's not been the case with Eauso Vert's Vanilla Embers. The founders created the scent for people who ‘don't do vanilla,’ which I guess is me in theory. To do this, the perfumer cut vanilla bean with orange flower absolute and jasmine, white floral notes that enhance the comforting warmth of vanilla versus its sugary sweetness. Sandalwood grounds the scent further, while a sprinkle of cardamom and turmeric elicits a subtle smokiness (hence the "embers" in the name). If you're used to powerful, in-your-face vanilla fragrances, Vanilla Embers is not that, which is exactly why I love it. Instead, vanilla's cozy familiarity feels instantly calming (the first time I sprayed it on my wrists, I closed my eyes and just breathed deeply) and stays close to your skin, fizzling softly like a slow-burning fire.” —Sophia Paynch, content director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: cardamom, aquaflora, orange flower, sandalwood, vanilla
- Sizes: 1.7 oz
Best for the Office: Byredo Future Memories
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Future Memories
Byredo
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Byredo Future Memories
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: Vanilla doesn’t have to be soft, powdery, or pillowy. It can get a little weird too! Byredo’s Future Memories opens with a bold—and divisive!—galbanum note; the resin has a bitter, sharp, earthy scent that you either find intriguing or off-putting. But stick with it, because Future Memories smooths and settles down, transitioning from a unique combo of bubbly aldehydes and creamy blackcurrant to a comforting base of iris, amber, and decadent vanilla. You never really know where things are going with this green, earthy scent, which is part of the fun.
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
LargeChevron
“There's a lot of perfume spritzing happening in the Allure office on any given day, so it's rare that multiple people would notice one fragrance in the same day. Yet, that's exactly what happened when I wore Future Memories to the office for the first time. I had the pleasure of experiencing multiple people swiveling their desk chairs around and going, "Someone smells so good, what perfume is that?" If you're vanilla-curious but err on the side of the woody and green, this fragrance strikes the perfect balance. The vanilla fades into something earthier after a bit, but it's a crowd pleaser the entire time.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: galbanum, blackcurrant, aldehydes, iris, amber, musks, vanilla
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Dessert-Like Vanilla: Giardini Di Toscana Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Giardini di Toscana
Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Revolve
Allure contributor Kara McGrath applying the Giardini Di Toscana Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum
Kara McGrath
Why we love it: Go ahead, order dessert first! Or in this case, spritz it. This viral gourmand scent is absolutely delicious, reminiscent of a post-dinner affogato or indulgent coffee drink. Here, luscious vanilla notes are heightened by equally rich caramel and honey that settle and relax into a milky base of tonka and musk. It’s equal parts soft and strong: a scent to snuggle with, with sillage that encourages those around you to come a little bit closer.
Tester feedback from contributor Kara McGrath
LargeChevron
“I got really into milky fragrances at the end of last year, and Bianco Latte was my gateway. It combines notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and, as the name implies, milk into a perfectly creamy blend that, by some olfactory magic, isn't overly sweet. This is the type of comforting scent that makes people go back in for another hug. It also truly lasts for at least 24 hours: I wake up smelling like yesterday's Bianco Latte every time I wear it.” —Kara McGrath, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: vanilla, honey, caramel, musk, tonka
- Sizes: 3.4 oz
Most Longest-Lasting: Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21
Save to wishlist
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
LargeChevron
“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
LargeChevron
- Key notes: vanilla, spices, amber, opoponax (sweet myrrh), musk
- Sizes: 50 ml
Best Woody Vanilla: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Dior
La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum
Dior
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the La Collection Privée 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
LargeChevron
“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
LargeChevron
- Key notes: vanilla, cedar
- Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml
Best for People Who Don't Like Vanilla: Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Matiere Premiere
Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Why we love it: Created by expert perfumer Aurélien Guichard, the Matiere Premiere line is all about using raw, natural materials to their fullest potential, and its scents are known for their intense sillage and projection. Vanilla Powder is one such scent: a powerful blast of rich, dark vanilla and coconut tempered by grounding, woody palo santo. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a muskier, spicier spin on the trending fragrance note.
Tester feedback from contributor Kara Nesvig
LargeChevron
“I admit it: I’m a vanilla hater. I’m really burned out on the gourmand trend and can’t handle anything overly sweet or syrupy. But Vanilla Powder is the antithesis of those cotton candy gourmands; instead, it’s an incensey, smoky vanilla paired with a generous dose of palo santo and musk. Despite its more robust, spicier profile and infamous beast mode performance—I can still smell it after a full day of wear, if not longer—Vanilla Powder still feels, well, like a soft powder. It’s definitely too strong for warm-weather wear, but it’s absolutely delightful in the fall and winter. I’m officially addicted.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: vanilla, palo santo, coconut, white musk
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best for Anytime, Anywhere Touch-Ups: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve
Save to wishlist
Cyklar
Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve
Amazon
Sephora
Shanna Shipin
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 Shipin
LargeChevron
“Cyklar's oil in Vanilla Verve goes everywhere with me. The compact, sturdy bottle is perfect for tossing into any bag, and with its rollerball dispenser, I never have to worry about spillage. But enough about the (great) packaging: As a proud gourmand girl, I absolutely adore this fragrance. It’s a grown-up vanilla that's equal parts mysterious and comforting, with some green notes to keep things fresh.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: bergamot, green cardamom, vanilla, heliotrope, ambrette seed, amber, musk
- Sizes: 15 ml
Best Vanilla Fragrance Mist: Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Save to wishlist
Phlur
Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Amazon
Nordstrom
Revolve
Allure global senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Lexi Herrick
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
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: 88 ml, 237 ml
Best Spicy Vanilla: YSL Babycat Reno Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
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 (and Best of Beauty-winning) 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.
Tester feedback from director of programming & development Logan Tsugita
LargeChevron
"YSL Beauty Babycat Reno surprised me at first. It's very bold, and after my first test spritz, I kept going back to the bottle for little whiffs throughout the day. That intoxicating It factor has made it one of my favorite fragrances for a night out. The balance of vanilla and spice with a woody base dries down nicely on the skin and lasts all day." —Logan Tsugita, director, programming & development
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: pink pepper, black pepper, elemi, olibanum, saffron, cedarwood, vanilla, suede
- Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml
Best Refreshing Vanilla: Armani Power of You Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Armani Beauty
Power of You Eau de Parfum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
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 Nesvig
LargeChevron
“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
LargeChevron
- Key notes: passionfruit, vanilla
- Sizes: 10 ml, 50 ml, 90 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
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.
