The Best Luxury Vanilla Fragrances

A modern and fresh scent, this is a gentle gourmand, with the sweetness from vanilla sitting subtly in the base notes. You could probably classify this as a skin scent, as it’s soft and delicate, like fresh cotton sheets, but the vetiver, musk and vanilla give it a headier depth. If you want to dip your toe in vanilla scents without risking smelling like a pudding, this is a failsafe option.

Maison Margiela's Replica Jazz Club is a vanilla scent with an edge – smooth, addictive and wrapped in a haze of late-night allure, inspired by the intimate setting of jazz clubs. Creamy vanilla is at its heart, deepened by the warmth of rum and smokiness of tobacco leaf. The result? A fragrance that feels elegant and undeniably cool.

A sophisticated and sexy scent, this uses a base note of bourbon vanilla alongside warm cardamom and zingy black pepper. If this is sounding a little too much like a recipe, don’t worry: myrrh adds an earthiness and iris butter some softness to create a well-rounded, wonderful gourmand perfume. Although it’s undeniably a little sweet, it is so in a mature way and works well as a unisex option.

If vanilla is your favourite tipple, why not have a double? As the name suggests, Guerlain’s offering is packed full of the fragrant spice, but not in a suffocating way. The accord lingers, yes, but is brightened with rose and ylang-ylang and has a smoky side thanks to incense as a top note. If it smells like a dessert, it’s a grown-up version, nothing that will stick to your teeth or give you a headache, but instead one that might have you asking for an extra serving.

The name slightly gives away what this smells like but just in case you’re wondering, this smells vanilla-y and powdery in the most unique, delicious way. A good dose of coconut in the top and base notes lend a lot of softness, making it somehow powerful and subtle at the same time. It’s also a true day-to-night fragrance, as it’s neither too light nor overtly heavy. Believe us when we say this perfume is guaranteed to get you compliments.

The name of this fragrance is slightly deceptive, as although it is packed with vanilla it’s definitely not the dominant note. It has more of a toasty, caramelised edge than a straightforward dessert-like scent, packed with amber, tonka and brown sugar. If you have a sweet tooth when it comes to perfume this is pleasantly sugary but still well balanced.

Although this fragrance has three vanilla notes in the mix (one deeper, one brighter, one sweeter), what you might smell first is a nutty hit of almond, which – being slightly bitter – balances beautifully against the spice’s sweetness. The result is an almost marzipan-esque blend that lingers on the skin, a unique, head-turning perfume (with a name to match!).

If your usual taste is a citrus scent but you want to dip your toe into the vanilla trend, this is the fragrance for you. Paired with bergamot in the top notes it’s fresher and brighter than your usual gourmand plus neroli adds a feminine floral touch. The result is a warming and uplifting blend perfect for spring days through to summer nights.

From smoky woods to velvety spices, these eight niche fragrances are winter in a bottle – unique, cosy and endlessly sophisticated.

Discover the best fragrances that blend sweetness and sophistication and satisfy every craving.