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12 best vanilla perfumes – from long-lasting scents to the most-complimented fragrances
We've sniffed hundreds of vanilla perfumes, and trust, these are the *best*
As someone who spends both her workday and free time pursuing #PerfumeTok, there’s one thing I know for sure: Vanilla perfumes are far from a trend. These sultry and creamy fragrances have never fallen out of fashion, but have become deeper and more nuanced than something your mum would wear.
You’d be mistaken for thinking that vanilla perfumes simply smell like cake batter. In fact, vanilla is a very versatile ingredient that, when mixed with other notes, can create different compositions that smell entirely unique from one another.
Some vanilla perfumes are sweet and syrupy, reminding me of freshly baked cookies. Others are balanced with woody and spicy notes to give more depth to the fragrance. And even if a perfume is primarily a rose, sandalwood, floral, or patchouli, I still like it to have a hint of vanilla to sweeten things up.
Because I’m obsessed with fragrances, I had the tough job of going through all of my perfumes to compile a full list of the absolute best vanilla scents I’ve ever tested. I found spring scents, cheap perfumes, new perfumes, and long-lasting fragrances that all have a vanilla note – and not all of them are sweet. Peep all of my faves here:
Top picks for vanilla perfume in 2026:
Keep scrolling for all the best vanilla perfumes, from spicy-sweet takes on vanilla to fresh and floral variations. Truly, there's an option for every preference.
If luxury was a smell, it would be this. Vanilla bourbon perfectly balances out the smokey, earthy vetiver tones in this to create a velvety scent that won’t leave your nose feeling overwhelmed after just one spritz. It starts quite peppery but soon melts into the skin to leave you smelling fresh, yet warm at the same time.
Other key notes: Cardamom, grapefruit tea accord and vetiver bourbon.
Size: 50ml
Type: Cologne
THE REVIEWS: "Creamy, indulgent, deep and enticing. This cologne had me hooked from first inhalation, it's subtle changing notes keep me smiling for hours every time I notice how incredible I smell again. If a fragrance could put a smile on your face, confidence in your step and absolute joy in your heart this is it. I was a 154 and myrrh and Tonka die hard until I tried this."
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist
Many of Sol de Janeiro's ~delectable~ fragrance mists feature vanilla, and while it was hard to name just one in this lineup, Cheirosa '62 cinched the top spot because it perfectly encapsulates the essence of joyful, summer days. It smells warm, nostalgic, and familiar (which makes sense considering it's the same scent found in the viral, iconic and infamous Brazilian Bum Bum Cream).
Though it features just three key sweet notes – pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla – it manages to leave a big impact on the skin without veering into headache-causing territory. Seriously though, fragrance mists usually don't last long, yet I can still catch a faint whiff of this hours after I spritz it on.
Other key notes: Almond, heliotrope, jasmine petals, sandalwood
Size: 90ml
Type: Perfume mist
THE REVIEWS: "Gorgeous smell and not too sweet. My favourite perfume for wearing every day to work and always get told I smell lovely! Will purchase again and again."
Think of the delectable outer layer of a burnt basque cheesecake – that's this bottled. The warm vanilla notes are perfectly paired with roasted barley and woody mahogany accord, which turn up the heat to create a toasty, spicy scent. It’s rich, woody and smooth – just how we like our men.
Other key notes: Mahogany wood accord, roasted barley orpur.
Size: 50ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: "This fragrance family is warm and spicy. It's a very grown and bougie scent. A few sprays is all you need to get the job done. The longevity is about 6hrs for me. Perfect for date night or if you're going somewhere by yourself. You won't be alone for long. It's a head turner for sure."
When I heard Rihanna wore this perfume (before she launched her own Fenty Perfume, ofc), I ordered it without ever smelling it. And now I see why people say Rihanna is one of the best-smelling celebs.
When I first sprayed it on my skin, it smelled almost like a bubblegum-flavoured marshmallow – but once it dried, I got hints of spicy pink pepper, coriander, and musk that gave it some rich depth. I get an ever-so-slight whisper of the orange blossom, but it just supports all the sweet goodness. Hey, if it’s good enough for Riri, right?
Other key notes: Pink pepper, orange blossom, coriander, sugar, caramel, musk.
Size: 50ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: “I’m not usually a fan of sweet scents, but I CANNOT get enough of this perfume,” writes one tester in a review. “It’s a blend of delicate orange blossom and gourmand vanilla that settles into a lush and warm musky vanilla that lingers all day long. A few spritzed in the morning and I never have to touch it up! Absolutely lives up to the hype.”
I’ll be honest, I don’t tend to sway towards vanilla fragrances daily, but since the cosy season is well and truly here, I can’t stop dousing myself in the warming notes of Legato. This is a true vanilla fragrance – it’s rich and decadent, perfect for a romantic date night without being too sweet. On first spritz, you’re greeted by a fresh, fruity cherry note, but as the scent develops on the skin, the composition shifts to something more golden and opulent. The amber, caramel and vanilla makes the fragrance feel comforting yet sophisticated. – Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Other notes: Cherry, amber, vanilla.
Size: 100ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: “This is the best thing Miller Harris has done in a long time. I’m in love with it. It’s not sticky or overly gourmand, but smells rich and high quality but has a real sensual character. I don’t normally go for vanilla but this is the best. I’ve had so many compliments already.”
This offering from Kayali has hints of vanilla orchid and jasmine that give it a slightly floral edge, helping to keep it from smelling like food-grade vanilla (IYKYK). If there was a well-rounded vanilla perfume, it would be this one.
Other key notes: Vanilla orchid, jasmine, brown sugar, amber, musk.
Size: 10ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: “This is not your normal vanilla,” writes one tester. “It’s rich, slightly deep, and has a soft, warm feeling. It’s sweet but the right amount. Perfect for layering.”
Victoria Beckham Beauty 21:50 Rêverie
When I discovered that 21:50 Rêverie was inspired by a date Victoria and David shared, surrounded by vanilla vines in a remote rainforest in Java, I knew I needed to smell it – and when I did, I was surprised to say the least. It’s a completely unique take on vanilla. It moves away from the sugary and traditional gourmand-y scent, but plays on spicy and warm notes to give the composition a deeper throw.
Alongside vanilla, it spotlights plum, tonka bean, cedarwood, Javanese vetiver and elemi (a peppery note) which makes the fragrance smell more expensive and district. So if you want to step away from traditional vanilla perfumes with something more sophisticated, 21:50 Rêverie is for you.
Other key notes: Plum, tonka bean, cedarwood, Javanese vetiver and elemi.
Size: 50ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: “By far my best perfume! I get so many compliments and everyone asks me what perfume it is. Despite the price, it lasts for ages!! You will not be disappointed.”
I don’t think I’ve come across a Phlur fragrance I don’t like – and even when they launch a perfume that doesn’t seem my vibe (ahem, Rose Whip) I still manage to love it.
But when it comes to Vanilla Skin, on the other hand, I knew it would be love at first spritz. Perfectly named, the vanilla isn’t sickly-sweet but lends a creamy trial that feels cosy and familiar. It’s then balanced with spicy notes of pink pepper, while the headiness of sandalwood keeps it lingering on the skin.
I’d douse myself with Vanilla Skin on a relaxed Sunday evening, but thanks to the inviting sandalwood, I’d equally be tempted to wear this on a cosy date night too.
Other key notes: Pink pepper and sandalwood.
Size: 50ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: “Picked up the 10 ml after going to smell it every time I enter a SpaceNK and I’m so glad I did! It’s the perfect everyday scent if vanilla is your thing. Not too heavy; not too spicy; not too warm; not too sweet, but a balance of each of these! Would say the lasting power is mid, so I do have to reapply if I want it to last all day. Have really loved experimented with layering as well!”
I will never stop singing the praises of Ariana Grande’s perfumes, particularly her most popular one, Cloud. It’s a creamy, sweet fragrance with a hint of fruitiness that makes it slightly fresh and fizzy.
Whenever anyone asks me for a safe blind-buy perfume gift, I always suggest Cloud, because I haven’t met a person who didn’t like it. (And it’s often compared to the £££ Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 – IMO, it’s a bit sweeter and missing the jasmine, but a fab, much less expensive option I love just as much.)
Other key notes: Lavender, pear, bergamot, coconut, praline, vanilla orchid, musk.
Size: 100ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: “I love this one!” writes one tester. “Sweet but airy just like a cotton candy cloud! It’s my go-to, and everyone from my fiancé, friends, and clients compliment me on it!”
We're talking about vanilla here, so of course, everything on our list is good enough to eat, but this takes our taste buds to a whole other level.
Inspired by decadent French pastries, this whisks our star note in with rich cocoa and zesty orange to create a spicy scent that replicates a fancy orange chocolate dessert. Think of your usual gourmand but with a bit of a kick.
Other key notes: Rum, orange, patchouli and cocoa.
Size: 50ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: "Heaven in a bottle! As soon as I smelled this scent, I knew I had to have it. It resonates class, is super long-lasting and quite frankly will have you smelling edible."
This sweet perfume is decadent— hello, vanilla, brown sugar, and apricot —but the amber and jasmine help tone it down to prevent it from being too rich and heavy – so you won't give the person sitting next to you on the tube a headache.
Although this is an eau de parfum (which usually means it is denser, has a stronger scent profile and will last longer), this is fairly weak, which I do prefer on days when I just want a slight waft of fragrance. But if you like a stronger scent, dab a little Vaseline or Aquaphor on your wrists before spritzing this on to give the perfume something to grip onto and increase the longevity a lil bit.
Other key notes: Brown sugar, amber, jasmine, apricot.
Size: 30ml
Type: Eau de parfum
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer writes, “I love this perfume so much! My friend had it, and I wanted to try it because she always smells good, and it did not disappoint! It smells warm and fresh, and I keep getting complimented on how good I smell!”
How to choose the best vanilla perfume:
Consider your fragrance preference
Vanilla perfumes are most often thought of as gourmands (i.e., sweet scents that smell good enough to eat), but they can also be floral, fresh, tropical, clean – you name it. If you know you hate a sickly-sweet scent but like the warmth of a vanilla note, opt for a perfume with a lot of fresh citrus or bright florals in the opening notes. But if you do like an ultra-sugary vanilla fragrance, look for a perfume with supporting notes of chocolate, brown sugar, and honey.
Determine the intensity level
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. On the other hand, if you want to really smell the vanilla, look for a perfume with only a few other notes in the mix. Also, keep an eye out for different types of the note, like vanilla orchid or vanilla bourbon.
Decide on the type
If you want a perfume that will last for hours and hours, opt for an eau de parfum (EDP), which has a stronger concentration of perfume oils than an eau de toilette (EDT).
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with nearly five years of experience researching, writing, and editing perfume and beauty stories that range from stretch-mark creams to hair-removal creams. She’s an authority in all perfume categories, but an expert when it comes to vanilla perfumes after sniffing, testing, and reviewing nearly every perfume launch over the last year.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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