17 Best Vanilla Perfumes With a Sweet (but Elevated) Scent

If you're a vanilla lover, this perfume is for you. I like to think of this as a grown-up, more nuanced version of the sugary sweet scents of my childhood. Right off the bat, you're hit with strong notes of vanilla, but it's perfectly balanced with slight notes of musk and amber. After a few hours, the strong scent of vanilla dies down just a bit, resulting in a warm, inviting, and luxurious scent.

What We Love: A true vanilla; great for any occasion; sweet but not intense; warm amber dry down

What We Don't: Dark-tinted liquid may stain clothes

Notes: Vanilla orchids, tonka absolute, amber woods

Customer review: "This is the perfect vanilla scent I have been looking for. It's warm and full without being overpowering. It seems to last most of the day if not all day." — Sephora

I've tried my fair share of perfumes over the years, but Tom Ford perfumes are the only ones that are consistently complex, unique, and downright luxurious. One of the brand's most famous scents, Tobacco Vanille, is an acquired taste—and that is exactly why I love it. Don't be thrown off by the tobacco note; I find its smokey spiciness pairs beautifully with the vanilla and ginger. Every time I wear it, I'm transported to a cozy cabin in the woods where I'm snuggled up by the fireplace. It's warm, woody, spicy, slightly sweet, and strong. It's a true fall fragrance I plan on wearing on every cold day.

What We Love: Unique, layered scent; very long-lasting; sophisticated; great for fall and winter

What We Don't: May not be suitable for summer

Notes: Tobacco leaf, ginger, tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, dry fruit accords, sweet wood sap

Customer review: "Very good scent. I will say it does take some getting used to bc of the combination of Tabacco and vanilla but after a minute of wearing it. It’s very good and strong. The packaging is also great as magnetic so the cap doesn’t just get lost. I believe it’s a great value for the money. I feel very chic when I wear it." — Neiman Marcus

Housed inside this beautiful sculptural bottle is a vanilla fragrance that's reminiscent of a fruit cake. The combination of vanilla and red berries is simply delicious and balances the sweetness. Don't get me wrong—this scent is sweet (how could it not be with sugared petals as a keynote?), but not in a cloying way. After it settles for a bit, it feels warm and cozy like a hug. This delectable scent is also under $100 a bottle, making it a winner.

What We Love: Not overly sweet; great value; elaborate packaging; suitable in any season

What We Don't: Bottle isn't very functional

Notes: Sugared petals, mandarin, red berries, vanilla, cocoa, warm musk, tonka bean

Customer review: "Such a nice vanilla scent that isnt too overbearing or overwhelming! super nice to layer with other vanilla scents and lasts for a few hours" — Ulta

Vanilla Woods is one of the most complex fragrances in my collection. Hands down. It starts with a strong sweetness dose with base notes of Madagascar vanilla, gourmand caramel, and woody amber. Its pear and rose notes rise to the surface within minutes, resulting in an intoxicating fragrance. I can personally attest that this fragrance brings a sense of comfort and calmness whenever I wear it. If you change your perfumes with the season, I recommend this one for winter as it's warm and soothing.

What We Love: Has aromatherapy benefits; hypoallergenic and cruelty-free; warm, woody dry down

What We Don't: Doesn't last all day

Notes: Pear, rose, vanilla, amber, caramel

Customer review: "This has become one of my all-time favorite scents. It has this sweet vanilla cotton candy vibe that is balanced out by the woodiness. I love it and my boyfriend does too. super long-lasting. 10/10 highly highly recommend. I hope they never stop making this." — Sephora

Torn is the perfect name for this perfume because its scent is partly feminine and partly masculine; it's the perfect genderless fragrance. Upon the initial spray, I'm immediately whisked away to a fireplace with a glass of whiskey in hand. With hints of musk, sandalwood, and violet, this fragrance is subtly spicy and earthy, with a hint of vanilla sweetness. If you want to feel sultry without going overboard on vanilla, this one is for you. Another huge draw to Henry Rose perfumes, besides their unbelievable scents, is their commitment to sustainability and transparency.

What We Love: Not overly sweet; leans a bit more masculine that's still warm and sweet; very long-lasting; smells different on everyone

What We Don't: Spicy notes are a little strong at first

Notes: Freesia, violet, jasmine, sandalwood, musk, patchouli, vanilla bean, praline

Customer review: "This perfume is simply amazing! The vanilla scent is so unique and unlike anything I have ever smelled before. The fragrance lasts all day long, and even after several hours, it is still noticeable. I would highly recommend this product to anyone who wants a distinct and long-lasting fragrance that is sure to turn heads." — Henry Rose

As VanDerMillen mentioned, vanilla can have an earthy feel, and that's certainly what you get with this Jo Malone perfume. The earthy woodiness of vetiver grounds the creamy warmth of vanilla to create a not-too-sweet fragrance that's intoxicating. As MC's Art Director Brittany Holloway Brown puts it, the combination is a "match made in heaven." Adding cardamom, lavender, and sage gives it even more of a grounding feel. Personally, I would find this scent irresistible on a man, but I also love wearing it myself whenever I want a little something different. I even had someone compliment my perfume on the subway while wearing this, so it'll always be a standout in my collection.

What We Love: A true unisex fragrance; earthy notes balance the sweetness of vanilla; very long-lasting

What We Don't: Some may find it too masculine

Notes: Cardamom, vetiver, lavender, clary sage, vanilla bourbon

Customer review: "If you like Myrrh & Tonka you will love this. It's warm and spicy and really strong. It dries down to a velvety smooth scent that lasts all day. It smells quite masculine to me but I like that. It smells divine, I'd love for more products in this scent too please." — Nordstrom

Vanilla Embers doesn't immediately scream "vanilla" like most other vanilla perfumes, which I love. It still makes you feel warm and swaddled, though. Its creamy vanilla bean base note perfectly contrasts with intoxicating orangeflower, jasmine, and spicy cardamom, resulting in a floral, woody, and sweet fragrance.

What We Love: Beautiful combination of sweet, woody, and floral notes; long-lasting; warm, comforting dry down

What We Don't: May not be sweet enough for those wanting a traditional vanilla perfume

Notes: Cardamom, jasmine, Moroccan orangeflower, sandalwood, vanilla beam

Vanilla fragrances tend to feel warm and cozy, but that doesn't mean that they can't work for summer. This perfume oil from Nest evokes images of palm trees, salty air, and sunshine thanks to its key note of coconut. Additionally, there's a hint of floral with vanilla orchid and spice with Kashmir wood. Blended with baobab oil, this works to soften and scent the skin simultaneously. This bottle will last you forever, too, as you only need two drops for a long-lasting scent.

What We Love: Great to layer with; moisturizes skin; warm, tropical take on vanilla; bottle will last a long time; easy to apply

What We Don't: Takes a few seconds to absorb into the skin

Notes: Madagascar vanilla bean, vanilla orchid, coconut

Customer review: "Love this fragrance!! It’s so beautiful! The coconut hints are my favorite part but the spicy/musky side give the fragrance so much dimension! This is not a basic vanilla scent! A little goes a long way too, I use two small drops on my wrist and pat any excess in my neck!" — Sephora

Amber pairs exceptionally well with vanilla, as this fragrance clearly demonstrates. The two star notes in this Eau de Parfum from Laura Mercier combine in a scent that feels like a warm hug from your mom. The vanilla and amber are beautifully balanced with fresh floral notes of tiger orchid and heliotrope alongside sweet notes of almond and brown sugar. All in all, Ambre Vanille is the kind of intimate, soft scent that will make anyone want to move closer to you.

What We Love: Light perfume lends itself to layering; not overpowering; warm, comforting dry down

What We Don't: Doesn't have much projection

Notes: Amber, vanilla, tiger orchid, heliotrope, almond, brown sugar, coconut, sandalwood

Customer review: "I have been on the hunt for a simple yet realistic vanilla, this is by far my absolute favorite. It is very cozy, warm, perfect for autumn and winter months. A lot of brands overcomplicate vanilla scents but this is absolute perfection. I find that it lasts more than 8 hours without the need to reapply." — Nordstrom

Do you know the delicious milk left in a cereal bowl? Well, that's exactly what this perfume smells like, in the best way possible. Just like the name suggests, the fragrance smells shockingly close to sweet milk. However, after it dries down and into a few hours of wear, this perfume transforms into more of a light, creamy smell reminiscent of chocolate chip cookie dough (it does have notes of cocoa shell, after all). While this scent is deliciously sweet, don't get it confused with the saccharine scents of the 2000s. Vanilla Milk is balanced and delectable thanks to a touch of florals.

What We Love: More suited for those who love sweet gourmands; long-lasting; milk accord provides uniqueness

What We Don't: May be cloying for some

Notes: Milk accord, frangipani, bourbon vanilla bean extract, upcycled cocoa shell extract, benzoin resinoid, amyris, sandalwood, musk

Customer review: "This is a beautiful scent, I have worn it for several days now and I have not tired of it at all. It lasts so long and has such a deep, beautiful and sexy vibe. I have been searching for so long for a special Vanilla scent and this is it!" — Ulta

Juliette Has a Gun is a cult-favorite fragrance brand for a reason—every one of their perfumes is incredible, including their take on vanilla. While most vanilla perfumes fall in the warm fragrance category, this one smells much more clean and fresh, giving it a totally different vibe than what you're used to with vanilla fragrance. Vanilla Vibes pairs natural vanilla with sea salt and sandalwood for an elegant and distinct perfume. This would be an excellent summer perfume, and the bottle would look so pretty on your vanity.

What We Love: A vanilla fragrance for those who love fresh scents; not overly sweet

What We Don't: May be too tropical for every season

Notes: Sea salt, natural vanilla absolute, orchid absolute, absolute brown musk, bezoin absolute, sandalwood, tonka bean

Customer review: "This is everything I’ve ever wanted a summer fragrance to be. It’s airy, sweet, and it gives sexy energy for hours on end. I get tons of compliments on this, and everything about it feels lux! 100/10!" — Sephora

Plenty of vanilla perfumes can read sugary sweet, which can be headache-inducing for some people. If you tend to stay far away from sweet gourmands, this may be the vanilla perfume for you. With vanilla as a base layer, you get just a touch of sweet warmth. However, it's the minerality and freshness of the salt and floral notes that make this fragrance something I could wear every day. I find it versatile enough for any occasion in any season, but Marie Claire's Beauty Editor, Samantha Holender, specifically names it as one of the best perfumes for summer, adding she's "delighted by the crisp and clean composition."

What We Love: Gorgeous packaging; Not overly sweet; great for any occasion; crisp notes

What We Don't: May be too fresh for true vanilla lovers

Notes: Salt accord, cardamom, magnolia flower, orris, vanilla, matcha

Customer review: "I know when people say 'I got so many compliments!' and you roll your eyes, because you know they are lying. Well, I legitimately received 8 compliments in a day, with one friend texting me later begging for the name! This is fresh, salty, cozy and just the slightest bit tropical vanilla. Not heavy or food like, but breezy and soft with subtle spice. Projects really well without being annoying and lasts ALL DAY" — Sephora

An oldie but a goodie, YSL's Black Opium is a classic perfume for a reason. Coffee and florals don't exactly sound like a great pairing, but I'm here to assure you that it works. The coffee note adds a dark, seductive punch to the classic white floral notes, while warm vanilla is at the base of it all. I feel my most feminine, confident self when I'm wearing this perfume, which is why I wear it on all of my date nights and special occasions.

What We Love: Seductive and sexy; a cult-favorite feminine perfume; coffee note provides uniqueness to florals; warm, long-lasting dry down

What We Don't: May be too dark and sensual for daytime wear

Notes: Coffee, white flowers, vanilla

Customer review: "Oh my goodness, I swear this is my all time favorite perfume. It is so intoxicating. I took one whiff and fell in love. It perfectly balances warm, sweet, floral, and spicy. It is feminine and perfect for many occasions. Overall, it is just an amazing fragrance." — Ulta

Maybe you want to dip your toes into the world of vanilla fragrances or maybe you're looking for a lighter scent. In either case, VanDerMillen recommends this affordable eau de toilette. "It’s straightforward, sweet, and bold," she says. "It might even be too much for some, but I chased a woman down at a restaurant to ask what she was wearing." Think of it as a classic warm vanilla scent, with a subtle spiciness and powdery dry down. Also, how gorgeous is this vintage-inspired bottle?

What We Love: A true vanilla scent; warm, powdery dry down; great for those who prefer lighter scents

What We Don't: Not long-lasting

Notes: Vanilla, brown sugar

Customer review: "I just bought my 4th bottle of this. So affordable and good for the price. I find this pairs well with other sprays too, but I smell this in my hair a day or two later so this def stays, at least in my hair and on clothing. 10/10 love it" — Anthropologie

While Marie Claire's Beauty Editor Samantha Holender loves a vanilla scent, she can't stand smelling too similar to a baked treat. Instead, she prefers a juxtaposition of sweetness with airy or woody notes. "That's exactly what I get with Dior," she says. "It's warm and inviting but still soft, mature, and approachable." Legend has it that the famous Parisian restaurant Maxim's created a special dessert just for Christian Dior, prompting Dior to release later this fragrance inspired by the treat.

What We Love: A unique, mature vanilla gourmand; not overly sweet; balanced with spicy and woody notes; very long-wearing; one to two sprays are all you need, so bottle will last you a long time

What We Don't: May be too strong for some

Notes: Orange, pink pepper, run, cacao, cardamom, bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli

Customer review: "The Vanilla Diorama is a beautiful scent that lasts incredibly long. The size of the bottle was surprisingly larger than I was expecting. I love that the scent is strong but it doesn't overpower the room. You only need one spray on your body. I think bottle will last me for a while." — Dior

As a true vanilla fragrance lover, I'm all about candied notes, but there's a fine line between delicious and overwhelmingly sweet. Phlur's Vanilla Skin strikes the perfect balance. Notes of vanilla and sugar crystals take precedence here, but they are thoughtfully balanced with the woodiness of sandalwood and the subtle spiciness of pink peppercorn. I find it equally comforting, playful, and nostalgic—like my old favorite vanilla body sprays but all grown up.

What We Love: A true vanilla scent; woody notes balance sweetness; great for every season; warm, comforting dry down

What We Don't: May be cloying for some

Notes: Sugar crystals, cashmere wood, vanilla

Customer review: "Omg this smells sooooo darn good!!! I am into smoky woody vanillas and this is right up my alley! It performs exactly like the body spray but with more projection and longevity!!!! I can see myself getting a backup" — Sephora

Another favorite fragrance of VanDerMillen's is this classic designer pick, which just got a new, more intense version. She explains, "It utilizes many different forms of vanilla, creating a sweet yet robust vanilla with a kick of ginger and a soft herbal touch of lavender." The intense version contains all of the same notes as the original but includes an additional fourth vanilla, vanilla wood, plus patchouli. The end result is warm, rich, and incredibly long-wearing. Despite its four vanilla notes, this fragrance isn't overly sweet, but rather mature and balanced—everything I want a vanilla fragrance to be.

What We Love: Very long-wearing; a true vanilla scent; not overly sweet; has a nostalgic feel; luxurious packaging

What We Don't: May be too strong for some

Notes: Vanilla infusion, vanilla caviar, vanilla absolute, vanilla wood, lavender essence, patchouli

Customer review: "Honestly I'd say it's better than the OG!! The intense adds a beautiful stronger lavender note, lasts so much longer, I highly recommend this if you love lavender and vanilla together, it's so beautifully done!" — Ulta