A great classic in perfumery, vanilla is among the most versatile ingredients in fragrances. It is perfect for those seeking softness.

The aroma of vanilla is warm, enveloping, gourmand, and exquisite. It is one of those olfactory notes that can reach the heart and make you fall madly in love.

It is sweet without being too cloying, suitable for the winter season because it creates that warm-cold contrast for the period, and its curiosities are enchanting.

As someone aptly said, "Vanilla enchants the senses and satisfies the soul," being considered a powerful aphrodisiac in the 18th century.

Obtained from the pod from which the essential oil for perfumery is extracted, there are various qualities, with the most valued being Bourbon and Tahitian.

Bourbon, primarily from Madagascar, is widely recognized as the best in the world, while Tahitian offers a more delicate aroma with similar nuances to plum. 

Famous Vanilla Perfumes

For enthusiasts of this genre, truly exceptional creations are those that incorporate vanilla at all stages of the olfactory pyramid, among the top, heart, and base notes, combining different qualities for an intense olfactory experience.

The Great Classics:

Sublime Vanille by Oliver Creed

A tribute from the brand to vanilla, the raw material comes from the Comoros Islands.

Top Notes: Bourbon Vanilla and Vanilla Orchid

Heart Note: Tonka Bean

Base Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, and Musk

Terra Mia by Carthusia by Luca Maffei

A gourmand to celebrate the Neapolitan soul.

Top Notes: Neroli, Pink Pepper, and Bergamot

Heart Notes: Coffee, Rose, Hazelnut, Orange Blossom, and Jasmine

Base Notes: Vanilla, Amber Wood, Ambroxan, and Musk

 

Vanhera by Laboratorio Olfattivo

Signed by Luca Maffei.

Top Notes: Vanilla, Szechuan Pepper, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, and Bergamot

Heart Notes: Cashmere Wood, Sandalwood, and Cinnamon

Base Notes: Vanilla, Dark Woody Notes, Amber, Ambrocenide, and Musk

 

Vanilla Flash by Tauerville

A composition by Andy Tauer incorporating his favorite notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Rose, Patchouli, and Tobacco.

 

Vanille West Indies by Ligne St Barth

Signed by Andy Tauer, an homage to the Caribbean version of this spice, a perfume that allows you to breathe the atmosphere and evokes the warmth of the Caribbean sunset.

Notes: Vanilla, Creamy Caramel, and Exotic Orchids.

Vanilla Perfumes with Gourmand Notes

While some choose an olfactory overdose of vanilla, others may prefer fragrances with richer and more complex compositions, using exotic ingredients like Ylang-Ylang, Tiaré, or Jasmine.

Examples of Fragrances:

Angel by Thierry Mugler

Decidedly gourmand, vanilla is enhanced by pralines, caramel, and red fruits. This perfume, awarded the FiFi Award Hall Of Fame 2007, is considered the pioneer of the gourmand genre.

Top Notes: Cotton Candy, Coconut, Cassis, Melon, Jasmine, Bergamot, Pineapple, and Mandarin

Heart Notes: Honey, Red Berries, Blackberry, Plum, Apricot, Peach, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Orchid, Caraway, Rose, and Lily-of-the-Valley

Base Notes: Patchouli, Chocolate, Caramel, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Amber, Musk, and Sandalwood

 

Seventh Avenue by And Other Stories

Exotic ingredients for the new fragrance from the Swedish brand such as Vanilla, Papyrus, Black Currant, and Midnight Violet.

 

Vaniglia e Zenzero by L’Erbolario

A winning combination, sweetness on one side and sensuality on the other.

Top Notes: Ginger and Lemon

Heart Notes: Vetiver and Patchouli

Base Notes: Vanilla and Siam Benzoin

 

Segnorina Misteriosa by Salvatore Ferragamo

A black, elegant limited edition version for a new interpretation with Vanilla.

Top Notes: Blackberry and Neroli

Heart Notes: Tuberose and Orange Blossom

Base Notes: Milk Mousse, Black Vanilla Pod, and Patchouli

 

Spiritueuse Double Vanille by Guerlain

A vanilla reminiscent of oceanic voyages from past centuries, including Incense, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, and Pink Pepper.

Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Bergamot, and Incense

Heart Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Cedar, Bulgarian Rose, and Jasmine

Base Notes: Benzoin and Vanilla

 

Vanilla & Cedarwood by Kiehl’s

A perfume representing Yin and Yang, on one side the femininity of Ugandan Vanilla, on the other side the masculinity of Cedarwood.

 

Extra Tips: How to Use Them

Perfumes with vanilla notes can be used both in summer and winter, but are generally more appreciated in the cold. 

They can be worn during the day or at night; however, it is recommended to use them in moderation.

By jbanaggia