Wrapped in Vanilla

I feel there’s something so undeniably comforting about the scent of vanilla, I am so drawn to it! It’s sweet yet sophisticated and feels like home – cosy, familiar and nostalgic. While vanilla was perhaps once seen as overly sweet or youthful, it has since been reinvented into a modern icon and there are some new discoveries that are sexy, smokey and mysterious.

Here’s a round up of some of my favourite vanilla fragrances… The ones I adore and a few I can’t wait to try!

Vanilla Powder – Matiere Premiere – This is my newest obsession. It smells exactly the same from the first spritz to the lingering dry down and through the day, it stays completely true to itself. I wore it to a wedding and honestly, I’ve never had so many compliments from both men and women! It’s the final gift on Day 25 in the Liberty advent calendar in a mini size (sorry for the spoiler!), and the calendar is worth getting just for that! A truly sexy, expensive-smelling vanilla. I just know it’s going to be the scent of the season for me.

Vanilla Sex – Tom Ford – I always spray one this at the airport! It gives me the perfect chance to really experience how the scent unfolds. Every time, I end up spending the holiday wishing I’d just brought it, but given the higher price point I want to be sure I’m fully invested. The scent itself is so intoxicating… It’s a soft, creamy vanilla with a subtle warmth that feels both cosy and a little sultry.  I adore the matte cream bottle too; it feels calming, stands out beautifully and makes the whole experience feel very luxurious.

Tobacco Vanille – Tom Ford – Another Tom Ford favourite, but this one is more woody and spicy. From the first spray, you get the deep, smoky richness of tobacco, softened by sweet vanilla and rounded out with warm, spicy notes. This is definitely a statement fragrance. It feels bold and super luxurious. I resinate this with cooler days or evenings and the scent lingers forever! It’s a true unisex classic that feels timeless and sophisticated.

La Vie Est Belle Vanille Nude – Lancôme – The original ‘La Vie Est Belle’ is such a popular perfume and this vanilla version is a lovely twist on it. It would make a perfect Christmas gift, especially for anyone who loves the original but also has a soft spot for vanilla and maybe wanting to try something new. It’s a sweet, elegant vanilla that blends beautifully with the original’s velvety floral-vanilla blend. This is the kind of fragrance that instantly lifts your mood and feels like such a treat to wear!

Ambre Vanille – Laura Mercier – Originally a beloved body cream, Ambre Vanille has been a true staple in my skincare routines for years… I’m just obsessed with the scent. Even just wearing the body cream, your skin stays smelling amazing for hours! In 2022, Laura Mercier introduced the fragrance version, capturing the exact same warm, comforting aroma in a beautiful bottle. It’s a soft, sensual blend of amber and vanilla, with notes of tangerine, tiger orchid, almond, brown sugar, coconut and sandalwood.

Vanilla Milk & Vanilla Salt- Ellis Brooklyn – Both available exclusively at Space NK, Vanilla Milk is a true milky, creamy vanilla that feels soft and comforting on the skin. It has a subtle warmth and sweetness, giving it a gentle, dessert-like quality without being overpowering. Vanilla Salt, on the other hand, adds a hint of saltiness for a fresher, slightly breezy edge. It has that post-sun-kissed skin vibes and are exactly the kind of fragrance I’d pair with Wood Sage & Sea Salt for a light, layered effect.

Vanilla Sin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist – Ellis Brooklyn – Ellis Brooklyn also offers Vanilla Sin, a gorgeous Hair & Body Mist that features the brand’s signature creamy vanilla but in a lighter, more effortless form. Perfect for a quick refresh throughout the day or a subtle spritz through the hair for a soft, lingering scent.

Vanilla Skin Body Mist – PHLUR – There’s something about this one that instantly makes me think of sunny holidays and warm, glowing skin. It’s the perfect warm-weather take on vanilla. If you’re looking for something a little more refreshing and lighter than an EDP, this is a great option. Spritz it all over for soft, vanilla-drenched skin.

Salt Water Vanilla Nourishing Body Oil – Saltair – I love using this after a shower or on holiday, it’s like a little moment of luxury. The oil is very lightweight but very nourishing and the creamy vanilla scent with a hint of sea salt, leaves a subtle yet gorgeous post beach, sun soaked hydration on the skin.

Deep Dark Vanilla – D.S & DURGA – The perfect way to describe this one is vanilla after dusk. I love how it’s a deep, woody take on vanilla with a touch of smokiness, it’s so sensual and lingers close to the skin. I would reach for this fragrance for evenings or cooler weather, when I want something rich and enveloping. With notes of orchid, patchouli, cypress and dark vanilla absolute, it feels like a moodier, more mysterious twist on classic vanilla.

Vanille Nue -Beauty Pie – I love the little boozy hint of rum and a whisper of jasmine that gives it that powdery feel. It sits on the skin in such a comforting way and lasts very well for something so delicate. As a Beauty Pie member, it’s even more tempting as the price feels like a steal for a fragrance this luxurious. It’s a gorgeous soft, elegant perfume.

Vanille Antique – Byredo – Vanille Antique is a fragrance I haven’t had the chance to experience yet, but it’s definitely on my radar! It’s an Orinetal woody fragrance that seems very  sophisticated and has a layered take on vanilla, blending the warmth of Madagascar vanilla beans with the depth of amber alongside the subtle earthiness of citrus oil. I can’t wait to try it and see how all these rich, comforting notes come together on the skin.

Vanilla Factory – BIBBI – This is a unisex scent that’s perfect if you love vanilla but want something a little darker. It has such a unique take on the note… Smoky, warm and full of depth. It’s rich without ever feeling heavy and there’s something very comforting about it while still having that slightly edgy, moody twist.

21.50 Rêverie – Victoria Beckham – I absolutely love Rêverie, it’s one of those beautifully blended vanillas that feels so soft and dreamy. There’s such a gentle, calming vibe to this fragrance. It’s an amber-woody blend with notes of tobacco leaf, plum, tonka bean, vanilla and cedarwood. To me it feels comforting, luxurious and incredibly refined, the kind of fragrance you can wear every day, or reach for when you want something warm and familiar.

Goddess – Burberry – Goddess is one of my favourites! It has a beautiful blend of sweet vanilla with the gentle warmth of lavender, making it both soothing and elegant. The fragrance feels soft and creamy, with a subtle hint of leather adding extra depth. Truly, it’s summer holidays in a bottle.

Vanilla Bloom Candle – Floral Street – We now move onto home fragrances and in my favourite form: candles! Vanilla Bloom is a candle that instantly brightens up any space and mood. It has a stunning blend of rich, golden vanilla, juicy plum and soft amber that creates an uplifting atmosphere. It’s perfect for both daytime and evening relaxation.

Vanille Candle – Diptyque – The Diptyque Vanille Candle is one of my absolute favourites — it fills the home like no other. The vanilla is so rich and warm with a very soft sweetness that isn’t overpowering at all. It has a slight slightly woody undertone that feels perfect for both autumn nights and summer evenings. It wraps around the room like a cosy hug, making you never want to leave the house!

Ember Vanilla – H&M Home – This caught my eye on the H&M website and I instantly had to order it! Firstly the packaging is so gorgeous and luxe looking, much like an ornament. I will definitely be using this as a storage pot once it’s finished! The candle itself is a soft, warm vanilla that feels comforting and incredibly inviting. Also, the smokiness of sandalwood and ember add a depth of richness and warmth.