By Alison McGill
In 2024, vanilla-based fragrances are giving sexy, not sweet. The creamy aroma was once associated with scents packing an overt sugariness and a twee vibe, but vanilla fragrances have now officially entered an alluring era.
Look no further than the latest Tom Ford fragrance Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum ($330 for 50ml, holtrenfew.com). The first fragrance release since Ford’s departure from his eponymous label remains true to the brand’s penchant for boundary pushing with its unexpected moniker—vanilla and sex are two things I’d never put together in the same sentence—and while yes, it’s a scent with sex appeal (it’s warm and spicy blending vanilla notes with sandalwood), it’s certainly not the hottest Tom Ford vanilla-based fragrance we’ve ever had. That honour still goes to the heady Vanille Fatale Eau de Parfum ($330 for 30ml, holtrenfrew.com) introduced in 2017. Since it launched, this amber-vanilla scent has been one of my regulars. It’s a scent that stops people in their tracks, and has them wondering “What are you wearing?”
Though vanilla fragrances evolved from candy-cute to scintillating years ago, it’s only now many of us are embracing the sensual side of this gourmand note. If you need any further proof that vanilla fragrances are not only trending, but a coveted addition to every prestige fragrance collection, look no further than TikTok where they are a massive viral scentsation (pun intended). To date, #vanillaperfume currently has over 603 million views on TikTok.
Here are five of sophisticated and sexy vanilla fragrances to treat yourself to this season.
Sweetest Vanilla Fragrance
Madagascar Vanilla is the star of this juice, a powerful scent that gets a hit of intensity thanks to notes of rum, patchouli, and cocoa. The inspiration for the fragrance is said to be one of Christian Dior’s favourite dessert pastries created for him by the beloved Parisian restaurant Maxim’s.
BUY: Dior Diorama Eau de Parfum, $420 for 125ml, dior.com
Spiciest Vanilla Fragrance
Notes of amber, lavender, cardamon, and vetiver combine with a warm vanilla bourbon base to create a scent that packs a powerful punch. We love the earthy sophistication of this fragrance and the fact it’s perfect for day or night. It also makes a beautiful base for layering—combine with a woody floral fragrance like Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne to create a bespoke scent.
BUY: Jo Malone Vetiver & Golden Vanilla Cologne Intense, $210 for 50ml, jomalone.ca
Smokiest Vanilla Fragrance
This is a potent blend of Madagascar vanilla beans, amber, cashmere woods and plum that is a perfect choice for an alluring night scent. We love this fragrance for not only for its decadence but for its endurance—it’s one of those divine, delicious scents that lingers.
BUY: Byredo Vanille Antique Perfume Extract, $494 for 50ml, holtrefrew.com
Woodsiest Vanilla Fragrance
Notes of woodsy palo santo oil make this scent feel like a warm embrace. You’ll also find warming notes of coconut powder and white musk in the mix of this juice which gives it a gorgeous deep, dark, dusky finish.
BUY: Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum, $246 for 50ml, eticket.ca
Coziest Vanilla Fragrance
Who doesn’t love the smell of a wood burning fire? It’s remarkable how this scent captures it so perfectly via a masterful blend of notes including vanilla, chestnut, neroli, orange blossom and red berries. This is one of my personal faves and I love wear it every month of the year.
BUY: Replica By the Firepalce Eau De Toilette, $208 for 100ml, sephora.com
