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Vanilla does not always smell sugary or dessert-like. Depending on the notes surrounding it, vanilla can feel fresh, creamy, boozy, dark or even powdery. I have seven perfumes that give vanilla a completely different personality. These are the ones I reach for the most when I want to vary my weekly scents.
Citrus Vanilla: Dolce & Gabbana Devotion
One of my top five perfumes from the entire collection! Candied citrus and orange blossom brighten the vanilla in Devotion. It is sweet, but the citrus keeps it lively and prevents it from feeling too dense. Over this past summer I wore Devotion throughout my entire time in Italy.
Creamy Vanilla: Khadlaj Cream Velvet
Cream Velvet combines buttery caramel, honey and tonka with a warm vanilla base. The result is smooth, rich and creamy, with enough amber and musk to balance the sweetness.
Boozy Floral Vanilla: YSL Libre Vanille Couture
Vanille Couture surrounds vanilla caviar with orange blossom, lavender and rum. It keeps the recognizable Libre floral character but makes it warmer, sweeter and more indulgent.
Gourmand Vanilla: Nusuk Falak
Falak is the most dessert-like vanilla in this lineup. Brown sugar, biscuit, caramel, toffee and praline create a rich gourmand that fully commits to sweetness.
Amber Vanilla: Burberry Goddess Amber Vanilla
Burberry Goddess Amber Vanilla pairs lavender and maple syrup with caramelized, roasted vanilla and amber. It feels deeper and warmer than a traditional everyday vanilla.
Dark Vanilla: BDK Parfums Vanille Caviar
Vanille Caviar takes vanilla in a darker direction. Cocoa, cardamom, balsam and labdanum give it a dense, resinous character.It also has the sillage and longevity to remain noticeable for hours.
Powdery Vanilla: Al Haramain Junoon Noir
Junoon Noir is airy, soft and distinctly powdery. Orris, violet, musk and woods keep the vanilla from becoming overly sweet. It is a good reminder that vanilla can feel delicate and polished rather than edible.
Which Vanilla Profile Fits You?
The word “vanilla” tells you very little about how a perfume will actually smell. Look at the supporting notes to determine whether the fragrance will lean citrusy, creamy, boozy, gourmand, amber, dark or powdery.
Which vanilla profile would you choose?
SHOP THE VANILLAS
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