Love It or Hate It, This Summer Scent Combination Has People Chasing Me Down the Street
If you want non-stop compliments this summer, you need to know about this very specific perfume.
As someone who works in the beauty industry, I'm always hearing stories of fellow editors being stopped on the tube or approached on a night out because their perfume smells so good. I've tested plenty of the best fragrances over the years, but I still hadn't had a moment like this, where someone was so desperate to know about the scent I was wearing. It's not a big deal, of course, but I have to say, I was a bit jealous of all the compliments those around me were getting. However, since I've discovered this summer scent combination, I've genuinely had people chase me down the street (and stop me in Ubers) to tell me how good my perfume is. Enter vanilla and coconut perfumes.
Whilst some people are big fans of gourmand perfumes, others can't stand them. I love vanilla scents, for example, but don't gravitate as much towards sweet, juicy, fruity fragrances. That being said, scents that combine vanilla and coconut are always up my street.
The warm, sweet undertones of vanilla perfectly complement the creamy, milky, nutty notes of coconut, creating a sophisticated scent that feels summery yet elegant. Whilst this combination is nothing new, in my opinion, there's only a handful of fragrances on the market that actually get it right. Below, you'll find my concise edit of the best vanilla and coconut perfumes that will earn you endless compliments this season.
The Best Vanilla and Coconut Perfumes
- Best Classic Perfume: Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess, £58
- Best New Perfume: Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla, £76
- Best Luxury Perfume: Aerin Hibiscus Palm, £155
- Best Body Spray: Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '71, £25
- Best Affordable Perfume: Le Monde Gourmand Lait de Coco, £28
1. Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess
Key notes: Amber, coconut milk, sandalwood, vanilla, bergamot, Tiaré flower, jasmine, lavender
I had to start with a classic, didn't I? Easily one of my favourite summer perfumes of all time, Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess is a total delight. Notes of coconut take centre stage, creating a creamy, tropical aroma that settles on the skin like silk. Hints of vanilla add even more warmth to this solar fragrance, creating a sensual undertone that makes this a great option for both day and night.
2. Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla
Key notes: Bergamot, caramel, coconut, vanilla, musk, tonka bean, amber
If you prefer your perfumes on the sweet side, then you'll love this new launch from Summer Fridays. A blend of caramel, coconut and vanilla, it smells just like a summery dessert. It cocoons the senses in a warm, sugary aroma, with creamy coconut cutting through to create a well-rounded finish.
3. Aerin Hibiscus Palm
Key notes: Lotus flower, hibiscus palm, ylang-ylang, ginger, coconut milk, vanilla, musk
When it comes to luxury fragrances, you can't go wrong with Aerin. Hibiscus Palm is an incredibly sophisticated scent that, in my opinion, smells like a five-star tropical resort. A blend of uplifting florals, coconut milk and decadent vanilla, it's sweet and creamy without feeling sickly on the skin. The addition of ginger adds a little bit of spice, making everything a whole lot more intoxicating.
4. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '71
Key notes: Caramelized vanilla, sea salt, toasted macadamia nut, white chocolate, tonka bean, coconut blossom
The key notes might read a little bit like my favourite cookie recipe, which is perhaps why this Sol De Janeiro scent smells good enough to eat. In fact, in our roundup of the best Sol De Janeiro perfume mists, Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden said that this particular fragrance earned her the most compliments out of all the scents. "If you want to smell mouth-wateringly delicious and triple-dipped in caramel, this is the one for you," she says.
5. Le Monde Gourmand Lait de Coco
Key notes: Bergamot, vanilla praline, creamy coconut
What I love about vanilla and coconut perfumes is that you don't have to spend a fortune to smell delectable. Case in point, Le Monde Gourmand's Lait de Coco. This is a super creamy, coconut perfume that smells like summer in a bottle. Bergamot adds an uplifting, citrusy appeal, whilst vanilla praline grounds the fragrance in a sweet, warm aroma.
6. Jo Malone London Beach Blossom
Key notes: Lime, coconut water, mint, tonka bean
Last but by no means least, let's talk about Jo Malone London's Beach Blossom Cologne. This perfume is slightly different from the fragrances above as it contains notes of lime and coconut water, creating a fresh, citrusy aroma, perfect if you're not into really creamy coconut scents. To me, it feels like the first dip in the sea after a long, cold winter. It's fresh, but a base of tonka bean adds hidden depth that lingers on the skin long after you spritz it.
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