I Wore a Different Fragrance Every Day for a Month—These 18 Vanilla Perfumes Proved Elite

Meet the Byredo fragrance you've never heard of but absolutely need on your radar. I realize describing a scent as "intoxicating" might sound dramatic, but I'm seriously so infatuated with this enveloping mix of black pepper, leather, patchouli, and vanilla, which, in retrospect, is pretty amazing since I would never classify myself as a lover of peppery scents. This is a deliciously smooth and velvety perfume that's sweet enough to feel elegant and lovely but complex enough not to feel basic or like anything you wore back in junior high. I feel like people in L.A. don't like to ask, "What are you wearing?" (the fear of seeming uncool or tryhard-y), but it's a no-fail occurrence whenever I'm wearing this Byredo scent and this Byredo scent alone.

Pro: Sweet yet peppery

Con: Bottle isn't super durable

Key fragrance notes: black pepper, juniper berries, leather accord, orris, violet, black amber, patchouli, and vanilla

Available sizes: 1.6 oz

Promising review: "This is such an intriguing fragrance and I can honestly say I've never smelled anything quite like it. I get the amber, I get a smokey woodiness, I get the leather, the iris and some powdery/dusty notes. It makes me think of walking through an old book store, an antique shop, or an ancient cathedral on a dark and rainy day." — Bloomingdale's customer

Fun fact: This best-selling fragrance from iconic perfume house Krigler has been worn by many members of Hollywood (and historical) royalty and was Jackie Onassis's signature scent. I know I just said that I'm not usually a patchouli type of gal, but this is another exception just because of how gorgeous it is. Though it is sweet, the amber, musk, and patchouli ground any overt saccharine notes from the vanilla and red fruits, and it basically transforms into the most sophisticated version of the scents you might have loved when you were younger, like Britney Spears's Fantasy. It's sweet, spicy, woody, and definitely one of the best vanilla perfumes money can buy. 

Pro: A classic scent with subtle sweetness

Con: Expensive

Key fragrance notes: amber, musk, patchouli, red fruits, and vanilla

Available sizes: 100ml, 50ml, 2ml

Promising review: "Heavenly, wonderful perfume. always looking for something new. Bought a sample and then a bottle. I think it is unique. a bit sweet on the opening but subdued during dry-down. Lovely mix of patchouli and amber." — Fragrantica customer

I've always been a huge fan of Maison Margiela's line of eau de toilettes, Replica, and one of my favorites is this yummy (but far from cliché) mix of coffee, pepper, vanilla, orange, and cedarwood. It's unlike anything I've ever smelled before, and the compliments have been coming in hot ever since I added it to my regular arsenal of fragrances. According to the brand, it's supposed to evoke the warm and comforting feeling of a coffee shop—creamy, escapist (especially in the middle of winter), and savory with hints of sweetness reminiscent of pastries. It's a truly dreamy scent that deserves your attention. 

Pro: Can be worn best any time of year

Con: May be too sweet for some

Key fragrance notes: pepper essence, orange flower petals, patchouli, cypriol, tonka bean absolute, vanilla, cedarwood, and vetiver

Available sizes: 3.4 oz

Promising review: "Imagine you're at a cozy bookshop in Portland. It's winter, it's raining, and you could spend hours tucked between tall shelves, dancing through line after line of poetry. … Everything is softly lit and comfortable here while the rain patters steadily outside. All of that feeling is captured in this fragrance. It celebrates the romanticism hiding in everyday life. I already know I'll be buying and re-buying this scent for years to come, and I can't wait to try the rest of this collection." — Nordstrom customer

While the combination of vanilla and marshmallow might sound too sweet to handle, trust me—it's not. This was Rihanna's signature scent before she created her own perfume, and the earthy, fruity hits of orange and neroli give it a juicy and robust finish. I never wear it without receiving a compliment, and it's by far one of the best "grown-up" vanilla perfumes on my vanity. You'll be obsessed. 

Pro: Fresh and citrusy, making it perfect for warmer months

Con: May not last very long

Key fragrance notes: Orange blossom, honeysuckle, rose, vanilla, and luscious marshmallow

Available sizes: 3.4 oz, 1.7 oz, 0.24 oz

Promising review: "After buying four travel sizes, I finally bit the bullet and bought this during the sale. I'M SO HAPPY this perfume is amazing it smells like candy but in an expensive way. Like sugar, orange and marshmallow." — Sephora customer

Maybe I'm partial to this classic YSL scent because it's truly wonderful if you're after something vanilla and very chic, or maybe it's because it's Zoë Kravitz's favorite scent. More likely, however, it's a combination of the two. I love this fragrance because it manages to feel both light and mysterious at the same time. It's not too conventional, but it's also not too complicated. I keep it on my desk for those mornings when I need a jolt of confidence. 

Pro: Light and celeb-approved

Con: Can smell too heavy for some

Key fragrance notes: black coffee, white flowers, and vanilla

Available size: 3 oz, 1.6 oz, 1 oz

Promising review: "This is my new favorite and my new signature fragrance. I bought the big bottle after I tried it in the store. The fragrance is so amazing. When I first tried it on, I couldn't help myself and kept sniffing on my wrist. The name is apt for this perfume. I usually wear it when I am going out at night and need an extra kick of sexy." — Sephora customer

Founded by Michelle Pfeiffer, Henry Rose is one of the chicest and most transparent lines of fine fragrances you need to know about. Queens & Monsters is an all-time standout. I've been astounded at the attention it's garnered at the office when I spritz it at my desk. It's a woody perfume thanks to sandalwood, but it gets a fresh, creamy sweetness from smooth additions like violet, vanilla, coco musk, and freesia. It's gorgeous, and like all of Henry Rose's fragrances, it's verified by the Environmental Working Group and certified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. The brand is also known for its 100% ingredient transparency and the fact that its fragrances are free of all endocrine disruptors, parabens, phthalates, and carcinogens.

Pro: Free of toxic ingredients

Con: Not a lot of product for the price

Key fragrance notes: Violet, neroli, freesia, jasmine, vanilla, coco musk, and sandalwood

Available sizes: 1.7 oz, 0.27 oz

Promising review: "The first application was beyond words—an enchanting fragrance that stayed with me, enhancing my mood throughout the day." — Henry Rose customer

This is literally one of my favorite perfumes of all time, and pretty much everyone whom I've hugged while wearing this fragrance has agreed. It's been my signature ever since its launch, and the fact that Zendaya (my hero) is the face of this mix of vanilla, jasmine, citrus, and musk makes it perfect. I've always been a Lancôme stan (in addition to Chanel's perfumes—my mom wore a few of its staple scents), so it's a warm and fuzzy line of fragrances that is only punctuated with this sweet aroma.

Pro: Long-lasting and celeb-approved

Con: May smell too strong for some

Key fragrance notes: Citrus, rose, jasmine, white musk, and vanilla

Available sizes: 3.4 oz, 1.7 oz, 0.8 oz

Promising review: "I get so many compliments when I wear it. The scent lasts all day long. My favorite perfume." — Sephora customer

Honestly, I love almost every single perfume from Nest (Wild Poppy, Black Tulip Indigo, and Blue Wysteria are my other standouts), but this warm and spicy vanilla perfume oil won me the most questions and compliments. 

Pro: Warm and easily layered with other perfumes

Con: Not a lot of product for the price

Key fragrance notes: Madagascar vanilla bean, vanilla orchid, and coconut

Available sizes: 1 oz, 0.02 oz

Promising review: "Second time trying Nest products, and I like this vanilla scent! It's slightly smoky and not super sweet-smelling. Goes very well with Fenty Vanilla Body Butter." — Sephora customer

Jo Malone makes some of the most iconic and well-known perfumes, and over the years, I've accrued a few favorites that always win me compliments. When I first sniffed this debut from the brand, I had mixed feelings, but after I let it melt into my skin for a few hours, I quickly became kind of infatuated with it. It's strong, but it's been winning more attention than my other standbys (which are below), and I'd be willing to bet my life savings that this luxe vanilla perfume will go down in history as one of the brand's absolute best. 

Pro: Not overwhelmingly vanilla

Con: May smell too musky for some

Key fragrance notes: Cardamom, vetiver, vanilla, and grapefruit

Available sizes: 3.4 oz

Promising review: "The perfect vanilla perfume—have been searching for this scent for years. Hope Jo Malone keeps this scent forever." — Nordstrom customer

This vanilla perfume from Serge Lutens is so supremely decadent and divine. It's my go-to antidote if I happen to wake up on the wrong side of the bed or have an anxiety-provoking day ahead of me. If you're a vanilla lover like I am, this is a scent to worship. It's buttery, warm, woody, and just so mellow and rich. I happen to love what Lutens said of this specific fragrance: "To paraphrase Freud, it's not the evil who are full of regrets, but the good. Both the devil and vanilla like black." 

Pro: A smooth and warm scent

Con: Can't be easily layered

Key fragrance notes: beeswax, caramelized benzoin, bitter almond, guaiac wood, tonka bean, absolute of Mexican black vanilla, black licorice, sandalwood, and coconut milk

Available sizes: 50ml, 100ml

Promising review: "This is coconut, vanilla, burned caramel, and a warm woody scent. It is well-balanced. It is also suitable for warm weather because of the coconut. Smells high quality and very sophisticated." — Fragrantica customer

Classy and floral yet sweet and fresh, this scent is perfect to take with you on the go. I just roll a bit on when I need a pick-me-up, and voilà, I'm instantly uplifted.

Pro: Classic feels thanks to floral notes

Con: Not a lot of product for the price

Key fragrance notes: Pear, rose, and vanilla

Available sizes: 0.34 oz

Promising review: "I am a vanilla girl at heart, but it's always hard for me to find a vanilla that layers well with other fragrances and on its own—until now! I love this scent because it is so versatile and has longevity. I feel like vanilla gourmand goddess every time I spray this on my skin." — Sephora customer

This cult-loved fragrance brand never misses. I love this scent for its ability to contrast warm vanilla with a sharper note, like sea salt. It makes it truly one of a kind. Not to mention, it was inspired by the infamous Burning Man festival, so you know it smells like a good time.

Pro: Reminiscent of a summery vacation thanks to warm notes

Con: Not very long-lasting

Key fragrance notes: Sea salt, vanilla, and sandalwood

Available sizes: 3.3 oz, 1.7 oz, 0.25 oz

Promising review: "I love vanilla smells, but was always overwhelmed by how sweet they usually are. This one isn't! It reminds me of a cool summer night. Fresh with a hint of vanilla, definitely not overpowering. I got it as a blind buy and love it!" — Sephora customer

If you consider yourself in-the-know on all things fragrance, odds are you're well aware of the cult following of Phlur. The brand's Vanilla Skin body mist is sensual and warm, making it suitable for any time of year. It also multi-layered so the scent slightly changes with time with some notes showing up later than others.

Pro: Easy to layer with other fragrances

Con: May be too strong for some

Key fragrance notes: Pink pepper, pink apple, sugar crystals, lily, jasmine petals, cashmere wood, benzoin, vanilla, sandalwood, agarwood

Available sizes: 8.o oz, 3.0 oz

Promising review: "I absolutely love it and so does everyone I come in contact with! This is my third purchase. I will definitely be buying this again!"

Despite the price point of most options on this list, you don't need to splurge to enjoy a good vanilla perfume. This option from Sol de Janeiro is one of my favorites with notes of sugared violet, vanilla orchid, and sandalwood. It's the perfect blend of warm and spicy.

Pro: Budget-friendly

Con: Doesn't last all day

Key fragrance notes: Sugared violet, vanilla orchid, and sandalwood.

Available sizes: 8.1 oz, 3.04 oz

Promising review: "This is literally my favorite scent ever!! It smells so good! It's very warm and vanilla! Easily my favorite scent I’ve ever owned!!"

One of the standout qualities of a good perfume is how long it lasts, which is why this Vanilla Sex Eau De Parfum by Tom Ford is a no-brainer. It's described as "addictive by nature, glamorous by design," which is how you might want to feel next time you reach for your new go-to perfume. Based in the amber fragrance family of the collection, it contains notes of vanilla tincture from India, vanilla absolute, and sandalwood essence.

Pro: Durable packaging

Con: May be too vanilla-forward for some

Key fragrance notes: Vanilla tincture India, vanilla absolute, and sandalwood essence

Available sizes: 8.5 oz, 1.7 oz, 1 oz

Promising review: "I do not typically like vanilla scent, but this is absolutely stunning! The packaging is high quality, cute, and durable. Upon first spray, it's very aromatic, with sweet, creamy vanilla notes and a slight musky undertone. I receive so many compliments when wearing this, and it lasts all day! Even my car still smells good the next day."

For those who are looking for a vanilla fragrance that's a bit more crisp, you'll appreciate this liquor-inspired blend from Kilian. You can expect a light sweetness thanks to notes of rum for the liquor aspect, moss, and vanilla. And in case you're wondering, yes, the apple reference is a nod to New York City.

Pro: Well-layered notes that evolve throughout the day

Con: Not much perfume for the price

Key fragrance notes: Rum, moss, and vanilla

Available sizes: 3.4 oz, 1.7 oz

Promising review: "I bought this a few times! I never want to be out. The scents, bergamot, pineapple and cardamon come together just right, from the first note to the end of day."

As a fan of Victoria Beckham's makeup, it didn't surprise me to see she had a vanilla fragrance that was just as good. This one is best described as a "sensory seduction" that contains notes designed to transport you to the valleys of Java. Safe to say that with a warm mix of vanilla, tonka beans, and cedarwood, it does just that.

Pro: Not overly sweet

Con: Can be irritating on sensitive skin

Key fragrance notes: Vanilla, Tonka beans, and cedarwood

Available sizes: 50 ml

Promising review: "Absolutely amazing scent. I adore it! I had been looking for something with a vanilla base that wasn’t too bakery sweet. This is it."

If you're looking for the ultimate classic, look no further than this option from Chanel. Whether you're a perfume pro or just starting your collection, you're probably familiar with Chanel No. 5, and with good reason. The blend is the perfect mix of floral and citrus. It's easily one of those perfumes that people will smell and immediately catch on to.

Pro: Has a recognizable smell

Con: Some say the scent has changed over time

Key fragrance notes: May rose, vanilla, and jasmine

Available sizes: 3.3 oz, 1.7 oz, 1.2 oz, 6.8 oz

Promising review: "This is my go-to perfume. I have tried others but came right back to the number five."