Yazhini ManimudiVanilla is easily the most identifiable scent out in the wild, making the popularity of vanilla perfumes so so obvious. You may not recognize a tonka bean or amber or vetiver in a perfume, but you can definitely catch the vanilla. Perfume notes fall in and out of trend, but vanilla like citruses is a constant in the market. Vanilla is easy, but easy doesn’t necessarily mean boring. With the increased popularity of gourmand perfumes, the already beloved vanilla is enjoying an uptick in interest.
Here are just a few of the best vanilla perfumes:
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium
Key accords: vanilla, coffee, white floral, spicy
Feminine
It’s impossible to talk about vanilla perfumes without YSL’s addictive vanilla coffee perfume Black Opium. It’s a deep, rich, sweet vanilla for a night out in a little black dress. Perhaps one that’s as sparkly as the bottle. The patchouli in the drydown is controversial, but I love what it does here. I’d say it’s best for those who love patchouli.
Dior Hypnotic Poison
Key accords: vanilla, almond, sweet
Feminine
If it’s good enough for Adele, it’s good enough for me. It’s absolutely delicious with coconut’s sweetness complementing that of vanilla and almond’s nuttiness. The opening has some fruity sweet vibes from the apricot, plum and coconut that balances the softness of sandalwood that comes through towards the end of the day. Jasmine and tuberose contribute a rich, heady character that seals the ‘hypnotic’ reputation of hypnotic poison.
Kayali Vanilla 28
Key accords: sweet, vanilla, warm
Unisex
Kayali’s Vanilla 28 is arguably the most popular vanilla perfume these days. At first it feels like a simple sweet vanilla. As the scent evolves, it reveals its complexities through the brown sugar at the start, proceeding into the darker feeling of tonka beans and patchouli. If the fragrance feels too light, let it macerate for a while when it’ll develop a deeper, smokier character.
Parfums de Marly Oajan
Key accords: spicy, warm, vanilla, honey
Unisex
This is a wonderfully warm and spicy vanilla perfect for a special event. If you love cinnamon, you need Oajan. If you want to smell delicious like a freshly baked apple pie, you need Oajan. It smells expensive (and is, tbh) and will make you feel like you’re the best person in the room. I’d say it’s a strictly wintry fragrance, but if you must wear it in the summer, go for it in the evenings.
Jazz Club Maison Martin Margiela
Key accords: tobacco, rum, vanilla
Masculine
It’s a rich boozy vanilla with the perfect addition of warm, smoky tobacco. It feels refined, a little old fashioned. Like you’re a frequent visitor of an underground jazz club and its own unique scent has clung to your jacket to go with you everywhere. It’s so sensual and sexy– definitely not for an office environment.
Givenchy Pi
Key accords: vanilla, almond, aromatic, spicy
Masculine
Pi is a blend of spices and vanilla. Distinct, but not loud or attention-grabbing. It’s warm and welcoming with a comforting drydown. It’s not the most popular vanilla but is a kind of cult favorite that people have been buying up since 1995.
Yazhini Manimudi
