A beauty editor’s guide to the best vanilla fragrances that smell expensive – starting from £19

Sweet, creamy, gourmand scents are taking over this autumn 2024, with a surge in TikTok searches and Google interest. These fragrant delights brim with notes of vanilla and caramel that are utterly irresistible.

“Gourmand fragrances have been all the rage for the past couple of years, but the focus is now shifting away from sugary ‘dessert’ scents towards aromas that remind us of our favourite comfort foods-like tea, coffee, marmalade on toast, and warm nutty pastries,” Floral Street’s founder Michelle Feeney says. “As autumn approaches, many of us seek out something familiar and cosy, with a touch of nostalgia.”

But far from being saccharine, sickly concoctions more likely to attract wasps than compliments, the latest vanilla perfumes smell grown-up, luxe and sexy – if they’re formulated well. “Natural vanilla over synthetic vanilla makes a big difference to the aroma,” reveals Michelle, reports the Mirror. “It also really depends on what other ingredients the perfumer has woven together to create the overall perfume.”

Ready to treat yourself? Here’s a roundup of five sumptuous vanilla perfumes you’ll want to get your hands on…

Best vanilla perfumes to buy in 2024

Ariana Grande Cloud EDP Spray

• From £27.95 from Amazon

Ariana Grande’s fragrances have been a hit, even with the most discerning perfume connoisseurs. The brand describes this particular scent as “a joyful, contemporary creation inspired by optimism and hope”, featuring notes of lavender, pear, coconut and vanilla orchid. It’s currently boasting over 18,000 five-star reviews on Amazon alone, with customers praising its light and airy quality and its impressive staying power.

Liberty Lbty Fragrance Vine Thief Eau de Parfum

• £225 from Liberty

I couldn’t wait to open this as soon as it arrived; everything about it is simply stunning, from the beautiful packaging to the delightful scent inside. It combines cosy notes of vanilla, musk and condensed milk with strawberry liquor and leather, creating a truly unique fragrance that’s powdery yet has a hint of fresh greenness. Plus, it lingers on the skin for quite some time.

Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid Eau De Parfum

• £74 from Floral Street

“This is a blend of vanilla beans, jasmine, cassis, citrus, bamboo and sandalwood, offering a warm and comforting vanilla aroma with a modern, unexpected twist,” shares Michelle. “Its natural vanilla provides a deeper, creamier feel to the fragrance, blended with woody notes, and exudes a comforting and confident scent.”

New Notes Caramelo Vanilla Extrait de Parfum

• £149 from Liberty

This perfume is as tantalising as its name suggests, crafted with raw ingredients. It features not only the vanilla hinted at in its title, but also notes of cotton candy, frangipane, musk and tonka bean. It’s reminiscent of a mouth-watering, Michelin-starred dessert.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’71 Perfume Mist

• £19.20 at Cult Beauty

The fragrances from Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa line are generally sweet and caramel-like, but ’71 stands out with its strong vanilla notes, paired here with white chocolate, sea salt, coconut blossom and toasted macadamia. It evokes memories of summer, like enjoying ice cream on the beach. If you’re uncertain about vanilla scents, a perfume mist is an affordable way to give it a go.

Tom Ford Vanille Fatale Eau de Parfum

• £290 from Sephora

This is a vanilla scent with a rich, woody twist, thanks to notes of amber, mahogany wood and roasted barley. Like many Tom Ford fragrances, it’s incredibly seductive, and a little certainly goes a long way.

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