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As beauty editors, we’re constantly tracking, testing, and talking about new beauty trends. That goes for skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance. Conversations regarding the latter get especially intense. You see, the Who What Wear beauty team is pretty much scent-obsessed. Each editor has strong opinions on which perfumes are worth their price tags, although we agree on a few favorites.
We’ve had one particular trend on our radar for a minute, and seeing as it seemed to have reached a zenith, we decided to delve into it. We’re talking about deep, dark, and sultry vanilla scents. That’s right—these aren’t your mother’s vanilla perfumes. We’re talking darker, richer, deeper, and more mysterious ones. In other words, they’re a cool 2024 take on a classic.
We realize that might sound like an oxymoron. After all, vanilla is known for being sweet, warm, and comforting. It’s the scent of fresh-baked cookies and sugary-smelling candles. How dark and mysterious can it really be? As it turns out, the answer is very. And a wide variety of brands are proving it—from affordable to indie to prestige brands. Think Tom Ford, Byredo, Ellis Brooklyn, Henry Rose, and Snif among others. So without further ado, keep scrolling to see one beauty editor sound off on eight of the sultriest vanilla scents out there.
D.S. & Durga
Deep Dark Vanilla Eau De Parfum
Fragrance notes: Cabreuva, orchid, pink pepper, vines, green vanilla leaves, cypress root, vanilla absolute, dark patchouli, hay
The hot take: If I had to describe this fragrance in two words, they would be enticing and interesting. It’s made with real vanilla (not synthetic), so it has a rich creaminess that vanilla-wearers will love, but I sensed the sharper, earthier notes of vines, cypress root, and dark patchouli first. That’s why, even though this fragrance is genderless, it has a masculine edge. It reminds me of walking through an old bookstore where the shelves are arranged in a labyrinth and the smell of old wood and paper linger in the air. That’s specific, I know, but it’s where the scent took me.
TOM FORD
Vanilla Sex Eau De Parfum
Fragrance notes: Vanilla tincture, vanilla absolute, sandalwood, bitter almond essence, tonka absolute
The hot take: This one is interesting, because it has all the creaminess, warmth, and comfort of a traditional sweet vanilla fragrance, yet there’s a sultry, sexy, and luxurious edge to it. It’s like they took a standard vanilla fragrance and made it richer and rounder. There aren’t any sharp edges or piercing notes—just a truly lavish-smelling vanilla. I want to wear it while draped on a chaise lounge if that gives you any sense of what it smells like.
TOM FORD
Vanille Fatale Eau De Parfum
Fragrance notes: Vanilla, mahogany wood, coffee absolute, roasted barley
The hot take: If Tom Ford’s Vanilla Sex is soft and sultry, this scent is dark, rich, and robust—like a vanilla macchiato. It’s the dark woods, coffee absolute, and roasted barley notes that pull the sweet vanilla scent down, making it smell deeper and more, well, expensive than it would otherwise. If you’re searching for a true, sultry fragrance, this one is it.
Kayali
Kayali Vanilla | 28
Fragrance notes: Vanilla orchids, jasmine, tonka absolute, amber wood, musk, patchouli, brown sugar
The hot take: I’d classify this scent as gourmand (meaning a sweet scent. which unsurprisingly, most vanilla fragrances are). The soft floral notes of orchid and jasmine mingle with warm, grounding notes of tonka, amber, and musk. It really is lovely, and it seems like a fragrance that would be pretty much universally loved. That’s why I think this is the perfect starter perfume, per se, for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the deep end without taking a leap.
Ellis Brooklyn
Vanilla Milk Eau De Parfum
Fragrance notes: bourbon vanilla bean extract, upcycled cocoa shell, frangipani, milk accord
The hot take: Like Kayali Vanilla 28, this scent is a true gourmand, with candied notes of cocoa and frangipani (a flowering tropical plant). Thanks to the bourbon vanilla and milk accord, it smells incredibly creamy—think Starbucks’ vanilla cream cold brew. Again, this strikes me as a scent that would be pretty much universally loved; there are no sharp, unexpected, or controversial notes. To me, it’s another sultry starter perfume. But, who knows, you might love it enough to make it your signature like so many people already have.
Fragrance notes: Freesia, plum, amber, cashmere woods, Madagascar vanilla beans, cistus oil
The hot take: This scent is so alluring and addictive that it’s hard to put it down once you pick it up. To me, it’s the closest any fragrance has ever come to smelling like pure vanilla extract—the warm, rich kind you bake with. That said, it’s not basic or boring. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s rich and sophisticated. It’s so, so good. That’s all I can say. New date night perfume, unlocked.
Snif
Vanilla Vice Eau de Toilette
Fragrance notes: Ice cream, Madagascar vanilla, jasmine, amber wood, musk, orcanox
The hot take: This scent starts strong with a note of ice cream. Yep, you read that right—ice cream. But don’t automatically assume that it’s soft and simple. The rich Madagascar vanilla and musky ambergris notes give it an edge. The result is a scent that’s still vanilla-y, yet way woodier and earthier than I would have expected. It was a surprise, but surprises can be good.
Henry Rose
Torn Eau De Parfum
Fragrance notes: Vanilla bean, praline, freesia, rose, violet, jasmine, musk, sandalwood, vetiver roots
The hot take: At first, I couldn’t decide if this smelled more floral, earthy, or creamy. I was so undecided that I settled on all three. Once it dried down, though, it turned into something warmer and spicier, probably thanks to the notes of praline and vetiver roots. It’s definitely what I’d consider a complex take on a traditional vanilla scent, and it’s yet another that I can’t stop sniffing. That goes for other people, too. Since wearing it, I’ve had three people stop me and exclaim, “You smell so good!”
Shop 5 More Sultry Scents We Love
5 SENS
Burn for You Eau De Parfum
Creamy Madagascar vanilla mingles with cashmere musk and amber.
TOM FORD
Fucking Fabulous Eau De Parfum Fragrance
A woody, spicy scent, this one’s made up of leather, tonka bean, and sage notes.
Valentino
Donna Born in Roma Eau De Parfum
We could wear this warm floral fragrance every day and never get sick of it.
Yves Saint Laurent
Libre Eau De Parfum
Another warm floral, this combines notes of lavender, orange blossom, and musk.
