Remember your first perfume? There's a good chance it was sweet and probably featured vanilla, says editor Trudi Brewer. Who shares the latest and top-selling comforting scents that are ideal to wear in winter.
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Vanilla is popular in perfumery, and it’s enjoying a resurgence right now. What was once considered a "basic" is now on-trend. Unlike most other ingredients in scent, we have an emotional connection to vanilla, which creates a mood of nostalgia and comfort. Vanilla is universally known and loved by many and transcends culture, time, and age. So why are vanilla-laced perfumes enjoying a resurgence right now? It turns out we all want to return to a simpler time. "One reason for its comeback, and we confirmed this in a study with consumers, is that it evokes very positive, comforting feelings," says Dsm-Firmenich perfumer Gabriela Chelariu. "With the rise of Y2K nostalgia, it's unsurprising that we are seeing a resurgence of vanilla fragrances.” However, they are not the heavy-vanilla-laden scents of the 80's or the overly sweet vanilla scents we loved when we were teens. "Today's vanilla fragrances are gaining attention for their creamy, musky soft blends," says Chelariu.
If you’re a fan, a quality vanilla scent is costly. In its pure form, it’s exquisite, which is often reflected in the price tag. So, to tempt you or satisfy your craving, here are the latest and our favourite vanilla-based fragrances to wear now.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Elixir, $300.
Let’s kick off with this new and very fashionable fragrance. It’s a great example of a complex vanilla scent; it was created to capture the multifaceted complexity of femininity. This scent is as fresh with a citrus bite as seductive and sweet. Thanks to the bergamot, mandarin, and orange trio, with heady Ylang Ylang and rose. Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera describes the creamy blend of vanilla and striking patchouli as “Ultra-feminine, sensual and daring.” We could not agree more.
BYREDO Night Veils Vanille Antique EDP 50ml, $611.
This is an investment scent, but fans will do anything to keep it on their wrists. It’s not sweet in the classic sense, so save the money if you’re more of a sugary vanilla lover. However, it's dark and earthy with a woodsy floral kick and is often described as a gritty fragrance. So, with that in mind, here’s what’s in it. Freesia, plum, amber, cashmere woods, Madagascar vanilla beans, and citrus oil. But it also has musky undertones that you will adore or hate.
Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk, $206.
Bourbon vanilla bean extract gives this scent its vibrant aroma, followed by light touches of florals, velvety cocoa, and a creamy milk blend to soften the musky vanilla. This fragrance also doubles as a skin scent (meaning it allows your natural aroma to shine through). Once spritzed on bare skin, your body heat will make it even better, meaning it smells completely different on everyone.
Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau De Parfum Fragrance Spray, $380.
Here it is if you want a warm fragrance that embraces every sugary, spicy aspect of vanilla. Thanks to the decadent mix of vanilla absolute and sandalwood, it's like a comforting, sweet hug. After a few hours, the almond essence gives it a distinctive nutty bite.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Gold Eau de Parfum, From $357.
If you like vanilla for its comforting vibe, this fragrance makes you feel like you have been wrapped in your favourite cable knit. It remodels the usually sweet note of vanilla with unexpected freshness from juniper berries, spicy nutmeg, and herbal coriander. However, musk and amber woods manage to bring out an addictive warmth.
Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette, from $208.
Smoky with plenty of spicy goodness, Diptyque wanted to capture the softness and boldness of Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, and they have nailed it. The scent also features extra spice from cardamom, black pepper, and saffron notes. It’s a sophisticated wintery vanilla scent that would complement any cashmere scarf.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 71 Perfume Mist, from $45.
This is an affordable way to wrap yourself in the relaxing aroma of vanilla. Cheirosa (meaning to smell delicious in Brazilian) is known as an amber, vanilla scent you can spitz on the skin and your hair. The brand says this scent will transport you to the sun-soaked beaches of Brazil. So what’s in it, caramelised vanilla sprinkled with sea salt, toasted macadamia nuts, white chocolate, cashmere, and tonka bean with coconut blossom. This fragrance is the perfect multi-tasker for a mid-winter tropical break.
Another designer expression of loving our true selves.