Gourmand fragrances – and vanilla scents in particular – are currently trending on TikTok and on Google. Here’s a beauty editor’s pick of the best, from brands such as Tom Ford and Sol de Janeiro
Sweet, creamy, gourmand fragrances – in particular ones containing notes of vanilla and caramel – looks set to be the biggest perfume trend for autumn 2024, with millions of TikTok searches for them, and a growing rise in Google searches too.
“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,” explains Floral Street brand founder Michelle Feeney. “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,” says Michelle. “It also really depends on what other ingredients the perfumer has woven together to create the overall perfume.”
Here are five vanilla perfumes worth sniffing out…
Best vanilla perfumes to buy in 2024
Ariana Grande Cloud EDP Spray
Ariana Grande’s perfumes have been a hit even amongst fragrance snobs, and the brand calls this one “a joyful, contemporary creation inspired by optimism and hope”, with notes of lavender, pear, coconut and vanilla orchid. It currently has over 18,000 five-star reviews on Amazon alone, with shoppers calling it light and airy, and remarking on how well it lasts.
Liberty Lbty Fragrance Vine Thief Eau de Parfum
When this arrived, I couldn’t open it quick enough; everything about it it is stunning, from the gorgeous packaging to the juice inside. Along with cosy notes of vanilla, musk and condensed milk there’s strawberry liquor and leather, making for a really unique scent that’s powdery yet with a hint of fresh greenness. It lasts for ages on the skin, too.
Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid Eau De Parfum
“This is a blend of vanilla beans, jasmine, cassis, citrus, bamboo and sandalwood, offering a warm and comforting vanilla scent with a modern, unexpected edge,” says Michelle. “Its natural vanilla gives a deeper, creamier feel to the fragrance, blended with woody notes, and is a comforting and confident scent.”
New Notes Caramelo Vanilla Extrait de Parfum
This fragrance is, as its name suggests, about as lip-smacking as it gets, but it’s really well done, made with raw ingredients. As well as the vanilla in its title, there’s also notes of cotton candy, frangipane, musk and tonka bean. It smells like the most delicious, Michelin-starred dessert.
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’71 Perfume Mist
Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa fragrance are all fairly sweet and caramel-ly, but ’71 is the one with the strongest notes of vanilla, I find, combines here with white chocolate, sea salt, coconut blossom and toasted macadamia. It smells of summer, too, like eating ice cream on the beach. A perfume mist is also a great (and cheaper) way to try a vanilla scent if you’re unsure.
Tom Ford Vanille Fatale Eau de Parfum
A vanilla with a rich, woody edge thanks to notes of amber, mahogany wood and roasted barley. Like a lot of Tom Ford scents, it’s super sexy, and a little goes a long way.
