Once relegated to the realm of culinary delights, vanilla has ascended to fragrance royalty.
Its ability to temper and complement a wide range of notes has made it a staple in countless perfumes, and it’s likely present in the fragrances you currently own.
Like rose, the versatile note can be pulled in many directions, too. From the gourmand sweetness of Madagascar vanilla to the smoky depth of Bourbon vanilla, there’s a scent to suit every style and occasion.
Let’s take a look at the best vanilla perfumes and why they’re anything but vanilla.
Best Vanilla Perfumes in Singapore
Indult Tihota Eau de Parfum
Indult’s Tihota has garnered quite a cult following over the years.
This luxurious scent is a creamy, straightforward vanilla with some added musk, making it both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.
I also hear this is actress Jennifer Coolidge’s go-to fragrance – an excellent choice.
Indult Tihota Eau de Parfum retails for ~S$7.81 (5ml sample) and ~S$286.49 (50ml) on Luckyscent.
Kerosene Unknown Pleasures Eau de Parfum
As a Joy Division fan who’s partial to vanilla fragrances, Kerosene’s Unknown Pleasures holds a special place in my heart.
I picture myself sitting in a cafe in London on a rainy day, nursing a cup of Earl Grey and enjoying a slice of lemon meringue pie – you’ll see why.
The fragrance opens with a refreshing burst of Earl Grey tea, Sicilian lemon, and bergamot to invigorate the senses. As the scent develops, a warm and comforting sweetness emerges, thanks to honeycomb, caramel, and vanilla notes.
Tonka bean and waffle cone add a touch of nuttiness and nostalgia. You’ll be tempted to sink your teeth into this one.
Kerosene Unknown Pleasures Eau de Parfum retails for ~S$5.21 (5ml sample) and ~S$197.94 (100ml) on Luckyscent.
Dior Vanilla Diorama Eau de Parfum
Inspired by the decadent French pastries that Christian Dior so adored, this scent whisks the sweetness of our star note with the richness of cocoa and the zest of orange, creating a spicy and indulgent fragrance.
The heart of the fragrance is a rich and intense Madagascar vanilla, complemented by warm accents of rum and patchouli and balanced with fresh citrusy notes.
I can almost imagine taking a bite of this fancy orange chocolate dessert.
Dior Vanilla Diorama retails for S$480 (120ml) at Dior Beauty’s online store.
Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau de Parfum
I’ve gone through two full bottles of Diptyque’s Eau Duelle in my lifetime, which is saying a lot considering I almost exclusively collect fragrance samples. And yes, I do acknowledge my commitment issues.
Unlike many vanilla-centric fragrances that lean towards a sugary sweetness, Eau Duelle reveals a spicy and aromatic facet. The sweet yet boozy Bourbon vanilla is complemented by the earthy and smoky accents of calamus and cypriol.
It also maintains a sense of freshness and greenness, thanks to the presence of juniper and pink pepper. Quite possibly the most sophisticated vanilla on this list.
It comes in an Eau de Toilette too, a lighter, fresher version better suited to our warm weather.
Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau de Parfum retails for S$278 (75ml) on Escentials.
Kayali Vanilla | 28 Eau De Parfum
Did you know that Huda Beauty’s founder, Huda Hassan, forayed into luxury perfumery with her sister Mona?
One of my favourites from their lineup is the popular Vanilla 28, a harmonious blend of creamy jasmine and decadent Madagascan vanilla orchid.
The softness of Brazilian tonka is beautifully balanced by notes of musk, amber, patchouli, and brown sugar, creating a deep and complex fragrance that stays true to its inspiration: the rich heritage of the Middle East.
Contrary to my expectations, Vanilla 28 is not an overly strong or cloying vanilla scent. It settles on the skin with a warm, ambery dry-down, offering a more subtle and refined interpretation of your classic vanilla perfume.
Kayali Vanilla | 28 Eau De Parfum retails for S$49 (10ml), S$143 (50ml), S$200 (100ml) on Sephora.sg.
Byredo Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum
Part of Byredo’s Night Veils collection, Vanille Antique contains a higher concentration of perfume oil, making it more potent and long-lasting.
This vanilla perfume is unique and reminiscent of spiced plum wine. The rich, plum-infused vanilla is beautifully complemented by the warm, amber notes, creating an almost liquor-like quality.
Cashmere woods and cistus oil enhance the depth and complexity of the vanilla, making this a sexy option for date night.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – it’s S$504. This isn’t great news for most of us, but I found the closest alternative that’s half the price: Maison Noir’s Somnia 517. It’s got key notes of plum, amber, and vanilla, but it doesn’t last quite as long as Vanille Antique.
Byredo Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum retails for S$504 (50ml) on Escentials.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum
If you prefer vanilla perfumes with a bit of an edge, then Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille will be up your alley. Since its release, it has garnered many fans, including Taylor Swift, a testament to its appeal.
This heady fragrance opens with a sumptuous and comforting marzipan-like sweetness, courtesy of the multifaceted tonka note combined with yummy vanilla, cocoa, and dried fruit.
As it settles, this sugariness is balanced by the mellow, even-aged tobacco notes that add a dry elegance.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum retails for S$455 (50ml), S$615 (100ml), S$1,155 (250ml) at Tangs.com.
Juliette Has a Gun Vanilla Vibes Eau de Parfum
It’s hard to wear vanilla in Singapore’s high humidity, but Juliette Has a Gun has just the perfume for us.
Imagine you’ve just taken a refreshing dip in the sea, salt still sticking to your skin as vanilla soft serve drips down your fingers… That’s what this unique vanilla smells like.
Inspired by the energy and excitement of a summer music festival, Vanilla Vibes combines the sweetness of vanilla with the bracing freshness of sea salt to create a playful and youthful scent.
Warm sandalwood anchors the fragrance, making it suitable for both day and night.
Juliette Has a Gun Vanilla Vibes Eau de Parfum retails for S$151 (100ml) at Zalora.sg.
Jovoy Paris Psychédélique Eau de Parfum
This warm, fuzzy fragrance pays homage to the iconic patchouli scents of the 1970s counterculture.
While patchouli is undoubtedly the star of the show, the fragrance’s true magic lies in the balance between the earthy, chocolatey patchouli and sweet, comforting vanilla.
The opening notes of citrus, rose, and geranium give it a fresh touch, but as the fragrance dries down, vanilla takes centre stage, while amber and musk round out the patchouli to create a heady, captivating scent that fills a room.
Thanks to musician and fragrance enthusiast Scout Dixon West, it has quickly become a favourite in my collection, and I find myself reaching for it again and again.
Jovoy Paris Psychédélique Eau de Parfum retails for S$218 (100ml) at Amaris Beauty.
Mugler Angel Eau de Parfum
She’s an icon, she’s a legend, and she is the moment.
Mugler’s Angel changed perfume when it was released in 1992, and it has really stood the test of time. This groundbreaking scent was the first modern gourmand perfume, featuring a delectable blend of candyfloss, caramel, and chocolate.
Inspired by the late Thierry Mugler’s childhood memories of a fairground, Angel offers a truly indulgent olfactory experience.
Like Jovoy’s Psychédélique, earthy patchouli shines in Angel, but it is used to counterbalance the sweetness of the scent. The fragrance also has notes of red berries, bergamot, praline, and a generous serving of vanilla absolute, transforming it into a bold, flirty, and delicious scent.
It’s not a perfume for the faint of heart. Be prepared to leave a scent trail wherever you go.
Mugler Angel Eau de Parfum retails for S$185 (50ml) and S$260 (100ml) at Takashimaya.
Kilian Paris Love, Don’t be Shy Eau de Parfum
This next vanilla perfume is a decadent, sweet indulgence that feels like a guilty pleasure you never want to end.
It’s unsurprising that Love, Don’t Be Shy has achieved cult status, not least because it’s Rihanna’s go-to scent before she created her own.
Inspired by the marshmallow, its sweetness is undeniably present, but it’s masterfully balanced, thanks to bright notes of bergamot and neroli, which add a citrusy sparkle to the fragrance.
As the fragrance warms on the skin, caramel and vanilla notes begin to unfurl, creating a creamy, comforting depth that is grounded by delicate hints of rose and jasmine. It feels youthful and exuberant, yet as it lingers, it becomes more sensual and grown-up.
Kilian Paris Love, Don’t be Shy Eau de Parfum retails for S$440 (50ml) on Escentials.
Giardini di Toscana Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum
Bianco Latte is a cloud of pure sweetness, combining sticky caramel with syrupy honey and creamy, indulgent vanilla.
White musk balances the sweetness and rounds out the saccharine composition. It’s a playful yet seductive scent that’s bound to satisfy your sweet tooth.
I recommend wearing this in cooler temperatures, for it can get real cloying in high humidity.
Giardini di Toscana Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum retails for ~S$6.51 (5ml sample) and ~S$195.34 (100ml) on Luckyscent.
Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille Eau de Parfum
Last, but certainly not the least (in fact, it’s my first love), we have Serge Lutens’ Un Bois Vanille. I remember taking a whiff of this over a decade ago, and it triggered my adoration for vanilla.
The scent transports us deep into the heart of Aztec Mexico, where the sweetness of vanilla was first revered.
Unlike typical sugary vanillas, Un Bois Vanille is more nuanced – earthy, smoky, and deeply layered. Coconut milk and beeswax lend a creamy softness to the opening, while black liquorice adds an unexpected twist, giving the scent a rubbery edge.
Bitter almond and tonka bean bring a hint of spice and nuttiness. As the fragrance develops, sandalwood and guaiac wood take centre stage, grounding the sweetness with a smooth, velvety texture.
It’s one of the best vanilla perfumes ever made.
Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille Eau de Parfum retails for S$144 (100ml) on Zalora.sg.
