Beyoncé Is Obsessed with This Gourmand Perfume

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If you’ve ever wanted to smell good enough to eat, it might be time to start spritzing on one of the best gourmand perfumes. “Gourmand” literally translates into someone who loves to eat, but in the scent world, it means a fragrance that uses notes that smell like edible ingredients. Common perfumes like vanilla scents and citrus fragrances are all examples of gourmand perfumes, but that doesn’t mean they're all sweet and dessert-like. “I instantly fall for a fragrance that is sweet with honey or vanilla, on top of a fresh green note like sage, or even citrus like orange blossom,” says Autumne West, the National Beauty Director of Nordstrom. Notes like cognac, matcha, and cardamon are also very common, and can result in a fresher, or more woodsy scent.

If the thought of smelling like a dinner plate makes you nervous, consider dipping in slowly. “If you’re unsure if a scent is for you, I recommend starting with a hair mist, body spray or even lotion to familiarize yourself and ease into it without it feeling overpowering,” adds West. That being said, a lot of gourmand perfumes are a lot less intimidating than they may sound. From fun croissant fragrances to fresh mint scents, here are the 15 best gourmand perfumes our editors are obsessed with.

Love Eau de Parfum

This perfume literally looks through rose-colored glass, and maybe that’s why it’s so effortlessly romantic. Its notes contain everything you need for a first date: strawberry, rose, and a little wood.

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “For the longest, I thought I didn’t enjoy gourmand perfumes; however, Coach Love introduced me to the sweet side. It was love, literally, at first spritz! It’s the perfect date night perfume and anytime I wear it, I get flooded with compliments. ” – Danielle James, ELLE.com Beauty Director

Notes: Strawberry, rose, cedarwood

Size: 1–3 fl. oz.

YUM PISTACHIO GELATO 33

If you’re always craving summertime, invest in this gelato-inspired perfume. With notes of whipped cream and cotton candy, you’ll want to spritz this right into your mouth.

Sephora rating: 4.1/5

An expert reviewer says: “Sweet fragrances can be hard to shop for as most of the ones I find tend to remind me of the overly sweetened body sprays I couldn’t get enough of in middle school. This scent from Kayali strays away from that and leaves me with a candied but still fresh fragrance upon application. I do find myself having to refresh the scent mid-day, but the smell is so wonderful I don’t mind the hassle.” –Bianca Rodriguez, Commerce Manager

Notes: Pistachio gelato, whipped cream, cotton candy

Size: 0.33–3.4 fl. oz.

Paris Angels' Share Eau De Parfum

Gourmand scents don’t have to just smell good enough to eat–they can smell good enough to drink, too. This cognac-inspired perfume not only contains hints of liquor, but the bottle is also reminiscent of your favorite cocktail glass.

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

An expert reviewer says: “Before Beyoncé began wearing her soon-to-be-released Renaissance fragrance, she wore Kilian Paris Angels’ Share. Between being one of Queen B’s favorites and being made using real cognac, it’s become an instant classic.” –Sarah Maberry, Firstfinds Commerce Writer and trending products expert

Notes: Cognac, tonka bean, oak wood

Size: 0.25–1.7 fl. oz.

Replica Matcha Meditation Eau de Toilette

If you prefer light perfumes that don't overpower, this calming version is a great pick. “The Maison Margiela Replica Matcha Meditation Eau de Toilette is very light and relaxing. A relaxed calm morning with a cup of matcha comes to life in this scent. It easy to wear for its subtleness,” says West.

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

An expert reviewer says: “I’m not sure how the Margiela team managed to bottle the feeling of serenely sipping my morning tea, but they did. It’s perfectly balanced between being subtle yet potent, not too sweet, and not too woodsy.” –Tatjana Freund, Fashion and Luxury Commerce Editor

Notes: Matcha, bergamot, white chocolate, cedarwood

Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

Crumb Couture

This perfume is like bottled French breakfast. With buttery notes of croissant, jam, and vanilla, everyone who smells you will want to take a bite.

Snif rating: 4.7/5 stars

An expert reviewer says: “Don’t let the fact that this fragrance is inspired by croissants fool you into thinking it smells anything less than high-end. Its warm, delicious and impossible to put your finger on. BeautyTok is obsessed with the body butter bar version, so you can expect the fine fragrance to go viral any second now.” –SM

Notes: Croissant, berry jam, vanilla, sandalwood

Althair Eau de Parfum

For musky, spicy perfumes that still smell good enough to eat, consider this sophisticated option. “The vanilla bourbon note in the Parfums de Marly Althair Eau de Parfum is it for me. With the orange blossom, it is a spicy scent that still feels fresh and light. It is beautiful,” says West.

Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This one here, leans more feminine to me. It’s delicious, cozy and long lasting. It surely is a cold weather perfume. Love it to pieces.”

Notes: Orange blossom, bergamot, cinnamon, bourbon vanilla, musk, praline

Size: 2.5–4.2 fl. oz.

Eau de Minthe Eau de Parfum

This fresh unisex scent is ideal for anyone who loves that slightly masculine after-shave scent. Thanks to its combination of notes, it lands somewhere between floral and musky.

Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars

An expert reviewer says: “Generally speaking, I don’t want to smell edible–but I will accept drinkable. This perfume is my all-time favorite, in large part because it never induces a headache, which most fragrances do for me. It’s so fresh and hot, and reminds me of sipping the best mojito.” –TF

Notes: Mint, geranium, patchouli

Size: 2.5 fl. oz.

Rose Gourmand Perfume

If you love floral perfumes and want to try adding gourmand notes, this budget-friendly option is calling your name. It has a sweetness, thanks to caramel and vanilla, but rose and amber keep it feeling grown-up.

An ELLE editor says: “If you’ve been sleeping on Zara perfumes, allow Rose Gourmand to wake you up. This scent swirls with floral notes, but it’s the gourmand ones that shine most. Caramel, vanilla, and musk kiss the skin with a warmth so addicting, you’ll look up one day and, poof, it’s time for a bottle re-up.” –Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor

Notes: Caramel, vanilla, rose, amber

Size: 2.7 fl. oz.

APPLE LOVE Eau de Parfum

Inspired by New York City, this perfume blends that freshness and sweetness that comes from a perfectly ripe apple, without reminding you of kindergarten snack time. It’s a very sophisticated, adult scent, with the right hint of sweet.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An expert reviewer says: “I like that this perfume is apple-inspired, without smelling straight up like apple juice. It somehow really captures the juicy aspect of an apple–that first bite when the sweet juice and flesh burst in your mouth. Combined with amber and some peach skin, sugar cane, and vanilla, this is a warm fall scent. When Taylor Swift says, ‘Basic autumn lovers RISE,’ this perfume should pump out in the stadium of the Eras tour.” –Kathleen Hou, ELLE Beauty Director

Notes: Red apple, sugarcane, vanilla

Size: 0.35–1.7 fl. oz.

Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum

On evenings when you want to feel extra sultry, this perfume has you covered. “Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum is a scent that evokes warmth but is extremely hot. I love how I feel when I wear this: a little more sassy and confident,” says West.

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is my favorite scent to wear during fall and winter. People stop me on the street and ask me what delicious scent I am wearing. It’s the first vanilla that actually smells like vanilla. When you wear this scent your partner will literally want to eat you. It’s Tom Ford perfection. Order now!”

Notes: Tobacco, vanilla, ginger

Size: 1–3.4 fl. oz.

Pistachio Eau de Parfum

The creators of this perfume are not shy about what it’s all about: pistachios! It's a fun fragrance that truly has that creamy, slightly sweet, nutty notes that work for both cooler and warmer months.

Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars

An expert reviewer says: “I don’t normally gravitate towards sweet gourmand scents, but if there’s anyone I’d trust them with, it’s D.S. & Durga. Musician-turned-master-perfumer David Seth Moltz has an uncanny ability to make the most unconventional scents really work, including the brand’s Pistachio. Created on a whim, the nutty fragrance is most definitely playful, yet it has a dark and powdery element to it that makes it feel anything but juvenile. Trust me, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever sniffed before.” – Sam Peters, Senior Commerce Editor

Notes: Pistachio, almond, vanilla, cardamon, patchouli

Size: 1.7–3.4 fl. oz.

Cloud Eau de Parfum

Vanilla perfumes are a classic, and this version by Ariana Grande has remained a tried-and-true classic. It’s definitely a sweet, feminine, playful scent, but surprisingly manages to stay away from the sickly-sweet trope.

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I typically only used body sprays as they are less strong than perfumes, which tend to give me headaches if they are too strong. But I found the one perfume that I love love to wear and use any time and day!”

Notes: Lavender, pear, bergamot, coconut cream, vanilla, musk

Size: 1–3.4 fl. oz.

Tutti Twilly d'Hermès Eau de Parfum

So many gourmand scents can feel heavy, but this gingery version actually feels fresh, light and zesty. The hints of lychee help add a juicy, sweet note, that’s grounded by deep musk.

Sephora rating: 3.1/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I grew up with ginger being a big part of my meals and have always disliked its bite and zing. But as an often carsick, airsick, boatsick, teenager, candied ginger became my best friend for all things motion-sickness-related. Perfumer Christine Nagel has been using the collection of Twilly fragrances to explore all things ginger, from its zesty effervescence to its hidden sweetness, and her newest scent explores the blend of ginger blossom with litchi and musk. Surprisingly, there’s almost a slight animalistic quality to this scent, which is unusual to find in a gourmand perfume.” –KH

Notes: Lychee, ginger blossom, musk

Size: 0.5–2.8 fl. oz.

Mimosa & Cardamom Cologne

Jo Malone is known for their collection of gourmand perfumes that can easily be layered to create your perfect, custom-made concoction. This version is a floral, spicy, warm scent that works just as well on its own.

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I ordered this on line without trying any samples and was glad I did. I can easily say it is my favorite Jo Malone scent so far. It starts sweet then develops into a warm, spicy and exotic feminine scent that lingers all day. I don’t need to pair this with any other scent. It is wonderful on its own and perfect for fall and winter.”

Notes: Cardamon, mimosa, tonka bean

Size: 1–3.4 fl. oz.

Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum

If you’re new to the gourmand perfume world, consider this version from Le Labo. The main note is lavender, but combines with tonka and bergamot, it almost smells like a cup of tea with hints of wildflower honey.

Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Great new take on lavender. I wouldn’t say this is too feminine at all.”

Notes: Lavender, bergamot, neroli, amber, musk, tonka

Size: 0.5–3.4 fl. oz.

Meet the Expert

Autumne West is the National Beauty Director of Nordstrom.

Why are people so drawn to gourmand perfumes?

There’s a reason why vanilla perfumes continue to be so popular, and why people are drawn to gourmand scents in general. “There are so many reasons you may be drawn to gourmand, and what I find is that it feels nostalgic. Gourmand scents are generally very familiar to us in our everyday lives, whether we are aware of it or not. It often triggers a memory that could surround a family member, a favorite meal or even a beverage like a cocktail or latte. Vanilla, coffee, honey, chocolate are all stand out gourmand notes,” says West.

Should gourmand perfumes be worn at certain times of the year?

While florals scents are very common in the spring and summer, gourmand perfumes are so diverse and can be worn in so many different contexts. “While I’m a firm believer that fragrance is personal and can be worn whenever, or wherever you want, I do find gourmands can fit into different seasons depending on what note it is paired with because it can change the dynamic. For example, vanilla is prevalent in a lot of scents and can lean spicy when paired with oud which is perfect for fall. Or it can feel lighter along with a floral or citrus note for the summer,” says West.

Why trust ELLE?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund tested a few top-rated gourmand perfumes and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.

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