We Get Compliments When We Wear These Vanilla Perfumes

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If you were to peer into my bedroom, you'd notice some vintage art, my fluffy, white bed, and the windows that open up to partial views of New York City. However, if you look around the corner, it's hard to miss the pièce de résistance: an extensive and, if I may indulge, elegantly curated collection of perfumes that takes up most of my vanity.

I've collected more than 40 perfumes throughout my time as a shopping writer. All that testing and spritzing has helped me figure out the absolute best options in many categories. I'm a fan of scents that are light, fresh, floral, and a bit musky—think of them like you would that post-shower freshness. But, when connecting the dots between my most frequented scents, I found that there's one note I gravitate towards the most: vanilla. And not that cheap, overly-sweet, drugstore vanilla scent we all wore in middle school—the clean, creamy kind that garners you tons of compliments when you wear it out of your house.

I also teamed up with WH beauty editor Danielle Jackson to curate a definitive list of the best vanilla perfumes. Together, we've established the 12 best options money can buy (DW, many of them are affordable, too!). So, ladies, no need to delay—it's the perfect moment to introduce a fresh, long-lasting fragrance to your collection for the rest of summer and year-round.

Vanille Eau De Parfum

I first bought this perfume my freshman year of high school (it was the it perfume back then!), and I have repurchased it every time I've run out ever since. Describing myself as completely hooked on this scent might seem a bit over-the-top, but I can't help expressing how much I adore it. If you couldn't already tell, I have a bit of separation anxiety when it's not within an arm's reach.

Made with heliotrope, orchid, daylily, and sandalwood, the notes of this beautiful fragrance are sweet but not overpowering, making it the perfect everyday scent.

And, despite the amount of perfumes I own, I never lose track of the amount of compliments I get when I wear this one specifically. I've even had friends run to Nordstrom to buy it for themselves after smelling it on me or sniffing it out within my scent collection.

Editor Review: "When I'm going out for the day and night, I always want a perfume that I know will last through all of my plans, and this one is always my go-to," says WH associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner. "Even if I'm sweating or seriously on the go, I still get welcome whiffs of this as the day goes on. It's seriously so good!"

Vanille Antique

Say 'hello' to your new cold weather perfume: Byrdeo Vanille Antique. The sweetness of the vanilla is anchored by earthier notes like cashmere wood, musk, and ambrosia for that velvety scent. However, I love that this still smells feminine and soft despite those deeper, more intense notes.

As you wear it, the scent becomes more refined, blending naturally with your skin. The base notes, also called dry-down notes, include cistus oil (a type of essential oil) and Madagascar vanilla beans. These become noticeable after a few hours of wear, offering a lighter and fresher aroma the longer you have it on.

Rave Review: "I love the grittiness of this. I got this as a gift but it was not random, as I really wanted it and have every intention of replacing it when I use it up. I can't wait until the weather gets colder, but it still works even on these extremely warmer days."

Vanilla Vibes

Drawing its inspiration from music, this fragrance captures the free feeling of dancing in the desert. While I can't say I've ever experienced that myself (I envy those of you who've attended Coachella or Burning Man), I can confirm that trying this fragrance brought me as close as humanly possible to that feeling, even all the way from NYC.

And if you know me, you know I'd wear this scent every single day if I could. Categorized in the "fresh" fragrance family, it has notes of fresh florals, sea salt, natural vanilla, and sandalwood. Some reviewers say the scent resembles coming home to a refreshing cold shower after a long day basking in the sun. C'mon, who wouldn't want to smell like a that?

Rave Review: "I just think this perfume is perfect. The initial spray is so similar to how my skin would smell returning from the beach in my childhood. It’s barely summer and I’ve already reached for this perfume instead of my other usual favorites nearly every time I’m going out and it’s sunny. The dry down is way more vanilla than anything, but I love vanilla so it’s worth the purchase. If you love the beach, or at least the idea of it, then this is for you."

Madagascar Vanilla Perfume Oil

What's the difference between a classic fragrance and a perfume oil, you may ask? An oil can be applied to the skin, and it's more concentrated and hydrating than an old school perfume. A sprayable fragrance, on the other hand, is made of alcohol or water that applies and evaporates quickly.

This oil in is made from baobab oil, which is packed with vitamins B and C, both of which are super moisturizing. It's blended with notes of vanilla bean, vanilla orchid, and coconut, and we find that it stays on our skin for hours.

Although this is an oil, it's not made to be used all over the body. Apply just one to two drops on your arms, legs, and décolleté and spread with your writs. Beauty tip: your neck, wrists, and other pulse points are the best places to apply fragrances, since those areas emit tons of heat.

Rave Review: "I’m a vanilla lover and this is by far the best smelling one! I’ve used so many different brands and this is my new favorite from now on! Highly recommend."

Vanilla Milk

Remember those suuuper sweet vanilla scents you used to wear as a teen? This smells like that, but with a sophisticated touch.

That rich and vibrant smell you know and love comes from bourbon vanilla bean extract. The luxe part of this scent hails from the light touch of florals, velvety cocoa shell, fresh amyris, and a creamy milk blend. Just like a glass of milk lowers the intensity of spicy food, the milk notes in this fragrance soften those sharper pings of musky vanilla.

And this fragrance also doubles as a skin scent (meaning it allows your natural scent to shine through). In order for the scent to combine with your body's chemistry, the brand recommends spraying it directly onto the skin. Your own body heat will make it smell even better.

Editor Review: "This is like if the middle-of-the-mall vanilla perfume you used to wear in middle school got a luxe upgrade," says WH beauty editor Danielle Jackson. "It’s such a warm, sweet scent that you can smell every bit of vanilla extract in, but it doesn’t overpower or overwhelm your senses in any way."

Vanilla 28

If I had to pick the most popular vanilla perfume on this list, my choice would be this gem by Kayali. With a solid 139.6K favorites on sephora.com, I've also heard of its popularity among office conversations and within my circle of friends.

Its claim to fame: A mixture of creamy jasmine, rich Madagascan vanilla orchid, and Brazilian tonka for that sweet (but not saccharine) scent. It also has notes of amber, patchouli, and brown sugar to round out the fragrance with more masculine, musky notes. From my experience, it smells just a bit different on everyone, but lovely nonetheless.

Rave Review: "I love vanilla and have been trying to find the perfect perfume—I’m happy to say this is it! I mix it with the Nemat Vanilla Fragrance Oil for a more intense smell (that’s just what I like) and it is amazing! The smell of it alone is very beautiful. I am obsessed!"

Torn

This might be super embarrassing, but I own every single one of Henry Rose's perfumes. But when it comes to my go-to fragrance from Michelle Pfeiffer's beauty brand, Torn reigns supreme.

My preference is fresh, clean, and light scents, and Torn offers exactly that vibe. While it is a little spicy, Torn is made with a ton of crisp florals—think rose, violet, and jasmine—for balance. The clean aspect comes in with bursts of sandalwood and patchouli, which ground any of the peppery notes you get from the musk.

I also love how just a few sprays of this scent is enough to envelop your body and clothes in the fragrance for the entire day. DW, it's not overpowering, but you'll surely get some welcome whiffs throughout the day.

Editor Review: WH associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner opts for this perfume whenever she wants that sultry vanilla scent without the muskier and overpowering tones. "I love that Henry Rose uses a lot of florals in their scents to add symmetry and a natural touch," she says.

Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '71 Fragrance Mist

Another throwback fragrance, Brazilian Crush has a cozy caramelized vanilla oud and nutty macadamia note.

What our testers love most about it though, isn't just its nostalgia. The Brazilian Crush stayed on our skin throughout the day, which is pretty remarkable for a body spray.

If you're not a body spray lover, you can get the same exact scent in perfume form with the brand's Sol Cheirosa '62 Eau de Parfum.

Editor Review: "This is another fragrance I've had for years, and while I don't use it as often as some of my other tried-and-true's, it always hits home whenever I decide to whip it out for the day," says WH associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner. "It truly smells like those OG Victoria's Secret perfumes you used to wear in your prime, but in a classy, sophisticated way. Run to Sephora and try a spritz for yourself—you'll know exactly what I mean."

Vanilla Sky

We love that Skylar makes gorgeous-smelling fragrances with ingredients we can actually pronounce. You'll never find animal byproducts, parabens, endangered plants, or skin sensitizers in their products. Instead, all of Skylar's perfumes are vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic.

And this scent is no different. It smells as good and lasts as long as any other fragrance on this list. We found that the Vanilla Sky lives in the warm and spicy family, thanks to caramelized cedar and cappuccino, so it has that rich golden warmth we seek in a vanilla perfume.

If you're looking for a scent that makes you feel like you're sitting next to a wood-burning fireplace dressed in silky pajamas and cozy slippers, this spritz is for you.

Rave Review: "I have a severe perfume allergy, and this is the only perfume I've been able to wear in years. It has a natural, light vanilla scent without all the chemicals and aldehydes of traditional perfumes."

Vanilla & Anise Cologne

Although this perfume has spices in it, the base note of purple vanilla orchid shines through, for a powdery and fresh scent as the day goes on. It's the perfect counterpart to the oaky vanilla bourbon you notice upon first spray.

One of our testers uses this fragrance as an essential step after her morning and evening showers, since it offers a fresh aroma throughout the day.

Rave Review: "I use it after my morning and evening shower. It's a light scent but it lasts. I spray on pulse points and lightly in my hair. I get tons of compliments."

Alien Goddess Eau de Parfum

WH e-commerce editor Jasmine Gomez smelled so good at the office this week, I had to ask her what perfume she was wearing. "It's funny you should ask," she answered, adding that whenever she wears Mugler's Alien Goddess, she receives a compliment.

And, it's no surprise why. The Alien Goddess pairs citrusy and earthy Italian bergamot, vanilla bean, and jasmine (how ironic!), making it perfect for summer wear. It smells so soft and delicate, but still has a punch from the vanilla. Sorry, Jasmine, but I might have to steal your signature scent.

Editor Review: "This is my go-to fragrance when I want to dress to impress," says WH e-commerce editor Jasmine Gomez. "It’s potent but subtle, and I can’t even put a number on the amount of compliments I’ve gotten on it."

Vanilla Woods Perfume Oil

Another oil on this list, The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods Perfume Oil takes the cake for best travel-size perfume (although, you can totes buy it in a full size as well).

Personally, I prefer airy and light scents to bring with me while I travel, as I know I'll always be in the mood to wear them. This one is made with vanilla, fresh pear, and rose, so it combines both floral and citrus notes for that pop of freshness.

The base of the fragrance is jojoba oil, which is super moisturizing, and keeps the scent on your skin for longer.

Rave Review: "Vanilla is my favorite scent, and I've been searching for the perfect perfume for the longest time. This one is perfect!! It has the nicest, cleanest vanilla scent and lasts for hours. I swear I can smell it on myself a day later."

How our team chose the best vanilla perfumes

For the past month, Women’s Health associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner has been testing and researching the most popular, and top-rated vanilla perfumes. She consulted with WH beauty editor Danielle Jackson for the story, and, together, they compiled a list of the best options for every budget and preference.

Read more about the best perfumes to shop now

Summer Perfumes | Rose-Scented Perfumes | Clean Fragrances | Hair Perfumes

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