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Original poster

I need a vanilla perfume! Any experts about??

102 replies

LittleBoxesOnAHillside · 05/10/2023 20:59

Am considering a blind buy of Laura Mercier's Vanille, can't get to a John Lewis at the moment and our Boots don't stock it.

I already have Milk Musk by Molten Brown but there's something in there that I really don't get along with, plus it really doesn't last. I like a mature, sensual scent, can be gourmand, but I would prefer non-unisex.
I want a warm hug with a bit of ambiguity. Sweet yet subtle. Somewhat multifaceted, but each note needs to sing. So this is a winter thing, so not particularly fresh but not oriental either.

Perfumes that I just don't get along with or fade too quickly:
By the Fireside (just harsh on me).
All Byredo and Diptyque!
All Jo Malone.
Chanel and Dior.

What I do get along with, at least historically:
Cookies and Cashmere (clinique?).
Body Shop's blue musk - but it does not last aaagh!
Orange soleia by Guerlain (but for summer only, and again no longevity).
Some rose scents.

I am not a perfume snob and love Lidl's Chantou, it actually sticks around, but it isn't quite 'me'. I am happy to pay up to £80 or thereabouts.

OP posts:
Newmumtoo1 · 07/10/2023 08:44

I was on the quest for the perfect vanilla
perfume and have tried many of the ones suggested. I ended up getting the vanillary perfume from lush in the end, so that may be worth a try x

Cherubimbum · 07/10/2023 08:54

Casmir by Chopard is my go to for vanilla notes

Hopeandmoss · 07/10/2023 09:08

@HappyLittleLentil as soon as I read your post I could smell it! Scent of my youth much missed!

BigButtons · 07/10/2023 09:10

1000umbrellas · 05/10/2023 21:05

Thierry Mugler Angel is very vanilla-y

Our nose are funny. I love vanillas but that one literally smells like rancid sweat to me!

DramaAlpaca · 07/10/2023 10:27

BigButtons · 07/10/2023 09:10

Our nose are funny. I love vanillas but that one literally smells like rancid sweat to me!

Show quote history

Yes, it's funny. I absolutely love Angel, it's a complex and fascinating scent, but to me it doesn't have any vanilla (or sweaty!) notes in it at all.

ButtercupsBluebells · 07/10/2023 10:35

Funny you should say that about Angel! Vanilla is my favourite smell and I can't stand Angel. My mum hates the smell of vanilla but loves Angel!

BigButtons · 07/10/2023 10:35

DramaAlpaca · 07/10/2023 10:27

Yes, it's funny. I absolutely love Angel, it's a complex and fascinating scent, but to me it doesn't have any vanilla (or sweaty!) notes in it at all.

Show quote history

It is very popular. I must confess it makes me nauseous when others wear it. It’s like a sweaty ouch in the nose!

Crikeyalmighty · 07/10/2023 10:36

I find quite a few of the Victoria secret sprays (rather than perfumes) are very vanilla, the Amber one I use is

Firstshoes · 07/10/2023 10:38

DD wears the billie eilish one in the bronze bottle the shape of a body. Very vanillary and lasts all day!

onceuponatimelived · 09/01/2025 03:48

Victoria Secret - Tease

Blueuggboots · 09/01/2025 03:53

Have you tried salt caramel by Shay and Blue?

Pigeon31 · 09/01/2025 04:24

Lalique le Parfum is a dry, herbal vanilla. Might be worth a try - v good value also

bumblebeessarecool · 09/01/2025 05:07

Did anyone mention Gorgeous Orchid by Gucci?

squishee · 09/01/2025 06:17

TotalOverhaul · 05/10/2023 21:25

Vanille Tonka by Nicolai might sit you as the Tonka bean scent is slightly spicy so more sensual.

Oh that sounds lovely. I love tonka. Have heard a chef describe it as vanilla's brother who smokes (ugh) and rides a motorbike.

ArielManto43 · 09/01/2025 09:58

Bianco Latte by Giardini di Toscana is very popular at present - nothing particularly original, but very nicely put together.

I gave a sample to a friend, who really prefers old fashioned green chypres, and she contacted me a couple of weeks later to say she had put some onto a scarf and was now unexpectedly addicted to it.

Crikeyalmighty · 09/01/2025 10:00

@onceuponatimelived a favourite of mine!!

GettingStuffed · 09/01/2025 10:01

Another vote for Floral Street wild orchid and vanilla. I can smell it even though I have a bad sense of smell since covid.

LoafofSellotape · 09/01/2025 11:04

I would suggest Lush hair milk, it is SO long lasting and strong you'll smell it untill your next hair wash. Can also be used as a body spray. If I liked vanilla I would love it.

Jins · 09/01/2025 11:07

Lush vanillary is worth a sniff

AsFunAsEnglishWeather · 09/01/2025 11:16

My daghter wears this & it's lovely - Kayali by Huda Beauty:

www.cultbeauty.co.uk/p/kayali-vanilla-28-eau-de-parfum-various-sizes/13625343/

Salacia · 09/01/2025 11:33

I love Juliette has a gun - Vanilla vibes. The seasalt cuts through the vanilla so it’s not too sweet/you don’t smell like a bakery and it lasts ages on me. It’s potentially a bit out of budget but looks like there might be some January sale offers on at the moment?

wintersgold · 09/01/2025 14:56

Have you tried Guerlain? Will be more than £80 but they're very long lasting so will work out well when it comes to cost per wear