How to Smell Like Vanilla: Home & Body Fragrance Ideas

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Give off a sweet or sultry aroma with these vanilla-scented products
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Vanilla is one of the most well-loved scents out there, and many people gravitate toward this warm, comforting fragrance. If you’re one of these vanilla enthusiasts, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a thorough guide on how to smell like vanilla, including popular vanilla-scented perfumes and body products you can buy, as well as a few DIY options. We’ll also go over how to make your home smell like vanilla, so keep reading!

If you want to smell like vanilla, try using a vanilla-scented perfume or body mist, like Kayali’s Vanilla 28, Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille, or Skylar’s Vanilla Sky. For a DIY option, try mixing a few drops of vanilla essential oil with jojoba oil, then dabbing this mixture on your wrists and behind your ears.

Section 1 of 5:

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  1. Kay Ali Vanilla 28 perfume combines the nostalgic sweetness of vanilla with rich notes of amber and musk. The result is a delicious-smelling vanilla perfume with a bit more of an elegant and grown-up vibe. [1] Key notes include Madagascar vanilla, brown sugar, and amber. [2]
    • Pros: Layers well with other scents, popular and well-loved scent
    • Cons: May fade throughout the day, pretty pricey
    • Customer Ratings: 4.1 star average on Amazon.com
  2. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum is a bold, unisex take on a vanilla scent. It combines sweet elements like tonka bean and cocoa with the smokiness of tobacco and wood sap, leaving you with a warm and spicy scent, perfect for cozy winter evenings. [3] Key notes include tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, dry fruit accords, and wood sap. [4]
    • Pros: Unisex, long lasting, bold
    • Cons: Very pricey, can be polarizing (people either love it or hate it) [5]
    • Customer Ratings: 4.4 star average on Amazon.com
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  3. By Rosie Jane Dulce Eau de Parfum is a lighter, airier version of typical vanilla perfumes, so it’s a great option if you like vanilla scents but don’t want something overly sweet. Key notes include vanilla, chocolate, musk, and Hinoki wood. [6]
    • Pros: Clean and natural ingredients, also comes in body wash and perfume oil
    • Cons: A little bit pricey
    • Customer Ratings: 4.1 star average on Amazon.com
  4. In Lavanila's Pure Vanilla Perfume , Madagascar vanilla, tonka bean, and heliotrope come together to create a sweet, creamy and softly floral scent. [7] If you enjoy the perfume and want to go all in, Lavanilla sells deodorant and candles with the same scent as well!
    • Pros: Cruelty free, all-natural, reasonably priced
    • Cons: Some reviewers mention that it needs to be reapplied throughout the day
    • Customer Ratings: 4.2 star average on Amazon.com
  5. Skylar Vanilla Sky Eau de Parfum is a delicious-smelling vanilla perfume with notes of cappuccino, cinnamon, and caramelized cedar. Like all of Skylar’s perfumes, it’s hypoallergenic and made of clean ingredients, so it’s perfect for those who have allergies or sensitive skin. [8] Skylar also sells a candle with the same scent , if you want to match your home’s scent with the perfume you’re wearing.
    • Pros: Cruelty free, vegan, clean ingredients, hypoallergenic
    • Cons: Some feel like it’s more of a fall/winter (rather than year-round) scent
    • Customer Ratings: 4.5 star average on Amazon.com
  6. Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk Eau de Parfum uses two different types of vanilla—Madagascar vanilla bean extract and bourbon vanilla bean—which makes it the perfect scent for vanilla lovers. It also comes in less expensive travel and mini sizes , so you can test it out before buying a larger bottle. It’s also designed to work with your body’s heat and chemistry in order to smell even better after it's applied. [9]
    • Pros: Subtle, not overpowering, sophisticated
    • Cons: Some people may prefer a stronger or more intense scent
    • Customer Ratings: 4.1 star average on Amazon.com
  7. If you want to try out a vanilla scent but you tend to gravitate toward fruity or floral fragrances, the 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods Eau de Parfum may be the one for you. It has the typical base notes of vanilla, amber, and caramel that you’d expect with a vanilla perfume, but it also has notes of juicy pear and rose to brighten things up. The result is a delicious-smelling, youthful, and fresh scent. [10]
    • Pros: Fresh, fruity and floral, long lasting
    • Cons: Scent doesn’t work with everyone’s body chemistry [11]
    • Customer Ratings: 4.1 star average on Amazon.com
  8. This unisex take on a vanilla fragrance is earthy, smoky, and complex. Along with the vanilla, it’s got notes of cardamom, grapefruit tea accord, and vetiver bourbon, making for a very elegant and mature scent profile. If you’re looking for a vanilla fragrance that’s a bit more unique and unexpected, give Jo Malone’s Vetiver and Golden Vanilla Cologne a try! [12]
    • Pros: Unique, grown-up feel, luxurious
    • Cons: Not your typical vanilla scent (some may find it too earthy or masculine)
    • Customer Ratings: 5.0 star average on Amazon.com
  9. This sensual perfume has been popular for a very long time—it was first created by perfumer Jacques Guerlain in 1921. With its unique blend of vanilla, bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose, tonka beans, and balsam notes, Shalimar is a complex and ambery scent that’s bound to turn heads. [13]
    • Pros: Complex, sensual, classic scent
    • Cons: A bit pricey, some may feel like the other notes overwhelm the vanilla
    • Customer Ratings: 4.6 star average on Amazon.com
  10. Musician Billie Eilish’s perfume , appropriately named “Eilish,” is a warm and cozy vanilla scent with notes of mandarin, cocoa, and musk. The striking bronze packaging also looks beautiful displayed on a shelf or vanity in your bedroom. [14]
    • Pros: Soft, sweet scent, reasonably priced
    • Cons: Some people may not like the unique packaging
    • Customer Ratings: 4.6 star average on Amazon.com
  11. Phlur Vanilla Skin body mist is a warm, slightly spicy, and unique take on a vanilla scent. It contains notes of pink pepper, sandalwood, cashmere, and sugar, resulting in a one-of-a-kind vanilla fragrance. [15]
    • Pros: Unisex, doubles as a hair perfume, great value for price
    • Cons: Can smell slightly of alcohol if you use too much at once
    • Customer Ratings: 4.1 star average on Amazon.com
  12. Try Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist if you prefer a tropical summery fragrance, rather than a cozy fall or winter one. Along with vanilla, the scent has notes of sandalwood, pistachio, caramel, and jasmine petals. [16] And, if you end up loving it, you can also get a body cream with the same fragrance!
    • Pros: Summery, unique, reasonably priced
    • Cons: Some may find it too sweet
    • Customer Ratings: 4.6 star average on Amazon.com
  13. If you’re looking for a light, summery option that’s a bit less expensive than the Sol De Janeiro body mist, Pacifica’s Island Vanilla Hair Perfume and Body Spray may be perfect for you. It has notes of Tahitian vanilla and honey, and it’s also cruelty-free, vegan, and made of clean ingredients. [17]
    • Pros: Least expensive option on this list, summery scent, cruelty free
    • Cons: Some reviewers mention that it’s not super long lasting
    • Customer Ratings: 4.2 star average on Amazon.com
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Section 2 of 5:

Vanilla Scented Bath & Body Products

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  1. If you love vanilla perfumes and body mists, you may want to try out a vanilla-scented body wash, too. The warmth and sweetness of vanilla fragrances create a super comforting bath or shower experience, and it also leaves you smelling delicious. Here are some popular options to try out:
    • Native Coconut & Vanilla Body Wash
      • Pros: Clean ingredients, hydrates skin, subtle and sweet scent
      • Cons: Some reviewers feel that the coconut overpowers the vanilla
      • Customer Ratings: 4.6 star average on Amazon.com [18]
    • Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake 3-In-1
      • Pros: 3-in-1 formula works as a shampoo, shower gel, or bubble bath, nostalgic birthday cake scent
      • Cons: A bit pricier for a shower gel, some may find the scent too sweet
      • Customer Ratings: 4.5 star average on Amazon.com
    • Pacifica Island Vanilla Body Wash
      • Pros: Soothing ingredients like aloe, lavender, and white tea, scent also comes in a body mist
      • Cons: Some reviewers mention that the scent doesn’t last as long as they’d like it to
      • Customer Ratings: 4.3 star average on Amazon.com [19]
  2. A good body-care routine usually includes a body lotion or cream to keep your skin hydrated, so why not kill two birds with one stone and get a vanilla scented moisturizer? You’ll get super soft and smooth skin that also smells amazing. Here are some products to try out:
    • Native Coconut & Vanilla Body Lotion
      • Pros: Silicone, dye, and paraben free, lightweight, inexpensive, scent comes in a body wash as well
      • Cons: Comes in a large bottle (not travel friendly)
      • Customer Ratings: 4.5 star average on Amazon.com [20]
    • Eos Vanilla Cashmere Body Lotion
      • Pros: Contains moisturizing shea butter and shea oil, lightweight, non-greasy formula
      • Cons: Some reviewers find the caramel notes to be a bit too sweet
      • Customer Ratings: 4.7 star average on Amazon.com
    • Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
      • Pros: Firms and tightens skin, deeply moisturizes, comes in a body mist
      • Cons: A bit pricier than other options
      • Customer Ratings: 4.5 star average on Amazon.com [21]
  3. Hair tends to hold onto your shampoo’s scent, so if you really want to smell like vanilla, it’s a good idea to invest in a vanilla-scented shampoo. If you pair it with a vanilla scented hair perfume (like Phlur’s Vanilla Skin or Pacifica’s Island Vanilla ), your tresses are bound to give off a delicious aroma.
    • Native Coconut and Vanilla Shampoo & Conditioner Set
      • Pros: Comes in a body wash, lotion, and deodorant, so you can have a full routine of products with the same scent
      • Cons: Some reviewers mention that the conditioner isn’t as moisturizing as they hoped
      • Customer Ratings: 4.5 star average on Amazon.com
    • Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
      • Pros: Vanilla amber scent, contains hyaluronic acid and squalane for moisture
      • Cons: Pricier than other options
      • Customer Ratings: 4.5 star average on Amazon.com [22]
    • Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Strengthening + Smoothing Shampoo
      • Pros: Very moisturizing, comes in a body mist and body cream if you want to coordinate scents
      • Cons: A bit pricey, some may find the caramel and pistachio notes to be too sweet
      • Customer Ratings: 4.5 star average on Amazon.com [23]
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Section 3 of 5:

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  1. If you’re looking for an all-natural, DIY way to make yourself smell like vanilla, try making your own vanilla-scented perfume oil. The process is super simple—just dilute vanilla essential oil in a carrier oil like jojoba oil , then rub the mixture into your pulse points on your body. A dab behind your ears, on your wrists, and on your inner elbows should leave you smelling delicious! [24] Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to make it:
    • Gather your materials. You’ll need a small rollerball bottle (to store your perfume oil in), vanilla essential oil, two pipettes or glass droppers , and a carrier oil (like jojoba oil or almond oil).
    • You’ll want to follow a 20% to 80% ratio of essential oil to carrier oil. To do this, use one pipette to add 20 drops of vanilla essential oil to the dropper bottle, then use the other pipette to add 80 drops of carrier oil.
    • Shake it up, and that’s it! You have vanilla perfume oil. [25]
    • Note: Most vanilla essential oil will actually contain synthetic ingredients, since you can’t technically get pure “essential oil” from vanilla beans. [26] If you want something entirely natural, you can try using vanilla extract (but it may not last as long), or vanilla infusions (which can be a bit expensive).
  2. If you want the freedom to incorporate a few other notes in your DIY vanilla scent, you may want to try making your own body mist . Here’s how to do it:
    • Add 1 cup (236 mL) distilled water and 1 tbsp (15 mL) witch hazel to a small spray bottle.
    • Add 20-30 drops of the essential oils of your choice. For example, you could do 20 drops of vanilla essential oil, then 10 drops of another scent like orange , cinnamon , or lavender essential oil, to create a more complex scent. Feel free to get creative and experiment!
    • Close the spray bottle tightly and shake it up.
    • And that’s it! Use the mixture like any other body spray. [27]
  3. If you don’t like wearing perfume or spraying a scent on your body, DIY vanilla sachets may be just the thing for you. These pouches are filled with a mix of rice, dried flowers or spices, and essential oils, and you can put them in your drawers to lightly perfume your clothes with their pleasant scent. [28] Here’s how to make them:
    • Cut the fabric of your choice into small square pieces—about 8 by 8 inches (20 by 20 centimeters) should be perfect.
    • Add a handful of dried rice to a bowl, then add in any dried herbs or flowers you’d like (such as lavender, rose petals, dried cloves, or cardamom seeds).
    • Add 1-2 drops of vanilla essential oil, and mix everything together. Continue adding drops of essential oil until you reach your desired level of scent.
    • Use a spoon to scoop a bit of the rice mixture into the center of one fabric square.
    • Gather up all the sides of the fabric and tie them together with a ribbon to make your pouch. If you don’t have a ribbon, use a hair tie or rubber band instead.
    • Place your sachet in a drawer with your clothes to perfume them with its scent. [29]
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Section 4 of 5:

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  1. Scented candles are probably the quickest and easiest way to fill your home with a vanilla aroma. Luckily, there are tons of vanilla-scented candles out there, so you’ll have a wide range of choices, whether you prefer something warm, cozy, sweet, spicy, sweet, or tropical.
  2. A wax warmer heats up scented wax until it melts, so that its aroma fills the room. It’s essentially like a candle without the wick or flame. If you have a wax warmer, simply add some vanilla-scented wax melts , turn it on, and let the machine do its thing!
  3. Vanilla-scented room sprays are a great fire-free way to make your home smell like vanilla. They’re easy to use, generally affordable, and a good option if you live in a dorm or apartment building where you’re not allowed to light candles due to the fire hazard.
  4. If you have an essential oil diffuser (or are looking to purchase one), you can easily use it to make your home smell like vanilla. Just diffuse some vanilla essential oil, and voila! Your home should be filled with a yummy vanilla fragrance.
    • Just make sure to follow the instructions that came with your specific essential oil diffuser, since different models may have different instructions.
  5. A stovetop potpourri or simmer pot fills your house with a pleasant fragrance, just like cooking something does. (The only difference is that you’re not supposed to eat your simmer pot recipe at the end!) Here’s how to make a festive and comforting one:
    • Add 1-2 cups of cranberries, 1 sliced orange, 2 vanilla pods, and a cinnamon stick to a large stock pot, then fill it up with water
    • Heat on the stove over low-medium heat until it starts to simmer
    • Reduce heat to low and let the pot continue simmering
    • Allow the pot to fill your house with its aroma and check on it regularly to see if it needs more water [30]
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Section 5 of 5:

FAQs about Vanilla Scents

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  1. The smell of vanilla is deeply nostalgic for many people. It reminds them of birthday cakes, ice cream shops, and childhood in general. Vanilla is definitely a sweet and pleasant scent on its own, but its association with comfort, youthfulness and a simpler time in life probably contribute to its popularity. [31]
  2. There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re trying to pick out the right vanilla scent for you. For example: [32]
    • Perfume type & intensity: Eau de toilettes and body mists are a bit lighter, while eau de parfums are more intense.
    • Other fragrance notes: Vanilla perfumes include a blend of other notes to create a unique scent. If you like simple, sweet vanilla fragrances, you’ll likely want something with notes of tonka bean, chocolate, or caramel. If you prefer something more complex and less obviously vanilla, you may want to look for something that includes musky, woodsy, spicy, or floral notes.
    • Occasion & wearability: Vanilla is pretty much a universally-loved scent, so you should be good to wear it in most situations. However, some vanilla perfumes are pretty spicy and warm, which means they may feel more suited to the fall and winter months. Others contain tropical notes, so they feel more appropriate for summertime or daytime wear.
    • Price: Eau de parfums tend to be the most expensive, while eau de toilettes are slightly less pricey. Body mists and body sprays are usually the least expensive option. [33]
  3. Vanilla pairs well with a wide range of scents, including lavender, orange, musk, amber, cinnamon, honey, caramel, coconut, tonka, and woodsy notes. [34]
  4. Yes, vanilla is a well-loved, popular scent, and many people are drawn to it. In fact, in a study conducted by scientists from the University of Oxford and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, 225 subjects from all around the world were presented with 10 scents, and all of them agreed that fresh vanilla was their favorite. [35] So, if you’re trying to impress a special someone, a vanilla-scented fragrance should be a safe bet!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      2. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/g41818693/best-vanilla-perfume/
      3. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      4. ↑ https://www.tomfordbeauty.com/product/tobacco-vanille-eau-de-parfum
      5. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      6. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      7. ↑ https://www.lavanila.com/products/the-healthy-fragrance-pure-vanilla?srsltid=AfmBOoqM9yScrsF9M_J8vN-R9gOVAYzcqRd-nDyNABhfoxMwlzNtU1vE
      8. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      9. ↑ https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/g41690699/best-vanilla-perfume/
      1. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      2. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/g41818693/best-vanilla-perfume
      3. ↑ https://www.jomalone.com/product/25946/110768/colognes/vetiver-golden-vanilla-cologne-intense
      4. ↑ https://www.guerlain.com/us/en-us/p/shalimar-eau-de-parfum-P011355.html
      5. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/g41818693/best-vanilla-perfume/
      6. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/g60257011/best-body-mists
      7. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/g41818693/best-vanilla-perfume
      8. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/g36805551/hair-perfume
      9. ↑ https://www.thequalityedit.com/articles/native-body-wash-review
      10. ↑ https://nichefashion.org/best-vanilla-body-washes/
      11. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/best-smelling-body-lotions
      12. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/a60824969/brazilian-bum-bum-cream-reviews/
      13. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/g61428482/best-smelling-shampoos
      14. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/sol-de-janeiro
      15. ↑ https://volantaroma.com/blogs/guides/vanilla-essential-oil-guide
      16. ↑ https://www.immortalperfumes.com/blog/how-to-make-perfume
      17. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/the-truth-about-vanilla-essential-oil/
      18. ↑ https://www.thankyourbody.com/natural-body-spray-recipe/
      19. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/crafts-diy/a85361/diy-drawer-sachets/
      20. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/crafts-diy/a85361/diy-drawer-sachets/
      21. ↑ https://aquaintlife.com/homemade-stove-top-potpourri/
      22. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/niche-vanilla-fragrances
      23. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      24. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      25. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/best-vanilla-perfumes-7370738
      26. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/04/opinion/vanilla-cooking-climate-change.html

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