scent notes: vanilla
Gents focuses
In our guide to fragrance notes, we present the luxurious and warm vanilla, a note that adds sweetness, creaminess and richness. Sometimes the fragrance note can take centre stage, but mostly it is used to complement and balance other notes.
Vanilla has its historical origins in Mexico and came to Europe via the explorers in the 16th century, where, along with other spices, it quickly became synonymous with luxury. In the context of perfumery, the scent is mainly extracted from extracts or crystals and the main vanilla today comes from Madagascar, which is the largest producer although it is grown in several other places in the world.
Vanilla is a sweet and warm note that adds richness to a perfume. Sometimes it can play the main role, but mostly it is used to complement and balance other notes or just to add a little sweetness or creaminess to the mix, sometimes together with other sweet notes such as tonka bean, sugar or honey.
examples of fragrances with vanilla
There are few perfumes that smell only of pure vanilla, but there are even more that have hints of vanilla to varying degrees, and in different ways, depending on how much creamy sweetness you want and what kind of sweetness you want.
A good example of a highly concentrated vanilla scent is Profumum Roma's Vanitas, which almost delivers a crunchy, burnt and balsamic vanilla sweetness, while the more summery Zucchero from the same brand turns vanilla into spun sugar thanks to its mix of berry, fresh complementary accords. A strong, prominent sweet vanilla also characterises Turkish Nishane's bestseller ANI, but on a dark, almost 'wintry' base of ambergris, musk, wood and spices. Perfect for those who prefer vanilla balanced with dark, deep chords.
Mixing vanilla with floral notes to create a sweet floral scent experience is common and can be done in many ways. Abu Dhabi brand Widian is particularly adept at this, as in the fresh Rose Arabia White (with musk, white flowers, vanilla and peach) and the heavier, richer Baniyas. Indeed, vanilla in combination with flowers tends to evoke a sensual, exotic feel that prevents a floral scent from becoming too "nice" and old-fashioned romantic (unless that's what you want). Sweetness is also found in the brand's more discreet Black II from the softer Black range, where vanilla adds character to an otherwise rather fresh and light composition.
Moving on to the fresher side of things, it's hard to beat Xerjoff Naxo's unique blend of vanilla, tonka bean, tobacco and honey creates a fresh, summery but sweet palette - an obvious crowd favourite for years.
Finally, let's not miss the category where vanilla and sweetness are given the chance to be brought to the fore - namely sweet gourmets. Here, Xerjoff Casamoratis Lira is a classic for both sexes, where a soft, creamy vanilla combined with caramel toffee is topped by a fresh, tart lemon pie (created by fruity notes). Also soft in the vanilla character is the House of Ouds Golden Powder, whose gourmand vanilla note is mixed with musk and appears creamy and smooth despite actually having spices and oud in the base. More extreme in its gourmand experience (here in the form of a cinema) is What About Pop from the same brand, where the vanilla is complemented by cream, warm butter and woody caramel popcorn.
So, that's a little digression about vanilla. Join us in our review of the different fragrance notes of the perfume world.