Once again, vanilla perfume is a fragrance trend. We would pretend to be surprised, but is there another fragrance note more perfect for the winter season? And despite being synonymous with “ordinary” and “boring” in other contexts, it’s clear that in the world of fragrance, vanilla is anything but.
Vanilla Perfume Is More Than Ordinary
Fresh and floral or warm and nostalgic, vanilla can be paired with any scent note to add depth and comfort.
“People are looking for warm, comforting scents, especially as we go into the cooler months,” says Dossier VP of Operations Ines Guien. “A fragrance that reminds you of a rich vanilla-infused pastry can be incredibly comforting and can transport you to happy memories.”
Beyond the cozy winter scents, vanilla also carries a sensual edge.
“Vanilla is considered an aphrodisiac to some cultures, and prized by others for its soothing, comforting properties,” says Yvan Jacqueline, president of the Americas for Parfums de Marly.
From Harvest to Bottle
Vanilla perfume starts its long journey with a flowering vine. The vanilla orchid is native to Mexico and is the number one source of vanilla worldwide. It wasn’t until the 18th century that manual pollination methods made this plant a viable ingredient source. This finicky plant is kept in ideal conditions as harvesters wait for it to flower.
The flowers are pollinated by hand, and the dried fruit pods, or beans, are harvested. Then, the beans are blanched, fermented, and sun-dried for months. This is why real vanilla is often pricey.
“Perhaps because vanilla is the second priciest spice in the world, after saffron, the vanilla you smell in many perfumes today is synthetic vanillin: clever chemists have worked to mimic the real thing – although the most gifted noses will probably tell you that real vanilla is earthier, with touches of treacle and a touch of ‘booziness,'” explains the Perfume Society.
Our Favorite Winter Vanilla Perfumes
