As a pastry chef, it’s a no brainer I’m fond of perfumes that fall into what the fragrance world categorizes as the Gourmand group of perfumes. This means foodie notes – and predictably that often includes vanilla, fruits (peaches, grapefruit), berries, caramel, chocolate, coffee, tea, and often times a healthy dose of sugar or honey. It can also include spices. At the least, if you choose a vanilla or gourmand perfume, it’s low calorie indulgence.
But there’s nothing more heartwarming, especially in the chilly seasons, than vanilla-based perfumes. More often than not, I’m stopped and asked what I’m wearing. Yes, I live a red carpet of scent – the what are you wearing to me is never about Gucci or Zak Posen, and my answer is usually, I’m wearing Guerlain, Chanel and other perfumers. Nothing is more flattering than to wear a scent that doesn’t overwhelm or upstage but instead, has people stopped in their tracks and asking you what your fragrance is.
Of course, a lot depends on which vanilla perfume you choose (no one wants to smell like a cookie or cupcake….or do they?) but if you are open to it, you’ll find there’s something in the vanilla/gourmand spectrum that’s sure to please. There’s pretty well a vanilla scent for every personality out there or your many moods or personas. I’ve worn every perfume on this list and I’ve also been known to tuck a vial of vanilla oil in my purse for a quick dab, en route to tango or touch my wrists with Nielsen Massey Double Strength Madagascar Vanilla.
