The note that once lived in the background of every ‘pretty’ perfume has stepped into its femme fatale era, transforming into one of the most seductive gourmand scents. As perfume lovers lean into richer, moodier blends, vanilla has evolved from comforting to complex. Unexpected formulas that blend vanilla with smoke, leather, spice and boozy warmth are all the rage this season.
Don’t get me wrong; these new vanilla scents are still familiar and endlessly wearable, but now they carry a darker pulse that goes beyond the bright dessert notes dominating last year’s shelves. If you’re ready to meet the bolder side of a classic, these fragrances deserve a prime spot on your 2026 wishlist.
Vanilla with a Middle Eastern edge, this oud-rich fragrance by Kayali is far from your average sugary gourmand. It has a warm, addictive sweetness you’d expect from a vanilla scent, but the oud gives it a bit of bite, while the rose keeps it elegant. The result is a dark, enveloping gourmand scent that feels indulgent, instead of frosting and sprinkles. If you love vanilla but want it moodier, smokier and a little grown-up, this is the one you’ll keep reaching for on late nights out.
One of the reasons Burberry Goddess Intense stands out in the vanilla universe is its layered take on the note. Instead of relying on a single vanilla, it builds its richness through a trio from the original Goddess, then deepens it further with a smoky vanilla wood that gives the scent its ‘Intense’ mood. The lavender softens the edges a tad bit, but the overall vibe is still warm, velvety and decadent. It’s sweet, yes, but with a lot more depth and dimension.
Who doesn’t love a coffee and vanilla pairing? Inviting and addictive, like your favourite iced latte, this scent slips easily from workdays to date nights without ever feeling over the top. The hint of peach adds a gentle brightness up top and the vetiver adds a subtle earthiness that keeps things interesting. The coffee and vanilla, on the other hand, give it a fuller depth that’s perfect for winter evenings spent with a special someone.
There’s nothing vanilla about this vanilla scent. Inspired by the vanilla orchid rather than dessert-style vanilla, it has a gentle floral warmth with a touch of spice and a hint of woodiness that keeps it feeling light and new. Even though it would be a top pick as a daytime fragrance, it still has enough depth to carry into an evening plan. You truly can’t go wrong with it.
This is vanilla but turned up a notch. Chopard’s Vanille Malika Eau de Parfum is intense, layered and unapologetically bold. It brings together bourbon vanilla, pink pepper and patchouli in a composition that feels almost incense-like. The result is a fragrance with real presence—deep, smoky vanilla rounded out by spice and earthiness. It’s not one you forget easily, and it’s perfect for evenings when you want to stand out.
For those who love a little spice with their sweetness, Vanille Malika is a gourmand with drama. Vanilla is the star, but it’s given character by pink pepper, incense and sandalwood, which add heat and intrigue. Feminine and sensual, it’s a fragrance that feels mysterious and magnetic, made for romantic evenings or whenever you want your perfume to do the talking.
Vanilla is not always synonymous with ‘soft’; and this scent proves it. Chopard Vanille Malika mixes its vanilla core with pink pepper, incense and patchouli, giving it a warm, slightly spicy edge that is instantly distinctive. The sandalwood in the base smooths everything out, giving it a confident, amber-gourmand vibe that works beautifully for evenings, especially when you want your perfume to feel a little more unique than the usual sugary vanilla. It’s warm, textured and surprisingly versatile, perfect for after-hour parties, date nights or any time you want vanilla with character.
Fruity gourmands are having a moment; and they go surprisingly well with vanilla. This Gucci fragrance opens with a bright, juicy burst of litchi and mandora, giving it an instant hit of playfulness. But underneath all the fruitiness, there’s a warm vanilla base that ties everything together. The plum and creamy florals add a deeper, slightly sensual layer, while patchouli and vetiver round it off with a soft, woody finish. It’s the scent you reach for when you want something fun and feminine, but still grounded with a hint of warmth.
This one’s a classic for a reason. It blends fruity, juicy notes with a dark and decadent side. It starts with the brightness of blackcurrant and bergamot on top, but has a richer Vanilla Bourbon running through the heart. The jasmine adds a smooth floral thread without making it too soft, while the resin in the base gives the vanilla a deeper, amber-like warmth. Every spritz feels like a full-bodied vanilla wrapped around a fruity spark.

