If you’d asked me this time last year, I’d have told you that gourmand fragrances were not for me, and that vanilla was my least favourite fragrance note. I was firmly in the rose scent camp and had no intention of exploring elsewhere, until a certain fragrance landed on my doorstep.
Gourmand scents are ones comprised of an edible note, most commonly a sweet one. Think vanilla, caramel, strawberry… you get the idea. Until recently, I classed them as sickly and off-putting - images of my school days with The Body Shop Vanilla Body Mist haunting my mind.
Then PHLUR hit the fragrance landscape and I smelt Vanilla Skin. It immediately became my go-to scent and I dared to open my mind and try some more gourmand scents. No longer were the fragrances sickly sweet and dated. Instead, there was a whole world of interesting, complex gourmand scents that I wanted to spray all over me. Don’t get me wrong, there are still some terrible ones out there, but consider this article a guide to the best beguiling, interesting gourmand fragrances that you just have to smell.
Before I share them with you, I spoke to two experts - Victoria Corrales, PHLUR’s SVP of product development, and Jonnie Swarbrick, Fragrance du Bois creative director - in order to understand the gourmand fragrance world better.
Can You Layer Gourmand Fragrances and What Combinations Go Well Together?
Both Jonnie Swarbrick and Victoria Corrales say that gourmand fragrances are great for layering. Jonnie says that combining them “allows you to personalise your scent, and gourmand fragrances are particularly versatile”. “When layering, balance is essential - combine a sweeter gourmand base with fresh or spicy top layers to add dimension. This technique enhances the depth of the gourmand without becoming overwhelming.”
Victoria agrees that balance is essential when layering. She advises you do this by “pairing the warmth and sweetness of a gourmand with something fresh, floral, or even woody to add depth and complexity.” I’m a great fan of fragrance layering, as you can create something really unique, or simply just enhance certain notes in your favourite fragrance.
What Is So Appealing to People About a Gourmand Scent?
Victoria Corrales believes that “gourmand scents have the ability to be comforting and decadent, almost like a sensory treat for yourself. There’s something so universal about the allure of sweetness - it reminds us of special moments, indulgent treats, or even the simple joy of a cozy day. I think it’s fun to feel 'edible' too - desired, decadent.”
Jonnie Swarbrick thinks they have the same appeal - “they resonate with our innate sense of comfort and nostalgia, often evoking memories of indulgent treats or celebratory moments. The brain associates these sweet, edible notes with pleasure and satisfaction, making them universally appealing.“
Do Gourmand Scents Work For Both Day and Night Wear?
I wear gourmand fragrances day and night, and feel they effortlessly transition between the two. Jonnie explains that “during the day, their sweet, comforting notes feel soft and approachable, adding an understated elegance to casual or professional settings. At night, their deeper, richer facets emerge, creating a warm and sophisticated aura ideal for evening events or intimate occasions. This seamless adaptability is part of their charm, allowing them to complement the wearer’s lifestyle, no matter the time of day.”
Victoria advises that you think about the different notes in the fragrances, and that their day and night suitability will depend on their composition or on how they’re layered. She says that “during the day, you might gravitate towards lighter, more playful gourmand notes, and for the evening, choose gourmand scents with deeper, richer notes - like tonka bean, or sugared amber - to create a more indulgent, sultry mood.“
What Gourmand Notes are Especially Popular at the Moment?
Vanilla is definitely having a moment right now, and there’s more to come. Victoria Corrales from PHLUR says that she’s “also seeing consumers loving whipped, lactonic scents that are reminiscent of chantilly cream. PHLUR’s Heavy Cream is testament to this new obsession. Similarly, they seem to gravitate towards marshmallows, or pastry characteristics with buttery or toasted notes.”
Fragrance du Bois’ Jonnie Swarbrick has noticed that current “trending notes include caramel, cherry, and creamy sandalwood - all of which provide a balance of sweetness and sophistication. In Fragrance du Bois Voyage À Paris, gourmand vanilla is beautifully enhanced by smoky cedar and cognac-inspired oak fusion, embodying a modern, luxurious interpretation of the gourmand fragrance family. These combinations appeal to contemporary tastes while maintaining an indulgent, elegant quality.”
Beauty Editor Approved Gourmand Fragrances
I’m in love with Jo Malone’s Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense. It’s a rich scent that’s warm and comforting to the wearer, and alluring to those smelling it. It captures the essence of the Namib desert in Africa, with its hot air capturing the scents of everything nearby. Heady, complex and beguiling.
Notes: Top note of lavender, honey and camphor, combine with middle notes of Omumbiri myrrh and amber, and base notes of tonka bean, vanilla and almond.
Customer Review: “I’ve used the cologne for about 5 years and have lost count how many bottles I’ve had. The candles, diffusers, body crème, hand & body wash, everything in this scent is my go to! Always will be!"
Someone else who’s obsessed with my favourite PHLUR Vanilla Skin, is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger. She says that “after dousing myself in Angel in my teens, I sickened myself of gourmand fragrances. Now, however, I'm coming back round to them - so long as they have an underlying spiciness to balance them out. I wasn't looking for a new perfume when I smelt PHLUR’s Vanilla Skin in my local Space NK store, but it was so captivating, I immediately bought it. A delicious blend of creamy vanilla, pink pepper, sugar and sandalwood, the combination creates a scent that develops beautifully with wear. It also lasts longer than other perfumes I own which cost me much more. If you like receiving compliments, this perfume is a solid bet."
Notes: Top notes of sugar, pink pepper and apple, meet heart notes of cashmere wood, jasmine and lily. These are underscored with base notes of vanilla, sandalwood, agarwood, and benzoin.
Customer Review: “I bought the body mist and fell in love with it, so getting the EDP was a no-brainer! So glad I got this - it smells like a delicious woody vanilla with sugar sprinkled on top - perfect for the cold weather and my favourite vanilla scent by far. Great longevity and layers well with my other fragrances.”
Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden is captivated by Byredo’s Vanille Antique. She says that it’s “one of my most complimented gourmand perfumes. Vanilla scents often lean toward being overly sweet for me, but this one feels sophisticated and well-balanced—no sugar headache here. Instead, the vanilla note is warm and subtly honeyed, with a cosy amber glow that’s never overwhelming. It opens boldly, projecting beautifully for hours on end, before softening into a rich cashmere wood base. If you want an expensive-smelling and long-lasting vanilla scent, this is sure to win you over."
Notes: Top Notes of musk and plum, heart notes of labdanum and white wood, and base notes of vanilla and amber.
Customer Review: “Vanille Antique Eau de Parfum is a captivating and sophisticated fragrance. It opens with a rich, smoky blend of dark vanilla that feels luxurious yet mysterious. The perfume doesn’t lean too sweet, as it’s balanced with subtle hints of amber and earthy notes, giving it a more complex depth. On my skin, it warms into a comforting, slightly woody aroma, perfect for evening wear. This scent feels sensual and intimate, ideal for cold nights or special occasions where you want something distinct and enveloping. The longevity is impressive, lasting for hours without needing a reapplication. What stands out the most is how the vanilla feels more mature and elegant, far from the typical gourmand. Overall, Vanille Antique is a unique and opulent fragrance for those who appreciate a deeper, more refined take on vanilla.”
Remy Farrell, Who What Wear UK fashion editor is captivated by Maya Njie's Tropica - “I have never been one for sticky, sweet fragrances, but the most edible smelling perfume in my collection is Maya Njie's Tropica. Think of all the best bits of a beach holiday packed into a bottle - coconut, pineapple, fresh ocean breezes and creamy, sun tan lotioned skin. It reminds me of my favourite places in the world in just one spritz. Unlike classically sweet perfumes that can feel dense and thick, this is appetite-inducingly delicious while still being light enough to sparkle."
Notes: Citrus, Pineapple, Mediterranean Fig, Iris, Coconut, Ambergris, and Sandalwood.
Customer Review: “This perfume is truly transporting - every time I wear it I get compliments and feel like I'm on a tropical vacation.”
Cult fragrance YSL Black Opium has Who What Wear UK contributor Mollie Burdell’s heart. She says “the first perfume I remember falling completely in love with is YSL Black Opium, so it feels right to give it the spotlight. I'm the kind of person who is far from loyal to a particular fragrance as I get to try so many classic and emerging scents as part of my job, but it is often one I find myself coming back to. An oldie but a goldie, the fragrance lasts on my skin all day and aside from making me feel nostalgic whenever I wear it, the blend of coffee, vanilla, and delicate floral notes just works no matter the occasion.”
Notes: Top notes of pear, pink pepper and orange blossom. Middle notes of coffee, jasmine, bitter almond and licorice. Base notes of vanilla, patchouli, cashmere wood and cedar.
Customer Review: “This is my favourite perfume. It has a beautifully rich, sensual scent and I get so many compliments! The bottle is gorgeous and sparkly. Great for evening wear.”
KAYALI Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar 42 Eau de Parfum is freelance beauty and wellness editor Amerley Ollennu’s favourite. She says that “over the years, finding a gourmand scent I like has been reminiscent of Goldilocks and her hunt for the perfect porridge. Many have been too sweet, while others have been far too overpowering. Finally I discovered KAYALI Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar and it smells just right (to me). Edible notes of glazed candied pear, marshmallow, bubble gum and white caramel are perfectly paired with grounding hints of warm vanilla, and woody tonka bean, sandalwood, and patchouli. I like to think I smell like a sophisticated candy store, and I’m not mad about that at all.”
Notes: Top notes of vanilla, pear, marshmallow, rum, violet leaves and ylang-ylang, meet middle notes of bubblegum, jelly beans, caramel, jasmine and labdanum. Base notes of sugar, patchouli, tonka, cashmere wood, sandalwood and vetiver.
Customer Review: “This is such a lovely scent, especially when I mix it with my stronger more oudy scents! It gives a lovely feminine and sweet aura without being childish at all. Lovely for any mature person who wants to be just a little bit sweeter and that much more delightful!”
Freelance beauty editor Emma North’s favourite gourmand scent is Sabrina Carpenter’s Sweet Tooth - “For the longest time, I hated gourmand fragrances but Sabrina Carpenter’s Sweet Tooth set in motion a love affair I never knew I needed. Sweet, sugary and coquette-ish, this scent is uber girly and envelops you in a cloud of candy floss with every spritz. Admittedly I hate the bottle but, what’s inside is worth the sacrifice of having a pink plastic chocolate bar sitting atop my fragrance shelf. I wear it every time I’m on a date and want to feel my most feminine - it’s earned me lots of compliments!”
Notes: Top notes of bergamot, candied ginger and chocolate marshmallow. Heart notes of jasmine petals, coconut milk and madagascan vanilla. Base notes of cashmere wood, chantilly and sugared musks.
Customer Review: “I've been searching for a nice perfume for ages and finally found this one. It's sweet like vanilla and candy floss yet doesn't smell overwhelming or childish. The packaging is also beautiful and it's such a great bargain."
More of the Best Sophisticated Gourmand Fragrances:
An intoxicating fragrance designed for night wear. Exotic and sexy, with a hint of danger. Dare you?
Notes: Top notes of cardamom, pimento pepper and bergamot. Heart notes of caramel and coffee. Base notes of vetiver, cedarwood, cashmeran, cinnamon, tobacco, vanilla, musk, and the exclusive ‘Bourbon De Laire’.
Customer Review: “Everything you can ask for in a fragrance! Sweetness from the caramel and vanilla, warmth from the coffee, cinnamon and tobacco, the boozy vibe from the liquors, and the depth from the cedar, musk and vetiver. Blended to perfection. This is a must have for nearly anyone's fragrance wardrobe.”
This sweet, woody and floral fragrance is beautifully comforting and warming. It’s feminine and once you’ve smelt it, you want to keep smelling it.
Notes: Top notes of pink pepper, jasmine sambac and silkwood blossom. Heart notes of whipped cream, vanilla and chestnut. Base notes of sandalwood and cashmere wood.
Customer Review: “Always get so many compliments when I wear it. Suits everybody and is longlasting. 10/10.”
This delicate fragrance smells antique, in a good way. Like the young women of Jane Austen’s time, trawling the library shelves to find a romantic love poem.
Notes: Top notes of pistachio, caramel and star anis. Heart notes of vanilla blossom, coconut water and exotic orchid. Base notes of palo santo, vanilla bean and white suede.
Customer Review: “This fragrance is sweet and dreamy like when you wake up refreshed after a midday nap. It smells youthful. A bit like bedding, but not that clean scent. More like comfort, warmth, softness.”
This vanilla fragrance is sweet, yet very fresh and fruity too. One for those who want a vanilla that’s not too vanilla.
Notes: Top notes of almond, rum and bergamot. Heart notes of jasmine, heliotrope and cacao. Base notes of musk, vanilla and benzoin.
Customer Review: “I normally don't like vanilla scents but the rum intrigued me and I think this has a really lovely smell. You definitely get vanilla and rum, and it smells almost creamy and a little spicy, like nutmeg. It makes me hungry! But it's got a little something extra than your normal vanilla scents, and it's not overpowering. I really like wearing this during the day while working from home, as it's very comforting and wintery. I only wish it lasted a little longer - it's not terrible, by any means, but I wish the strength of the first hour had more stamina.”
Sweet like toffee, with an interesting spicy and citrusy sharpness. An entire sweet shop in one scent.
Notes: Lemon, toffee, vanilla, tonka bean, fenugreek, and myrtle.
Customer Review: “It opens with this surprising burst of syrupy, sherbet lemon with a bright, zesty, sugary experience that’s almost fizzy, like a firework explosion for the senses. It’s like a warm hug wrapped in a spoonful of candied citrus caramel, rich and delicious yet refreshing - a burst of happiness as the first note hits your senses. As the zesty bonbon note settles, it mellows down into a beautifully biscuity richness - a warm, buttery blend of tonka and butterscotch that’s sweet but not overly sugary or overpowering. Just decadent in the best way, with a comforting depth that draws you in.”
The most indulgent dessert that you'll never get full with. Sugary decadence at its finest.
Notes: Top notes of almond blossom and apple. Heart notes of Madagascan vanilla and heliotrope. Base notes of caramel, sugar, sandalwood, benzoin, and musk.
Customer Review: “I am in love with this perfume. Warm and sweet but with a base that’s more than just sugary. I love clean, sweet smells. The only way this could be any more delicious would be if they added macadamia. No powdery smell at all. I feel like I could spray loads and it wouldn't be overwhelming at all.”
Another seductive, sexy gourmand. This one isn’t playing any games and it’s here for the foreseeable.
Notes: Top notes of rum, myrrh, olibanum, saffron, coriander, lime, and orange. Heart notes of frangipani, artemisia, narcissus, rose, plum, barley, and coffee. Base notes of Madagascan vanilla, suede, tobacco, patchouli, oakmoss, violet, and mahogany wood.
Customer Review: “I love its smell of vanilla. with wood and coffee that are addictive for humans. I recommend using it at night as it gives a fascinating force and sensuality.”
A sweet, sugary lemon scent that will have you wondering when dessert is being served.
Notes: Base notes of lemon zest and rum. Heart notes of whipped cream and praline. Base notes of bourbon vanilla and brown sugar.
Customer Review: “This is the one! If you like lemon sugar scents. this is so sweet and lemony, yet deep and a bit gourmand.”
