Season 8, Episode 8: Our Five Favourite Vanillas

Okay, we all know vanilla has been trending for ages now, but WHY does it proveso popular? We think half the reason is the sheer diversity of vanillas available,and the incredibly high-quality materials perfumers are able to use these days.Plus the fact that vanilla continues to be one of the most universally adoredscents. Love them or loathe them, we feel sure there’s truly something for everytaste (and maybe some that will surprise or even shock you) in this week’sepisode...Now, obviously, we mean five favourites *each*, we couldn’t possibly containthem all to only five vanillas when there are SO many excellent varieties ofvanilla fragrances around these days. We have to say, though, f you’re a vanillanaysayer, please don’t shy away from this episode, as we’ve versions that seguefrom the just-launched and fabulously tobacco-filled, the sweetly tempting andaddictive you might expect, to the mind-blowingly modern and unlike any vanillayou’ve ever smelled.Encompassing hip-swivelling seduction, a stunning body butter, hugely powerfulfragrant talismans, and summery every-day wearability, there’s also a trulyaffordable modern classic vanilla – created by a Master Perfumer who trained atChanel, created scents for Frederic Malle, Guerlain, Gucci, Amouage andAtkinsons, but THIS one can be snapped up for under £30!While some of our top vanillas crossed over, we also surprised each other withsome of our choices. Now then, which have YOU tried or want to go and smellafter listening...?We discuss:D’Orsay Vanilla Affair ExtraitBy Nathalie Lorson‘Immerse yourself in the captivating mystique of D’ORSAY, with Vanilla Affairextrait de parfum transforming your everyday allure into one of intriguingelegance.Its scent – reminiscent of forbidden encounters and fierce passion – is infusedwith riveting notes of tobacco and tonka bean, deepened with a vanilla duo, andgrounded with a smoky base of white musks and patchouli. No matter theoccasion, its aromatic blend of exhilarating notes will elevate your essence withease.’The Body Shop Vanilla Body Butter‘This indulgent cream melts in beautifully, delivering up to 96 hours of hydrationwithout greasiness. Skin feels instantly softer, smoother and cared for. Thefragrance opens with juicy nashi pear and fresh coconut water, lifted by moodorchid. At its heart, rich Madagascar vanilla tincture blends with upcycled vanillinex rice, creamy milk and heliotrope for a smooth, enveloping warmth. It settlesinto a sensual base of vanilla absolute, sandalwood and second skin musk for along lasting, skin hugging finish. Every application is a warm, comforting routine.’Jovoy Fire at Will‘This perfume’s sweet promises echo around your like languorous kisses.Crafted by independent perfumer Vanina Murraciole, Fire at Will eau de parfumfrom JOVOY explores the duality of vanilla and mimosa – at once intense yetsubtle, seductive yet enchanting. The opening reveals an unexpected vanilla: airyand ethereal, lifted by honeyed, powdery mimosa. As it evolves, the vanillabecomes more gourmand and fruity, evoking the delicacy of real vanilla icecream while lingering with the allure of whispered promises.’Top Notes: Mimosa Absolut, Vanilla AbsolutMiddle Notes: Vanilla Sugar, Brown SugarBase Notes: White Musks, Amber VetiverMaison Louis Marie No.15 Vanille Infinie‘Vanille Infinie, a luxurious and sweet gourmand, is a celebration of hope andrenewal. No.15 Vanille Infinie unfolds as a warm, luminous composition, soft vanillalayered with citron, sugared amber and cashmere oud for gentle resinous warmth.The Eau de Parfum evolves naturally on skin, shifting with your body heat to reveala smooth, enveloping trail that feels both intimate and enduring.’Jeroboam Insulo‘For François Hénin, the founder of Jeroboam, vanilla has always been theabsolute weapon of seductive souls. The ingredient is recognized throughout theworld as an irresistible enticement to be devoured. Insulo (meaning ‘island’ inEsperanto) is used in this case as a code name for Madagascar, the island whichproduces perhaps the highest quality and most famous vanilla in the world.The olfactive pyramid of Insulo is incredibly simple with vanilla at the top, jasmineat the heart and the signature blend of enigmatic musks at the base. These fewnotes combine to produce a luxurious and irresistible.’AKRO Bake‘Bake is our addictive cupcake fragrance.Everyone has their own favourite sweet treat, and for Akro, it's the small, butperfectly delicious lemon cupcake—an item we just can’t resist any time we walkpast a good bakery. To honour our favourite cupcakes, we created BAKE, agourmand fragrance made up of Tart Lemon notes, followed by sweet Vanilla andrich, nutty Praline. BAKE is so good, you might not need that second cupcakeafter all.TOP: Lemon peelMIDDLE: Chantilly cream, PralineBASE: Brown sugar, Vanilla.’Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder‘A sophisticated take on vanilla, diffusing like a bright, soft cloud. I contrasteddark vanilla absolute with an overdose of modern white perfumer powders — asif the vanilla bean had been painted white.Palo Santo Oil Ecuador brings structure and verticality. The addictive character ofVanilla is reinforced by Coconut powder. White Musks envelop the Vanilla andpowders for a contemporary, luminous perfume.’ - Aurélien GuichardRochas TocadeOne of THE best vanillas if you’re on a budget. Or even if you’re not, come tothat!‘Originally launched in 1994, and composed by Maurice Roucel, Rochas Tocadeopens with a vibrant burst of bergamot and green notes, setting the stage for aheart that blooms with the rich aromas of rose, geranium, and magnolia. Thesefloral elements are beautifully balanced by the warmth of vanilla and amber,creating a harmonious blend that is both sensual and inviting. The base notes ofmusk and cedarwood add depth and longevity, ensuring that this enchantingfragrance lingers on your skin throughout the day.’