Best Vanilla Perfumes for Summer/Spring
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the *best* vanilla perfumes for summer.
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In recent years, there has been a notable shift in consumer preferences towards understated elegance and simplicity, commonly referred to as the quiet luxury trend. This shift is motivated by a desire for subtlety, as opposed to gaudy logos and conspicuous displays of wealth.
Quiet luxury brands capitalize on this trend by putting all their effort toward providing quality and craftmanship, offering personalized services, and using premium materials rather than using branding strategies. This trend has been popularized by social media, especially TikTok. The quiet luxury trend is also commonly referred to as “stealth wealth”.
The quiet luxury trend is a concept that emerged in the realm of luxury goods and experiences, emphasizing a more subtle and understated approach to luxury. It represents a shift away from overt displays of wealth and opulence towards a more refined, exclusive, and minimalist aesthetic.
Rather than flaunting logos or flashy designs, quiet luxury focuses on high-quality craftsmanship, exceptional materials, and discreet detailing. It embraces the concept of “less is more” and values timeless elegance over trendy, attention-grabbing styles. The emphasis is on the intrinsic value of the product or experience itself rather than external symbols of status.
Quiet luxury is often associated with exclusive brands that cater to a discerning clientele seeking a more sophisticated and refined form of luxury. These brands prioritize impeccable quality, attention to detail, and a sense of exclusivity. They may not be as widely recognized or mass-marketed as some mainstream luxury brands, but they are highly regarded among those who appreciate understated luxury.
In terms of lifestyle, the quiet luxury trend extends beyond products and encompasses a mindset and approach to life. It emphasizes a focus on experiences, personal well-being, and a sense of tranquility. Quiet luxury may involve enjoying simple pleasures, seeking solitude and privacy, and appreciating the beauty of the natural world.
Overall, the quiet luxury trend represents a departure from ostentatious displays of wealth and a move towards a more refined, minimalist, and thoughtful expression of luxury. It appeals to individuals who value exclusivity, craftsmanship, and the intrinsic qualities of luxury items or experiences, rather than the external symbols of status.
The quiet luxury trend has also made its presence felt in the world of perfumes. In this context, quiet luxury refers to fragrances that possess a subtle, refined, and sophisticated character. These scents focus on elegance, craftsmanship, and high-quality ingredients rather than loud and overpowering compositions.
Quiet luxury perfumes often showcase a minimalist aesthetic, with simple and clean packaging that exudes understated elegance. They prioritize the artistry of perfumery, emphasizing the expertise of the perfumer and the quality of the ingredients used. The fragrances are carefully composed, paying attention to every intricate note and nuance to create a refined olfactory experience.
These perfumes tend to have a more intimate sillage, meaning they don’t project strongly or overwhelm those around the wearer. Instead, they create a captivating aura that draws people closer, revealing their intricacies and nuances through gentle wafts. They are designed to be appreciated by those who come close, allowing for a more personal and intimate olfactory experience.
The scents associated with quiet luxury often lean towards classic and timeless profiles, avoiding excessive trend-chasing. They may include elegant floral notes like rose, jasmine, or iris, combined with subtle hints of woods, musks, and delicate spices. These fragrances are designed to evoke a sense of sophistication, refinement, and a touch of exclusivity.
The quiet luxury trend in perfumery also aligns with the growing interest in using the best ingredients – both for the body and the environment. Many of these fragrances incorporate responsibly sourced materials, highlighting the beauty of natural essences. The emphasis is on creating a luxurious experience that is harmonious with nature and respectful of the environment. All of these perfumes are also free of harmful ingredients like parabens and pthalates. Quiet luxury perfumes focus on personal well-being and health.
Quiet luxury perfumes cater to individuals who appreciate a more subdued and refined approach to fragrance. They seek scents that speak softly yet command attention with their sophistication and quality. These fragrances are ideal for those who want to make a statement through subtlety, elegance, and an appreciation for the art of perfumery.
Here’s our picks for the best quiet luxury perfumes:
Diptyque Fleur de Peau is a sophisticated and delicate perfume that captures the essence of soft, powdery, and musky scents. This perfume is composed of light floral notes such as rose, iris, and ambrette seed, creating an essence that is both feminine and elegant. It is further balanced by the sweet, woody, and animalistic notes of musk, patchouli, and leather, which give the perfume depth and richness.
This unique combination of floral and musky notes makes Diptyque Fleur de Peau a refined and complex perfume that is subtle yet distinctive. It is perfect for those who prefer a subtle scent that stands out in a crowd. It’s a sophisticated perfume that will leave a lasting impression and is suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.
Diptyque is a luxury fragrance and home goods brand that was founded in Paris in 1961. To this day, all Diptyque perfumes are made in France. Diptyque is considered a luxurious high-end brand because of its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Diptyque has become a sought-after luxury brand that combines tradition and modernity, elegance and simplicity, and has gained a loyal following that appreciates its unmatched quality and iconic designs.
Fragrance Notes: Musk, Iris, Ambrettolide
Fragrance Description: A tribute to the mythical love between Psyche and Eros, which led to the birth of their daughter, Hedone. One scent can convey this legend: musks. At the heart of Fleur de Peau, they are cottony, soft or moist. Highlighted with iris and ambrette seed, they reveal their full tactile dimension.
Le Labo is a luxury fragrance brand that was founded in New York in 2006. The brand is known for its high-quality, hand-crafted fragrances that are made with the finest ingredients. Each fragrance is created by a team of skilled perfumers who work in small batches to ensure that each scent is unique and of the highest quality possible. Le Labo believes in the fusion between art and fragrance, and their distinctive packaging and branding reflects this.
One of the most significant aspects of the Le Labo brand is the way in which they interact with their customers, offering personalized consultations and bespoke fragrance creation. We also love that you can personalize the labels on the bottle for an ultra-personalized perfume. This level of attention to detail and customer care contributes to the brand’s reputation as a high-quality perfume that stands out in the overcrowded perfume market.
Le Labo Santal 33 is the most popular Le Labo perfume (and likely most recognizable), but those who appreciate quiet luxury will appreciate the more soft and subtle fragrance. Le Labo Thé Matcha is such a unqiue fragrance that smells like creamy citrus matcha tea. As described by the brand: “In the same way, matcha tea is much more than just a drink in Japanese culture, THÉ MATCHA 26 is much more than a scent to us. It is a moment of introspection, a moment of self that offers a quiet inner celebration of grace and soulful beauty. A simple whiff takes us away from the hum of the outside and brings us back “in”.
Matcha tea accord is infused with a creamy fig note, grounded by soft vetiver and textural cedar woods and uplifted by enticing bitter orange.
Introverted and deep by nature, THÉ MATCHA 26 is a skin scent, something meant for, and only those individuals lucky enough to be very close to, the wearer. It carries a noble stillness. To us, it is a scented reminder of home, of welcomed solitude, and of all things familiar and treasured.“
Fragrance Notes:
Fragrance Description:
In the same way matcha tea is much more than just a drink in Japanese culture, THÉ MATCHA 26 is much more than a scent to us. It is a moment of introspection, a moment of self that offers a quiet inner celebration of grace and soulful beauty. A simple whiff takes us away from the hum of the outside and brings us back “in”.
Matcha tea accord is infused with a creamy fig note, grounded by soft vetiver and textural cedar woods, and uplifted by enticing bitter orange.
Introverted and deep by nature, THÉ MATCHA 26 is a skin scent, something meant for, and only those individuals lucky enough to be very close to, the wearer. It carries a noble stillness. To us, it is a scented reminder of home, of welcomed solitude, and of all things familiar and treasured.
Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid is a luxurious perfume that exudes a warm, rich fragrance that is both sensual and comforting. The perfumer behind this perfume is the world-renowned Jerome Epinette.
Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid is a dupe for a more-expensive perfume from Vilhem (more on that here). But those with discerning taste will choose Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid because of the better, high-quality ingredients that are used. Wild Vanilla Orchid doesn’t have parabens, pthalates or PFAS. This perfume is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Quiet luxury perfumes aren’t about what costs the most or spending the most money. It’s about a multitude of factors including quality of ingredients.
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Fragrance Notes:
Fragrance Description: A vegan fragrance that’s like being wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket. A raw-edged confection of creamy vanilla beans, blossom, cassis and citrus is cloaked in a bunch of just-plucked jasmine. Offsetting the sweetness, bamboo and sandalwood fold underneath.
Henry Rose Jake’s house perfume is a sophisticated blend of bergamot, lavender, and amber that evokes the feeling of a luxurious home. The scent is warm and welcoming, with top notes of citrus that quickly give way to the subtle sweetness of lavender and the richness of amber. What makes this perfume so special is the quality of its ingredients, which are carefully selected by Henry Rose to ensure that they are ethically sourced and of the highest quality. This attention to detail is what sets Henry Rose Jake’s house perfume apart from other perfumes, making it a must-have for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. Its subtle yet unmistakable fragrance is the perfect finishing touch to any room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both elegant and comforting.
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Fragrance Notes: Marine, Citrus, Musk
Fragrance Description: A marine citrus fragrance where watery clean freshness encounters honeyed neroli and jasmine for a light and clean musky finish.
Ellis Brooklyn Myth perfume is a clean, fresh scent that is perfect for everyday wear. It features top notes of bergamot, ambrette (musk mallow) and cassis; middle notes of orchid, pink lotus and jasmine and base notes of patchouli, musk and white cedar extract. The perfumer behind this perfume is the world-renowned Jerome Epinette.
Ellis Brooklyn Myth is unique in that it is both light and bold at the same time, making it an excellent choice for those who want a scent that is both understated and luxurious.
This is a quiet luxury perfume because its scent is not strong or overpowering like traditional luxury perfumes, yet it is made with high-quality ingredients that make it feel indulgent. Its understated nature is due to the fact that its notes blend together seamlessly, creating a subtle, yet impactful fragrance that isn’t too loud or attention-grabbing. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a more sophisticated and refined scent. Overall, Ellis Brooklyn Myth perfume is a quiet luxury perfume that exudes elegance and refinement in a subtle, yet unforgettable way.
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Fragrance Notes: Ambrette Seeds, Jasmine Petals, Musk
Fragrance Description: This is an unforgettably gorgeous yet subtle perfume inspired by clean sheets and a swath of sun-warmed skin. It contains notes of jasmine petals, pink lotus, and tiger orchid that delicately intertwine with clean white musk and warm white cedarwood. All Ellis Brooklyn perfumes are vegan and PETA-certified cruelty-free.
Santal Vanille by 7 Virtues is a luxurious perfume that combines the warm, caramel-like scent of vanilla with the earthy, woodsy aroma of sandalwood. This fragrance is perfect for those looking for a sophisticated and elegant scent, without being too overpowering. The fragrance doesn’t overpower the senses but rather wraps the wearer in a gentle and refined aura. Its balanced and soothing aroma can be worn in various settings and occasions, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or an elegant social event. The fragrance effortlessly adapts to different situations, enhancing the wearer’s presence with its understated allure.
The 7 Virtues brand prides itself on using natural ingredients that are ethically sourced from countries that have been impacted by war or social injustice. Santal Vanille is a good luxurious perfume because it not only smells amazing, but it also has a positive impact on the world. The sandalwood used in this perfume is sustainably sourced and provides environmental education for women in Sri Lanka.
Ultimately, Santal Vanille provides a luxurious perfume experience that is both beautiful and socially responsible.
Fragrance Notes:
Fragrance Description: This perfume is reminiscent of a cashmere sweater, wrapped in creamy coconut and aromatic vanilla, and infused with warm myrrh. The long-lasting notes of rich sandalwood leave a lingering impression.
Maison Louis Marie No.13 Nouvelle Vague is the newest perfume by this brand.
Maison Louis Marie is a renowned perfume brand that epitomizes the concept of quiet luxury. Established by Marie du Petit Thouars, the great-grandson of a famous French botanist, the brand is deeply rooted in a rich heritage of botanical expertise and craftsmanship. Maison Louis Marie offers a collection of captivating fragrances that embody elegance, sophistication, and a refined sense of luxury.
Maison Louis Marie perfumes have a gentle and intimate sillage, staying closer to the skin rather than projecting aggressively. This aspect of their fragrances enhances the personal and intimate nature of the scent experience, allowing the wearer to enjoy the fragrance in a more private and nuanced way. The brand’s commitment to detail is evident not only in the fragrance compositions but also in their packaging and overall presentation. Maison Louis Marie’s minimalist and chic aesthetic reflects a meticulous attention to design, creating an overall experience of sophistication and refined taste.
Nouvelle Vague is beautiful perfume with prominent notes of fig and coconut, meant to transport you to an Italian coast.
Fragrance Notes:
Fragrance Description: Nouvelle Vague transports you to spring on the Italian coast. It captures an uplifting citrus accord, a sheer floral bouquet, and coconut wrapped with Tuscan fig, agave, tonka, and golden woods. It was created for spring, daydreaming, and travel, and feels chic, warm, and renewing.
The Maker is a brand that embodies quiet luxury. The brand spans hospitality, lifestyle, fragrance and retail. What began as an immersive, luxury hotel with an eclectic style, inspired and has grown into a masterfully crafted, bespoke collection of products, to include a perfume line. Each are their perfumes feature unique and complex blends of different notes.
The Maker perfume bottles have a unique look and are made with ribbed glass, which are inspired by an antique ink flask.
The Maker Libertine is a good pick if you’re looking for quiet luxury. Libertine is a fresh and citrusy perfume. But it’s not too loud. It’s polished and sophisticated, as the citrus notes are blended harmoniously with other complementary notes, like hibiscus, ginger and cedar, creating a balanced and nuanced composition.
Fragrance Notes:
Fragrance Description: Libertine Eau de Parfum is an aromatic citrus perfume featuring notes of awakening pomelo, uninhibited hibiscus, and provocative cedarwood that evokes the scent of freedom.
In conclusion, the world of quiet luxury perfumes offers offers a refreshing departure from loud and ostentatious fragrances, inviting us to indulge in refined scents that whisper rather than shout. Our exploration of the best quiet luxury perfumes has revealed a collection of fragrances that embody sophistication, elegance, and understated opulence. These perfumes captivate with their carefully crafted compositions, showcasing exquisite blends of high-quality ingredients. With their timeless appeal, attention to detail, and subtle elegance, these fragrances transcend trends, immersing us in a world of refined luxury that speaks to our individuality.
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