Vanilla is one of the most popular fragrance notes in the perfume world and is included in a whole host of fragrances. We’ve put together a guide to the finest vanilla-scented perfumes here, but they’re top of the line and anything but affordable.
You see, besides being warm, sweet, and highly aromatic, vanilla is also one of the most expensive scent ingredients in the world; it’s right up there with oud. The popular note appears in both men’s and women’s perfumes but it comes at a price if you want the real deal.
The good news is, that there are some great cheap vanilla options. It doesn’t have to mean spending your life savings on finding a vanilla perfume you love. Discover our favorite picks in this article.
Watch the Video on the 10 Most Affordable Vanilla Perfumes:
10 Best Affordable Vanilla Perfumes
1. Lush Lord Of Misrule
You might have thought I’d have chosen Vanillary from Lush, but let’s not be predictable. I am IN LOVE with Lord Of Misrule and brought the perfume after receiving a bath bomb in the same scent last Christmas.
This warm, comforting fragrance feels like walking through a fern forest. Vanilla sits alongside patchouli and black pepper giving it a pretty masculine feel even though it’s a unisex fragrance. Lord Of Misrule is definitely a long-lasting, inexpensive vanilla perfume; I once sprayed it on a coat, and to this day, the scent lingers.
2. Molinard Vanille Patchouli
Vanille Patchouli is one of the priciest vanilla perfumes on this list but I’ve included it as it’s still not a bank breaker. Plus, it projects amazingly well and sits on the skin for a long time so I’d say it’s excellent value for money.
With notes of amber, patchouli, sandalwood, and musk, Vanille Patchouli is an incredibly rich and warming offering. It’s an intoxicating fragrance that I think works well as an evening scent. However, some people may find it too much as this one can be a bit overpowering, especially when you overspray.
3. Forever Red Vanilla Rum Bath and Body Works
Bath and Body Works is synonymous with affordable yet beautiful fragrances. Not only is this one of the most affordable vanilla perfumes out there, but it’s also beautifully presented. The black and red packaging seduced me right off the bat and I think it would make a wonderful Valentine’s Gift.
Forever Red Vanilla Rum is a sexy, feminine fragrance with notes of vanilla, musk, jasmine, rum and fruits. It’s very intense so it might not be suitable for everyday wear but as a winter fragrance, it’ll project beautifully.
4. Armani She
I used to wear Armani She in my early 20s, and it was such a captivating and alluring scent. It made me feel incredibly sexy and that’s just one of the facets of vanilla. On top of this, it can also make you feel warm and cozy, making She the perfect autumn or winter fragrance.
The vanilla aspect is at the base and is accompanied by cedar, white musk, and almond so it’s pretty sweet and feminine. But when you first spray Armani She, you get a nice burst of citrus making this a well-balanced yet affordable vanilla perfume.
5. Obsession Calvin Klein
Perhaps one of the most well-known and successful vanilla fragrances of all time, Obsession by CK is a true classic. What’s more, for such a reputable brand, you don’t have to break the bank and this is by far one of the most long-lasting vanilla perfumes for the money. Just a couple of sprays will see you through the day.
Obsession is a mature fragrance with a very complex combination of notes including spices, civet, coriander, musk, fruity notes and that all important vanilla that comes bursting through at the head. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Too many people go over the top and end up unnecessarily hating Obsession.
6. Huda Beauty Kayali Vanilla
I’ll start by saying that Kayali Vanilla isn’t the most pungent vanilla perfume I have ever tried, so it might not be ideal if you like something intense. However, since it layers well with other fragrances, it is something you can make your own, perfect if you want a new signature scent!
Kayali Vanilla is a super sweet fragrance with a warm hit of amber at the base. It’s quite a youthful perfume which is great news for teens who want an affordable vanilla perfume that smells delicious. But while it is inexpensive, the bottle certainly has an elegant and almost designer look so nobody will be any the wiser. Wink wink.
7. Vanilla Fields Coty
Coty is a brand well known in the 80s and 90s for its inexpensive yet gloriously rich and intense fragrances. Vanilla Fields was a favorite back then and has remained timeless ever since. It’s a blend of fruity and floral notes complimented by a strong vanilla base.
Vanilla Fields isn’t presented in the best bottle, in my opinion; it does look a little cheap and tacky. But you can always decant the perfume into a new atomizer and with the intensity and projection, everyone will be convinced you’re wearing something much more expensive.
8. Avon Senses Cozy Vanilla And Coconut
Avon is the Queen of affordable perfumes, and this body mist is brilliant for popping in your bag over summer. For a fresh burst of vanilla alongside the unique scents of coconut, custard, and chamomile, I think this is perfect for getting noticed.
Cozy Vanilla and Coconut is sweet, rich and super feminine. I’d wear this on the beach or for an afternoon shopping in the sun with the girls. As a body mist, it isn’t super powerful but more of a delicate, intimate fragrance. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it all depends on how and where you’ll use it.
Read our guide about: The Best Coconut Vanilla Perfumes
9. Vanilla Musk Coty
Another of Coty’s best is Vanilla Musk. I’d be as bold as to say that this was a more mature take on Vanilla Fields. While Fields feels much sweeter and girly, Musk feels much more grown up.
Vanilla Musk doesn’t have an in-your-face projection but it is more than enough to make a statement. I think it’s perfect for day-to-day wear as it isn’t going to offend but does smell incredible. I’d call this a warm and comforting perfume which makes it especially suited to winter wear.
10. Bath And Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar
The second Bath and Body Works fragrance on my list of affordable vanilla perfumes is Warm Vanilla Sugar. It sounds super sweet and that’s exactly what it is. It feels like a real vacation fragrance with musk and floral notes blended with vanilla and coconut.
Warm Vanilla Sugar is surprisingly strong for an affordable perfume but it’s not over the top. It projects just enough to get you noticed without slapping bystanders in the face with a hit of vanilla. It’s feminine and comforting and makes a perfect all-round perfume. Put this in your bag for any time you need a freshen up.
Frequently Asked Questions On Cheap Vanilla Perfumes
What is the best affordable vanilla perfume?
Huda Beauty’s Kayali Vanilla has been selling like hot cakes and is, without a doubt, one of the best inexpensive vanilla perfume options today.
What does vanilla perfume normally cost?
Since vanilla is an expensive raw ingredient, true vanilla perfumes can be expensive. Look at Dior’s Vanilla Diorama or Byredo’s Vanilla Antique, for example. Both far exceed the $250 mark.
Where does cheap vanilla come from?
It is possible to make imitation vanilla using chemicals and around 85% of the world’s fake vanilla is produced this way. However, some vanilla scents are derived from a gland found in beavers which is located in the pelvis. It’s worth checking your perfumes if you are vegan as this would not be a suitable option for you.
Are cheap perfumes good?
A lot of cheap perfumes are designed to mimic their more expensive counterparts so you’ll still get a delightful fragrance. However, the main difference is that these scents don’t usually last as long or project as well, as they are not as highly concentrated.
Final Thoughts on Cheap Vanilla Perfume
Because vanilla is a sought-after scent note and one of the most expensive natural ingredients, you’ll often find that vanilla perfumes aren’t the cheapest. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some amazing affordable vanilla perfumes out there.
You need to look for things that have great longevity and blend vanilla perfectly with other notes for a natural and sweet scent.
