Vanilla is not always considered to be the most traditional masculine aroma. Yet, its sweet, almost dessert-like profile is often used as the linchpin of many sophisticated male scents. The best vanilla fragrances for men transform the manly notes of tobacco, rum, leather and woods to another level.
Which ‘Masculine’ Notes Blend Well With Vanilla? Perfumery has very few hard and fast rules, so the truth is that vanilla can be blended in many unusual and surprising ways. Nonetheless, there are some traditionally masculine ingredients that complement vanilla incredibly well. These include, but are not limited to:
- Tobacco
- Cognac
- Whisky
- Caramel
- Amberwood
- Sandalwood
- Leather
Vanilla can act as a bridge between these masculine notes and more traditionally feminine floral notes. The results of this can be utterly stunning!
- 12 Crowd-Pleasing Vanilla Scents For Men
- 1. ROJA DOVE Enigma Parfum Cologne
- 2. MDCI PARFUMS L’Homme Aux Gants Cologne
- 3. TOM FORD Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum
- 4. PARFUMS DE MARLY Herod Eau de Parfum
- 5. JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Le Male Le Parfum
- 6. GIORGIO ARMANI Armani Code Absolu Eau de Parfum
- 7. VIKTOR & ROLF Spicebomb Extreme Eau de Parfum
- 8. EXUMA PARFUMS Black Vanilla Man Eau de Parfum
- 9. COACH Platinum Eau De Parfum
- 10. GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Parfum
- 11. MANCERA Aoud Vanille Eau de Parfum
- 12. MERCEDES-BENZ Select Night Eau de Parfum
- Conclusion: Why Vanilla is Infiltrating Men’s Perfumery
- Further Reading
12 Crowd-Pleasing Vanilla Scents For Men
Some of the best vanilla fragrances for men have the ability to really turn heads. We’ve selected 12 vanilla scents that every man should know about.
1. ROJA DOVE Enigma Parfum Cologne
Review
Known for luxurious and unusual blends that evoke intense feelings, Roja Dove is one of the most exciting perfumers right now. His brand, Roja Parfums, is notorious for its uncompromisingly quirky note combinations.
Enigma Pour Homme Parfum Cologne is a perfect example of the subtle luxury that Roja Parfums is known for. The vanilla in this cologne is subtle, acting more as a way to temper the more intense ingredients.
The top notes are black pepper, neroli, bergamot; these make the initial opening zesty and somewhat spicy. The heart notes bleed through quickly with boozy cognac and tobacco taking centre stage, supported by warming ginger and a light touch of jasmine. Upon dry-down, patchouli, benzoin, and vanilla provide a decadent base.
This is an incredibly durable nighttime autumn-winter cologne which is perfect for formal events. You will get at least 6 to 7 hours of wear from it!
Roja Parfums is all about luxury, and you can see this in the way Enigma Pour Homme is presented. The simple, embossed square bottle has a stand-out topper with sparkling blue gems.
Overall, Enigma Pour Homme is a complex cologne of cognac, tobacco, and vanilla with zesty bergamot. Fantastic!
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Neroli, Black Pepper
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Ginger, Tobacco, Cognac
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Patchouli, Benzoin
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A luxury blend of vanilla, tobacco and spices
- Perfect for formal events
- Its unusual composition may take some getting used to
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
2. MDCI PARFUMS L’Homme Aux Gants Cologne
Review
MDCI is an iconic French perfume house that focuses on creating fragrances for connoisseurs and serious enthusiasts. They are all about opulence and beauty. L’Homme Aux Gants is a sweet and woody cologne with a slightly spicy, resinous undertone.
The top note of nutmeg really has no bearing on the overall scent. Still, it provides a warming and spicy introduction to get the party started. Middle notes of earthy nagarmotha and sweet-smelling hedione add depth. It’s really the vanilla base that takes centre stage. Creamy tonka bean and woody notes add a classy vibe.
With decent sillage and good staying power, this is a perfect scent for autumnal evenings. You can expect around 4-5 hours of wear from L’Homme Aux Gants.
The presentation is spot-on. The gold-toned topper and a dangling tassel add to the elegant portrait label to give L’Homme Aux Gants a truly renaissance feel.
Overall, L’Homme Aux Gants is a delightful vanilla/woody fragrance that oozes class.
Top Notes:
Nutmeg
Mid Notes:
Hedione, Cypriol Oil
Base Notes:
Guaiac Wood, Agarwood, Cedar, Patchouli, Gurjan Balsam, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Musk, Benzoin
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Smooth blend of vanilla, woods & benzoin
- Contains pheromone activating hedione
- Projection is not as powerful
Price & Reviews
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3. TOM FORD Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum
Review
If there is a name more synonymous with contemporary male perfumery than Tom Ford, we don’t know of it! Known for stunning men’s fashion as well as fragrances, this is a diverse and exciting brand for the modern man.
Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum is sweet and spicy with slightly alcoholic undertones and an overall warmth that is truly irresistible. The top notes of tobacco and mixed spices give a jaw-dropping opening.
Heart notes of vanilla, cacao, tonka bean, and tobacco blossom soon come to the fore. These are really the star of the show, and they only develop over time, so patience is needed to get the full TFTV experience. Wonderful!
Tobacco Vanille is a perfect autumn and winter fragrance for later afternoons and evenings. One to wear when to give you a boost of confidence and a feeling of style.
The sillage is excellent, and you can expect around 7+ hours of wear from each application.
Like most Tom Ford fragrances, Tobacco Vanille is simply presented in a striking black bottle with an angular topper and simple gold label.
Overall, Tobacco Vanille is a little less refined than some of the others on our list. It has rough edges that make it feel vibrant and earthy, yet sweet and boozy. Highly recommended.
Top Notes:
Tobacco Leaf, Spicy Notes
Mid Notes:
Tonka Bean, Tobacco Blossom, Vanilla, Cacao
Base Notes:
Dried Fruits, Woody Notes
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A truly irresistible tobacco & vanilla blend
- Stunning contemporary scent for men
- Perhaps a little pricy
Price & Reviews
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4. PARFUMS DE MARLY Herod Eau de Parfum
Review
Parfums de Marly is a niche perfume brand that creates high-end fragrances with flair. Inspired by 18th century France and the perfumers who served King Louis XV, this is a brand that lives and breathes opulence.
Herod Eau de Parfum is a luxurious and undeniably masculine cologne with sweet and spicy undertones.
The top notes of cinnamon and pepper give a surprisingly sweet and spicy opening that melts beautifully into the middle notes of tobacco leaf, incense, osmanthus, and labdanum. This rich heart is supported by the base notes of vanilla, musk, and cedar.
Though its dark and earthy notes make it technically an evening cologne, this fragrance is perfect for crisp spring and autumn afternoons.
Though this fragrance has a strong sillage, it is surprisingly delicate. You can expect 4 hours of wear from each application.
Simply presented in an elegant, brown bottle emblazoned with the iconic Parfums de Marley crest, Herod looks as good as it smells.
Overall, Herod Eau de Parfum is dark, bittersweet, and musky. The vanilla peeks through rather than shines, but it is ever-present and leaves its mark beautifully.
Top Notes:
Cinnamon, Pepper
Mid Notes:
Osmanthus, Tobacco Leaf, Incense, Labdanum
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Cedar, Vetiver, Iso E Super, Cypriol Oil, Musk
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Luxurious cologne with sweet & spicy undertones
- Good longevity & sillage
- Projection is weak
Price & Reviews
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5. JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Le Male Le Parfum
Review
Jean Paul Gaultier has a talent for balancing classic masculine elements with feminine notes which enhance rather than undermine them.
Le Male Le Parfum is a part of the iconic Le Male line. It retains the masculine elegance which made the original so iconic while providing an overall warm and spicy take that really draws you in.
The top note of cardamom makes the initial opening deep and warming, but surprisingly soft. A heart of lavender and iris quickly bleed through, but it is the base notes that really shine. The mix of vanilla, oriental notes, and woody notes give Le Male Le Parfum a traditional feel.
This is a good, all-round masculine fragrance for autumn/winter nights. Wear it to informal gatherings and dates to make a real impression.
The sillage of this fragrance is good, and you can expect 5+ hours of wear.
As for presentation, it’s encased in a black version of the original Le Male bottle, this is a stunning addition to any dressing table.
Overall, Le Male Le Parfum is a crowd-pleasing masculine fragrance that combines warm and spicy notes with vanilla and florals.
Top Notes:
Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Iris
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Oriental Notes, Woodsy Notes
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A pleasant warming spicy fragrance
- Perfect for informal gatherings and dates
- Slightly on the sweet side
Price & Reviews
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6. GIORGIO ARMANI Armani Code Absolu Eau de Parfum
Review
Armani is the king of understated, elegant masculine fashion and fragrance – this much cannot be denied. Armani Code Absolu Eau de Parfum is a sweet take on the iconic Armani Code original.
The opening notes of green mandarin and apple do not really shine in the overall fragrance once settles but do provide some initial freshness.
They are almost immediately swallowed by nutmeg, orange blossom, and carrot seeds. These heart notes balance the mix to prevent it from becoming sickly sweet. The base notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and suede give it a dry finish that maintains its masculinity.
A tremendous cold-weather scent, this Armani fragrance is a little heavy. Still, its strong sillage is matched by staying power. You should get 5+ hours of wear from this scent before it begins to fade.
Simply presented in a tall, cylindrical bottle with a metallic sheen and a gold topper, Armani Code Absolu really represents the Armani’ look’ too.
Overall, Armani Code Absolu is an incredible male fragrance that places vanilla and tonka bean in the spotlight. Highly recommended!
Top Notes:
Green Mandarin, Apple
Mid Notes:
Orange Blossom, Nutmeg, Carrot Seeds
Base Notes:
Suede, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Woody Notes
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- An elegant masculine fashion fragrance
- Strong sillage & staying power
- A little bit heavy
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
7. VIKTOR & ROLF Spicebomb Extreme Eau de Parfum
Review
Dutch fashion house Viktor & Rolf has been creating avant-garde fashion and fragrances for more than 20 years. Known for walking the line between traditional and modern masculinity with stunning ease, Viktor & Rolf are dominating the male fragrance industry.
Rather than opening slowly, you are instantly met with a fanfare of vanilla, tobacco, black pepper, caraway, and lavender. These come together to form a richly spiced scent with a sweet and earthy base that lingers long after the pepper and spices have faded. This is a stunning vanilla/tobacco combo with a spicy side.
Like most of the blend on this list, Spicebomb Extreme is a cold-weather scent with a warming edge that is perfect for turning heads at an event, formal or informal.
The sillage/projection is initially strong but mellows nicely. The fragrance itself is durable; it is likely to last for 6 to 8 hours depending on whether you apply to your clothes and hair or skin alone.
The simple black and gold colour scheme of the grenade shaped bottle makes it stand out even more, inviting the touch.
Overall, Spicebomb Extreme is a love letter to the original: a little sweeter with a harder kick to the sillage, it is an invigorating vanilla/tobacco combo with a spicy side.
Top Notes:
Caraway, Black Pepper
Mid Notes:
Cumin, Cinnamon, Saffron
Base Notes:
Tobacco, Vanilla, Bourbon
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Stunning vanilla & tobacco scent with a spicy side
- Perfect for formal & casual events
- Moderate sillage & projection
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
8. EXUMA PARFUMS Black Vanilla Man Eau de Parfum
Review
Polish perfume house Exuma Parfums considers each of their fragrances to be a work of art with a unique story to tell. This bespoke approach to perfumery is making them an exciting brand to consider for your collection.
Opening notes of rum, damask rose, and neroli gives Black Vanilla Man Eau de Parfum a boozy floral initial vibe. This soon blends into heart notes of pipe tobacco, violet leaf, and cashmere wood that adds lashings of masculine decadence.
Upon dry-down, notes of vanilla, tonka bean, and labdanum balance the spicy, earthy, and floral notes to make the finish sweet and complex.
As for when to wear, this is a spring, autumn and winter masculine scent which will turn heads on crisp mornings and during evening events.
The sillage and projection of this fragrance are strong. You can expect 5+ hours of longevity from Black Vanilla Man. Worth the investment.
The simple rectangular bottle with its rounded corners and gold-toned topper gives it a classic look and feel. It does seem a little feminine from afar, so hide it in a drawer!
Overall, Black Vanilla Man is a mix of earthy tobacco and sweet vanilla blend with woody and alcoholic undertones that make it both warming and spicy.
Top Notes:
Rum, Damask Rose, Neroli
Mid Notes:
Tobacco, Cashmere Wood, Violet Leaves
Base Notes:
Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Labdanum
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Earthy tobacco & sweet vanilla blend
- Excellent longevity, perfect for day/evening wear
- Moderate sillage & projection
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
9. COACH Platinum Eau De Parfum
Review
Recognisable through its iconic logo, Coach New York, or simply Coach, specialises in luxury goods and fragrances. Founded in 1941, this American heritage brand is now one of the most iconic in the world.
Top notes of pineapple, juniper berries, and black pepper create the spicy and fresh opening of Coach Platinum Eau de Parfum. Heart notes of cashmeran, geranium, and sage when they bleed through, make it herbal and intense.
It is the base notes of vanilla, leather, sandalwood, and patchouli, however, are that give it depth. Classy and sophisticated.
Coach Platinum is a perfect day to night perfume for spring and autumn when the weather is temperate rather than hot or cold. Well worth getting dressed up for. With a good staying power, around 6 hours, you can expect it to go the distance, too.
The simple, silver bottle with its emblazoned logo is sure to stand out wherever you sit it.
Overall, Coach Platinum is a traditional, woody male scent with an aromatic and sweet twist that gets lots of compliments.
Top Notes:
Black Pepper, Pineapple, Juniper Berries
Mid Notes:
Sage, Geranium, Cashmeran
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Leather, Vanilla, Sandalwood
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Classy & sophisticated spicy vanilla scent
- Great for formal events
- Moderate sillage & projection
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
10. GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Parfum
Review
Givenchy Gentleman is one of those fragrance collections that is synonymous with style and luxury. This French fashion house is a symbol of Parisian male chic.
This edible blend opens with top notes of black pepper, lavender, and bergamot for a spicy/floral/citrus opening. The heart notes of orris, cloves, and cinnamon, by contrast, are sweeter and have a richness that gives the scent depth.
It is the base of black vanilla husk, tonka bean, and tolu balsam add warmth as the blend settles.
As for when to wear, this is an incredibly versatile male scent. While these potent, spicy ingredients lend themselves best to cold weather, this fragrance mellows nicely on warm summer nights as well.
Performance is good. The sillage and projection are strong but well-rounded, and the blend has a good wear time of around 6 hours.
The bold black and silver design of the bottle fits the Givenchy aesthetic well, though the shiny surface is sure to drive you mad if you don’t like to see fingerprints.
Overall, Gentleman Eau de Parfum is a woody and aromatic fragrance with sweet vanilla undertones. Reminiscent of a traditional Christmas cake with hints of wood smoke, but in a good way!
Top Notes:
Black Pepper, Lavender, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Orris, Cinnamon, Cloves
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Black Vanilla, Tolu Balsam, Benzoin, Tonka Bean
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Chic, woody & aromatic vanilla scent
- Very classy-looking bottle
- Moderate sillage & projection
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
11. MANCERA Aoud Vanille Eau de Parfum
Review
Founded by perfumer Pierre Mancera in 2008, Mancera is a modern Parisian perfume house that makes stunning scents from rare and refined materials.
The opening notes of Aoud Vanille Eau de Parfum are unusual; black pepper, saffron, cardamom, and oud make for a complex and dry sillage with a fragrant and sweet edge.
The heart is made up of floral notes that never quite come to the fore, but rather make a bridge to the base notes of guaiac wood, sandalwood, and Madagascan vanilla.
As for when to wear, this sweet and woody masculine fragrance is easy on the senses. It can be worn in any season and really shines on warm summer nights.
Performance is excellent. 6+ hours of longevity can be expected with decent sillage and projection.
The unisex theme runs with the packaging, too – the gold and purple colour scheme are a little more feminine than masculine but offset by the tall, stately bottle.
Overall, Aoud Vanille is a stunning unisex fragrance that leans towards the masculine while still letting vanilla take centre stage.
Top Notes:
Agarwood, Saffron, Black Pepper, Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Floral Notes
Base Notes:
Madagascar Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, Sandalwood
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Fragrant with a sweet edge masculine scent
- Perfect for any season
- Moderate sillage & projection
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
12. MERCEDES-BENZ Select Night Eau de Parfum
Review
Mercedes-Benz may not be synonymous with perfumery, but they are making bold forays with fragrances. Select Night Eau de Parfum is a clean, modern masculine scent with a refined vibe.
Select Night opens with top notes of lavender, cardamom, and bergamot for a floral, herby, and sharp kick. This quickly mellows into a heart of orange blossom, guaiac wood, and cedar.
When the base notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and patchouli bleed through, they add an effortless layer of Mercedes male glamour.
As for when to wear, Select Night works well in any season although the summer heat can overpower. More eveningwear than daywear as the name suggests.
Performance is excellent. You can expect 5 to 7 hours of wear depending. Longer if you apply it to your clothes as well as your skin.
The discreet, dark glass bottle is boldly emblazoned with the Mercedes-Benz logo, making it truly stand out.
Overall, Select Night is a head-turning stylish male fragrance; woody and warming with a sweet hint of vanilla. Far better than I expected, Mercedes-Benz has become one to watch.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Cardamom, Lavender
Mid Notes:
Cedar, Guaiac Wood, Orange Blossom
Base Notes:
Sandalwood Patchouli, Vanilla
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Modern masculine scent with a refined vibe
- Stylish evening fragrance
- Projection is moderate
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
Conclusion: Why Vanilla is Infiltrating Men’s Perfumery
It’s hardly a surprise that vanilla has begun to dominate the male fragrance scene. The best vanilla fragrances for men we have reviewed all use this crowd-pleasing ingredient to tremendous effect.
According to some perfume experts, the crowd-pleasing effect of vanilla has been linked with memory and aroma. Scents which evoke memories of childhood are incredibly popular for both men and women, perhaps as a result of the influence of nostalgia.
Vanilla appeals to this sense of nostalgia by invoking sweet and indulgent foods like ice-cream and decadent desserts. The modernisation of gender views in perfumery is also a factor. There is less pressure for men to stay away from classically ‘feminine’ notes like vanilla and rose these days.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, designer handbags, luxury accessories and more.
Andrew is a fragrance enthusiast, collector, and seasoned writer who has a burning passion for all things fragrance and flavour-related, from woody aromatics to green & spicy. Andrew’s Full Bio.
