Vanilla colognes are one of my favorite ways to smell tempting and inviting without coming off too aggressive.
But, in my experience, many of them fail to get the balance right. There’s nothing worse than a sugary blast that just smells unsophisticated and juvenile.
The best vanilla colognes I’ve found balance powdery sweetness with enough depth to prevent them from coming off too sickly.
My top pick, Cremo’s Black Spice and Vanilla, smells incredible for an amazing price. It perfectly pitches delicious vanilla against a warmer cardamom thread. It’s an excellent performer for the price, too. Most budget colognes fade within an hour – but this hidden gem smells lasts all day.
If you’re looking for something comforting for Winter, check out Armani’s Stronger with You. It’s an incredibly cozy vanilla cologne that girls seem to love being around. With touches of chestnut and cinnamon, it has slightly more Christmas cheer than Spice and Black Vanilla – and it projects a little stronger to cut through colder weather.
Vanilla is a fairly unisex note, but you do have options for masculine representations. Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille is a great example of pairing vanilla with stiffer accords to produce something that feels remarkably gentlemanly. It goes beyond smelling nice and starts to feel positively masculine, confident, and commanding.
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Winter Pick
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Best Value Overall
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Luxury Choice
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4.8
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5.0
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4.7
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$22.96 ($6.75 / Fl Oz)
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- A sweet, warm fragrance packed with vanilla and aromatic spices.
- Strong projection and longevity. Lasts for at least 8 hours.
- Reasonably priced for the quality - particularly when you buy a larger bottle.
- Hazy tobacco, sweet vanilla, and aromatic spice.
- Cremo products are affordable and cruelty-free.
- Hazy golden tobacco and gourmand vanilla combine in this sophisticated blend.
- Smells rich, a little like a premium cigar lounge. Quietly confident.
- Exceptional 12-hour longevity.
I’ll step you through the 9 Vanilla colognes for men that I’ve enjoyed the most, and let you know when and where to deploy them, based on:
- Note profile (what does it smell like)
- Longevity (how long does it last)
- Projection (how subtle/strong is it)
- Value for money
- Occasion (season, time of day, setting)
So let’s work out which is the best vanilla cologne for you.
9 Best Vanilla Scented Colognes
Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla – Best Value Vanilla Cologne for Men
Stronger With You – Best Vanilla Cologne for Winter
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille – Best Luxury Vanilla Cologne
Comptoir Sud Pacifique Coco Extreme – Best Vanilla Cologne with Coconut
Tom Ford Santal Blush – Best Vanilla Cologne with Sandalwood
Maison Margiela by The Fireplace – Best Smokey Vanilla Cologne for Men
Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise – Best Unisex Vanilla Cologne
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male – Best Vanilla Cologne for Fall Date Nights
Valentino Uomo Intense – Best Vanilla Cologne from Valentino
What’s the Best Vanilla Perfume for Men?
Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla Eau de Toilette – Best Value Vanilla Cologne for Men
Okay, guys. If you haven’t smelled Spice and Black Vanilla, I highly recommend it. You just will not get better value at this price point.
Hazy tobacco, sweet vanilla, and aromatic spice.
Cremo products are affordable and cruelty-free.
| Occasion: A budget pick that smells expensive | Longevity: 8 hours |
| Age group: 20 – 40 | Projection: Strong |
| Season: Winter/Fall | Value for money: 5/5 |
This beautiful combination of sweet vanilla rounded out by warm cardamom is a great choice for younger gents looking for something affordable that still smells premium.
It’s like a perpetual hug from a beautiful girl in your favorite sweater. Okay, maybe not that far – but I think you get the idea. My GF absolutely loves this cheap vanilla cologne, and is always noticeably nicer to me when I’m wearing it.
Spice and Black Vanilla is a powerhouse for me.
I can’t speak for any of you, but for me, it projects extremely, extremely well. This stuff just lasts forever on me.
During this test, it filled up my truck on the way to work. It was a delicious ride.
I had a solid bubble for 4 – 5 hours from 2 sprays, and a more intimate skin scent for a further 3 – 4 hours. I feel like more than 2 sprays of this stuff is overkill.
A great buy for such a cheap vanilla cologne, and not to be missed.
- Check out our best Cremo colognes review for more.
| Top Notes: | Cardamom |
| Middle Notes: | Cashmere Wood |
| Base Notes: | Bourbon, Vanilla and Vetiver |
Stronger With You Eau de Toilette – Best Vanilla Cologne for Winter
For me, Stronger With You is a top-tier winter fragrance. That combination of vanilla and spice is so cozy, that you can’t help but imagine a couple of scotches by a crackling fire.
A sweet, warm fragrance packed with vanilla and aromatic spices.
Strong projection and longevity. Lasts for at least 8 hours.
Reasonably priced for the quality - particularly when you buy a larger bottle.
| Occasion: Cold-weather coziness | Longevity: 8 hours |
| Age group: 25 – 45 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Winter | Value for money: 5/5 |
And, it certainly works for both of them in the run-up to Christmas, as the cold nights draw in.
This fragrance is comfort in a bottle. Sweet warming notes of cardamom and vanilla rest on top of a woodsy base of cedar and chestnut. It swerves aggressive notes and instead represents refined, gentlemanly masculinity.
I’d bracket Strong With You as a sweet scent, but it’s not overwhelmingly so. There’s lots of vanilla and fruits in the opening that keep things bright, but it’s neatly moderated by warm spices that emerge throughout the lifetime of the fragrance.
The way the cardamom and vanilla combine is wonderfully cozy and comfortable. It feels powdery, teetering on gourmand. It smells more expensive than it is, that much is for sure.
The lighter sweet notes take center stage for the first few hours, before making way for a woodier, nuttier denouement. The projection here is reduced, but it’s a gorgeous, amber-heavy skin scent up close.
In my experience, it packs enough punch to last 8 hours from 3 sprays in the morning.
- Read our full Stronger With You review here.
| Top Notes: | Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Violet Leaf and Mint |
| Heart Notes: | Pineapple, Cinnamon, Melon, Sage and Lavender |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla, Chestnut, Amberwood, Cedar and Guaiac Wood |
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum – Best Luxury Vanilla Cologne
Full disclosure- I’m a little biased here. Vanilla and tobacco are two of my favorite accords, and this is a masterclass in producing a minimalist cologne. Tobacco Vanille lets the two primary accords shine on an uncluttered platform, rather than looking to reinvent the wheel.
Hazy golden tobacco and gourmand vanilla combine in this sophisticated blend.
Smells rich, a little like a premium cigar lounge. Quietly confident.
Exceptional 12-hour longevity.
| Occasion: When you’re wearing a suit | Longevity: 12 hours |
| Age group: 36- 45 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Winter/Fall | Value for money: 4.5/5 |
Tobacco Vanille smells rich, a little like a premium cigar lounge. This quiet masculinity is a great choice for a signature scent if you’re a gent who doesn’t feel the need to throw his weight around to get respect.
The vanilla has pleasant sweet notes (but not sickly-sweet) and is a little smokey. The golden tobacco brings out warm and spicy keynotes. It’s a match made in heaven, and I’d class Tobacco Vanille as a perfect perfume.
Tobacco Vanille packs a punch. You’ll get 12 hours of meaningful projection, and for the first 4-5, you’re a delectable beacon of fragrance. I tend to go for a single spray after I dress. Followed by one post-lunch.
I acknowledge that this is one of those fragrances that might be more down my particular alley than others. The lack of a deep base accord like leather or a potent wood might leave some yearning for more explicit masculinity. There’s not much there in terms of heat or passion, either.
| Top Notes: | Spicy Notes, Smoke and Tobacco |
| Middle Notes: | Tonka Bean, Tobacco Flower, Vanilla and Cocoa |
| Base Notes: | Woody Notes and Dry Fruit |
Comptoir Sud Pacifique Coco Extreme Eau de Toilette – Best Vanilla Cologne with Coconut
Coco Extreme has gourmand written all over it. This comforting and cozy fragrance smells good enough to eat.
Delicious balanced coconut and vanilla combo. Sweet without feeling sickly.
Top-tier longevity will cover you for a full 8-hour day.
| Occasion: Tropical relaxation | Longevity: 8 – 10 hours |
| Age group: 25- 45 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Spring/Summer | Value for money: 4.5/5 |
From the first spray, you’re bathed in milky coconut, before making room for a vanilla flower. It’s an elegant and delicate fragrance that asks “how do you do” rather than “how ya doin”.
It’s just right if you’re looking for a coconut fragrance that tickles you under the chin, rather than smashing you in the face.
This coconut and vanilla menagerie persists throughout the fragrance. This is not some evolving marvel of complexity, but rather two beautifully balanced accords presented in their best light.
Touches of tonka bean further the creamy sense in the base, and mimic the aroma of buttery coconut biscuits.
But the real kicker- it’s the most potent cologne on this list, with a full 8-10 hour day of fragrance. When I came home after testing, my entire bedroom still smelled of coconut- nine hours after spraying!
- Check out our guide to the best coconut fragrances for men to learn more.
| Top Notes: | Coconut and Vanilla Flower |
| Middle Notes: | Coconut Milk, Tonka Bean and Almond |
| Base Notes: | Coconut, Vanilla and Sugar Cane |
Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau de Parfum – Best Vanilla Cologne with Sandalwood
This spicy and creamy blend makes me feel luxurious and elegant.
There’s a strong vanilla thread that makes Santal Blush feels like a thick, powdery vanilla milkshake.
A delicate and creamy blend that prioritizes sophistication over masculinity.
Vanilla adds some sweetness to the woods, like a powdery milkshake.
| Occasion: Classy elegance | Longevity: 10 hours |
| Age group: 36- 45 | Projection: Subtle |
| Season: Year-round | Value for money: 4/5 |
More earthy elements of animatic musk and suede emerge in the dry down, with a woodsy base that reminds me of a workshop scattered with sawdust.
Santal Blush is a unisex fragrance – if you prefer classically alpha male and aggressive fragrances, look elsewhere.
My girlfriend says she ruined Santal Blush for herself by realizing it smells like Crown Royal (she had a bad experience in college…). She’s not wrong, but for me, it’s a bonus. The sweetness and woodiness are all there.
But if you’re interested in poise, precision, and craftsmanship- Tom Ford delivers once again.
- Check out our guide to the best sandalwood colognes to learn more.
| Top notes: | Cinnamon, Caraway, Carrot Seeds and Spices |
| Middle notes: | Ylang-Ylang, Rose and Jasmine |
| Base notes: | Sandalwood, Virginia Cedar, Musk, Agarwood and Benzoin |
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette – Best Vanilla Cologne for Date Nights
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male has always been a popular scent with men—who love its cool, sexy masculinity. It’s got a modern edge with just enough of the original Le Male essence to make it familiar.
| Occasion: Date Night | Longevity: 7 – 8 hours |
| Age group: 25 – 45 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Fall/Winter | Value for money: 4/5 |
The key ingredients of the fragrance are based on a combination of lavender, vanilla, and cardamom. It has a warm tone that is not overpowering. The perfume is a blend of distinct scents to give it an overall sophisticated scent.
It’s created using natural ingredients. Le Male is a warm, dark vanilla fragrance that’s perfect for fall and winter date nights. It lasts a long time and has an average projection.
The top notes are warm, sensual, enveloping cardamom and a powdery iris. Into the heart, you’ll smell gorgeous lavender, and the bottom notes are exotic, eastern and woody. The finish is beautiful vanilla softening the scent slightly and making it slightly sweet.
A sailor’s uniform inspired the bottle and has a removable cap, made of clear glass and shaped like the torso of a man.
- Check our guide on the best colognes to attract ladies for more.
| Top Notes: | Cardamom and iris |
| Middle Notes: | Lavender |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla and eastern woods |
Maison Margiela by The Fireplace – Best Smokey Vanilla Cologne for Men
By The Fireplace is a woody, spicy fragrance with a touch of smoky vanilla. This vanilla cologne for men opens with an orange blossom and pepper combination that smells soft and inviting, like a warm fireplace. It settles into chestnuts accompanied by sweet woods.
Vanilla-led woodsy, spicy comfort. Perfect for winter.
There's a smokey element that reminds me of Christmas by the fireplace.
| Occasion: Relaxing in a cozy pub | Longevity: 7 hours |
| Age group: 24 – 45 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Winter | Value for money: 4/5 |
The spiciness of vanilla and juniper is relaxing. I could sit at a party with friends enjoying a drink or at home while savoring the scent. This is a warming scent that will envelop you in its cozy embrace.
The smoky fragrance mellows after 30-60 minutes. I like the scent, but I don’t find it particularly sexy outside of a smoky atmosphere.
It starts off with a hot and smoky accord that smells like birch and cade wood. The base notes also have a charred wood feel to them, making this fragrance perfect for winter nights by, you guessed it, the fireplace.
Best for cold evenings with friends or family.
| Top Notes: | Orange blossom and pink pepper |
| Middle Notes: | Chestnut, juniper and guaiac wood |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla and cashmeran |
Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise – Best Unisex Vanilla Cologne
Vanilla & Anise is one of Jo Malone’s best-selling unisex fragrances. This is all thanks to its pleasing blend of two familiar food-related scents that add complexity to this otherwise simple fragrance.
| Occasion: Versatile confidence | Longevity: 5/6 hours |
| Age group: 30 – 50 | Projection: Light |
| Season: Spring/Fall/Winter | Value for money: 3.5/5 |
The sweet warmth of vanilla combines with the bite of anise to create a scent that plays gently on the senses. Vanilla & Anise lasted a moderate amount of time on my skin, but I needed to apply it generously to keep it from dying too quickly.
Sweet, woody and very sensual, Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise thrives on subtle contrasts. The vanilla and anise notes are both warm, but not in the same way. The vanilla is more comforting and sweet, while the anise is more bitter and dark.
It starts out fresh, then submits to its deeper, darker side. But it keeps its lighter edge—so the vanilla never overpowers the anise.
First put it on in the morning or at night, such as to wear at work or out with friends.
By mid-afternoon or evening, when your body temperature rises and your pores open up, the fragrance is ready for a more intimate encounter with someone who really knows how to appreciate it!
Best subtle unisex vanilla scent.
| Top Notes: | Star anise |
| Middle Notes: | Orchid and vanilla |
| Base Notes: | Bourbon |
Valentino Uomo Intense Eau de Parfum – Best Vanilla Cologne From Valentino
Valentino Uomo Intense is a perfect blend of floral and leathery notes, with a hint of sweetness. Its earthy fragrance combines sweet vanilla with soft florals and an aura of warm spices.
A well-balanced blend of florals, vanilla, and deep leather.
Perfect for pairing with a sharp suit on formal occasions.
| Occasion: Formal functions | Longevity: 6 – 7 hours |
| Age group: 32 – 55 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Fall/Winter | Value for money: 3.5/5 |
If you’re looking for inspiration, I found this cologne great for a special or formal occasion, paired with a sharp suit. It would be perfect for a wedding, or a job interview, but possibly too formal for a first date.
The original Valentino Uomo drew on white leather as inspiration, while Intense instead focuses on bolder, brawnier black leather. This perfume will warm up any cold fall or winter night!
Uomo Intense opens boldly with leather and spicy accords. Spicy clary sage contributes to the casual sweetness, while leathery notes provide a masculine feel.
The base of this fragrance is where the scent blooms: it is a warm, creamy, and slightly sweet smell, with vanilla and leather. The leather smells strong but refined.
Valentino Uomo Intense is a long-lasting and strong cologne. I find this scent very similar to Dior Homme intense, but longer-lasting. It’s a very popular cologne and will surely gain you compliments.
Best long-lasting scent for special occasions.
| Top Notes: | Clary sage |
| Middle Notes: | Tonka bean |
| Base Notes: | Leather and Vanilla |
What You Should When Choosing a Men’s Vanilla Cologne
What’s the Best-smelling Vanilla Cologne for Men
The best smelling vanilla cologne is Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille. It’s a designer cologne that uses the highest quality ingredients to present its two primary notes in the best possible light.
This uncluttered vanilla fragrance smells expensive, and is just the right level of sweetness to make an impression at classy events without feelings too overwhelming
What’s the Strongest Vanilla Perfume for Men?
The strongest vanilla cologne is Spice and Black Vanilla by Cremo. It always picks up plenty of compliments when I wear it, and will fill my truck with vanilla scent on the way to work.
Just be aware that it can be a little powerful for enclosed spaces. If you work in close quarters, make sure you only use 1 – 2 sprays in the morning – or go for a subtler scent like Jo Malone’s Vanilla & Anise.
What’s the Cheapest Vanilla Cologne (That’s Still Worth It)?
The cheapest vanilla cologne I would recommend is Spice and Black Vanilla by Cremo. It smells like it should cost far more than it does.
It offers a natural-smelling vanilla sense balanced very neatly against warm cardamom for a scent that smells sophisticated and refined.
Which Vanilla Perfume Lasts Longest?
The longest-lasting vanilla cologne is Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille. It lasts for up to 12 hours, which is more than enough to carry you through a full working day or lengthy party/function.
However, part of the reason Tobacco Vanille lasts so long is because it has a pretty hefty pricetag – one which some people won’t be able to afford.
For a cheaper alternative that still has a good lifespan, check out Cremo Black Spice and Vanilla or Armani’s Stronger with You. Both of these fragrances last 8 hours, which is very impressive – Tobacco Vanille is just an atypically long-lasting powerhouse by comparison.
FAQs for Vanilla Based Colognes
Is there a cologne that smells like vanilla?
Vanilla fragrances are popular among both women and men alike. The best pick here is Valentino Uomo as the vanilla combines well with the spice. It’s your top choice if you want to experience the vanilla scent effect.
Is vanilla a good cologne?
Vanilla is an all-purpose unisex scent, making it an excellent choice if you want to make a good first impression.
Is vanilla a feminine or masculine scent?
Vanilla is a great cologne for both men and women. Why? Because it’s just so versatile! I can wear it year-round—even in the summer. Vanilla is gender-neutral because of its warm aroma and sensual appeal.
Is vanilla the most attractive smell?
Vanilla has a sweet scent and a comforting aroma that will make you feel like you are being wrapped in your favorite blanket.
What’s Changed?
We updated this guide in January 2024 to reflect the most recent pricing.
If you enjoyed this guide, why not learn more about some of the most popular scents for men?
- Where are the best vetiver colognes for men?
- Beyond vanilla: how to find your signature winter cologne.
And if you’re a fan of vanilla in general, why not try one of my favorite vanilla cigars?
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