I’ve spent the last decade testing thousands of fragrances, and if there is one thing I know for sure, it’s that vanilla has finally outgrown its “cupcake” phase. We’ve moved away from cloyingly sweet scents and into a new era of “Rich Girl” vanillas—fragrances that are woody, smoky, and incredibly sophisticated.

Whether you’re looking for the best vanilla perfume to anchor your collection or a “skin scent” that smells like high-end laundry, the secret is choosing a vanilla with depth. As I transition my scent wardrobe for the season, these are the 8 vanilla perfumes I’m reaching for to smell effortlessly expensive.

The Luxe Gold Standard:

Kayali Vanilla 28