How Can I Smell Like Vanilla?
Vanilla is one of the most universally beloved scents. The soothing, sweet aroma instantly conjures feelings of warmth, comfort and nostalgia. Many associate it with fresh-baked goods like cookies, cakes and pies. Its rich, mellow fragrance reminds us of homemade treats and time spent with loved ones in the kitchen. Beyond baking, vanilla also carries connotations of romance and sensuality. The scent is soft, feminine and alluring. With its multifaceted appeal, it’s no wonder why people yearn to envelop themselves in vanilla’s sweet perfume.
Wearing vanilla allows you to carry that cozy, nostalgic scent with you wherever you go. A dash of vanilla behind the ears or on the wrists creates an aura of warmth and familiarity. Its mellow fragrance calms the mind and uplifts the spirit. Vanilla puts those around you at ease, inviting pleasant connection. At the same time, vanilla’s perceived sensuality can also lend an air of mystery and romance. Smelling like vanilla may even evoke sentimental memories in friends and loved ones. Overall, those who wear the scent exude approachability and tend to attract positive attention.
Natural Vanilla Oils and Extracts
Vanilla beans and vanilla extract are natural ways to add a lovely vanilla aroma to your life. Vanilla beans come from the vanilla orchid plant and contain thousands of flavor compounds that provide its signature warm, sweet scent.
To make vanilla oil at home, split several vanilla beans lengthwise and place them in a jar. Cover with a carrier oil like almond, olive or coconut oil. Let the beans infuse for 2-6 weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain and bottle the oil. Add a few drops of vanilla oil to your bath, body lotions or perfumes.
Pure vanilla extract also contains the flavors and aromas of real vanilla beans. Use it for baking or add a few drops to an oil diffuser to scent your home. When purchasing vanilla beans and extract, look for products labeled “pure” or “100% natural” for the best aroma.
Vanilla Perfumes and Body Sprays
Vanilla is a popular base note used in many perfumes and body sprays. As a perfume note, vanilla has a sweet, creamy, comforting scent that is widely appealing. Vanilla works well with floral notes like jasmine, rose, and orange blossom, adding depth and enhancing their sweetness. It also complements spice notes like cinnamon and clove. Some popular vanilla perfumes include:
– Vanilla Woods by The 7 Virtues – This perfume combines vanilla with sandalwood and tonka bean for a woody, sensual scent.
– Vanilla 28 by Kayali – With notes of vanilla orchid, whipped cream, and white musk, this is a gourmand vanilla fragrance.
– Vanilla Vibes by Juliette Has A Gun – A fresh take on vanilla with notes of bergamot, lime, and musk.
Body sprays with a vanilla scent are also prevalent, like:
– Warm Vanilla Sugar by Bath & Body Works – A sweet, nostalgic vanilla fragrance for day or night.
– Vanilla Bean Noel by Bath & Body Works – Inspired by fresh vanilla beans with creamy tonka bean.
– Vanilla Lace by Victoria’s Secret – A romantic blend of vanilla and musk.
Whether in perfume or body spray form, vanilla fragrances are widely popular for their sweet, comforting aroma that makes people feel pampered.
Vanilla Scented Lotions and Creams
One of the most popular ways to make your skin smell like vanilla is to use lotions and body creams that contain vanilla fragrance. Many body care brands offer lotions, creams, and body butters in vanilla scents. When applied to skin, these products provide a sweet, warm vanilla aroma that lingers.
Some examples of vanilla scented lotions and creams include:
- Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Body Cream
- The Body Shop Vanilla Body Butter
- Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Vanilla Lotion
- Jergens Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Moisturizer – Vanilla
You can also easily make your own homemade vanilla lotion or body cream. All you need is a few simple ingredients like vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil along with a carrier lotion or cream base.
Here is a simple recipe to make vanilla scented body lotion at home:
- 1 cup unscented lotion or cream base like Emulsifying Wax or shea butter
- 1/4 cup liquid carrier oil like sweet almond, grapeseed or jojoba oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or 10 drops vanilla essential oil
- 5-10 drops vitamin E oil antioxidant
Making it is very easy. Simply combine the lotion base and carrier oil in a bowl. Add the vanilla extract or essential oil. Mix everything together well until combined smoothly. Then add the vitamin E and mix again. Transfer to a bottle or jar and enjoy your homemade vanilla lotion!
Vanilla Scented Candles
Vanilla scented candles can fill your home with the sweet, comforting aroma of vanilla. These candles are available from many brands in stores and online, but you can also easily make your own vanilla scented candles at home.
Making vanilla candles allows you to customize the strength of the vanilla fragrance and choose natural vanilla extracts if desired. Beeswax or soy wax are common natural wax options. To scent the candles, use pure vanilla extract or vanilla essential oils, though extracts will provide a stronger vanilla aroma.
When making vanilla candles, add about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract per 1 pound of wax. For essential oils, start with 1/2 teaspoon per pound of wax and adjust to your preferred strength. Use cotton or wood wicks to evenly distribute the vanilla scent. Carefully pour the wax into jars or containers and let candles fully cure for 1-2 weeks before lighting.
With homemade vanilla candles, you can control the quality of ingredients for a candle that’s uniquely you. Place one in your living room or bedroom and let the relaxing vanilla scent infuse the air.
Baking with Vanilla
One of the best ways to fill your home with the warm, sweet scent of vanilla is by baking. The use of vanilla extracts and vanilla beans in baked goods like cakes, cookies, pies and more allow the aroma to waft through your house.
When baking with vanilla, be sure to use real vanilla extracts or vanilla beans instead of artificial vanilla flavorings. The real vanilla will provide a much richer, more authentic aroma. When using vanilla extract, you can add it to cake batters, cookie doughs, pie fillings and more. For baked goods like custards, puddings or ice cream, try infusing cream or milk with a split vanilla bean before using it in the recipe.
To get the most vanilla scent from your baking, try recipes that heavily feature vanilla like vanilla cupcakes, sugar cookies, crème brûlée or vanilla custard. When possible, use vanilla beans along with extract for amplified aroma. You can even add a few drops of vanilla extract or a split bean to your oven when baking for extra scent.
Be sure to fully enjoy the vanilla aroma wafting through your home while your baked goods are in the oven or fresh out. Leaving baked goods out to cool like cakes, pies or cookies allows the scent to linger. For long-lasting ambiance, consider baking in the evening so the scent permeates overnight.
Vanilla Aromatherapy
Vanilla essential oil can be used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties. The sweet, warm scent of vanilla is known to reduce anxiety, anger, and restlessness. Vanilla oil stimulates the production of certain hormones like serotonin and dopamine in the brain which promote feelings of joy and satisfaction.
To use vanilla oil for aromatherapy at home, add a few drops to an essential oil diffuser along with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Some blends that combine well with vanilla oil include:
- Vanilla + Lavender – Promotes relaxation and sleep
- Vanilla + Bergamot – Reduces stress and anxiety
- Vanilla + Ylang Ylang – Improves mood and creates a romantic atmosphere
- Vanilla + Sandalwood – Calms nervousness and tension
Diffusing vanilla oil regularly can help create a warm, welcoming environment and provide a soothing experience.
Vanilla Air Fresheners
Vanilla makes for a lovely and calming air freshener scent. There are several options for adding a vanilla fragrance to the air in your home.
You can find ready-made vanilla air freshener sprays, oils, and plug-ins from brands like Glade, Air Wick, and Febreze. These provide an easy way to make your home smell like vanilla. Simply use them according to the product instructions.
For a more natural option, you can make your own DIY vanilla air freshener. One easy method is to simmer vanilla extract and water in a pot on the stove. You can also put vanilla extract in a spray bottle with water to spritz around the home. Baking vanilla scented items like cookies or cake also makes the air smell amazing.
Another DIY method is to put vanilla essential oil in a diffuser. Add several drops of oil to the diffuser and turn it on. The mist will spread the vanilla scent around. You can also put vanilla oil on cotton balls and place them around your home.
Making your own vanilla air fresheners allows you to control the strength of aroma. It’s a budget-friendly way to keep your home smelling fresh, cozy, and pleasant.
Vanilla Scented Cleaning Products
Many popular household cleaners are available in vanilla scented varieties. A vanilla scent can make cleaning less unpleasant, and leave your rooms smelling fresh.
The VANILLA SCENT added to cleaners is artificial, usually derived from synthetic vanillin. It makes cleaning products seem more natural and approachable. Leading brands like Method, Mrs. Meyer’s, and Pledge offer vanilla or vanilla lavender cleaning sprays, wipes, and all-purpose cleaners for bathroom, kitchen, and household use. Ingredients like plant-based surfactants, citric acid, and essential oils provide cleaning power along with a sweet, comforting fragrance.
For a more natural and affordable option, you can easily MAKE YOUR OWN vanilla scented cleaning products. Simply add a few drops of pure vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil to a basic all-purpose cleaner, spray bottle of water and vinegar, or other homemade cleaner recipe. About 5-10 drops of vanilla per cup of cleaner is usually sufficient. The 100% natural vanilla will provide an authentic scent. Be sure to shake the mixture well before each use to distribute the vanilla aroma. Your home will smell sweet, warm, and inviting as you clean with your homemade vanilla solution.
When Vanilla Scent is Too Much
While vanilla can be a pleasant, sweet aroma, it’s easy to overdo it. Too much vanilla fragrance can give you a headache or make you feel nauseous. Here are some tips to avoid vanilla scent overload:
Don’t use multiple heavily scented vanilla products at the same time. For example, you may want to skip the vanilla candle if you already applied vanilla perfume and lotion. Pick one or two main vanilla scented items to focus on for your scent that day.
Ventilate rooms after using strong vanilla scents. Open windows or turn on fans to help circulate fresh air and prevent the vanilla from becoming overpowering.
Alternate vanilla with other scents. You don’t have to smell like vanilla every single day. Alternate with other scents like citrus, floral, mint, etc. This prevents the vanilla from becoming too monotonous and gives your senses a break.
Use vanilla scented products sparingly. With perfumes and essential oils, a little goes a long way. Use a light hand when applying so the vanilla isn’t too strong.
Choose milder vanilla scents. Opt for products labeled “vanilla” rather than “intense vanilla” or “vanilla overload.” Milder scents are less likely to cause nausea or headaches from overexposure.
Pay attention to when vanilla is too much for you. Everyone has different scent preferences and thresholds. Notice when vanilla starts to give you a headache or feel ill, and cut back at the first signs.