Top 10 Best Gourmand Fragrances

In the realm of fragrance, scent profiles are as diverse as the people they’re inspired by and for. Certain fragrance notes have become synonymous with gourmand, like vanilla and amber.

Over time, the category has blossomed to include everything from pralines and caramel to citrus and spice. As a general rule, if a fragrance reminds you of baked goods, candy, or coffee, it’s probably gourmand.

And, if you have a sweet tooth or are drawn to dessert-style scents, you may find your signature fragrance listed below.

Angel by Thierry Mugler

Let me put my cards on the table here. I’ve been a devotee of Thierry Mugler’s Angel since it launched in 1992. It was a standout in a sea of scent at a Nordstrom perfume show I attended in Long Beach, California and has been omnipresent in my life ever since. With Angel, Mugler launched the first modern gourmand. Patchouli and praline, raspberry and vanilla, and, of course, amber, play along the skin in perfect harmony. Kudos to Mugler for marrying luxury and sustainability with those refillable star-shaped bottles.

Salt Caramel by Shay & Blue

How many times have you seen “O.M.G.” in a fragrance review and wondered if it was just an overreaction or the real deal? Salt Caramel by Shay & Blue gives those homemade caramel vibes with the very first spritz, and I had the exact same OMG reaction when I smelled it. Caramel fragrances feel warm and comforting, and Salt Caramel’s combination of liquid caramel, bourbon vanilla, tonka bean, sea salt, and sandalwood is creamy, beautifully balanced, and completely compelling. Hat’s off to fellow Beautytap Expert Shannon G. for singing the praises of this addictive beauty and for jettisoning me back to all the buttery goodness of my childhood years on day one experiencing Shay & Blue.

Choux Choux by Liis

If you easily succumb to rich puffs of Parisian delights, Choux Choux by the highly coveted fragrance house of Liis will be your new go-to. The whimsical name hails from the choux à la crème pastry and chouchou which is a term of endearment ala “darling.” Inspired by the classic French pastry and created by perfumer Jerome Epinette, swirls of citrus peel, creamy vanilla bean and fleur de sel caramel set the stage with sandalwood, cocoa and mocha delivering warmth and heaps of allure.

Devotion by Dolce & Gabbana

Craving a creamsicle? Devotion by Dolce & Gabbana epitomizes that sweet treat by combining tangy candied citrus with fresh orange blossom and vanilla. The bright burst of citrus at the forefront elevates the warm vanilla base, making for a sensorily sweet yet sensuous scent. Bonus: If you’re craving something deeper and richer, try out D&G’s enhanced version – Devotion Intense.

Dulce by / rosie jane

If you like your gourmand both sweet and warm, Dulce Eau de Parfum by / rosie jane doesn’t disappoint. It’s very vanilla-forward with a mildly chocolatey vibe and is reminiscent of that first blast of warm air when you enter a bakery. While definitely sweet at first spritz, the resinous Hinoki wood calms those dessert notes like a warm blanket on a chilly winter’s eve. Bonus points for longevity from this clean Los Angeles brand.

Taunt by DedCool

Looking for a vanilla-based fragrance that’s more floral than sweet? Taunt by DedCool smells like a vanilla hug on a bright summer day. Infinitely light, Taunt opens with fresh dew and sunny citrus. The heart notes provide a floral center before the amber comes through in the dry down. This is perfect for brunch, late spring, or summer, and you’ll love the creamy finish as it settles.

Lost Cherry by Tom Ford

Much like Thierry Mugler’s iconic Angel, Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry often triggers a love-it or hate-it response. As a fan of both scents – and all their glorious differences – I couldn’t possibly omit Lost Cherry from this list, even though its scent profile isn’t truly that of a gourmand. Lost Cherry bursts forth with an assertive blast of tart cherry liqueur and warm bitter almond. Tread lightly with this one because people will pick up its trail when you initially apply it. As it settles, balsam and tonka give it a mildly sweet, woody finish.

In Too Deep by 5 Sens

Finding a clean vegan fragrance with longevity doesn’t come easy, but In Too Deep by 5 Sens pulls it off with ease. Layer this over your favorite unscented body lotion or oil, and you’ll still be catching hints of vanilla and sandalwood well into the day. The sillage is light-to-moderate, so you won’t be distracting your coworkers. While the Tahitian vanilla bursts forth assertively upon first spritz, the Italian bergamot and musk keep In Too Deep from being syrupy sweet.

Miami Shake by Juliette Has a Gun

Move over vanilla. Berry-centric scents are gaining traction, and Miami Shake from Juliette Has a Gun has a distinctive Miami summer vibe that will have you rethinking gourmand. Wild strawberry balances a combination of creamy ice cream and whipped cream notes before drying down to a sophisticated, artful vibe. If summer scents send your heart racing, indulge year-round with this enticing rendition pronto.

Anima Dulcis by Arquiste

When the mood calls for a warm, rich, exotic fragrance, look no further than Anima Dulcis by Arquiste. Although not technically gourmand, Anima Dulcis includes base notes of Mexican vanilla bean and cocoa bean absolute. This sultry beauty defies categorization, but if you like your cacao minimally sweet with a spicy kick, you’ll fall hard for the cinnamon, clove, and smoked chili infusion that rounds out this sensuous scent. It has incredible longevity and moderate sillage. Perfect for a late fall evening with someone you’d like to know, well, better. Bonus: If you’re a fan of Vacation® Eau de Toilette, you can thank Rodrigo Flores-Roux of Arquiste.

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Don’t see your favorite on the list? Drop a comment below.