Sweet and strong, gourmand and bitter, soft, spicy and warm, with some animalic facets. Vanilla is one of the most popular and sought-after notes in perfume. It’s simple, spicy, sweetness is a powerful aphrodisiac, and it blends wonderfully with any other note. The range of vanilla accents is deep, ranging from light, filigreed frosting to plush, heavy, smoky syrup. It’s natural spiciness allows vanilla to pair well with not only other sweet, dessert notes but also exotic additions like suede, patchouli, yuzu, or litchee fruit, gardenia and tuberose. What’s best about vanilla perfumes is that they are always appropriate no matter the season, and transition instantly from light day wear to ultra-sensual late-night looks. Vanilla perfumes are a must in any collection, and the variety available will allow years of happy sampling. For those seeking the finest, spiciest style in vanilla scent - start by trying Madagascar vanilla first.

Spice notes in perfume come in a wide range of aromas, temperatures, and moods. From piquant, nose-wrinkling sea salt and pink or black pepper, to the cuddly warmth of patchouli and nutmeg - spices in perfume are fantastic in any composition. A dash of pink pepper alone can make sweet citrus scents crackle with exotic liveliness, or create sensual drama in a demure white floral perfume. Spices are also great extenders for the length and power of a fragrance - their natural fiery personalities keep things interesting far longer than simple citrus or airy floral notes can manage on their own. Spicy perfumes can be worn any time you like, and pair especially well with passing seasons. Think warm, cozy notes like nutmeg, basil, and patchouli for fall, and save the heavier spices like black pepper, gunpowder, and coriander for the winter months. Summer is THE season to break out your gourmand collection with extra spice added - chocolate and sea salt are an ideal beach perfume idea.

The fragrance of ginger is distinctly fresh and spicy, offering a sparkling top note to complex accords. Used across both men’s and women’s scents, ginger is an unmistakably zesty note that evokes a sort of olfactory duality: bitingly light and lemony, yet deeply pungent and peppery.

Playing the leading role in mysterious, sensual fragrances, mandarin orange commands attention with its subtly sweet, fruity, and citrusy scent that has a lingering floral undertone. Mandarin orange opens the compositions to announce a seductive gourmand fragrance or a vivacious citrus-led, aromatic-tinged cologne. When it comes to spicy fragrances, you’ll often find it in the company of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.