The thought has probably crossed your mind upon catching a whiff of freshly baked cookies, or the distinct aroma of ground coffee—wouldn’t it be nice to smell like a delectable treat? Luckily for you, it’s hardly an unconventional line of thought. In fact, this sentiment first became a reality in 1992, when French fashion designer Thierry Mugler launched the Angel Eau de Parfum. Comprising notes of tonka bean, vanilla, chocolate, caramel, cotton candy, honey and more, it was dubbed a foodie’s dream; a mouth-watering, luscious concoction that envelopes users in a rich, warm scent that Mugler himself described as “the quintessence of femininity”. To create a fragrance completely without flowers at the time felt distinctly subversive, a stroke of brilliance that soon led to a bevy of perfumers to follow suit. And with that, a new genre was born. That is, gourmand scents.
Bearing the above in mind, it is reasonable to assume that gourmand scents veer towards the sweeter end of the fragrance spectrum. And while that is true of olfactive creations of the past, it’s safe to say that modern-day technology—and broader access to a wider diversity of ingredients—have allowed for more variety. Gone are the days where vanilla and caramel served as the key tenets of gourmand. These days, everything from basmati rice to praline are used, leading to the conception of perfumes that are musky, woody, aromatic, and everything in between.
This, thus, begs the question: what should you be looking for amidst the staggering array of gourmand scents now available in the market? In this regard, the Vogue Singapore beauty team is here to help. Below, a curation of the most intriguing gourmand fragrances to try from up-and-coming indie labels as well as cult-classics from established maisons with timeless appeal.
1 / 10
Le Monde Gourmand Chai Épicé
For admirers of all things spiced, this olfactory blend might just be your new brew. Chai Épicé by Le Monde Gourmand presents the opportunity to embody the warmth and intrigue that comes with a well-steeled cup of chai. The fragrance encapsulates a uniquely sultry yet sweet gourmand to indulge in as you embark on your night out. Notes of violet fig fuse together with muguet musk and blonde woods, harbouring an intimate skin-hugging aroma.
Le Monde Gourmand Chai Épicé, USD$40 for 75ml, available at Le Monde Gourmand
2 / 10
LOEWE Aura White Magnolia
Opulence without the sugar rush. LOEWE’s Aura White Magnolia manages to have it both ways, weaving a lighter more radiant magnolia with vanilla and sugary cotton candy-tinged sweetness. A spritz or two reveals a fuss-free composition that lingers gently on the skin before settling into a light, addictive lushness.
Loewe Aura White Magnolia, $285 for 100ml, available at Loewe
3 / 10
Boy Smells Vanilla Era
A melding of flavours like no other. The Vanilla Era EDP by Boy Smells presents a refreshing interpretation of the familiar ingredient. Think powdery and delicate rather than sweet, attributed to the careful amalgamation of beetroot, white tulips, as well as effusive black amber. A single spritz does the trick, seeing how its base notes comprising papyrus india and coffee absolute have serious staying power.
Boy Smells Vanilla Era, USD$98 for 65ml, available at Boy Smells
4 / 10
Borntostandout Nanatopia
For those looking to dip their toes into the gourmand genre, try a fruit-centered fragrance that doesn’t contain conventional citrus accords. Enter: Borntostandout’s Nanatopia, which comprises heady notes of bananas, rum, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Touted as a playful concoction with a sultry twist, the fragrance opens up with the distinct aroma of warmly-baked banana bread that slowly eases into velvety rich rum, settling into an animalic musk that is delightfully sensual.
Borntostandout Nanatopia, USD$210 for 50ml, available at Borntostandout
5 / 10
Kilian Paris Angels Share
Newsflash: you can now smell like your favourite tipple. Highly-lauded amongst fragrance buffs, Angel’s Share by Killan Paris earned its name thanks to its unique formulation process which involves an evaporating of liquor in oak barrels that “lifts while ageing, like a silent offering to the gods.” According to perfumer Benoit Lapouza, its exceptional aroma should be something “only angels experience”; an opulent elixir that masterfully fuses oak absolute, cinnamon essence and praline.
Kilian Paris Angels Share, $395 for 50ml, available at escentials.sg
6 / 10
Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break
This is one for the caffeine addicts. At the heart of this sumptuous fragrance is tonka bean absolute as well as cypriol; a highly-nuanced bouquet that exudes charm and warmth reminiscent of a steaming cup of creamy, frothy coffee. Pepper essence, vanilla absolute, and patchouli serve as the cherry on top, simmering delicately atop notes of vanilla absolute and vetiver.
Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break, $220 for 100ml, available at Sephora
7 / 10
Tom Ford Beauty Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum
“Like the plump fruit waiting to be eaten, Lost Cherry is powerful and insatiable,” elucidates Louise Turner, perfumer and creator of the prolific fragrance. “Notes of cherry liqueur and a touch of bitter almond drip into its heart, glossing it with a candy-like gleam.” Think a saccharine sweet aroma that quickly transitions into something carnal and seductive; a unique mix of Turkish rose and jasmine sambac that is sure to awaken the senses.
Tom Ford Beauty Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum, $615 for 50ml, available at Sephora
8 / 10
Dolce&Gabbana Devotion Eau de Parfum Intense
Inspired by Italy and its myriad of delicacies, the Dolce&Gabbana Devotion Eau de Parfum Intense is a potent mix of sweet and savoury, encompassing hazelnut, orange blossom and Madagascar vanilla. Its flacon is just as flamboyant, boasting a gorgeous amber tinted hue as well as sacred heart emblem.
Dolce&Gabbana Devotion Eau de Parfum Intense, $275 for 100ml, available at Sephora
9 / 10
Miu Miu Miutine
Indulgence done the Miu Miu way. At first spritz, the Miutine EDP leans more on the lighter side. But don’t be fooled—this cheeky gourmand has profuse depth to spare. What begins as a fresh blend of citrus and innocent florals gradually melts into a decadent accord of wild strawberry and brown sugar for femininity that takes on a captivatingly playful edge. As it wears, oakmoss and patchouli work wonders in grounding the composition whilst enveloping the scent’s sweetness.
Miu Miu Miutine, $247 for 100ml, available at Miu Miu
10 / 10
Penhaligon's Changing Constance
For those who prefer their sweetness on the tempered side, Changing Constance by Penhaligon’s takes an unconventional—yet welcome—approach. Cool cardamom meets hot pimento in a contrarian play of opposites whilst resplendent salted butter caramel sits at the heart, leaving behind a rich aromatic trail of golden goodness. Its ornate bottle is pure eye candy, featuring a statement ibex sculpture that draws parallels to the EDP’s rule-defying allure.
Penhaligon’s Changing Constance, $450 for 75ml, available at Sephora
