I'm In My Gourmand Era — And These Perfumes Make Me Smell Like Cake
Whether we're aware of it or not, it feels as if we're all seeking abundance right now. Sometimes literally, and other times in the form of comfort, ease, and a little bit of decadence — which might be why gourmand fragrances are peaking in popularity across the board.
While the descriptor "gourmand" is now widely associated with perfumes boasting sweeter top notes, this scent profile is specifically assigned to fragrances with edible, food-based notes, according to Maria Helen Rue, a perfume enthusiast who has been researching, learning about, and creating content surrounding perfume for the past six years.
"Think chocolate, marshmallow, vanilla, or anything that smells yummy and edible," she said. "There are also savory gourmand perfumes... nutty notes like almond, bready notes like croissants or pastries, or even butter." Drink-inspired notes like cognac, rum, coffee, or matcha, Rue added, can also fall into this category.
While some of these notes might sound a little overwhelming, they come across instead as warm and ethereal when done right.
Reflecting on continuing dominance of vanilla and its counterparts, "I think a lot of people want to smell mass-appealing, approachable, and pleasant," Rue explained. "With so much emphasis right now on getting compliments on your perfume, it makes sense that people across genders are reaching for gourmands, since they tend to have a high likelihood of being well-liked and complimented."
A few months ago, I went in search of a replacement for my favorite gourmand scent, DS & Durga's limited-edition Gateau Blackout . The scent, which featured notes of cocoa and orris and was inspired by German chocolate cake, smelled incredibly unique — but instead of wallowing in heartbreak, I decided to go on a search for something new that might bring me a comparable amount of joy.
So, in pursuit of sweet abundance and my next signature scent, I found 18 more scents on the gourmand spectrum that combine historically favored notes with some unexpected ones to create a little delicious luxury.
Flamingo Estate
A pastry-inspired roll-on
Flamingo Estate says this scent is "inspired by the famous Swedish Princess cake from Sant Ambroeus on the Upper East Side Bakery." Floral notes are layered on top of a truly gourmand base: a blend including toasted cinnamon, amber and almond, to name a few. Currently, it's only available in a mini roll-on — perfect for smelling like cake on the go.
Credit: Phlur
A light, heavenly scent (if heaven was a bakery)
Gourmand purists know they can consistently rely on Phlur for airy, ambrosial scents such as their Heavy Cream body and hair fragrance mist. This multitasker, with notes of whipped cream and coconut, is best layered on skin with a compatible body oil . You can get it in three-ounce or eight-ounce bottles, depending on the retailer.
Credit: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris
A truly genderless banger from an iconic French perfume house
Grand Soir is the stylish, mysterious gourmand cousin of the ubiquitous Baccarat Rouge 540 from Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris. A sensual blend of amber and vanilla, one spritz will follow you all day.
Promising review: "This fragrance is extremely exotic and unique. There's really nothing else like it out there. It stays active for over eight hours as do the compliments. Everyone wants to know when I'm wearing. Definitely worth the money. A little goes a long way." – Dobis
Photo: Philosophy
A scent rooted in self-care
Gentle notes of ginger elevate both chocolate and vanilla in this shamelessly cake-like scent that goes on light is exceptionally decadent if layered with a thick body créme . Inspired by warm nights by the fire, Philosophy's Fresh Cream Soft Velvet eau de toilette comes in a 2-ounce bottle.
Photo: Nette
A Sicilian pastry shop in a bottle
If one fragrance deserves to be put on a pedestal for the more subtle yet intoxicating use of lemon and vanilla notes, it's this girl. Nette Lemon Puff eau de parfum is giving lemon cheesecake croissant, quiet elegance, and a little mischief all in one. You can get this in a full 1.7-ounce bottle or a miniature sample size.
Photo: Glossier
The scent that sneaks up on you
There's never been a gourmand scent this light and unimposing that garners this many compliments. Rue accurately classifies Glossier's You Doux as "soft girl gourmand." It's slightly spicy, balanced with amber, and available in three sizes, starting with a mini for just $32.
Promising review:"My favourite perfume ever. Woody, clean but still ever so slightly sweet so that it's not completely masculine. It is by far my most complimented perfume!" – michellerest
Photo: YSL Beauty
The latest iteration of an iconic YSL scent series
A wilder, more promiscuous version of the more direct Libre, YSL's Libre Berry Crush dabbles in several scent profiles — coconut, raspberry, and orange blossom — to produce a bright gourmand. She's fun, flirtatious, and hard to ignore (in a good way). Pricing starts at $33 for a mini size.
Promising review: "I'll be honest. The other Libre's and flankers didn't impress me much. But this one is different! Perfect blend of fruity and floral. A statement perfume without being too overpowering. Smells unlike anything else I've smelled before-which I love. Will definitely be wearing for spring and summer!!" – skinbysadie7
Photo: Ellis Brooklyn
A classic vanilla with a modern twist
You can't get much more gourmand than Vanilla Salt , which has notes of Madagascar vanilla, sea salt and whipped cream. Ellis Brooklyn, also a socially and sustainability conscious perfume house, has mastered the contemporary sweet scents that are pronounced yet balanced.
Promising review: "There are not enough words to describe how much I love the smell of Vanilla Salt. I had received it as a sample from another store, now I am obsessed! If only there was a lotion or shower gel!!" – April T.
Photo: Commodity Fragrances
TikTok's favorite gourmand scent
It's not just hype. Commodity Milk eau de parfum takes you on a journey through marshmallow and cotton candy clouds while still somehow remaining balanced enough to appeal to all genders. A slight woodiness adds depth to this fragrance, which is available in a min or a 3.4-ounce size.
Promising review: "One of my favorite recent fragrance buys. Some naughtily birthday shopping this year led me to this after testing it in store, and I don't regret purchasing the full bottle. Definitely unisex and has staying power, and as a person with a hormonal imbalance, that is a massive plus. It pulls sweet at first then settles into this lovely toasted marshmallow scent with underlying smokiness. Not an everyday fragrance per say but definitely one to make a statement." – anacampbell
Photo: Cyklar
A sweet, spicy perfume oil perfect for layering
Also TikTok-famous for its affordability and staying power, Cyklar's Vanilla Verve perfume oil is rich and luxurious, and shows up as the most classic vanilla you can imagine with just a hint of cardamom. If you want the scent with more self-care, spring for the Vitamin C oil . Genderless and travel friendly, it comes in a .5-ounce bottle.
Promising review: "This is the grown up vanilla I've been looking for. My fiance loves it. I want to bathe in it. It's a roll on, so clearly the projection is not great, but I just want to keep my hand to my wrist all the time. It smells amazing. Wish they would come out with a spray perfume or body spray." — Kendra
Credit: The 7 Virtues
A rich, unforgettable scent that's vegan and cruelty-free
The 7 Virtues Buttercream Haze smells so divine that you'll be tempted to spray it directly into your mouth (don't). With unmistakable notes of caramel, lemon zest and caramel, this scent is made with responsibly sourced fragrance oils. Pictured here is my 1.7-ounce eau de parfum spray, but you can also get this in a 10-milliliter sample size.
Promising review: "as a gourmand and vanilla lover I'm a big fan of this, I've tried a majority of the vanilla scents on the market and I continue to reach for this. it's not as sickly-sweet as the name might imply, it has a noteable sandalwood/tonka background that makes it a step above the typical childish sweet vanillas. Really lovely scent notes, dessert vanilla and cream that isn't too typical or sweet. Will definitely continue to buy" – sophmalt
Photo: Each & Every
A unexpectedly refreshing scent that will transport you to the tropics
True to its name, Each & Every's Eternal Summer body mist boasts a symphony of lime and coconut that harmonious co-exist to evoke an island paradise. It's both playful and light on the vanilla, which makes it perfect for the gourmand beginner. Available in 1.7 ounces.
Promising review: "This fragance has me OBSSESSED (the Coconut & Lime). Just love. I don't know any other fragrances I love this much and never get tired of, specially after using them a bunch/for a while." – Roma
Photo: Samir Grey
A sweet and spicy scent that mingles with your natural scent
Inspired by self-love, compassion and abundant energy, Samir Grey's One is the debut fragrance by former celebrity hairstylist and now, beauty and style expert, Kahh Spence . With notes of candied peach and almond milk, the scent is both warm and comforting. Get it in a 1.7-ounce bottle.
Photo: Maison Marie Louis
A vanilla from another time
Powered by tonka, citron and jasmine, this versatile vanilla is popular for layering, yet stands elegantly on its own. Maison Louis Marie No. 15 Vanille Infinie is a bit nostalgic in its complexity, its notes blending seamlessly.
Promising review: "Absolutely beautiful. I am someone who doesn't lean towards warm or sweet scents generally but this is a beautiful one. It is sophisticated, feminine, soft and yet warm. For me, it lasted through my entire evening and I could still smell it on me hours later." – AmnaMaq
Photo: Sol de Janeiro
The floral gourmand that will take you to Rio
The captivating combination of pink pepper, pear, and ambrette makes Sol de Janerio's Sundays in Rio a versatile, year-round favorite. Both layer-able and loyal, it'll stay on for the long haul, a constantly reminder that you haven't been on vacation in entirely too long.
Promising review:"I was in need of a little winter pick me up, so this perfume mist (Cheirosa 62) was a self care gift to myself. I was also curious about Sol de Janeiro and what the buzz was all about. Knowing this is a popular fragrance with the younger set, I was worried it would smell too young or "teen-agey" but that isn't the case at all. The scent is actually lovely, soft, and feminine with more complexity than I was expecting. It's sweet but not overly so, and definitely wearable as a wintertime fragrance as well. It lasts a few hours, and the fragrance that lingers on my clothes smells amazing! It makes me feel good when I wear it, and that is what self-care is all about! I am looking forward to trying some of the other fragrances, too! If you need a little pampering, this is a great fragrance mist to try!" – CSH
Photo: Lorenzo Pazzaglia
The gourmand so unique that everyone will ask what you're wearing
Also YouTube viral, also unexpectedly gender fluid, Lorenzo Pazzaglia Pink Milk eau de parfum has notes of coconut, lychee, and fior di latte. The Italian fragrance house is best known for their unique gourmands that linger due to their high concentration of essential oils. Get this one in a 50-milliliter size.
Promising review: "Beautiful fragrance. I pick up a lot of the mamdarine and grapfruit at first but it dries down to this beautiful soft sweet rose. Very different and unique fragrance. I'm definitely going to purchase the bottle." – Katrina
Photo: D'Orsay
The third-date secret weapon
This scent is a testament to its dramatic name, since the gently spicy pepper notes dance alongside vanilla and cinnamon to invoke the desire for skin-to-skin contact. Worth the price at a relatively high level of oil concentration, D'Orsay Tonka Hysteria Extrait de Parfum is available in 50 ml.
Photo: Fulton and Roark
The gourmand that's not afraid of its dark side
The aromatics in Calle Ocho Extrait De Parfum is an olfactory ode to balmy nights in Havana — or at least, Little Havana in Miami. Notes of cinnamon, dark rum, and chocolate mingle to create a powerful presence that stands the test of time and sweat.
Photo: L'Objet
The almost-gourmand honorable mention
While this L'Objet Blindfold eau de parfum — one of six fragrances from the luxury home decor brand — is warm and woodsy, it evolves as it dries on your skin, revealing an alluring combination of tonka bean and saffron. Available in 3.3 ounces.
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
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