3 Indie Vanilla Fragrances we love:  DSH Perfumes Au Lait, Sarah Horowitz Parfums Perfect Vanilla and Rosy & Earnest Vanilla Rum Royal,  Photo by Olya Bar.

The grand finale of the Vanilla series (see part one and two here) is all about celebrating indie vanilla fragrances—bold, artisanal creations that highlight vanilla in its raw, unfiltered glory. These are true olfactory works of art with clean, conscious compositions that put creativity and craft front and center. Some swear by indie perfumes, while others stick to the mainstream. For me, it all comes down to mood. There are days when I crave that intimate, close-to-the-skin scent—one that whispers instead of shouts, wrapping me in comfort and magic. Indie fragrances do just that—you can smell the perfumer’s intent as if it was created just for you.

Here are three indie vanilla fragrances that offer decadence, sensuality, and artistry.

Sarah Horowitz Parfums Perfect Vanilla by Olya Bar

 Sarah Horowitz Parfums Perfect Vanilla (Sarah Horowitz Thran) 1998 – At first spritz, the blood orange shines, offering a vibrant, almost tart brightness that immediately captures the essence of a sun-soaked day. The citrus is perfectly balanced by the vanilla, which is rich yet not overpowering—more akin to a freshly churned ice cream, delicately sweet and smooth. Then comes the savory part of what smells like toasted almonds, their nutty, slightly roasted flavor cuts through the sweetness and adds a subtle crunch that elevates it from a simple treat to something that feels truly crafted. The flavors are layered with precision in Sarah Horowitz Parfums Perfect Vanilla—the tangy citrus, the creamy vanilla, and the warm, amber finish all coming together like an artisanal take on the light and airy creamsicle, one that will leave you savoring each bite, long after the summer sun sets.

Notes: Blood Orange, Tobacco, Amber, Vanilla. 

DSH Perfumes Au Lait Photo by Olya Bar

DSH Perfumes Au Lait (Dawn Spencer Hurwitz) 2004- In a social media world suddenly obsessed with all things milk, Au Lait slides in effortlessly and Dawn Spencer Hurwitz composed it 20 years ago, so ahead of her time! Think of it as the frothy milk of the fragrance world—light, and airy just before you pour it into your latte. Milk and vanilla swirl together in a simple yet dreamy blend, with a hint of something angelic. There’s a dash of baby powder that triggers a hit of nostalgia for me, like the sweet scent of a baby’s head or those blankets that spark an oxytocin rush. It’s soft, it’s familiar, and it’s got that addictive, feel-good vibe.

Notes include: Warm Milk. Sweet Cream, Ambrette Seed, Buttercream Accord, Tonka Bean, French Vanilla

Rosy & Earnest Vanilla Rum Royal by Olya Bar

Rosy & Earnest Vanilla Rum Royal (Nathalie Feisthauer) 2024 – A vanilla scent with a splash of white wine? Now that’s something you don’t smell every day. Vanilla Rum Royal kicks things off with a zesty pop of bergamot and the sharp tang of aged white wine, straight from an oak barrel. It’s got that rum-like vibe that makes your mouth water, like you can taste the tannins swirling on your tongue with every inhale. Buttery soft, it feels like a full-bodied Chardonnay with a decadent mix of vanilla and musk at its core. This is no sweet vanilla—it is bone-dry, with a silky smooth sillage and a rich, warm projection that lingers. And as a clean brand, Rosy & Earnest received their EWG Verified certification—only the second brand in the Eau de Parfum category to achieve it (and the only Canadian!). Now that’s a game-changer.

Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, White Wine, Wine Lees; Rum; Oak, Vanilla, Labdanum, Musk.

Olya Bar, Editor.

Disclosure: Olya received bottles of each of the three indie vanilla fragrances. Michelyn was gifted Vanilla Rum Royal, has her original bottle of Sarah Horowitz Perfect Vanilla from 2005 and a sample of Au Lait from 2012. Opinions are solely Olya’s

Article written by Olya Bar. Fragrances were curated with Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief.

Michelyn’s note: Each of the perfumes in the 3 Indie vanilla fragrances were composed by women…just saying.

Rosy & Earnest Vanilla Rum Royal & Sarah Horowitz Perfect Vanilla Collage by Olya Bar.

Thanks to the generosity of Sarah Horowitz Parfums and Rosy & Earnest we have a draw for a 50ml bottle of Perfect Vanilla in the USA Only

OR

a 50ml bottle of Vanilla Rum Royal for one registered reader in the USA, and Canada ONLY.

You must register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what you enjoyed most about Olya’s reviews of the three indie vanilla fragrances you should be wearing, your choice should you win and where you live. Draw closes 10/26/2024.

DSH Perfumes Au Lait is Not part of the 3 indie vanilla fragrances giveaway

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Learn more about these three women owned brands:

Sarah Horowitz Parfums here

DSH Perfumes here

Rosy & Earnest here

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All photos are by Olya Bar

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