Best Perfumes for Women

4 Perfumes Similar to Mod Vanilla

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Mod Vanilla was one that I bought a travel sprayer of (along with Mod Blush) back when it was first release. Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised at just how popular of a perfume it has since become, but I kind of am.

With that popularity, has also come people searching for potential alternatives to this Ariana Grande scent. Whether it’s something that similar but a bit different, a cheaper substitute, or one that aims to try and match the same Mod vibe; here is my ongoing list keeping track of perfumes which fit the bill.

Fragrances that Smell Like Mod Vanilla by Ariana Grande

mod vanilla review

An Inspiration

Dark Plum Vanille by Dua Brand– So, the rest of the list after this will be perfumes that are similar without trying to be a near match to our target. However, the Dua Brand does have their inspired version of Mod, Dark Plum Vanille.

If you want a cheaper alternative that aims to be close to the original, this is currently your best bet.

Now, I have yet to try this one from Dua. They usually do a great job and I’ve owned over a dozen of their other ‘inspired’ fragrances, so I trust that they can make the most of this formula (and the reviews seem to think they did).

40 Sweets

Cheirosa 40 by Sol de Janeiro– This one from Sol de Janeiro often gets compared to Mod Vanilla and it is indeed similar. Not the same, mind you, but pretty close for a body mist.

Plum and cassis are notes up top which give this one a sweetness, while being a bit tart. To me, the fruitiness is the main distinction, 40 has a much greater influence with those notes than the plum that’s in the Ariana perfume.

It’s a light and sweet fragrance with some floral influence (jasmine mainly), musk, amber, and of course the vanilla. Actually, fairly creamy at times, and also a good stretch where it leans more powdery and musky.

Pretty nice as a potential substitute for Mod Vanilla, since it’s not too expensive. Again, don’t expect an exact match, just something quite familiar.

Cloud

Cloud by Ariana Grande– Yes, another release from Ariana Grande. There are lots of them with a ton of overlap, Mod Vanilla and Cloud are such a case.

To me, it’s mainly in the sweetness (praline) and the musk notes, with the vanilla that makes it a fairly close comparison between them. Now, they’re not the same, just similar. It’s difficult to not smell comparable, with so many common notes.

Outside of that, Cloud has a lavender and musky finish. While with Mod Vanilla, I got more of a powdery back half with a sugary/musky/warm aroma.

Either way, if you haven’t tried Cloud and like Mod Vanilla, this might be for you. Cloud review

Viva Delicious

Viva Vanilla by Bath & Body Works– This one comes in variants of body spray, perfume, and lotion. So, there’s going to be slight differences in how it comes across from each type.

This is a very much simplified fragrance compared to Mod Vanilla, but also quite similar in what it does.

Here, you have: vanilla, plum, and amber. Warm and somewhat smoky with how it comes across and the sweetness is toned down. To me, the plum note in the Ariana Grande perfume is already very light, so it not being too big of a factor here isn’t much different.

But, the sweetness of the floral notes, cocoa butter, and praline are absent. As is the musk. Not an exact match here, but what you get for this price point is quite beautiful and has enough similarities to be worthwhile to check out.

4 Perfumes Similar to Vanilla Sex

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Vanilla Sex is a release which has really caught on for the brand since its release. Not too complicated of a perfume, but one that has a rather unique feel within a space of vanilla scents, that is extremely well covered.

On this page, I want to keep track of other fragrances that I find which either smell similar to or have a close style to or are cheaper alternatives to this popular Tom Ford fragrance.

Fragrances that Smell Like Vanilla Sex by Tom Ford

Vanilla Closeness

Intimate with Vanilla by Dua Brand– Very clever with the wordplay on the Vanilla Sex moniker, but Intimate is the ‘inspired by’ take on this Tom Ford perfume from The Dua Brand.

If you want an option that tries to match what you get with our target fragrance, this release from Dua should be as good as any. I’ve bought over a dozen scents from them and they really do come close to the mark each time.

Vanilla, tonka bean, bitter almond, sandalwood, and the rest are here. I haven’t tried this one out personally, as of now, but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.  So, it makes the cut.

Another Inspirational Vanilla

Gourmand Vanilla by Dossier– For those who want something that is trying to be as close to smelling like the Tom Ford as it can, Gourmand Vanilla is another option.

I’ve also had good experience with Dossier’s perfumes, the pricing is good and they seem to come close to the designer fragrances, most of the time.

You might want to just see which one is cheaper on any given day. But, here’s a backup choice instead of the Dua.

Tahitian Vanilla

Vanille de Tahiti- This one from Perris isn’t the same as Vanilla Sex, but it is another vanilla perfume with a somewhat similar style and some overlaps.

Vanille de Tahiti has a fairly short-lived stage, in which it has a dirtier and earthy kind of aroma on top of the main vanilla note. Champaca and ylang-ylang. That will clear out and the champaca smells a lot like orange flower.

A floral and tropical kind of fragrance, that becomes dry and more powdery instead of creamy with its vanilla finish. Sandalwood and amber round things out.

I quite enjoyed wearing my sample vial of Vanille de Tahiti. The opening few minutes almost put me off of it, but it gets way better thereafter. This is one that if you like the Tom Ford perfume, you’ll probably like this one too, even if it’s not an exact match.

Deeper Hypnosis

Hypnotic Poison– Another one that’s not the same and probably the most distinct from Vanilla Sex on the list, but has plenty of overlap. Mainly, the vanilla and almond notes being prominent in the mix.

This is also a more complex scent, so, there are more facets to it than in Vanilla.

I get a more noticeable almond here with the Dior than in the Tom Ford, which is much more vanilla centered. The fruity notes also separate it with both apricot and plum making an appearance. The floral heart is also more of a factor, thanks to jasmine, and a sweetish tuberose.

Again, not going to be a near duplicate of the same aroma, but one that should have plenty of fans that are into wearing the Tom Ford scent too. Nice performance and one that’s been popular for a long time.

Angels’ Share Paradis by Kilian

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Angels’ Share, the wildly popular release from Kilian has finally got a proper flanker version that has some significant changes from the original here in 2025, Angels’ Share Paradis.

I bought a decant of this newer Kilian perfume in order to test it out and compare it with my bottle of Angels’ Share. How does it smell? Does Paradis last long? Is it actually worth a buy?

Angels’ Share Paradis Overview

Notes include: raspberry liquor, cognac, praline, tonka bean, Bulgarian rose, moss, oak, sandalwood

Click here to try: Paradis

My Full Review

Angels’ Share Paradis starts things off with a boozier aroma than the original. The cognac and raspberry liquor are really prominent versus the apple and cinnamon kick that you get with the first Kilian release in this series.

So, it’s more alcoholic, sweeter, and doesn’t have the same spiciness.

The next things that I notice, in terms of differences, are the tonka bean and moss notes.

The moss note hear gives Paradis a fresher and woodsy vibe that the original doesn’t have. Now, the oakmoss isn’t a massive note, but it is a persistent one which plays its smaller role well.

The tonka bean also seems like they added to it in this version of Angels’ Share. The more that I wore this one, the more noticeable the tonka bean was, particularly in the middle act of its development.

Also, there is a Bulgarian rose addition to this. Not too distinct, since it does have a lighter sweetness and greenish touches usually. As such, it blends in pretty well in this mix.

The back half of this feels like the original Angels’ Share with some raspberry lingering around and that moss.  Warm, with oak, and an edible gourmand aroma to it.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The performance here is exactly the same that I get with Angels’ Share. Tried both multiple times both together and separate. Noticed no difference.

Maybe you could say that the sillage is a bit lighter thanks to the slight freshness of Paradis. To me, not really. The projection is still quite strong when it opens up and it lasts as a moderate perfume for the rest of the way.

Longevity is also in the 9-13 hour range for me. No increase, but they also didn’t manage to screw this up.

Seasonally, this is still an autumn and winter wear. Have tried it on a warmer day and wasn’t feeling the results. I’d stick with the cooler parts of the year.

Still indeed a unisex and very versatile with it. Mass appealing, but maybe you don’t want to wear a boozy scent to the office. Same rules apply as Angels’ Share.

Overall Impressions of Angels’ Share Paradis

Overall, do I like Angels’ Share Paradis? Yes. However, I don’t like it more than the original and that kind of defeats the purpose of me owning a bottle. Especially, at the elevated price point versus what I can get a refill of Angels’ Share for.

It’s different but not greatly so. Plus, the performance is basically the same as what I already get with the first one.

The raspberry is a nice addition and the moss adds a nice touch to the blend, but I’m not too excited about it versus what I already have a bottle of.

I do think it’s worth trying out, if you liked the original. If you can test it out, these differences might make a bigger impact on your sense of smell than it did mine. Angels’ Share Paradis is a very likeable perfume, still great, but a step behind its predecessor in my opinion.

Personally, I’ve wanted to wear my travel sprayer of Smoking Hot by Kilian versus getting a bottle of Paradis. I would grab a full bottle of that or a refill of the original, before shelling out more money for a raspberry version.

Divine EDP vs Le Parfum by Gaultier

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Gaultier’s Divine has already become a wildly popular perfume release. As such, they followed up the original eau de parfum version with a newer Le Parfum in 2024.

I recently received samples of both of these scents with my latest Gaultier order. How do each of these smell? How long do they last? Which of them is the better fragrance?

Tale of the Tape: Divine EDP vs Le Parfum

Divine EDP

Notes include: calypsone, lily, ylang-ylang, salty note, meringue, musk, patchouli

Click here to try: Gaultier Divine EDP

Le Parfum

Notes include: lily, frangipani, salt, solar notes, amber, benzoin

Click here to try: Divine Le Parfum

Opening

Divine EDP opens up with a salty aquatic accord, sitting on top of white floral notes. The calypsone gives it a watermelon sort of aroma that is paired with some other light fruit notes including bergamot.

It’s bright, cold, and has a sweetness to it that is an interesting play off of that saltiness. The meringue note is already adding a touch of powder to this blend, which I’ve really enjoyed catching whiffs of.

Personally, I don’t get the ‘egg’ sort of aroma that the meringue can put off. If it’s there, it’s sitting underneath enough of everything else for me to not pick up on. Though, just be aware that other people have talked about this being a factor.

Pressing my nose up close, there’s a lot going on here, a bit messy at times. However, in the air Divine EDP absolutely works well in this opening stage.

Le Parfum does away with much the aquatic accord and zeros in on that saltiness and lily note that is found in the original. At least early, the saltiness fades here much quicker on me than the EDP.

The melon like freshness is there to some extent, but the solar notes, and amber are already taking a large share of the attention early on.

After 10 minutes or so, it becomes sweeter and the frangipani becomes more apparent. Though, this isn’t a great frangipani note to me, nor one that truly stands out on its own.

It’s creamier and warmer than what you get with the eau de parfum version. But, it is still very much a tight blend of notes.

Which is better?

The similarities are there for sure and I actually like both of these perfumes quite a lot after testing them. Though, I think that I’ll give the opening act to Le Parfum.

Edge: Le Parfum

Projection

The eau de parfum will leave a nice scent trail in your wake. It’s not a super heavy feeling fragrance, it’s fresh and aquatic with how it presents, but the projection is good. I’d say it’s above average but not massive.

Le Parfum has a ‘thicker’ feeling to wear, but it still retains some of that fresher aspect of Divine EDP. It’s the sweeter of the two fragrances and also has a larger reach than the original.

It’s strong, and at times, very strong if you give it a few too many sprays. Le Parfum will moderate, but it easily takes this category.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Again, this is another category that I don’t think will really disappoint anyone purchasing either of these perfumes.

The EDP will last somewhere in the 8 hour range, on my skin. Maybe it can go an extra hour or so, but that seems to be about it.

Le Parfum will last for over 10 hours. I’m not sure exactly when it quits, I’d guess in the 12 hour timeframe on skin.

So, both of these are performers, but Le Parfum takes it to a higher level than does the original.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

With the EDP, it is more of use in the spring and summer months. Or, when it is moderate to warmer out.

Le Parfum has it edged, however. It can pretty much go year round. I don’t think it’ll hold up quite as well in the higher heat versus Divine EDP, but it should do well in the warmer weather, and can

Neither of these is a formal sort of scent. The EDP can feel pretty casual and has that beachy sort of vibe to it. That’s more of a daytime wear, while Divine Le Parfum can fit in day or night, a bit better.

Edge: Le Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which Gaultier Divine perfume do I enjoy more?

This is a tough call for me, since I really do like each of these scents. As far as mass appealing perfumes go, these are both unique enough from the field and have great performance.

It’s actually closer than it looks based on how the categories each played out.

With Divine EDP, I like the kind of salty watermelon aroma that I get in the beginning and that meringue actually works well on my skin. The florals and musk are nice enough when they begin to come out more in the mid of this perfume.

I lean more towards Le Parfum with how it smells. I like the amber and benzoin combination in the dry down. Furthermore, the extra performance that I can get from this perfume and the versatility, really solidifies my pick between them.

That being said, it might be a good idea to try either of these before you buy, if you’re someone unfamiliar. I think they’re pretty safe blind buys, but there does seem to be somewhat sizeable contingent of people who don’t like these formulations.

Winner: Le Parfum

Smoking Hot by Kilian

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Smoking Hot is a 2023 release from Kilian, under the banner of their ‘Smokes’ collection of fragrances. I had tried and enjoyed this one before, but saw a travel sprayer during the Black Friday sales, and decided to give it a more thorough testing.

It is a perfume that has started to gain some more attention as of late, but how does it actually smell? Is it a long-lasting fragrance? Is it even worth a try at all?

Kilian Smoking Hot Overview

Notes include: apple hookah flavor, cinnamon bark, moss, Bourbon vanilla, tobacco absolute, Orcanox

Click here to try: Smoking Hot from Bloomingdale’s

My Full Review

Here’s how Kilian describes it: At night, there are no rules but one: just be Smoking Hot! KILIAN PARIS newest smoky fragrance is a truly caramelized delight. Evoking everything from European clubs to Eastern hookah lounges, Smoking Hot redefines what a smokey scent is today, going almost where it’s too hot to handle

Smoking Hot begins with an apple and cinnamon blend being quite prominent.  It smells  to me, like Apple Brandy on the rocks, just swapping out that brandy note for a smoky shisha.

Which is good, because the brandy is a note that becomes too bothersome to my nose, after a while. So, I really like what I get here with Smoking Hot instead.

It’s fruity, sweet, smoky, a tad spicy, and fresh. The cinnamon note isn’t as powerful in Smoking Hot, as it is in Angels’ Share, for example.

I was wearing this one again, recently, and kept getting this sweetish/spicy smell in the mix that I couldn’t immediately identify. I had to look up the notes again, to see that it was licorice. Not too much, but it’s fairly prominent underneath during the start of this one.

Plus, you do get some moss and a faint clary sage note, adding a lighter and somewhat greenish dimension to this scent. This is a good change up that adds a lighter fresher clean to it, along with that crisp apple note.

The smokiness does tone down, as will the apple note. The transition is still utilizing that mossy accord, the cinnamon, and the purer tobacco note comes through as more of a standalone.

Vanilla, will come on and stick around for the rest of the way. It is joined by Orcanox, which is another synthetic amber or ambergris note. Those two are with the tobacco and some touches of light spice.

Not a super complex perfume, but it’s still delightful in the fairly linear development.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one isn’t too heavy of a fragrance that bogs down on you. However, it is powerful with its projection, initially. This Kilian perfume is one that will absolutely be noticeable for most of the wear and gives you a long reach up front.

Though, I think it moderates nicely, as the fragrance transitions into the second act.

As far as how long it lasts, Smoking Hot will go 10-13 hours, on my skin. Very good performance, even if it isn’t the farthest reaching perfume out there.

No real complaints about this aspect of the scent. Sure, it’s an expensive fragrance, but it actually delivers what you’d want when dropping that much money.

Seasonally, this one is autumn through early spring. Maybe a bit deeper into springtime, depending on your local climate. That moss and apple freshness give this one enough lightness to work well even a past room temperature. Just skip the summer.

The versatility here, is obviously a weakness. It’s a fruity and spicy hookah aroma, not exactly what you might want to smell like on every occasion.

Nights out seems like the best bet. I’ve been using my travel sprayer a lot for that. Also, just around the house, for my personal enjoyment. I’ve still worn it out during the daytime.

I’ve gotten positive comments about this one and it’s pretty easy to like. Probably not best to wear it to the office, however.

On the plus, side it is a unisex fragrance, so the potential audience for this is wide, even if the use cases are pretty limited.

Overall Impressions of Smoking Hot

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, it’s one of my favorite perfumes from Kilian. Not perfect, but a very enjoyable one to wear.

I like the smoky hookah accord here versus what you usually get with more of a straightforward tobacco note. The fruity sweetness of the apple, the spice, and the warmer dry down are all great.

Early on, it has more freshness and the moss note is apparent in the transition. But, it will become a warm tobacco with less smoke, vanilla, and some spice.

The cinnamon and apple combination isn’t like what you get with Oajan, Angels’ Share, or even the old 1 Million Prive. Again, it’s closest comp to me is Apple Brandy on the Rocks and that’s still a way’s away.

They share apple, vanilla, ambroxan, and moss. I guess you could say the rum note, has a cinnamon spice to it as well, in that fragrance. Swap out the booze for hookah and it’s closer.

Now, is this one worth a buy? Possibly. It is expensive and might not have much opportunity to be worn, depending on your lifestyle.

It’s a great perfume. It’s also a perfume that you’d probably want to test out with a sample of it, before buying. Not that it’s a challenging scent to wear, but hookah smoke, isn’t a formal type of smell.