I really hate how vanilla has become the universal term for “boring” in today’s world, because frankly, there’s nothing bland about vanilla—especially in fragrance. Vanilla is basically the backbone of perfumery. The versatile note can take on many different auras: Depending on what it’s mixed with, vanilla can feel creamy and comforting, warm and sensual, or even playful and sweet.
Many perfumes touch on one facet of vanilla; however, Burberry Goddess layers all of the aforementioned characteristics of the note for a truly captivating potion. This is a scent that proves vanilla can be mature—it’s essentially the exact opposite of the sugary body mists of my adolescence—yet it still feels lively and youthful. I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t enjoy this perfume, which is an impressive feat considering how opinionated people are about vanilla.
As a former vanilla hater, I’m confident that Burberry Goddess can turn anyone into a vanilla enthusiast. But what puts this perfume scores ahead of other vanilla fragrances?
What does Burberry Goddess smell like?
Key notes: Vanilla infusion, vanilla caviar, vanilla absolute, lavender
It should come as no surprise that the perfumer behind Goddess (Amandine Clerc-Marie) wanted everyone who wears this to feel like a celestial being. To achieve a vibe that was equally ethereal and sensual, she combined three different types of vanilla: Vanilla infusion, vanilla caviar, and vanilla absolute.
Each form of vanilla captures a distinct aroma. Vanilla infusion is extracted directly from the vanilla bean pod, and rather than smelling sugary sweet, the nuanced note smells deep, woody, and slightly spicy. Vanilla caviar is slightly sweeter than the previous accord, yet it has a musky, animalic tinge that lies beautifully on your skin. Finally, vanilla aboslute is one of the purest—and most sought-after—forms of vanilla in perfumery. The caramel-like note feels intensely rich and warm and adds depth to the overall composition. To balance out all the vanilla, Goddess is then grounded with a dash of calming lavender.
My Burberry Goddess review:
I understand the influence vanilla has on the perfume world, but I’ve gotten a bit disillusioned these days. Most of the vanilla scents I’ve sniffed lately are sickeningly sweet and turned me into a proverbial cupcake rather than a… goddess (which, TBH, is what I’m trying to emulate every day).
I actually held off trying Burberry Goddess for months. I had already written it off as just another vanilla and was fully convinced that the hype around it was unwarranted. Spoiler: That was a major misjudgment on my part. I ended up acquiring a mini bottle at a Burberry Beauty event and wanted to purchase a full-size after one single wear.
The heady trio of vanillas instantly cloaks me in quiet fearlessness. With each spray, I become a personified goddess: I stand a little straighter, walk more intentionally, and command whatever space I’m in. I’m a firm believer that the right perfume can unlock the most confident version of yourself—and for me, Burberry Goddess makes me feel like I can reach my full potential.
Final thoughts:
Goddess is one of those rare perfumes that shouts and whispers at the same time. It announces me as I enter the room, but it doesn’t completely engulf me. Instead, this perfume beautifully enhances my aura while still letting me fully shine.
At a time when overwhelming beast-mode scents are the norm, this finds the ideal middle ground. While it charms anyone who catches a whiff, Goddess doesn’t assault the noses of everyone you pass. It’s a difficult harmony to attain, and this is one of the only perfumes to accomplish it. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to try it.
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Mary Honkus is a contributing beauty editor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including analyzing fragrance trends and reviewing uber popular perfumes (like Kilian Paris Love, Don’t Be Shy). She’s an expert in all beauty categories, but has a soft spot for fragrance.
Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell’s Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC’s hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.
