The note of tonka bean is a beautiful fragrance note with great versatility. Not only can it be used in fresher fragrances, but also in sweeter ones. Because of the versatility, the note of tonka bean is often used, but what are the best tonka bean fragrances for women?
What Is The Note Of Tonka Bean And How Does It Smell
The note of tonka bean is an interesting fragrance note. Tonka beans are fruits, coming from a tropical tree called the Dipteryx odorata, and these tonka bean fruits contain something called coumarin. Naturally, the tonka beans contain about 1-3% coumarin, but this can be increased to about 90%. This is called tonka bean absolute.
Now, depending on the percentage of coumarin, the scent varies. A lower percentage of tonka bean, for example, creates a more natural and green scent. This works great in fresher, more aromatic fragrances.
A higher percentage, or tonka bean absolute, has a much sweeter scent. This sweet scent is somewhat reminiscent of the sweet scent of tobacco, but there’s also a creamy vibe to it as well. This creamy, sweet, and rich scent is the most commonly used version of the note of tonka bean, as it has a much more prominent scent.
Regardless of the percentage of coumarin, the note of tonka bean is sure to add a whole new layer to a fragrance, whether it’s a creamy sweetness or a natural freshness. Below are some of the best tonka bean fragrances for women, in no particular order!
1. Guerlain Tonka Imperiale
Scent: Guerlain Tonka Imperiale is a truly fantastic fragrance with a rich and luxurious scent. This fragrance opens with an aromatic scent of sweet tobacco, supported by a few subtle woody notes. Quickly after the opening, a sweet scent of tonka bean is added, giving the fragrance a luxurious and rich feel. Added to the tonka bean is the note of almond, giving the fragrance a creamy, slightly gourmand scent. In the dry down, a very faint scent of smoky incense makes itself known, giving the fragrance mature dry down.
Notes: The top notes of Guerlain Tonka Imperiale are rosemary, bitter almond, and bergamot. The middle notes are tobacco, jasmine, and tonka bean. The base notes are pine, cedar, and incense.
Best for: Guerlain Tonka Imperiale is a truly stunning fragrance with a rich and luxurious scent of tonka bean. This fragrance is on the sweeter side, making it better for the colder months, however, it can be worn at night all year long. Throughout the day, this fragrance is great for casual wear, but it truly shines in a more formal setting. This fragrance smells like what you’d imagine a millionaire to smell like, so make sure you dress up a bit and be your best self. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
2. Christian Dior Dior Addict
Scent: Christian Dior Dior Addict is a gorgeous fragrance with a sweet and addictive scent. This fragrance opens with a soft scent of fruits, supported by a bunch of white floral notes. This creates a beautiful and intoxicating scent that only becomes better. After the opening, a gorgeous, creamy scent of vanilla and tonka bean is added, giving the fragrance a seductive and sweet scent. This blends in perfectly with the sweet fruits and white florals, leaving you with an overall masterpiece.
Notes: The top notes of Christian Dior Dior Addict are blackberry and mandarin leaves. The middle notes are rose, jasmine, orange blossom, and night-blooming cereus. The base notes are vanilla, tonka bean, and sandalwood.
Best for: Christian Dior Dior Addict is a gorgeous fragrance with a sweet and seductive scent. Such a scent is perfect for the colder months, where it provides you with a warm and cozy feel. During the colder months, this fragrance is great for casual everyday wear, but it truly shines at night. Wearing this on a night out or a date will make you irresistible. Overall, this is a truly beautiful fragrance with a seductive and addictive scent. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
3. Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka
Scent: Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka is a truly fantastic fragrance with a sweet and creamy scent. This fragrance opens with a soft scent of lavender, however, this is quickly overshadowed by the other notes. Quickly after the opening, a sweet and resinous scent of myrrh comes forth, as well as the creamy, rich, and sweet scent of tonka bean. This scent will stay there for the remainder of the fragrance, but it is accompanied by the notes of almond and vanilla is the base. Overall, this is a creamy, rich, and sweet fragrance with a lovely scent.
Notes: The top note of Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka is lavender. The middle note is myrrh and the base notes are almond, tonka bean, and vanilla.
Best for: Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka is a fantastic cold-weather fragrance, perfect for the fall and winter. The sweet and creamy scent is perfect for casual everyday wear, as it provides you with such a comforting and cozy scent. However, you can also wear this to the office or any other formal occasion, as this fragrance is extremely inoffensive. Overall, you get a likable and versatile fragrance that can be worn pretty much all the time. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
4. Le Labo Tonka 25
Scent: Le Labo Tonka 25 is a fantastic fragrance with a clean and powdery scent. This fragrance opens with a beautiful scent of fresh and vibrant orange blossom, supported by a slightly fresh scent of tonka bean. After a little while, the tonka bean becomes a bit more creamy, blending in nicely with the powdery feel of the orange blossom. When this fragrance starts to dry down, a clean scent of musk makes itself known. Along with the musk comes a slightly sweet scent of vanilla, leaving you with an overall sweet and clean scent.
Notes: The notes of Le Labo Tonka 25 are orange blossom, vanilla, musk, styrax, tonka bean, and cedar.
Best for: Le Labo Tonka 25 is a fantastic fragrance that you can easily wear all year long. This fragrance has a fresh and powdery opening and a clean and sweet dry down, making it work well with any temperature. Throughout the year, this fragrance is great for casual daytime wear, either during the day or the night. But, it also works great as a formal fragrance, as the powderiness gives it a luxurious and classy feel. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
5. Bottega Veneta Knot
Scent: Bottega Veneta Knot is a beautiful fragrance with a fresh scent of citruses and white florals. This fragrance opens with a gorgeous and bitter scent of citruses. This creates a sunny and fresh scent that only becomes nicer. After the opening, a bunch of floral notes make themselves known, giving the fragrance a fresh and slightly powdery feel. In the dry down, a clean scent of musk and tonka bean is added, making the fragrance even fresher and more outgoing. This leaves you with an overall fresh and clean fragrance that smells like pure sunshine.
Notes: The top notes of Bottega Veneta Knot are orange blossom, neroli, mandarin, lime, and clementine. The middle notes are peony, lavender, and white rose. The base notes are tonka bean and musk.
Best for: Bottega Veneta Knot is a beautiful fragrance with a fresh and sunny scent. Such a scent is perfect for the warmer months, where it will provide you with a refreshing and uplifting vibe. During the warmer months, this is a fantastic fragrance to wear casually all throughout the day. Whether you’re hanging out with friends, running errands, or going shopping, this fragrance will fit in perfectly. And, due to the clean and inoffensive scent, you can also wear it to the office if you’d like. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
6. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Scent: Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is a truly gorgeous fragrance with a beautiful scent. This fragrance opens with a sweet scent of tobacco, supported by a few spices. Quickly after the opening, the note of cacao is added, giving the fragrance a rich and deep scent. From here on, the notes of vanilla and tonka bean are added, giving the fragrance an even more beautiful scent. In the base, there’s the note of dried fruits, giving the fragrance an almost dusty feel. This leaves you with an overall luxurious, elegant, and gorgeous-smelling fragrance.
Notes: The top notes of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille are tobacco leaves and spicy notes. The middle notes are cacao, vanilla, tobacco blossom, and tonka bean. The base notes are dried fruits and woody notes.
Best for: Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is a fantastic cold-weather fragrance, perfect for the fall and winter. This fragrance has a truly beautiful scent of sweet tobacco and vanilla, creating a warm and cozy scent. During the colder months, this fragrance is great for everyday casual wear, either during the day or the night. However, due to the elegance, this fragrance is also great for a formal occasion. Honestly, a fragrance like this works great anywhere. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
7. Lancome La Vie Est Belle
Scent: Lancome La Vie Est Belle is a fantastic fragrance with a sweet and crowd-pleasing scent. This fragrance immediately opens with a sweet and sugary scent of fruits. Quickly after the opening, however, a beautiful, creamy, and sweet scent makes itself known. This sweet scent comes from the notes of vanilla, praline, and tonka bean, creating an almost almond-like, gourmand scent. This creamy, sweet scent goes perfectly with the sugary fruits from the opening, leaving you with an overall gorgeous and likable scent.
Notes: The top notes of Lancome La Vie Est Belle are pear and blackcurrant. The middle notes are orange blossom, jasmine, and iris. The base notes are praline, vanilla, tonka bean, and patchouli.
Best for: Lancome La Vie Est Belle is a beautiful, crowd-pleasing scent that’s perfect for the fall and winter. This fragrance is quite sweet, which could be a little too strong for the warmer months. During the colder months, however, this fragrance is perfect. You can easily wear this casually throughout the day, but it also works great as a nighttime fragrance and you can even wear it to a date if you’d like. Overall, this is a versatile and crowd-pleasing fragrance, perfect for any woman. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
8. Guerlain Elixir Charnel Oriental Brulant
Scent: Guerlain Elixir Charnel Oriental Brulant is a beautiful fragrance with a warm and sweet scent. This fragrance opens with a sweet and waxy scent, almost creating a lipstick-like feel. This lipsticky feel, however, quickly disappears again, leaving you with a creamy and sweet scent of almond, vanilla, and tonka bean. This makes for a fantastic gourmand scent that will stay there for the remainder of the fragrance. In the dry down, though, a dry and balsamic scent of styrax comes forth, balancing out the gourmand feel.
Notes: The top note of Guerlain Elixir Charnel Oriental Brulant is tangerine. The middle note is almond and the base notes are vanilla, styrax, and tonka bean.
Best for: Guerlain Elixir Charnel Oriental Brulant is a fantastic fragrance to wear during the colder months. This fragrance has a beautiful gourmand scent of sweet vanilla and tonka bean, which will provide you with a warm and cozy feel. During the colder months, this fragrance is perfect for casual everyday wear, however, there’s a sense of class to this fragrance that makes it work well in a formal setting as well. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
9. Guerlain Shalimar
Scent: Guerlain Shalimar is a lovely fragrance with an interesting and beautiful scent. This fragrance opens with a light scent of citruses, supported by a few powdery floral notes. Quickly after the opening, a leathery, warm scent comes forth, giving the fragrance some depth and richness. In the dry down, a sweet scent of vanilla and tonka bean makes itself known, giving the fragrance a creamy and lovely scent. In the dry down, there’s a musky undertone present as well, leaving you with an overall complex and beautiful fragrance.
Notes: The top notes of Guerlain Shalimar are lemon, bergamot, cedar, mandarin, and citruses. The middle notes are rose, vetiver, jasmine, iris, and patchouli. The base notes are civet, tonka bean, musk, opoponax, incense, sandalwood, vanilla, and leather.
Best for: Guerlain Shalimar is a fantastic fragrance that’s perfect for the fall and winter. Even though this fragrance opens with some fresh citruses, this fragrance is on the sweeter and heavier side, which is best worn when the temperatures are lower. During these colder months, this fragrance can be worn pretty much whenever you’d like. It’s perfect for casual everyday wear, great for nighttime wear, but also great to wear to the office. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
10. Christian Dior Feve Delicieuse
Scent: Christian Dior Feve Delicieuse is a beautiful fragrance with a dark and sweet scent. This fragrance opens with a rich and slightly balsamic scent, immediately setting the tone for this fragrance. After a little while, the fragrance becomes much sweeter with the addition of vanilla and tonka bean. This is also the moment where a fruity hint of cherry makes itself known, giving the fragrance a unique touch. When this fragrance starts to dry down, you’re left with a beautiful, rich, dark, and sweet fragrance with an extremely likable and high-quality scent.
Notes: The top notes of Christian Dior Feve Delicieuse are bergamot, mint, and lavender. The middle notes are jasmine, freesia, and cherry. The base notes are dark chocolate, vanilla, cedar, sandalwood, caramel, leather, benzoin, coconut, and tonka bean.
Best for: Christian Dior Feve Delicieuse is a fantastic fragrance to wear during the fall and winter. This fragrance has a gorgeous and sweet scent, which is perfect for the colder months. During the colder months, this fragrance is perfect for casual everyday wear but also works great at night as well. And, due to the luxurious scent, you can also wear this to any formal occasion as well. There really is no going wrong with such a qualitative and fantastic smelling fragrance. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
11. Zara Femme Intense
Scent: Zara Femme Intense is a great fragrance with a simple, yet delightful scent. This fragrance opens with a sweet scent of vanilla, which will stay there for the remainder of the fragrance. Every now and then, a subtle hint of peony peeks through, giving the fragrance a soft freshness. When this fragrance starts to dry down, however, the peony completely disappears, making way for the creamy and rich scent of tonka bean. This leaves you with an overall simple, but great-smelling and long-lasting fragrance.
Notes: The top note of Zara Femme Intense is peony. The middle note is vanilla and the base note is tonka bean.
Best for: Zara Femme Intense is a great fragrance to wear during the spring, fall, and winter. This fragrance is mainly focussed on the vanilla and tonka bean, which could make it a little too strong for the summer. During the other seasons, however, this fragrance is perfect. This is the perfect dumb-reach fragrance. One that you can throw on without having to think about it, regardless of the occasion. And on top of that, this fragrance is also very affordable as well. Most Zara fragrances aren’t really sold online, though, so make sure to give this a try in a Zara store near you!
12. Byredo Eleventh Hour
Scent: Byredo Eleventh Hour is a beautiful fragrance with a warm and spicy scent. The spiciness immediately introduces itself in the opening with a blast of fresh pepper. Added to the pepper are cloves and cinnamon, creating an explosion of spices. Quickly after the opening, a boozy undertone makes itself known, giving the fragrance a warm and cozy vibe. When this fragrance starts to dry down, it becomes a bit more rounded and sweeter, leaving you with an overall beautiful fragrance with a warm, spicy, and intoxicating scent.
Notes: The top notes of Byredo Eleventh Hour are bergamot and Sichuan pepper. The middle notes are plum, carrot seeds, rum, and fig. The base notes are Iso E Super, olibanum, cedar, labdanum, Cashmere woods, and tonka bean.
Best for: Byredo Eleventh Hour is a fantastic fragrance to wear during the fall and winter. This fragrance has a gorgeous scent of warm spices, which would be a little too strong for the warmer months. During the colder months, however, this fragrance is perfect. You can easily wear this casual throughout the day, but it also works great at night. You could even wear it to a date or a fancy dinner if you’d like. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
Should You Have A Tonka Bean Fragrance
Tonka bean fragrances are fantastic fragrances. With their interesting and addictive scents, you’ll never go wrong with them. Even though owning a fragrance purely for the note of tonka bean might not be necessary, it’s definitely worth trying out.
Most tonka bean fragrances are on the sweeter side, which makes them perfect for the colder months. And because most tonka bean fragrances have that seductive quality to them, they work great during both the day and the night.
Overall, owning a tonka bean fragrance will never be a bad thing. They smell fantastic and are versatile. What more do you want? I’d recommend you take a good look at the fragrances listed above and see which of these tonka bean fragrances would fit you perfectly!