Vanilla Valentine’s

When we think, “Valentine’s Day,” visions of roses, chocolates and candlelight swirl about in most of our amorous little heads. That, or ideas for a rental with the girls. Chocolate will always be welcome in most February households, but this year, mix them up by adding a little vanilla.

Vanilla scents have grown up. No longer do they solely come in the sticky sweet versions we’ve grown accustomed to tolerating. Now, the vanilla bean has branched out. Literally.

For years, the scent has been a fine fixture in body products and fragrances, but now we can find the scent in sultry adult blends as well. So, if you love a good cupcake but are ready to graduate from smelling like its icing, consider the following products”¦

First, is Trish McEvoy’s Sexy #9 fragrance (sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills). Exotic essences of Blackberry and Vanilla Musk blended to a seductively, alluring twist. The vanilla is subtle but exotic, and the scent floats on the skin with a flawlessly sultry air. Available in a beautiful atomizer spray bottle or refillable pursers.

A more floral-blended vanilla comes in the form of L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Vanilia (available at Barneys or Fred Segal, Santa Monica). The beautiful scent feels almost tropical and only the slighted squirt is needed.

If you enjoy body oils, there are two delicious formulations worth trying. The first is a blend of sweet almond and coconut oils that will nourish and moisturize skin right out of the shower. LaLicious’ Body Oil in Vanilla (available at Planet Blue, Malibu) is sweet and feminine, without being over the top, and it keeps skin soft all day.

Next is Kama Sutra’s Oil of Love in Vanilla Crème (www.kamasutra.com). An essence of pure vanilla is blended with a smooth, rich cream scent to create a silky, delicate scent that is perfectly kissable. Despite the name, the products are actually water-based, allowing them to wash away seamlessly with water and remain latex safe.

If you’d simply like to add a little vanilla ambience to your home, Archipelago Home’s soy candle (sold at Fred Segal, Santa Monica) in Vanilla is a soft blend of vanilla and apricot that will burn up to 90 hours.

For an intoxicating warm scent, the signature R&R candle by denim gurus Rock & Republic (www.rockandrepublic.com) is a must-have. The jar and wax itself comes in midnight black and is equally alluring when burned, both visually and “scentually.”

Lastly, for a goodnight kiss of fresh vanilla, pick up Stila’s Plumping Lip Glaze (at Stila Cosmetics, Beverly Center) in Vanilla Mint. Lips are given a beautifully sheer pout, with a faintly seductive hint of scent.

Alas, little vanilla isn’t so vanilla anymore.