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4 min read
If you’re not up for spending hundreds of pounds, these affordable fragrances smell far more expensive than they are…
There’s no denying the world of fragrance is booming thanks, in part, to the rise of #PerfumeTok. But is it just us or are perfumes getting more expensive these days? Forking out a few hundred for an eau de parfum has become the norm. However, there are a few hidden gems out there that make us smell far more expensive than they actually are.
Yes, perfumes on the cheaper end of the scale often don’t have the longevity of those with a heftier price tag but it’s a small compromise to make for a fragrance that doesn’t break the bank.
As someone who smells perfumes for a living and has too many fragrances to count, these are the affordable fragrances in my collection that rival my luxury bottles.
If you’re not committed to your signature scent and are after a fragrance fling, these affordable perfumes are a good way to experiment. Plus, we guarantee you won’t be able to believe their price tags after spritzing. Here are the perfumes I think are great value for money.
10 perfumes that smell more expensive than they are
The Body Shop White Musk Eau De Toilette
& Other Stories Nocturnal Tales Eau de Toilette
This sophisticated scent features lush tobacco, creamy vanilla and sharp vetiver to make for a rich woody scent. As perfumes go, this is dark, stormy and warm, which makes it the perfect date night scent.
Shop & Other Stories Nocturnal Tales Eau de Toilette at stories.com, £32
Red Zara Temptation Eau de Parfum
Featuring saffron, bitter orange and smooth amber accords, this has been likened to a very popular woody floral beloved by celebs with a much higher price tag. Warm, with a hint of spice, it oozes confidence.
Discover Velvet Amber Eau de Toilette
M&S’s range of scents has been all over #PerfumeTok lately for their accessible prices and chic fragrances, so grab them while you can. As the name suggests, the main note is rich amber, which is teamed with bright neroli and fresh jasmine to deliver a light, floral fragrance.
Shop Discover Velvet Amber Eau de Toilette at marksandspencer.com, £10
Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrant Water
If the scent of a holiday could be bottled, we imagine it would smell like this spritz. Coconut, orange and creamy tiare flowers transport us to sun-soaked skin on a beach with a cocktail in our hands. Bliss.
Beauty Pie Vanille Nue Eau De Parfum
I’ve lost count of how many Beauty Pie scents I’ve added to my collection lately – yes, they nail fragrance as well as everything else they do. If you’re still on the vanilla hype, this gourmand contains rum absolute, sugary vanilla and musks to create a warm ‘your skin but sweeter’ scent.
Shop Beauty Pie Vanille Nue Eau De Parfum at beautypie.com, £28 for members, £60 for non-members
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist
This multipurpose spritz can be used as a body or hair mist and has an oriental orchid, vanilla and soft sandalwood fragrance. It’s the perfect level of sweetness that avoids becoming too sickly as you wear it.
Shop Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist at Sephora UK, £24
CRA-YON The High Road Eau de Parfum
If you’re a fig fan, your nose will love this. Not only is the juice vegan and the materials responsibly sourced but it also smells like no other fragrance. Blending fig leaf and amber with fresh sage and skin-like musks, this earthy scent has a touch of herby, medicinal-ness that will have you wanting to smell more.
Shop CRA-YON The High Road Eau de Parfum at Cult Beauty, £75
VioletteFr Avec Amour Huile de Parfum
We love a roll-on for being travel-friendly and giving us a hit of nostalgia for the chokehold they had on us in the 00s. This oil-based formula works with your natural scent to give a ‘you but better’ aroma, thanks to notes of amber, sandalwood and vetiver. It’s subtle, fresh and natural.
Shop VioletteFr Avec Amour Huile de Parfum at violettefr.com, £57
Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum
You can read our full review of this scent here for the complete lowdown, but if you’re after a brief overview, this features soft notes of musk, vanilla and sea moss for a clean, green scent with a hint of vintage powderiness.
Shop Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum at meritbeauty.com, £79
Images: Courtesy of brand
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