Trust Me: These 25 Affordable Perfumes Smell Really Expensive

This perfume recently went viral on TikTok as a dupe for a certain sandalwood designer scent that is over 10 times the price tag. It's consistently going out of stock, so act fast. It's a favourite M&S perfume of beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "Warmth is a perfume I reach for day in, day out. It's such a versatile scent and gets me tonnes of compliments when I wear it. It's not the most long-lasting perfume I own, but at this price I don't mind topping up every couple of hours," she says.

Key notes: Cardamom, cinnamon leaf, cedarwood, and sandalwood

Size: 50ml

Pros: Designer dupe

Cons: Needs a few sprays to linger on skin

Customer review: "Love this. Smells both spicy and clean and is such good value for money!"

Commodity is fast becoming one of the Who What Wear UK team's favourite fragrance brands, with each scent coming in three intensities (Personal, Expressive and Bold) to suit your preferences on how far you want your fragrance to project around you. Milk is Vousden's current favourite. "Milk (Expressive) is the most delicious vanilla-steeped milky scent I've tried," she says. "It melts into the skin with a sweet (but not saccharine) creamy trail that has since gotten me compliments whenever I wear it."

Key notes: Marshmallow, sesame, tonka bean, milk

Size: 10ml

Pros: Creamy, subtly sweet scent, comes in three intensities

Cons: May be too sweet for some

Customer review: "It’s like a warm hug! The scent is incredibly comforting and inviting, reminiscent of freshly poured milk with a touch of sweetness."

Imagine the most luxurious everything shower and you can imagine exactly how this smells. Upon spritzing you feel like you've just stepped out from a steamy shower after lathering up with a citrussy shower gel and cocooned yourself in a fluffy robe. Perfect for those who love a clean-smelling scent that lasts all day.

Key notes: Sea spray, orange blossom, neroli and grapefruit

Size: 30ml

Pros: Fresh, clean scent

Cons: You may need to reapply after a few hours

Customer review: "Really lovely perfume, good price and perfect size for a daily spray to keep in your handbag."

My sister introduced me to this fresh, fruity perfume and it truly is a delight. With hints of apple, orange and pink grapefruit alongside a floral bouquet of rose, jasmine, violet and peony, it's vibrant and uplifting. 

Key notes: Apple, orange, and pink grapefruit

Size: 90ml

Pros: One of the least expensive perfumes on the list

Cons: Have to reapply after a few hours

Customer Review: "I think it’s perfect for summer. It gives the vibe of 'I just took a shower' . If you wanna feel clean you should definitely get this."

Zara perfumes are something of a beauty-editor secret, and trust me—the scents truly defy their modest price tags. Again, there are plenty to choose from depending on your scent preferences (Nude Bouquet is another favourite of mine), but this one made the cut as it gives a similar vibe to Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, with notes of orange blossom, coffee, and vanilla.

Key notes: Saffron, coriander, bitter orange, praline

Size: 80ml

Pros: Smells very similar to Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

Cons: Some reviewers found it too strong for their tastes

Customer Review: "It doesn’t have the best longevity or sillage, but at its price, I can afford to reapply and put on a few sprays at a time. This is the one scent I’ve been asked what it is, which says something. It’s one of my go-to fall and winter scent for sure."

If your heart is set on an expensive perfume but you don't want your bank account to take the hit, then chances are Noted Aroma's will have an inspired scent. This one is inspired by Byredo's much-loved Mohave Ghost, and comes in at a purse-friendly price point at just £20 for 50ml.

Key notes: Ambrette, magnolia, violet, sandalwood, ambergris, cedar

Size: 50ml

Pros: The fruity freshness works well layered with more woodsy notes

Cons: Doesn't last very long on the skin

Customer review: "It smells so gorgeous... It's sweet but not too sweet, it's intense but not overwhelming. It has this touch of incense that makes it mysterious."

Two of our editors laid out their favourite perfumes of all times and both mentioned this scent. The key notes of dark rum, honey, and vanilla bean are balanced to perfection. The expertise of the formulation is evident in the fact that this sweet scent doesn't feel cloying. 

Key notes: Dark rum, honey, and vanilla bean

Size: 10ml

Pros: Vanilla base means it'll pair well with other scents

Cons: Can be a little too subtle for some

Customer review: "My favourite perfume. Every time I wear this I get compliments from everyone. I also smell it on myself all day, which is key for me as I want to smell this incredible smell myself."

Lovers of sweet, gourmand perfumes that are good enough to eat will love this. It has a likeness to Dior Hypnotic Poison with blooming apricot flower, jasmine, smooth vanilla bourbon, moss and a swirl of mouth-watering caramel. It's one of Vousden's favourite Zara perfumes. "When I first spritzed this in store, I couldn't believe how luxurious it smelt. It's like molten vanilla and caramel with a hypnotic twist of jasmine," she says.

Key notes: Apricot flower, jasmine, vanilla bourbon, moss, and caramel

Size: 80ml

Pros: Reviewers say people constantly compliment them on their scent

Cons: Can be too strong to others

Customer Review: "A stunning vanilla gourmand scent with caramel and a bit of a coffee note. I get endless compliments on this perfume."

It might sound obvious, but a good hack for finding high quality but affordable perfumes is to purchase them in smaller sizes. London-based perfume brand Floral Street offers all of its scents in travel-friendly, 10-millilitre bottles, which is a great way to confirm that you really love a scent before committing to the full size. I'm a big fan of this brand for unusual scents, but I think Neon Rose is a real crowd-pleaser—a fresh, green floral.

Key notes: Apple blossom, sichuan pepper, jasmine, and juniper berry

Size: 10ml

Pros: Pocket size, perfect for travel

Cons: The sichuan pepper note is a little overpowering for some

Customer Review: "This is a nice, fresh take on rose, more uplifting and brighter. Great for every day."

This is like a holiday bottled. Think creamy coconut, warm milk, creamy sandalwood that makes you feel like you're sipping a sweet cocktail in the sun-dappled shade of palm trees while sinking your toes into golden, sun-warmed sands. The scent also comes in a range of body products, from a shimmering body lotion to a luxuriously thick body soufflé, so you can wear the scent from head to toe. It's a favourite of junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "This is always my summer scent of choice, and the fact that it's so affordable is a big plus. It's deliciously sweet but not in a sickly way. Notes of coconut, caramel and vanilla will immediately transport you to a white sandy beach with a piña colada in hand."

Key notes: Caramel, red apple​, bamboo, jasmine, ylang-ylang, vanilla, warm milk accord, sandalwood​ ​

Size: 50ml

Pros: Sweet smelling, also a body range in the same scent

Cons: Sells out all the time

Customer Review: "It's rather delicious, slightly juvenile & very comforting. To my surprise I really enjoy it. The red apple gives it some crispy freshness in the middle of all the creamy sweetness."

I'm pretty sure every girl who grew up in the '90s would be familiar with The Body Shop's White Musk perfume (it's still available, by the way!). Trust me, though—this black version is like white musk's cool older sister. It contains sweet pear, spicy pink pepper, and heady bergamot, and it smells incredible. Honestly, I had a colleague who used to wear this, and I lost count of the number of times people asked her what she was wearing. It's that good.

Key notes: Pink pepper, ylang-ylang, musk, vanilla

Size: 30ml

Pros: Lasts all day on skin, sensual skin-like scent

Cons: Perhaps not for you if you don't like musks

Customer Review: "I love this perfume it does not smell too musky or too overpowering light enough but strong enough to wear every day."

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Beauty Pie's fragrances are a real hidden gem if you want to smell luxurious on a budget. Amber 001 is the most delicious amber scent if you want your fragrance to envelop you in a warming hug. It's smooth, cosy and subtly sweet thanks to the addition of sandalwood, vanilla and tonka.

Key notes: ‎Bergamot, cardamom, basil, sage, cinnamon, cocoa, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka

Size: 50ml

Pros: Scent is ideal everyday wear

Cons: Not the most long-lasting

Customer Review: "I love this perfume. I have received so many compliments on it. It lasts long and I find myself smelling my wrists constantly. All the perfumes are great. Not an unpleasant one in the bunch. Love Beauty Pie."

I'm a huge fan of Estée Lauder's iconic Bronze Goddess perfume which comes out every year, but this affordable scent from French skincare brand Nuxe is a close second. It has notes of orange blossom, vanilla, and magnolia, and has that vibrant, tropical feel that gives me an instant mood boost on grey, drizzly days. It's also a favourite of beauty director, Shannon Lawlor's. "This stuff is basically French chicness, bottled. To me, it smells like liquid gold—it is creamy and warming, with a defiant sun-soaked element, for sure. However, unlike other other solar perfumes of its kind, it never verges into a territory that seems sticky or sweet. Instead, it is intense and possesses a depth that has the scent clinging to your skin as though it was made for you. Not only do I consider this one of the most expensive-smelling affordable perfumes, but I consider it one of the most expensive-smelling perfumes full stop."

Key notes: Orange blossom, vanilla, and magnolia

Size: 30ml

Pros: The perfect fruity holiday scent

Cons: Can be a little too sweet for sensitive noses

Customer review: "My go to perfume just love the smell, not overpowering just perfect for everyday or special occasion."

Yes, it's another Marks & Spencer scent—what can I say? They're brilliant. This is one of the richest perfumes in the range and it's perfect if you love expensive-smelling, spicy amber scents with hints of bold white florals.

Key notes: Neroli, amber

Size: 100ml

Pros: Smells expensive

Cons: A strong smell, so may not be great for everyone

Customer review: "A lovely scent, it is very similar to Chanel No 5. It does not last very long but at that price you can afford to re apply!"

This beautiful scent smells so expensive, it's hard to believe the price. It's light, floral freshness is cut with a sweet warmth that makes this a versatile perfume for all seasons. Delicate but wonderfully powerful at the same time, it's deceptively modern. 

Key notes: White musk, neroli, ginger, orange blossom, and jasmine

Size: 50ml

Pros: Has a strong sillage

Cons: Some reviewers say that the fresh notes seems to overpower the fruity ones

Customer review: "I recently tried the Caudalie Thé des Vignes Fresh Fragrance whilst in a very hot country, and found that the scent had a lasting one though floral, it isn't too sweet and definitely more on the herby fresh end. There are whiff of neroli but the white musk is much stronger."

If you love Glossier You and its unique ability to carve out a personalised scent for all, it might be time for you to pick up their refillable (yes refillable) travel-friendly, solid compact. Oh so heavenly both in scent and affordability. It's another favourite of our beauty editor. "The original Glossier You is the ultimate skin scent," she says. "It was originally designed to become one with your natural skin chemistry (think you, but even better) and you'll see this in notes, too. None of the four notes take centre stage here, instead they all play a supporting role in the background to compliment one another and your skin."

Key notes: Ambrox, ambrette, musk, iris root, and pink pepper.

Size: 3g

Pros: Refillable and easy to apply

Cons: Not a traditional spray so some may not like this

Customer review: "I have received so many compliments since I started wearing Glossier and honestly don't ever want to stop using ... I love the scent so much!!"

I have a sweet spot for vanilla scents and this one from Kayali, the fragrance line from beauty mogul Mona Kattan, is up there with the best of them. It's creamy and sugary (thanks to brown sugar and Brazilian tonka) but also heady with florals from vanilla orchid, patchouli and musk. But most of all it's utterly comforting and available in a petite 10ml bottle for on-the-go application. 

Key notes: Brown sugar, tonka bean, and musk

Size: 10ml

Pros: Very long-lasting scent

Cons: So strong that it stays on clothes, which some reviewers did not like

Customer review: "Such a gorgeous long lasting scent. Initially smells spicy but dries down to a warm sweet vanilla. Lasts so long on clothes as well."

I am a real sucker for a Sol de Janeiro mist and wore the Cheirosa '71 Hair & Body Mist all last summer. This one bottles the brand's trademark gourmand scent—a mouthwatering blend of caramelised vanilla, toasted macadamia nut, coconut blossoms and sea salt. It is totally joy-inducing and the perfect antidote to the cold weather. 

Key notes: Vanilla, toasted macadamia, and tonka bean

Size: 90ml

Pros: Warm vanilla notes that last

Cons: Some reviews thought the notes were too similar

Customer review: "Absolutely love this fragrance. I get compliments almost every time I wear this."

Perfume for warm and sunny days, this bright fruity scent is an instant mood-booster. Plus, unlike many body mists, it's potently scented and lasts just as long as a perfume does. In fact, we find the body mists linger on clothes for days on end.

Key notes: Mango, black currant, pink pepper, orris flower, jasmine sambac, and black lotus

Size: 89ml

Pros: Scent lingers all day and night

Cons: Some testers found the scent difficult to fully wash off

Customer review: "This is so beautiful. It’s the perfect summer scent. It’s very tropical."

Out of all the expensive perfumes our beauty editor owns, it's this one that gets her the most compliments on the regular. "Despite owning a lot of niche and luxury fragrances, it's this affordable scent from M&S that my boyfriend and colleagues always notice and compliment me on," says Vousden. "It's refreshing and zesty, but with a musky sea salt base that makes you feel like you've taken a brisk walk along the coast."

Key notes: Neroli, mandarin, musk, sea salt

Size: 100ml

Pros: Uplifting fragrance boosts your mood

Cons: May be too citrusy for some

Customer Review: "Great scent. I like to wear scent every day & this is a very pleasant wearable scent. People say they like it and ask me what it is."

If you know and love the original Red Temptation scent, then you'll want to try this version, which centres around saffron, fruity raspberry and smooth, addictive and nutty praline. Saffron is known to be an expensive spice, so this is a great way to exude a luxurious vibe without spending a lot of money.

Key notes: Saffron, raspberry, praline

Size: 80ml

Pros: Great value for money

Cons: Might be too sweet for some

Opting for a celebrity scent is a great way to get an affordable perfume that still smells amazing. Case in point with Cosmic by Kylie Jenner, which unfurls on the skin with creamy jasmine, glowing amber and a hint of vanilla.

Key notes: Jasmine, blood orange, amber, peony, vanilla, cedarwood

Size: 30ml

Pros: Great value for money

Cons: Might be too floral for some

Customer review: "Onto my second bottle of this perfume of the year. Such a nice everyday fragrance to wear that isn't too strong but lasts all day. Affordable too which is fab."

It won't last as long as a proper eau de parfum, but there are some incredible body mists on the market right now if you don't mind committing to some top ups throughout the day. This sweet, cherry-blossom scent is as uplifting as it is calming and makes a great addition to my desk-side beauty stash.

Key notes: Cherry blossom and rice milk

Size: 50ml

Pros: The cherry blossom scent is very evident and so refreshing

Cons: As it's a mist it needs to be reapplied throughout the day

Customer Review: "The smell from this spray is sweet and it lasts all day! I love the packaging and it feels expensive and worth the money, great little size too to put in a bag."

This is a summer holiday, bottled. It's fruity, coconutty and utterly heavenly. As a hair and body mist, it's surprisingly long-lasting, but you may find you need a few extra spritzes to make it last all day.

Key notes: Dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose, musk

Size: 97ml

Pros: Tropical scent

Cons: As it's a mist it needs to be reapplied throughout the day

Customer Review: "I have had so many compliments wearing this spray. It is a perfect summer scent, it smells coconutty with citrusy and pineapple notes too. It lasts a really long time and the packaging is lovely. I also spray it on a hairbrush to run through my hair and I can smell the scent throughout the whole day, I would definitely buy again."