Here at Who What Wear UK, it's safe to say we are big fans of Zara perfumes. Not only do they smell incredible, but the bottles look chic, they're super affordable and they give designer fragrances a run for their money. If I'm being totally honest, some of the most-used perfumes in my collection are from the high-street store. The other day, my friend texted me to say that she was out shopping and looking to treat herself to a Zara fragrance, and she asked which one I'd recommend.
I replied straight away telling her that she had to get Red Temptation. Don't get me wrong—there isn't one Zara perfume that I've tried and haven't liked, but in my opinion, Red Temptation is a cut above the rest. I've never received so many compliments on a scent before, and it smells so similar to a certain £235 cult fragrance…
What Is Zara Red Temptation a Dupe of?
If you're wondering which perfume I'm talking about, it's none other than Baccarat Rouge 540. I'm sure you've seen this perfume all over your Instagram and TikTok feeds, and there's no denying that it's one of the most luxurious scents on the market. I've had it in my collection for a while now, and I always reach for it on special occasions. To me, it's smooth, it's sensual and it has a chocolate-like sweetness, which is all thanks to a combination of saffron, jasmine, cedarwood and amber. And when I first smelt Red Temptation by Zara, I couldn't believe how similar it was.
What Does Zara Red Temptation Smell Like?
The high-street fragrance also contains notes of saffron, jasmine and amber, but the addition of praline gives it a delicious, creamy finish. If I had to describe it in a nutshell, I would say it smells sweet, sensual and incredibly expensive. Even if you don't like sweet scents, the woody, earthiness of amber and moss give this fragrance a deep richness, and I'm yet to meet someone who isn't obsessed with it. Honestly, I couldn't recommend it enough. Spritzing the perfume feels like a warm hug, and the scent is perfect for date nights or special occasions.
The best bit about this perfume is just how affordable it is. You can get a 80ml bottle for £23 (it also comes in 50ml and 30ml sizes too) and trust me when I say that it will last you forever. It has some seriously impressive staying power for a high-street fragrance, and thanks to the price, I don't mind throwing it in my bag and topping up throughout the day. All in all, if you're looking for a new perfume this season, I urge you to make this one top of your list.
Shop Zara Red Temptation:
See? Told you the bottle was chic. We're snapping up the full size 100ml bottle, but it also comes in 50ml, 30ml and even 10ml sizes.
Pros: Smells just like Baccarat Rouge 540, affordable and great for keeping in your handbag. It also comes in smaller sizes
Cons: Doesn't last as long as the designer counterpart.
Zara has expanded the Red Temptation range with several flanking fragrances, which each have a different twist on the Red Temptation scent. This discovery set allows you to try them all in handy 10ml sized vials, which are ideal for carrying in your bag for top-ups.
Shop the Best Zara Perfumes:
This special edition fragrance is a combination of Zara's Red Temptation and Rose Gourmand, and it's perfect for the spring months.
This is another addictive fragrance from the brand. It features floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom alongside vanilla and cedar for a beautifully balanced finish.
For something really fresh, you can't go wrong with Apple Juice by Zara. As the name suggests, fruity apple, orange and pink grapefruit are combined with floral, woody notes that make this my go-to spring scent.
When it comes to autumn and winter, I always opt for more warming scents, and Amber Fusion by Zara is the perfect blend of amber, bergamot and red berries.
If you like gardenia scents, then you will love this Zara perfume. Alongside the floral notes there are hints of peach, raspberry and coffee for a unique finish.
How beautiful is this bottle? Golden Decade is a warm fragrance with notes of jasmine, mandarin and lavender, and trust me when I say that this smells so expensive.
I love a gourmand fragrance, and this rose-based blend contains delicious caramel and vanilla notes for a sweet finish.
Another great gourmand option is Marshmallow Addiction, with notes of vanilla and musk.
Speaking of vanilla, you have to smell Zara's Supreme Vanilla scent. Think sophisticated notes of tonka bean and cedarwood, mixed with sweet pink sugar.
