Are you looking to make a statement with your scent? Do you want to smell expensive without breaking the bank? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll learn how to select a fragrance that will have people wondering what you’re wearing and how you can get it on a budget. From choosing the right notes to finding a signature scent, you’ll be smelling expensive in no time. Read on to find out how!
First of all I have some tips which I recommend you consider;
- Don’t let price fool you. Just because a perfume is on offer or discounted doesn’t mean it isn’t a good quality or classy fragrance. Perfume companies tend to focus all their promotional work on constant new releases and as a result older or original versions of their perfumes can be found at reduced prices just because they aren’t the ‘focus’ of the brand’s attention anymore.
- Stick to Eau de Parfums as a minimum. The Eau de Toilette fragrance is very light and typically will not last beyond an hour or so. The name comes from the origins of this light formulation which was created to be splashed on in the bathroom but wasn’t made to be a vehicle to carry your fragrance all day.
- Don’t focus on the brand. Classy brands like Chanel have beautiful advertising campaigns and you might assume that therefore all their perfumes are very classy. This isn’t always true and personally I think both and Chanel and Dior have some really overpriced perfumes (Dior Joy, Chanel Gabrielle).
Keeping that in mind, here is my list of the top 10 perfumes which smell expensive but don’t break the bank.
| Fragrance | Release | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely | 2005 | Lavender, Orchid |
| Elie Saab Le Parfum | 2011 | Jasmine, Orange Blossom |
| Especially Escada | 2011 | Rose, Pear |
| Glossier You | 2017 | Musk, Iris |
| Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | 2019 | Almond, Cherry |
| Lalique Soleil | 2019 | Mandarin Orange, Vanilla |
| Bvlgari Splendida Patchouli Tentation | 2020 | Patchouli, Iris |
| Givenchy L’interdit Intense | 2020 | Sesame Seed, Jasmine |
| Lancôme Idôle | 2021 | Pear, Rose, Jasmine |
Table of Contents
Elie Saab Le Parfum
Elie Saab Le Parfum has an amazing blend of jasmine and orange blossom that sticks around and makes me fall in love with its fragrance every time I wear it. The fragrance is housed in a very elegant glass bottle which has a crystal effect. An African orange flower and white floral notes create such a balanced, well rounded, feminine and elegant fragrance which exudes sophistication!
Check out my article on the entire Elie Saab Le Parfum range.
Especially Escada
Especially Escada is a feminine, woody green nuanced wild rose scent with sparkling aquatic notes and a soft floral musk dry-down. This is a classic rose fragrance similar to Miss Dior Rose n Roses; but it can be found at a fraction of the price. I like its summer and spring touch in the overall fragrance!
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely is an incredibly affordable, timeless scent that is perfect for any occasion. It was created by Sarah Jessica Parker and released in 2005 and has since become a best selling celebrity perfume. Lovely Eau de Parfum is primarily a lavender scent with hints of apple martini, orchid and white musk. The base notes are patchouli and white musk. The calming lavender note is warm and sensual, with a touch of sophistication. Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely is perfect for the office as its classic fragrance mix is feminine without being sweet or too floral.
Glossier You
Glossier You is the only fragrance from the Glossier makeup brand. This perfume has proved really popular due to its simple elegance. Glossier You opens with fresh musk notes which fades to a buttery scent on my skin and settles to a powdery scent. It doesn’t stay for long on me but I do find this perfume pretty and feminine, this is definitely a perfume for the musk lovers. I like this fragrance as it makes me feel warm and glossed up!
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire is a lovely perfume, with a quite unique combination of sour cherry and almond. It is a deep fruity floral fragrance which is really unique; in my view this is a very underrated fragrance. La Petite Robe Noire translates from French to English as “little black dress” and I think this name accurately reflects the scent. It’s like a unique, little black dress you find in a shop, beautiful and classy. I find La Petite Robe Noire has amazing lasting power and stays on clothes for days! This perfume certainly smells expensive while being extremely irresistible, chic and glamorous.
Check out my article on the entire Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire range.
Lalique Soleil
Soleil by Lalique is a slightly gourmand floral fragrance with a classy orange and almond note combination which reminds me of a sunny day. As the fragrance develops Soleil dries down to become a warm, slightly fragrance on my skin which smells effortlessly expensive. Both Soleil and the newer Soleil Vibrant are beautiful and unique fragrances which come in beautiful glass bottles.
In the UK and Europe I recommend the best prices for Lalique Soleil are at AllBeauty, Notino and Harrods. In the US I recommend Macys, Neiman Marcus, and Walmart.
Bvlgari Splendida Patchouli Tentation
Splendida Patchouli Tentation by Bvlgari is a Chypre Floral fragrance which is soft and cozy. Alongside a warm patchouli a deep iris note creates a feminine and powdery feeling. There is also a slightly oriental feel to the patchouli note which create that ‘expensive’ feel. Overall, Bvlgari Splendida Patchouli Tentation has a deep and mysterious vibe which adds to its sophistication!
Givenchy L’interdit Intense
Givenchy L’interdit Intense is my favourite in the L’interdit (French for ‘forbidden’) perfume line which is a collection of elegant white floral fragrances. Alongside jasmine and tuberose, L’interdit Intense uses a unique sesame seed note which is very rare and makes the perfume interesting. The sesame note creates a feeling of warmth and coziness which is perfect for the winter. This is also a great quality fragrance and can be relied upon to last all day.
Lancôme Idôle
In my view, Lancôme Idôle is one of the best rose perfumes on the market. The fragrance opens with a fresh pear and dewy rose note which develops alongside jasmine to become a really long lasting fragrance. I personally find the dry down very elegant and classy; I recommend it to any rose fragrance lover because the lasting power is excellent!
Check out my article on the entire Lancôme Idôle perfume range.
