FINDING a signature scent that doesn’t break the bank is a game-changer, especially if you’re usually drawn to luxury fragrances.
If you’re on the hunt for your perfect scent but don’t want the premium price tag, there are loads of perfume dupes out there that could deceive the best noses out there.
Social media is awash with recommendations for sought-after dupe perfumes to rival the biggest and most expensive designer fragrances (Baccarat 540 we are looking at you).
After all, collecting designer fragrances isn’t exactly the cheapest hobby to have.
But beauty fans who know their Tom Ford and YSL from their Byredo will be pleased to know we have searched high and low to find affordable perfume alternatives that replicate the essence of their pricier counterparts.
Inspired by Libre 479 Intense 30ml, £19.95
Why we love it: The 479 Intense has a blend of aromatic and sweet notes including white floral, citrus and lavender for a scent with dimension.
It’s a dupe for: YSL’s captivating Libre has garned a loyal fanbase thanks to its sexy and sophisticated, all-day-lasting fragrance.
Crafted by master perfumers Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaïm, it has notes of sensual orange blossom flowers and aromatic lavender.
Buy it if: The 479 Intense scent is ideal for any occasion, this scent screams sensuality and has lots of similar sensual floral notes you will also find in YSL Libre.
Fans have noted the striking similarity, sharing “Love the scent, is strong like the real intense libre!
“You can really smell the same scent. It’s gorgeous and lasts all day, will definitely be purchasing again.”
Inspired By I. Miyake For Her 782, 30ml, £15.95
Why we love it: 782 opens with a vibrant bouquet smell that instantly reminds you of summer.
As the floral notes settle, the fragrance reveals a warm and comforting base of woody notes, adding a touch of depth and sophistication.
It’s a dupe for: Reminiscent of the iconic Issey Miyake L’EAU D’ISSEY fragrance that has sensual floral notes of Lily, Rose and Lotus flower.
Kate Winslet is reportedly a big fan and the A-list actress has previously said: “Every time I buy it, it feels like a real treat. I love it!”
Buy it if: If you are a floral scent lover looking for an everyday staple to wear, The Essence Vault dupe is a winner and fans have been raving it “smells just like the real thing.”
Moon Fiction Eau de Toilette, 50ml, £29
Why we love it: The Moon Fiction from & Other Stories has refreshing notes of bergamot and lime and a burst of citrus, which immediately uplifts the senses.
The base notes of sugared musk and sandalwood provide a perfect balance to the citrus notes, which means this scent is ideal to take you from day to exotic summer nights.
It’s a dupe for: Costing significantly less than Byredo’s bestselling Gypsy Water, Moon Fiction from & Other Stories does share lots of similar fragrance notes.
Gypsy Water’s woody, earthy and citrus notes has a legion of celebrity fans, with everyone from Sienna Miller and Rosie Huntington Whiteley claiming its their favourite fragrance.
Buy it if: Moon Fiction is decribed as a “feel-good fragrance with a touch of mystery” and is perfect for anyone drawn to woody scents. Fans say, “This smelt heavenly, love it!”.
M&S Seasalt & Neroli Eau de Toilette, 30ml, £7.50
Why we love it: The M&S Seasalt & Neroli scent is the perfect fresh summer scent that combines notes of sweet neroli and sea salt notes with rich mandarin and musk aromas, which comes in a convenient 30ml travel-size bottle.
The Sun Beauty Writer, Mia Lyndon, tested this scent and noted is “a good, budget alternative that has a light, fresh feel”.
Adding, “Whilst it won’t last long (this is often the case with EDTs as they contain smaller concentrations of perfume oil), I love spritzing it onto skin and clothes for a quick refresh.”
It’s a dupe for: The summery Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino scent, which boasts fresh notes of Tunisian neroli, Italian bergamot and Sicilian lemon. But the gorgeous fragrance has an eye-watering price tag of £145 for 30ml.
Buy it if: The bestselling M&S eau de toilette spray still captures a similar crisp scent that is reminiscent of beach vacations and summer holidays.
M&S fans have said: “I love this perfume. It’s exceptionally good value for money.
“It doesn’t smell synthetic in any way like other cheap perfumes and is often commented on (in a good way!)”
And with a massive £137.50 price difference, it’s not hard to see why shoppers are loving thi
Gardenia and Vanilla Eau de Toilette, 100ml, £12.50
Why we love it: The M&S Gardenia and Vanilla boasts an inviting sweet scent that is bound to have people asking what you’re wearing.
The rich notes of vanilla and sandalwood work harmoniously with the sweet flowery top notes of gardenia and grapefruit, creating a fresh and distinctive feminine perfume.
It’s a dupe for: Daisy by Marc Jacobs is a feminine and sweet perfume that counts Selena Gomez as a fan.
The scent screams summer thanks to notes of white violet, wild berries and Jasmine.
But the floral sweetness is balanced with base notes of sandalwood and musk.
Buy it if: Like Marc Jacobs’ Daisy, M&S Gardenia and Vanilla is an elegant and sophisticated fragrance with base notes of rich sandalwood for an added touch of luxe.
M&S shoppers have been praising the scent, with one fan sharing: “Smells incredible, really good dupe for Marc Jacob’s Daisy”.
With another adding: “Smells more expensive than it is. Have had lots of compliments.”
