ONCE synonymous with school uniform, bras and caterpillar cakes, Marks & Spencer has now become one of the high street’s coolest retailers.
While people may say it’s all thanks to the levelled-up clothing range, something else has piqued my interest.
This summer, M&S introduced several new beauty brands to its shelves and extended its own-label offerings, meaning it’s becoming one of the best beauty retailers on the high street.
I’m pleased it’s now stocking some of my favourite ranges (I’m looking at you, Arkive), and I’ve been impressed with M&S’s new skincare line, but the new Provenance perfumes take the crown.
Starring seven fragrances – spanning earthy sandalwood to sugary rose – they’re some of the best-value fragrances I’ve reviewed this year, costing just £16 each.
Inspired by nostalgic, reassuring memories (think orange groves and far-flung shores), the range has been likened to Jo Malone by beauty fans.
Each perfume comes in a gift box – which feels far too luxe for its unassuming price tag – and includes a full-size and travel-size bottle.
A few days ago, I posted the perfumes to my Instagram story and several friends quickly commented on how gorgeous they looked, demanding where they could buy their own.
And this is no surprise, as each bottle features tinted glass, and a weighty, precious stone-inspired lid.
I’ve spritzed and sniffed each fragrance – here’s why I think they’re worthy of your wallet.
Marks & Spencer Provenance No.1 Citrus Soleil Eau de Parfum Set, £16
Sugary, sticky and fresh, Citrus Soleil smells like a mouthful of boiled sweets.
Its sparkling notes of lemon peel and orange blossom are warming and alive and are balanced by enveloping musk.
I’d spritz this before a summer wedding or balmy springtime picnic, for an instant hit of sunshine.
Marks & Spencer Provenance No.2 Neroli Blush Eau de Parfum Set, £16
Crisp and floral, Neroli Blush smells like fresh laundry and powdery pink musk.
It balances sumptuous notes of jasmine with tangy grapefruit, making for an intense yet elegant aroma.
I’d spritz this on to a fluffy jumper before cosying up in a cafe with a new read.
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:
“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.
“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.
“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.
“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.
“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.
“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.
“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”
M&S Provenance No.3 Coastal Breeze Eau de Parfum Set, £16
Coastal Breeze smells like the first breath of morning air.
Reminiscent of waking up early on the first day of a holiday, or heading to the beach before breakfast, this EDP has fresh, juicy notes of watermelon and cucumber.
Totally unisex, it stars seaweed and crisp white musk, striking a balance between sweet and cool.
I’d wear this on winter days when sunny climes couldn’t feel further away.
M&S Provenance No.4 Under the Palms Eau de Parfum Set, £16
Just like Coastal Breeze, this EDP also conjures holiday memories.
However, Under The Palms feels more like hunkering down with a cocktail or snoozing under a palm tree, than waking up early.
It reminds me of liberally applied sunscreen and cocktails at beach clubs, with its creamy notes of almond milk and tangy sea salt.
M&S Provenance No.5 Aegean Rose Eau de Parfum Set, £16
Just like the first bite of candy floss, the luxurious Aegean Rose is instantly energising.
Upbeat and feminine, it has a sugary-sweet aroma, yet its creamy, cosy notes do a great job of grounding it.
While I’m not usually a fan of sweet fragrances, I’ll make an exception for this sophisticated, elegant aroma.
M&S Provenance No.6 Sandalwood Haze Eau de Parfum Set, £16
Mellow and unassuming, Sandalwood Haze is the perfect layering fragrance.
Its cosy notes of sandalwood are balanced with tangy red berries, which lingers on the skin for longer than I was expecting.
Moorish and crowd-pleasing, this fragrance works beautifully alone, but I’ll be using mine to dial up the intensity of my favourite body mist, Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 48.
M&S Provenance No.7 Wild Bergamot Eau de Parfum Set, £16
Intense and earthy, Wild Bergamot is reassuring and bold.
Rich notes of juniper perfectly complement zesty, juicy apple – making a fragrance that will be perfect from winter to spring.
Just like a power suit, I’ll be saving this fragrance for the days when I require a bit of courage!
