Thanks to the likes of Zara and & Other Stories to name a handful of brands, finding love at first spritz (without totally breaking the bank) is easier than ever. In fact, there are some big names behind this year’s pocket-friendly fragrances, including the iconic Jo Malone and even Byredo‘s Ben Gorham.
So which affordable perfumes smell amazing and actually last? Ahead, the UK’s most trusted beauty editors sort the worthy from the waste of times to share their favourite fragrances under £30.
Refinery29’s selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.
“I’m what some might call a fragrance hoarder. My perfume collection weighs in at approximately 75 bottles strong and I’m always reluctant to single any one of those bottles out as a favourite. Like children, I love them all equally. However, when it comes to Zara Emotions Fleur D’Oranger, I have to make an exception. For £25.99, it puts some of my most-coveted luxury perfumes to shame and is by far one of my most-complimented scents. Created in collaboration with Jo Malone MBE (so you know it’s going to be good), it has the immediate freshness of bright orange flower and neroli, but a sort of luxe, creamy warmth that makes you feel like you’re enveloped in sunshine all day long. Plus, the bottle is seriously chic.”
Zara Fleur D’Oranger 90ml, $, available at Zara
“After running out of one of my favourite (and discontinued) affordable perfumes from Laura Ashley, I’ve been on the hunt for a sweet-smelling replacement ever since — and have finally found it. I haven’t had it in my stash long, but ever since the M&S Provenance Santorini Days Eau De Parfum landed on my desk, I’ve not stopped spritzing it. Simply put: it’s a holiday in a bottle. The uplifting blend of bergamot, mandarin, olive, basil, vetiver, and cedar makes it citrusy and slightly woody — and not in the slightest bit overpowering. Plus, the bottle is beautiful. It’s understated and architectural with a pebble-shaped cap and slim bottle. Santorini Days is also available in a 30ml size, which is even cheaper at £6.”
Marks & Spencer Santorini Days Eau De Parfum 100ml, $, available at Marks & Spencer
“When it comes to affordable perfumes, I truly don’t think they come better than the offering at & Other Stories. Trust me — these fragrances smell seriously expensive, despite coming in at just £28 a pop. I guess that makes sense when you consider that they collaborated with none other than Byredo’s Ben Gorham to create them. My personal favourite is Sardonyx Fire; a warm, musky floral with pops of deep amber and sweet vanilla. I’ve worn it for so long now that it’s become something of a perfume comfort blanket, but it would make the chicest autumn scent if you’re in the market for something new.”
& Other Stories Sardonyx Fire Eau de Toilette, $, available at & Other Stories
“Most of us like to be bougie with our scent choices. It makes sense; smelling good makes you feel good and if you feel good, you look good. However, shopping for fragrances shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg — and it doesn’t need to. I really like this Body Shop White Musk EDT because it blends that musky scent that I can’t stop obsessing over with a more balanced aroma of freshness. I know what you’re thinking, but when I say freshness, I don’t mean loo air freshener. I mean a gentle blend of fruit and flowers that feels sexy and transcends day to night. It’s also one of those perfumes that you can fit in your bag to top up throughout the day, or you can pop it on your work desk. The bottle is classy and easy on the eye. Did I mention it only costs £13?”
The Body Shop White Musk L’eau Eau de Toilette, $, available at The Body Shop
“This truly is summer bottled. Anyone obsessed with the iconic scent of Nivea suncream will go wild for this, as it holds the power to instantly rekindle memories of a cool sea breeze and sun-kissed skin. One spritz and I’m transported to warmer climes, no matter how grey and dull the UK weather is.”
Nivea Nivea Sun Eau de Toilette, $, available at Nivea
“I have to admit the plastic bottle isn’t my cup of tea, but this perfume is so cosy and moreish, I want to bathe in it. The amber notes make it warm and sexy, while red berries add just the right hint of sweetness without being tooth-achingly saccharine. It smells expensive and reminds me a little of Glossier You, as it merges with the natural scent of my skin, creating something that’s comforting and alluring at the same time.”
Eau de Juice Love, Unfiltered Eau De Parfum 50ml Spray, $, available at The Fragrance Shop
“I’ve yet to meet someone who hasn’t dabbled in the extensive world of Zara fragrance. Unlike the questionable quality of their clothes, their perfumes are exquisite. With caramel, vanilla, bergamot and patchouli, ‘Oriental’ is fresh, sweet and feminine in a cosy, sensual way rather than teenage sickly sweet. I never wear one fragrance alone, but I still love this a base for layering with other scents.”
Zara Oriental EDT 100ml, $, available at Zara
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