On the hunt for a last-minute gift or a new Christmastime scent? These nine expensive-smelling perfumes have all the markings of a luxury buy, without that three-digit price tag.
The holidays often mean our social calendars are packed with events, leaving little time to actually peruse the web for thoughtful gifts. You might even have wanted to treat yourself to one of the best perfumes for women, specifically for those looming office dos and festive gatherings. But alas, the time to splurge on a chic winter perfume for you or a loved one has perhaps passed...or so you might have thought.
These nine scents smell so designer (though we're glad they're not!) and are packed with rich and complex perfume notes, all for under £60. Making them both an affordable buy for someone else or yourself this Christmas...
9 expensive-smelling perfume picks to shop on a budget
December is an expensive time that doesn't often leave much spare cash for spontaneous gift-buying or a little self-indulgence. So whether you know a lover of the best vanilla perfumes or are searching for a sophisticated dinner party perfume to wear for hosting Christmas Day, these scents are all deceptively expensive-smelling and under £60...
Verdict: it's warm and sophisticated but not as long-lasting as others
RRP: From £58 for 30ml | Notes: Pink pepper, orange flower, chestnut accord
Woman&home's Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson, adores this scent: "This is one of my all-time favourites, especially in the winter. It smells so chic, whilst also being warm and cosy. It melts into the skin and offers such a rich but delicate aroma. I have this 30ml size and it's still going strong a year later!"
Who should wear it: a lover of cream knitwear and snuggling up by crackling fires
Verdict: distinctive and so affordable
RRP: £54 for 50ml | Notes: Italian lemon, Rose de Mai and white musk
W&h's Senior Digital Beauty Writer Amelia Yeomans says, "Ouai fragrances have to be one of my top picks for affordable but premium scents - North Bondi is distinctive and uplifting, and very feminine without any sickly sweetness. I would wear this year-round and it works just as well for the day as the evening. the full size is £54 but the smaller travel size (which is the perfect handbag size) is £20."
Who should wear it: those who want a true everyday signature, that smells both delicate and sophisticated
Verdict: smells designer and offers a chic, "skin"-like scent
RRP: £54 for 100ml | Notes: Pink pepper, orange flower and cedarwood
Our Digital Beauty Editor, Aleesha Badkar, says this unisex scent is very reminiscent of her ultimate signature, Baccarat Rouge 540 but for £106 less. It features a chic blend of spicy pepper and rich wood, with a hint of delicate orange flower petals.
Who should wear it: those whose favourite question is "What perfume are you wearing?"
Verdict: universally beloved for its subtle but chic skin-scent appeal
RRP: From £57 for 50ml | Notes: Pink pepper, iris and ambrette seeds
This cult-favourite perfume is known to smell a little different on everyone, making it the perfect unique gift for a loved one or a new signature skin scent to add to your collection. It's warm and spicy and features a hint of delicate florals. Also available in a rollerball and solid perfume option.
Who should wear it: people whose worst nightmare is to be caught wearing the same scent as someone else...
Verdict: affordable but quite sweet and youthful
RRP: From £22 for 90ml | Notes: Brazilian jasmine, pink dragonfruit and sheer vanilla
This perfume mist is known to share a similar blend to Baccarat Rouge 540 and is a great alternative if you can't justify its designer price tag. This mist can be used on your hair and is the perfect balance of sweet and floral.
Who should wear it: someone who loves vibrant and fresh scents all year round
Verdict: reminiscent of a popular designer scent but again. you might need to reapply
RRP: £22.99 for 80ml | Notes: Bergamot, orange blossom and lavender
This perfume offers a very similar aroma to YSL's Libre but for a fraction of the price and is the perfect, warm and alluring scent for wintertime.
Who should wear it: A fan of warm and calming scents, especially lavender
Verdict: perfect autumn/winter scent but not super long-lasting
RRP: £28 for 50ml | Notes: Rose, saffron and Indian jasmine
Naomi recommends this scent for a winter signature or last-minute present idea: "I bought this for my sister last year and to quote her, it 'smells so goooooood' - yes, she used multiple O's. It's lived in her handbag ever since and is perfect for on-the-go."
Who should wear it: those who love glasses of red wine and evening dates.
Verdict: summery and creamy but not to everyone's tastes
RRP: £52 for 50ml | Notes: Amber, sandalwood and jasmine
This sunny fragrance is perfect for those who like warm and creamy vanilla aromas. It features a sparkling blend of fruits and florals, that is both sensual and alluring.
Who should wear it: someone who wants to smell like nostalgic beachy summers
Verdict: perfect blend of musks and floral but a mist rather than EDP
RRP: £12 for 100ml | Notes: Aldehydes, jasmine and cruelty-free musk*
"I really like the body shop white musk scent," Amelia says, "it's cheap, light, fresh, and timeless and has a mature feel that isn't too powdery."
*Musk is an ingredient derived from the musk deer and while synthetic versions are now used in perfume, The Body Shop has produced its own, cruelty-free alternative.
Who should wear it: someone who wants to embody luxury but loves a bargain
If you need an expensive-smelling scent before Christmas, retailers including Amazon, Sephora, Cult-Beauty and Look Fantastic are still offering Next-Day delivery.
There's also still a range of December perfume deals to be found on brands like Chanel, Dior and YSL.
Our tips for affordable perfume gifts this Christmas
If you're searching for a scent-related gift but don't want to spend upwards of £60 on a full size bottle, our team have shared their tips for finding affordable but luxe, last-minute perfume gifts...
- Go for sets: a perfume set is often something you wouldn't buy yourself but is a great way to fill your scent collection with a few designer favourites! If you know someone else's signature fragrance, you can also find sets that include scented body washes and lotions - which are perfect for layering and will make an intentional gift.
- Rollerballs/or perfume oils: Perfume rollerballs make the perfect stocking stuffer and are true handbag essentials.
- Travel-size scents: You can find most of your favourite perfumes in a smaller, travel-size bottle, which is ideal if you are worried about blind-buying a scent or gifting it to someone else.
RRP: £5.99 for 10ml | Notes: Saffron, amber and moss
Costing just £5.99, this mini perfume makes the perfect supporting gift or "Secret Santa" buy and is known to share similar notes to the ever-luxury Baccarat Rouge.
Who should wear it: someone whose goal is to smell good 24/7
RRP: £36 for 2x9ml
Jo Malone is known to house several sophisticated scents and if you too want to ooze 'Quiet Luxury', you can't go wrong with adding a few mini sizes of the brand's heroes to your collection - especially for Christmas.
Who should wear it: those who love crisp white shirts and fresh-cut flowers
RRP: £52 for 7.5ml | Notes: Bergamot, amber and vanilla
If you - or someone you know - have been eyeing this iconic number for a while now, but can't justify the price of the full bottle, this roll-on version is a great option.
Perfume oils often pack a punch, so don't be deterred by the small size as the scent does go the distance.
Who should wear it: those who love woody scents, with a hit of spice
Woman&home's Senior Digital Beauty Writer, Amelia Yeomans swears by Zara's rollerball perfumes: "They're so cheap and last ages too! I've had one in my handbag for years and it's still miraculously going strong - so potent and perfect for touch-ups when out and about, or a great way to trial a scent before investing in the bigger bottle." She specifically recommends Zara's Red Temptation - which is said to be very reminiscent of Baccarat Rouge 540.
Our Digital Beauty Editor, Aleesha Badkar also relies on a trusty roller ball size of an iconic and luxury cent: "I love Byredo Gypsy Water as the unique sandalwood scent has such an expensive and luxury aroma to it that always gets me stopped in the streets. Lifted by a very slight hint of citrus and a nuanced touch of warm spice this is one for applying little and often rather than in one big hit, so I always reach for my rollerball rather than relying on a big bottle."
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