9 Affordable Fragrances That Smell Ridiculously Expensive

By Erin Lukas
Updated Aug 19, 2019 @ 11:30 am
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My first-ever fragrance was a holiday gift I got from my mom when I was 12. I had seen Ralph by Ralph Lauren in every teen magazine I read, but as an unemployed middle-schooler, I couldn't afford it. That gift set off a tradition: I'd lust after a new scent all year, and ask for it come holiday time. I did this until I graduated collage and finally moved out.

But even now, as an adult who more-or-less makes enough money to afford the expensive fragrances I fawn over after sniffing department store samples, I struggle to justify shelling out more than $100 on any of them. And in living by the law of fragrance frugality, I've learned that, like mascara and pizza, a fragrance doesn't have to be expensive to be good.

Whether you're a fan of spicy scents or sweet florals, there's an affordable fragrance out there to match your vibe, and your budget. Ahead, the best under-$75 fragrances you won't have to wait until the holidays to pick up. 

VIDEO: 6 Products Under $12 You Should Buy from the Drugstore 

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Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette 

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$50
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You know the moment when you step out of the shower and just smell clean? Philosophy's bottled that feeling to create its soft, floral cult-favorite fragrance. It has notes of bergamont, muguet blossoms, and musk. 

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& Other Stories Miami Muse Eau de Toilette

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$40
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This little bottle is the next best thing to paid time off. With notes of guava, raspberry blossom, and sweet cotton candy, spritzing the Miami-inspired fragrance on both of your wrists throughout the day almost makes you forget you're sitting at your desk. 

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Nest Black Tulip 

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$74
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Warm and spicy, Nest's fragrance is your ideal scent if you love florals that aren't too sweet. 

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Clean Reserve Classic Warm Cotton 

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$74
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Who would have thought that warm, cozy smell of fresh laundry would make for a great fragrance? Inspired by fresh-out-of-the-dryer clothes, Clean Reserve's scent is a combination of bergamot, peony, and amber. 

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By Rosie Jane Tilly 

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$65
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Feel that warm summer breeze year round with a few spritzes of By Rosie Jane's ocean-inspired fragrance. It has notes of grapefruit, gardenia, and coconut. 

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Floral Street Black Lotus Eau De Parfum

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$75
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Along with this warm and spicy floral scent derived from sustainably-sourced notes, Floral Street's packaging is also unique. Each of the brand's fragrances come in recyclable bottle wrapped in a biodegradable box.

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Nirvana Black 

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$68
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One-half of Elizabeth & James' first fragrances, Black remains a consistent fan favorite. The spicy vanilla scent has just a hint of violet to round it out. 

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Glossier You 

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$60
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Heavy on base notes so that its scent doesn't change as it dries down, Glossier's You is designed to smell like well, you. The fragrance has a mix of ambrette, musk, and ambrox that melt with your skin's natural smell. 

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Maison Louis Marie Antridris Cassis Perfume Oil 

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$57
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A classic fruity fragrance, Maison Louis Marie's roll-on oil has notes of cassis, white rose, tonka, and a dash of black pepper. 

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By Erin Lukas