9 Affordable Fragrances That Smell Ridiculously Expensive
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.
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Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
A classic fruity fragrance, Maison Louis Marie's roll-on oil has notes of cassis, white rose, tonka, and a dash of black pepper.