If you're looking for one of the best perfumes on the market, I highly suggest checking out your local high street stores. I know what you're thinking: aren't luxury perfumes better? As a beauty editor, I've tried my fair share of expensive scents over the years, and as much as I rate these fragrances, these days lots of my favourite high street shops are bringing out more affordable fragrances that are giving designer scents a run for their money.
Here at Who What Wear UK, we've written a lot about our love for these high-street perfumes. We've rounded up the best Zara fragrances, the best & Other Stories scents and even the best M&S perfumes that money can buy. So, when we heard the news that COS was launching its own line of fragrances, we practically screamed with excitement.
COS is just one of those stores that never disappoints. The clothing and accessories are always so chic, so you can imagine how high my expectations were when I got my hands on the curated edit of scents. The bottles themselves perfectly represent the minimalist aesthetic that the brand is known for, but how would the scents compare? Keep on scrolling for my honest review of every single COS perfume...
I put every single COS perfume to the test.
The Best COS Perfumes, Tried & Tested by a Beauty Editor
- Best floral scent: COS Fleuriste
- Best woody scent: COS Solaire
- Best gourmand scent: COS Auburn
- Best fresh scent: COS Mythe
1. COS Fleuriste
Key notes: Bergamot, mandarin, pink pepper, rose, magnolia, peony, vanilla
Best for: Everyday wear
First up is one of my favourite fragrances from the collection, Fleuriste. I'm not really a floral perfume kind of gal, so I was very surprised by how much I liked this scent. I would describe it as a fresh, delicate take on a traditional floral perfume. Each note comes alive on the skin, making the scent feel exciting and modern. It opens with zingy bergamot and mandarin, before a trio of floral notes takes over. However, once it dries down, you are met with a musky, somewhat woody base that adds a smooth, creamy, comforting touch.
I suspect that this scent will be one of the most popular options from the brand, as I can't imagine anyone not liking this. It's definitely fitting for the spring and summer months thanks to the citrusy undertones, but the warm base also makes it a beautiful option for autumn and winter.
2. COS Solaire
Key notes: Olibanum, black pepper, amber, benzoin, cedarwood, musk
Best for: Evening wear
Okay, this scent might be totally different from the one above, but I'm just as obsessed with it. To me, this fragrance is a true work of art. It's one of those scents that takes you on a journey as each note unfolds, transforming on the skin over time. It's fresh and spicy yet warm and comforting and totally unique.
I would usually say that notes such as amber and cedarwood lean more towards the autumn and winter months, however, I could totally see myself reaching for this fragrance on a warm summer night when I want my perfume to make an impact. For £75, I can't believe how expensive this scent smells.
3. COS Auburn
Key notes: Vanilla, cardamom, coffee, sandalwood
Best for: Evening wear
This scent is the exact reason that I will never stop shouting about high-street fragrances. It smells so elegant and luxurious, and I can see myself saving this one for special occasions.
It's a gourmand fragrance, but sweet notes of vanilla are beautifully balanced by warm hints of coffee and spicy cardamom. It's smooth, sexy and a little bit smoky, and if I'm being totally honest, it's completely addictive. Yes, this fragrance should come with a warning, because once you start to spritz this, you might not be able to stop.
4. COS Mythe
Key notes: Ginger, cardamom, bergamot, vetiver
Best for: Daytime wear
You know those perfumes that have the power to shift your entire mood? Yep, this is one of them. It's completely invigorating thanks to notes of ginger and bergamot, and one spritz will have your senses tingling.
If you asked me to describe exactly what this smells like, I would say it's like walking into a luxury spa and taking a dip in the plunge pool before having an invigorating body scrub while sipping on a fresh lemon tea. I mean, who doesn't want to smell like that?
Shop More COS Fragrances
This discovery set is perfect for trying all of the fragrances out before investing in a full size bottle.
You can also purchase these 15ml bottles, which are great for taking on holiday. I've got my eye on this mini bottle of Fleuriste for my next trip.
Cos has also launched a range of chic candles. Not only do they look great, but they smell great too. Voyage Epices is a spicy, woody scent with notes of cinnamon and geranium.
Another gorgeous woody option with notes of cinnamon, patchouli, cedarwood and cashmere wood. This comforting scent would be ideal for the living room.
A beautiful floral option with notes of plum and vanilla. This is definitely a personal favourite.
If fresh, fruity scents are more your thing, this candle will be right up your street. Inspired by the scent of the Mediterranean, it features notes of fig leaves, pink pepper and moss.
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