I'm a Huge Fan of M&S Perfumes—These 7 Could Easily Pass for Designer
M&S perfumes are well-known for being more affordable versions of their luxury counterparts. These are the most expensive-smelling M&S scents we've tried.
I know what you're thinking: Marks and Spencer perfume? I was also sceptical when I first heard the rest of the Who What Wear UK beauty team go on about how good they were. Especially when I found out that most of them retailed for around £10 to £15. However, I have to admit that they were right. Marks and Spencer genuinely makes some of the most luxurious perfumes on the high street, and I've added quite a few to my collection since discovering the goods. Wearing these scents on a daily basis, I've noticed that they smell very similar to some particular high-end fragrances that we all know and love.
Now, I'm not saying that you need to go out and replace all of your best perfumes with M&S alternatives, but what I will say is that if you're looking for a similar fragrance to pop in your handbag to use throughout the day, or you want to try a more affordable perfume version to save yourself shelling out for the expensive original, then I would highly recommend that you keep on scrolling. Below, I've listed all of the best Marks and Spencer perfumes that could pass for designer...
The Best Expensive-Smelling M&S Perfumes
- Best Overall: M&S Apothecary Warmth, £12
- Best for All Year Round: Discover Soft Iris, £12
- Best New Perfume: M&S Studio Aura Ambrette, £23
- Best Evening Scent: Discover Midnight Blossom, £12
- Best Uplifting Scent: Discover Pink Pepper, £12
1. Apothecary Warmth
Key notes: Cardamom, cinnamon, cedarwood, sandalwood
Apothecary Warmth is possibly one of the most well-known M&S perfumes. Everyone compares this fragrance to an iconic designer scent, and not just because of the chic bottle. The perfume itself features notes of cardamom, cinnamon, cedarwood and sandalwood. It's warm and spicy, and feels soothing and comforting on the skin. This would be a beautiful addition to your autumn perfume line-up, and it smells much more expensive than the £12 price tag.
2. Discover Soft Iris
Key notes: Iris, jasmine, bergamot, orange blossom essence, vetiver, amber, patchouli
This fresh, floral scent gives me luxury vibes whenever I spritz it. It features an expert blend of jasmine, orange blossom and patchouli, giving it a richness and depth that would have anyone thinking it's designer. What I love about this particular perfume is that the scent works all year round, for any occasion. In fact, whenever I wear it, everyone comments on how good I smell.
3. M&S Studio Aura Ambrette
Key notes: Iso E Super, ambrette, sandalwood
Aura Ambrette is part of M&S's new Studio range, and it's not to be missed. If you're a fan of luxury skin scents, you will love this. A simple blend of Iso E Super, ambrette and sandalwood, the fragrance adapts to the wearer, creating a smooth, warm, skin-like scent that smells five times more expensive than its price tag.
4. Discover Midnight Blossom
Key notes: Jasmine, tuberose, amber
If you're looking for a luxurious evening scent, you can't go wrong with Midnight Blossom, which reminds me so much of a designer scent I used to wear on nights out back in the day. Featuring sweet, sensual notes of jasmine and amber, this perfume lingers beautifully on the skin.
5. Discover Pink Pepper
Key notes: Orange blossom, pink pepper, jasmine, patchouli, vanilla, amber musks
Bright, sparkly and uplifting, Pink Pepper is a designer-smelling perfume that is bound to turn heads. The spicy, peppery undertone elevates notes of sweet vanilla and rich jasmine, taking you on an olfactory journey as the fragrance settles on the skin.
6. M&S Studio Tonka Tabac
Key notes: Tonka bean, tobacco, hazelnut, berries, cognac, vanilla, cinnamon
When reading the notes of this fragrance, I already knew that it would smell so expensive. I wasn't wrong. A warming blend of tonka bean, tobacco and cinnamon, it's rich, heady and a little boozy thanks to a cognac base. It reminds me a lot of a luxury perfume I bring out every single winter, and I can see this one becoming a new favourite.
7. Discover Ocean Musk
Key notes: Neroli, musk
You might think this sounds like a summer scent, but it actually has a salty, musky, marine-like quality that reminds me of brisk winter beach walks. I actually can't put into words how expensive this smells, but trust me when I say that £12 is an absolute steal.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
