It's True: This £23 Perfume Has Earned Me More Compliments Than My £230 Go-To
I always thought you had to spend a fortune to smell good, but this high-street scent has proved me wrong.
I'll admit, I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to the best perfumes. Thanks to my job, I've been lucky enough to try some of the world's most luxurious fragrances, and they definitely don't come cheap. It means I've developed quite an expensive taste in scents, and I can't see that changing anytime soon. So, when I met my friend for brunch and immediately got a waft of one of the most elegant perfumes I've come across, I asked her what it was and was shocked to hear it was from Zara.
I've written about Zara perfumes in the past and definitely consider them some of the best affordable fragrances on the market. However, I didn't know that they could be this good. The minute I found out the name of the scent my friend was wearing (Zara Golden Decade, FYI), I went on the brand's website and was delighted to see that it was only £23. Honestly, it's giving my £230 perfumes a run for their money.
The only downside? This fragrance sells out a lot. It's finally back in stock, so I thought it was the perfect time to write about it, but if you want to smell it for yourself, you'd better act fast...
Zara Golden Decade
Key notes: Mandarin, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla
If you've considered buying this perfume yourself, you might have noticed that there are quite a few iterations available. Yes, it seems that the scent is so popular that Zara has expanded on the Golden Decade range, and I'm certainly not mad about it. However, let's talk about the original. This luminous, sensual scent is a true head-turner, with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, lavender and vanilla. Whilst it opens with an uplifting, citrusy aroma, the warm, sweet undertones soon unfurl onto the skin, creating this captivating blend that feels sophisticated yet modern. It's a true desk-to-date-night perfume that envelops the senses in this fruity, floral, heady cloud.
As mentioned, there are now different variations of the perfume available, and I have to say, they are just as captivating as the original. Whilst some of my favourites have already sold out, you can currently shop Golden Decade Elixir, an intense, concentrated version of the popular scent, alongside Golden Decade Sweet, a gourmand fragrance with heightened notes of vanilla. Honestly? I'm yet to come across a version I don't love.
You're probably thinking, for £23, the perfume can't last long, right? Wrong. Thanks to the warm, heady base, this actually lingers on the skin way longer than you'd expect from a high-street scent. Plus, thanks to the affordable price tag, I don't mind throwing a smaller bottle in my bag to top up throughout the day. I usually have some reservations with trending perfumes, but I know Golden Decade will be a firm favourite in my collection for years to come.
Shop the Perfume:
Key notes: Mandarin, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla
You simply can't go wrong with the OG.
Key notes: Mandarin, orange blossom, amber, vanilla
If you want to make a lasting impression, then the Golden Decade Elixir Parfum is the way to go.
Key notes: Orange blossom, vanilla orchid, tonka
Gourmand fragrance lovers won't be able to get enough of this.
Key notes: Mandarin, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla
This size is perfect for travelling.
Key notes: Grapefruit, white flowers, lavender
Sparkling, citrusy notes of grapefruit make this perfume a summer delight.
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