15 Must-Have Perfumes If You Want to Smell Luxurious for *So Much* Less

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

If you're reading this right now, it's safe to assume that you've experienced finding the fragrance of your dreams just to discover a heart-wrenching price tucked away in the corner of its packaging. Maybe you, like me, returned your find to the shelf but haven't been able to get its image out of your head. What if I told you that the designer fragrances adorning the vanities of the content creators and celebrities you've come across don't always live up to the hype? What if that price tag saved you from draining your bank account only to discover your chosen eau de parfum, toilette, or oil carries little to no sillage after you leave a room?

Take it from me—it's always a good idea to know what you're in for before reaching for your wallet. Fear not! I've sorted through my personal fragrance collection and rounded up all the luxurious yet low-cost scents that I can't get enough of with the reviews to back them up. If you're interested in seeing which ones made the list, keep reading!

Our Top 5 Picks:

  1. Ouai Rue St. Honoré Eau de Parfum ($64)
  2. Zara Applejuice Eau de Toilette (423)
  3. Clean Reserve Solar Bloom Eau de Parfum ($110)
  4. Scent Organix Rise and Shine Eau de Toilette ($40)
  5. Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette ($54)

1. Ouai Rue St. Honoré Eau de Parfum

2. Zara Applejuice Eau de Toilette

3. Clean Reserve Solar Bloom Eau de Parfum

4. Scent Organix Rise and Shine Eau de Toilette

5. Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette

6. Zara Red Vanilla Eau de Toilette

7. Fine'ry Flower Bed Eau de Parfum

8. Ouai North Bondi Eau de Parfum

9. 19-69 Invisible Post Eau de Parfum

10. Tocca Bianca Eau de Parfum

11. Ouai Melrose Place Eau de Parfum

12. Ralph Lauren Romance Eau de Parfum

13. By Rosie Jane Madie Eau de Parfum

14. Imaginary Authors The Soft Lawn

15. Lake & Skye 11 11 Eau de Parfum

This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.

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