As a fragrance-lover, it's never a surprise to me when a high end perfume is a hit. Some of my favorite scents today include picks from top luxury brands like Prada, Parfums de Marly, and Byredo. It does, however, always surprise me a bit when I'm able to find something that's affordable but still smells like it could be made by one of these luxury houses.
On a recent brand trip, I hit the jackpot. I met a content creator who came down to the lobby of our hotel smelling like an absolute angel. Of course, a few of us asked what she was wearing because we needed the tea immediately. I expected her to name a designer brand when she said what she was wearing, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that her scent was composed of two key products—a drugstore-priced lotion and fine fragrance. In fact, both are under $30!
I went and snagged the combo for myself because I just couldn't resist. For all the deets on these affordable faves, keep on reading.
The Combo
Key notes: Ginger, mandarin, pink pepper, lavender, praline, cacao, jasmine, vanilla, amber, musk
I'd never tried anything from Lattafa previously, but this warm and sweet fragrance was the perfect introduction to the brand. The notes of ginger and pink pepper give it a zesty quality that's so unique. Sandwiched between notes of praline, cacao, vanilla, and amber, it's, dare I say, my perfect fragrance. When I saw the $29 price tag, I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing. This smells like something expensive that you'd sniff at a Nordstrom counter.
Even on its own, this fragrance is totally magical. It's a gourmand that's a total compliment-earner, but the O.G. wearer of this scent told me it's one of her favorite scents, but when combined with the below lotion, it takes the scent profile to a whole new level.
This $12 Tree Hut lotion was already an obsession of mine. It's so hydrating on the skin but also lightweight and smells absolutely incredible if you're into gourmand scents. TBH, I'm not usually someone who likes overly sweet and strong scents, but this one is just right. It's made for sensitive skin by providing enough of a rich cinnamon dolce scent so that you actually smell it, but not so much that it's overwhelming. Aside from the brand's body wash in the same scent, it's a top pick of mine from the brand.
When the content creator told me she combined the Lataffa scent with this lotion, I knew it was a genius combo immediately. The two scent profiles layer beautifully together. Now, if I have an event or dinner to go to, I bust out this combination and, just like I did, someone always asks what I'm wearing. If you like smelling rich and delicious, trust me, this combo can't be beat and is a gourmand-lover's dream.
More Fragrances I Love Right Now
If you're on a budget and looking for something light, fresh, and easy to wear, Josie Maran's body mists really deliver. Golden Hour's key notes—amber, white musk, and santal—blend together in a beautifully juicy and rich scent that layers perfectly with the brand's body butter.
This is another one of my most complimented fragrances. With notes of bergamot, tuberose, golden gardenia, honeysuckle, and jasmine, it's a sparkly and sweet floral scent that smells even better the more it dries down.
Phlur excels at creating sophisticated gourmand scents. This one is a favorite with notes of pink apple, sugar crystals, jasmine petals, cashmere wood, vanilla, and sandalwood.
This Prada scent has been a long time favorite of mine and a top earner of the "what are you wearing?" compliment. Notes of fresh neroli, amber, and musk come together to create a feminine-leaning scent that's so light on the skin, but still makes you smell out-of-this-world good.
Skylar has quite a few gorgeous scents, but Nude Skin is one I keep coming back to. It smells slightly beachy with notes of pineapple, papaya, starfruit, tiger orchid, coconut blossom, vanilla, and amber. It's sweet, musky, and so unique.
I'm completely hooked on this Miu Miu offering because I've never smelled anything like it. Notes of wild strawberry, gardenia, brown sugar, vanilla, and patchouli oil make up this deliciously fresh and sweet fragrance. It's so good, in fact, that it's now earned a spot in my top five most-loved and worn fragrances of all time.