It's no secret that we're fans of Zara here. We're always keeping an eye on the new arrivals section, trying to uncover the best finds, and we love to find those designer-inspired buys that will be trending for the season ahead. What can we say? The retailer just consistently delivers when it comes to clothes and accessories. But I'm going to let you in on a not-so-secret secret that just might blow your mind: Zara also has some of the best perfumes, too. In fact, there are plenty of Zara perfume designer alternatives that smell like the real deal. So yeah, you could consider it a one-stop shop. If that's news to you, you're welcome.
When it comes to Zara's beauty section, you don't want to sleep on the fragrances—many of which were created by some of the world's top perfumers. There's a scent for just about any mood and occasion, from fresh florals to something woodsy to ones with a little bit of spice. The best news? In true Zara fashion, they are at an amazing price point. You won't find a fragrance over £36 here (most come in around the £20 mark). At that price, you could add a couple of these affordable perfumes to your collection to keep on rotation.
Since the inventory is pretty extensive, we've tried to narrow it down for you and shared some of the best ones to buy below.
The Best Zara Perfumes
- Best Overall: Zara Red Temptation & Vanille (£30)
- Best Daytime Scent: Zara Energetically New York (£36)
- Best Evening Scent: Zara Ebony Wood (£36)
- Best Viral Scent: Zara Red Temptation (£23)
- Best Sweet Scent: Zara Cocoa Bliss (£20)
1. Red Temptation & Vanille
Key notes: Saffron, cocoa, vanilla, jasmine, vanilla orchid, amber
Intensity: High
Made with a 35% concentration of oils for an intense aromatic experience, this luxurious perfume is heady with sweet vanilla, spicy saffron and an expensive-smelling bouquet of jasmine and orchid. A head-turning, grown-up, winter scent that is bound to earn you compliments time and time again.
2. Energetically New York
Key notes: Cardamom, jasmine, sandalwood
Intensity: Medium
This fragrance is part of Zara's collection with Jo Malone CBE, and it smells just as luxurious as you would expect. As the Energetically New York name suggests, this is a super vibrant, energetic fragrance that features lots of fresh, spicy notes.
"This isn't my usual kind of scent (I'm more of a gourmand girl), but after smelling this, I was converted," says Who What Wear UK junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "It's super fresh but also quite sexy thanks to notes of jasmine and sandalwood."
3. Golden Decade
Key notes: Jasmine, orange blossom, mandarin, lavender
Intensity: Medium
This perfume will transport you to fun and carefree summer nights, even in the dead of winter. It has notes of orange blossom, jasmine, mandarin and lavender. As you might be able to tell, it's super similar to YSL's iconic Libre fragrance, so if you like that, then you will love this.
4. Red Temptation
Key notes: Saffron, orange, jasmine, praline, moss, amber
Intensity: Medium
This Zara bestseller is usually out of stock, so move quickly if you want to try it. If you're not familiar with the scent, it has a spicy saffron and coriander opener, which moves into bitter orange and jasmine, before drying down into an addictive base of praline, moss, woody amber notes and musk. Heaven.
"This is my all-time favourite fragrance from Zara," says Lindsay. "It's incredibly warm, sweet and sensual, and it smells so much more expensive than it actually is."
5. Ebony Wood
Key notes: Pink pepper, clove, ebony wood
Intensity: High
Zara has the woody scents if you're looking for that, too. Ebony Wood is infused with scents of pink pepper, clove and ebony wood, so it's a little bit spicy and earthy at the same time.
"This is the perfume I put on when I want endless compliments," says Lindsay. "I've honestly never smelled anything like it before. It's incredibly luxurious (as to be expected when it was created with Jo Malone CBE) and even my mum is obsessed."
6. Sunrise On The Red Sand Dunes
Key notes: Bergamot, ginger, tangerine, amber, orange blossom, blackcurrant
Intensity: Medium
Bergamot is always a classic note in fragrances—who doesn't love that fresh, citrus smell? This eau de parfum also contains notes of tangerine and orange blossom. I think it works year-round, but I'd wear it especially in the spring and summer months. However, if you want to put a spring in your step this winter, this is the scent to go for.
7. Vetiver Pamplemousse
Key notes: Grapefruit, tangerine, vetiver
Intensity: Light
I love this fragrance because it's a bit mysterious. It has fruity notes of grapefruit and tangerine for a fresh feeling, but it's also got an indulgent touch of vetiver. It's one of those scents that captivates you on the very first spritz.
8. Amber Fusion
Key notes: Bergamot, tangerine, red berries, lily, ylang-ylang, amber
Intensity: Medium
When a fragrance is named Amber Fusion, you know you're getting something a little warming and sophisticated. This scent has unexpected floral notes of lily and ylang-ylang alongside sweet red berries, juicy bergamot and tangerine, and the star of the show—amber.
9. Rose Gourmand
Key notes: Jasmine, tuberose, orange blossom, vanilla, cedar
Intensity: Light
Here's another cheerful and bright pick. The unabashedly floral fragrance contains scents of jasmine, peony, rose (of course), and sweet vanilla. Rose scents can often be polarising, but I don't know anyone who wouldn't like this.
10. Cherry Smoothie
Key notes: Cherry, plum, almond, vanilla, tonka bean
Intensity: High
Gourmand fans, this one is for you. If you enjoy Tom Ford's Lost Cherry, you will like the smooth cherry, almond and tonka bean notes in this. It's fruity, sweet, mysterious and totally delicious.
11. Marshmallow Addict
Key notes: Fruit, sunflower, vanilla, musk
Intensity: High
Although it references it in the name of the perfume, this isn't actually as marshmallowy as I'd imagined—more mango and peach gummy bear. Despite that, it's so delicious and fruity—a perfect sweet scent for summer.
12. Vibrant Caramel
Key notes: Bergamot, mandarin, apple blossom, vanilla, praline
Intensity: Medium
Don't be fooled by the name. Yes, this has hints of caramel, but it's actually quite a fresh take on a gourmand scent. This sweet perfume blends vibrant citrus and crisp apple blossom with a smooth and creamy hint of vanilla and praline. Delicious.
13. Cocoa Bliss
Key notes: White, milk and dark chocolate, Chantilly cream, vanilla, passion fruit, peach
Intensity: Medium
New from Zara is the cocoa collection, which captures the scent of chocolate in different forms. Cocoa Bliss is absolutely delicious, with notes of white, milk and dark chocolate throughout. Add in hints of Chantilly cream, vanilla, passion fruit and peach, and this smells almost good enough to eat. "This smells like sipping a delicious cocktail during sunset on holiday," says Who What Wear UK beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden.
14. Cocoa & Latte
Key notes: White chocolate, Chantilly cream, suede
Intensity: High
Another great scent from Zara's Cocoa range is Cocoa + Latte. It's been hugely popular amongst those who like milky, sweet scents. It's utterly delicious. But what makes this one stand out is the addition of suede, which gives it a grown-up leatheriness and takes the edge off the chocolate. It's been selling out fast, so move quickly if you see it in stock.
15. Hypnotic Vanilla Elixir
Key notes: Apricot blossom, jasmine sambac, praline
Intensity: High
If there's one scent that Zara does unbelievably well, it's vanilla. This particular fragrance is the brand's more intense interpretation of a classic vanilla perfume, with notes of praline and jasmine sambac making it totally addictive.
16. Vibrant Leather for Her
Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, pear, leather accord, bamboo, patchouli, vanilla
Intensity: High
In my opinion, leather scents smell so expensive, and this Zara one is no exception. A leather accord is beautifully balanced by bergamot, lemon and pear, giving this an uplifting edge.
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.