Who doesn't love a designer perfume? Not only do they look beautiful, but they smell beautiful, too. The only downside, unfortunately, is that they can sometimes set you back a small fortune. However, thanks to one of my favourite high-street stores, smelling expensive doesn't have to break the bank. Enter, Zara.
Over the years, Zara perfumes have become staples in my fragrance collection, and I often find myself reaching for them over my luxury scents. Since trying lots of different ones out for myself, I've come to realise that there are certain Zara fragrances that smell just like some of my designer faves. In fact, if you blindfolded me and asked me to tell the difference between the two, I'm not sure I'd always be able to.
And I'd like to caveat here that I can still believe this and revel in my adoration of all things luxury. The truth is, while my luxury perfume collection is no doubt my most prized possession, I like to mist myself frivolously throughout the day—and sometimes a more affordable scent alternative is what it takes for me to be able to do so guiltlessly.
It seems I'm not alone—TikTok is full of videos of people comparing Zara perfumes to high-end fragrances from brands such as Armani, Dior, Tom Ford and YSL. Here at Who What Wear UK, we don't gatekeep, so I thought it was only right to round up the best Zara perfume dupes available right now.
All of these high-street perfumes are £30 and under. Interested? I thought so. Keep on scrolling for the very best Zara perfume alternatives.
The Best Zara Perfumes That Smell Like Designer Scents
1. Zara Golden Decade
According to TikTok, Golden Decade is a very close match for YSL's Libre, which both have jasmine, orange blossom and lavender as their notes. Libre has better staying power and an undeniably expensive-smelling touch, but Zara's version is a very affordable version if you know you like the scent already.
2. Zara Vibrant Caramel
If you love Prada Paradoxe, then you'll really like Zara's Vibrant Caramel scent, which smells very similar. Like Prada's, this one is sweet and good enough to eat, with a citrus opening that dries down into an addictive vanilla and praline base. It's a very close match for Prada's now iconic scent.
3. Zara Sublime Epoque
According to the internet, Zara's Sublime Epoque is an exact dupe for Armani's popular fragrance, My Way. Both perfumes contain notes of sweet jasmine and floral tuberose, with warm vanilla and cedar at the base. Zara's perfume also contains hints of orange blossom for a fresh, citrus-perfume element.
4. Zara Red Temptation
This fragrance smells very similar to the famous Baccarat Rouge 540, with notes of creamy praline, musky amber and sensual jasmine. I'm not lying when I say I always get complimented on this scent. Of course, it's needless to say the Zara one doesn't last as long (and it does lack the same luxury profile), but the slim bottle means that it's easy to throw in your bag to top up throughout the day.
5. Zara Apple Juice
Daisy by Marc Jacobs was one of the first perfumes I ever owned, and smelling Apple Juice from Zara has me feeling so nostalgic. It's just as floral and fruity, with notes of apple, orange and grapefruit combined with rose, jasmine, violet and peony. Both fragrances finish with hints of sandalwood, making wearing them feel like a warm hug.
6. Zara Nude Bouquet
Everyone knows and loves the Miss Dior fragrances, and it looks as if Zara has created its own Miss-Dior-inspired fragrance for a fraction of the price. Nude Bouquet contains sweet cherry, peony and vanilla, making it a perfect option for spring and summer.
7. Zara Cherry Smoothie
To me, there's nothing quite as delicious as the smell of fresh cherries, and Zara's alternative to Tom Ford's Lost Cherry smells almost good enough to eat. Both fragrances combine sweet and sour notes of cherry and plum with creamy, woody almond. Zara's fragrance also contains a hint of vanilla, giving it a noticeable warmth.
8. Zara Hypnotic Vanilla
Not only do these both have very similar names, but the Zara fragrance is a close match for Dior's much-loved Dior Hypnotic Poison. Zara's take is drenched with golden vanilla bourbon that envelopes you in a gourmand cloud with apricot blossom and jasmine that lasts really well. Expect compliments whenever you wear this one.
9. Zara Fashionably London
The whole Who What Wear UK team loves Parfums de Marly's Delina, and Zara's Fashionably London perfume has lots of similar notes. They are both rose fragrances with fresh hints of bergamot and warm musk at the base, making both scents perfect for all year round. Although the overall aromas are different, the vibe is similar.
10. Zara Deep Garden
If you like Carolina Herrera's Good Girl fragrance, then, according to TikTo,k you will love this Zara perfume. Both scents feature notes of tuberose and tonka bean for a truly intoxicating finish.
11. Zara Gardenia
YSL's Black Opium has been in my collection for as long as I can remember. It's such an intoxicating scent, and Zara's Gardenia fragrance contains all of the same key notes, such as orange blossom and coffee. What's not to like?
12. Zara Cocoa & Latte
Giardini Di Toscana's viral Bianco Latte has been all over my For You Page. Sadly, it's not readily shoppable in the UK. However, since we reviewed Zara's Cocoa perfume collection, we've noticed that Cocoa & Latte smells very similar. It's a delicious gourmand of white chocolate, Chantilly cream and luxurious suede.
13. Zara Marshmallow Addict
Love Don't Be Shy from Kilian is one of my all-time favourite perfumes, so I was immediately intrigued when I saw this Zara perfume online. With notes of marshmallow, vanilla and a hint of florals, it sounds very similar to the popular gourmand fragrance.
14. Zara Fields At Nightfall
According to TikTok, Fields at Nightfall from Zara is a great alternative to Zadig & Voltaire's This is Her! scent. Both contain hints of jasmine and vanilla, with a woody and floral aroma.
Shop More of Zara's New-In Scents:
A summer take on the Zara icon, this iteration contains the juicy addition of lychee, along with light but creamy orange blossom.
This one is exactly what it says on the tin: a delicious concoction of juicy citruses. It's the perfect juicy summer spritz.
Golden Decade is Zara's number one bestselling perfume, and it's a blend of creamy white florals. This summer edition injects a hit of juicy mandarin and grapefruit for a seasonal fresh, while lavender keeps things soft and moreish.
A gourmand take on the popular Red Vanilla perfume, with notes of mandarin, raspberry and sugared almond.
A gorgeous floral fragrance with hints of spices, precious woods and vanilla.
Coconut, magnolia and caramel come together to create this unforgettable perfume.
Ivory Moon is a woody fragrance with hints of peach and pink peppercorn.
If fresh fragrances are your thing, you'll love this concoction of apple, bergamot and blackcurrant.
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