It seems every time I stumble upon a TikTok perfume recommendation, it’s well over $300. If you’re like me, you’re wondering where the best affordable perfumes are and if they even exist.
“There are plenty of key notes found in designer perfumes that can also be found in inexpensive options,” says Nicole Mancini, principal perfumer at DSM-Firmenich. “While more expensive perfumes may use rare or highly concentrated ingredients that often result in greater longevity and depth, affordability doesn’t mean a lack of artistry,” adds Clement Gavarry, also a principal perfumer at DSM-Firmenich.
With Mancini and Gavarry’s wisdom in my back pocket, I set out to discover the most long-lasting, budget-friendly perfumes that rival the likes of Tom Ford, Versace, and Dior—and I struck gold. I found fragrances with notes that were just as complex as their pricier counterparts, dupes that rivaled high-end options, and even a few scents that lingered on my clothes for days. Of the dozens of under-$100 fragrances I sniffed and sprayed, I managed to narrow it down to 12 mesmerizing picks. Our favorite overall was By Rosie Jane’s Dulce Eau de Parfum for its crowd-pleasing blend of vanilla and musk that lasts for days. But whether you’re drawn to floral fragrances, gourmands, or fresh and woody scents, your new favorite perfume just might be on this list.
The best affordable perfumes, at a glance
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We evaluated a wide range of under-$100 scents, taking into account their notes, sillage, and longevity. We paid special attention to those that contained rarer and more expensive notes (such as orris, rose, and oud) at a budget-friendly price. We took into account where we would wear each perfume and the reactions they elicited from fellow beauty experts, friends, and family. We regularly update this story with new and trending choices.
1. Best Overall: By Rosie Jane Dulce
Original photo from Mary Honkus testing By Rosie Jane Dulce
It was really difficult to name just one scent from By Rosie Jane because the brand has really cracked the code when it comes to crafting inexpensive, cruelty-free scents that enhance your natural essence. That said, I don’t know a single person who doesn’t adore Dulce.
This scent is pure nostalgia in a bottle, thanks to a captivating swirl of pure vanilla and comforting musk, along with a hint of chocolate and hinoki woods that makes this reminiscent of bake shops and summertime boardwalks. Personally, I have more than 200 scents in my perfume collection, yet I’m constantly drawn to Dulce. The aroma sticks around much longer than some of my most expensive bottles—I’m talking days—and it’s a total compliment magnet. Every time I wear this, someone tells me I smell divine.
2. Best Budget: Le Monde Gourmand Nectar de Passion
Original photo from Mary Honkus testing Le Monde Gourmand Nectar de Passion
Just because a perfume is expensive doesn’t mean (1) it will last longer, and (2) it will be more complex. If you’re looking for a great Amazon perfume, Le Monde Gourmand consistently puts out scents with impressive longevity and beautifully layered notes at a ridiculously affordable price—just $25. One of its most recent creations is Nectar de Passion.
Fruity fragrances aren’t anything new. However, if you ask me, passionfruit is an underutilized note that sparks joy the moment you smell it. This pink potion is juicy, sweet, and vibrant with its energizing mix of passionfruit, wild strawberry, peony blossoms, and orange flower. The top and middle notes create a youthful, flirty vibe, while the base notes—a sensual combo of French vanilla, sandalwood, and sweet musk—deepen the scent for a lingering sultry aura that you’ll still be able to catch whiffs of the following morning.
3. Best Daytime: DedCool 01 Taunt Eau de Parfum
Original photo from Ariel Wodarcyk testing DedCool 01 “Taunt” Eau de Parfum
I’m always on the hunt for scents that I can spray on every day without totally breaking the bank, and Taunt makes the cut. At $90, it’s not exactly cheap, but the bottle has lasted me well over a year, despite my signature three-sprays-a-day rule.
Taunt is flirty yet sweet; think sunlight-dappled grass, a long skirt with an off-the-shoulder top, and a fresh red pedicure. Despite its vanilla and amber notes, I wouldn’t classify it as a gourmand. Bergamot gives it a delicate, uplifting feel, and the vanilla is more of a whisper than a shout. I’ve sprayed this on before work, day dates, picnics with friends, and even a few workout classes. Each time I wear it, I feel feminine and confident.
4. Best Skin Scent: Glossier You Eau de Parfum
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Original photo from Anastasia Sanger testing Glossier You Eau de Parfum
I’m practically an expert at identifying what perfumes people are wearing when I’m out, but one that always stumps me is Glossier You. As a skin scent, it smells wildly different (yet always amazing) on everyone I encounter. On one friend, it smells expensive and orris-forward. On another, it’s soft, comforting, and slightly powdery. On me, it even leans a little salty!
Glamour editors love the scent so much, they named it the best perfume for women overall. “While it’s at first a bright, woody, floral scent, it gradually changes on your skin, melting into something deeper and more inviting,” says senior west coast editor Jessica Radloff. Senior social manager Anastasia Sanger swears by it too. “One bottle lasts forever—I’m only on my second, and I’ve worn You religiously for years. Just buy it.”
5. Best Fresh Scent: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Pistachio Crunch Eau de Toilette
Pistachio is quickly gaining popularity in the olfactory world, but for the most part, it’s only been found in decadently rich gourmand scents. Elizabeth Arden’s newest EDT proves that pistachio is much more versatile and delicate. Even those who are sweet-averse will adore Green Tea Pistachio Crunch; it is equal parts cozy and refreshing.
