For many people, fragrance is synonymous with luxury. You might splurge on a bottle because it's from your favourite designer or because it reminds you of your eternally chic grandmother. While we'd never hate on such indulgences, we can also appreciate sticking to a budget. Luckily, you don't need to dedicate your entire paycheck to the cause of smelling expensive. There are plenty of affordable options that have a similar eau-ffect — for less than $50. Keep reading to see our favourites.
Tous 1920 The Origin Eau de Parfum
As the overtly manly flask packageing implies, this 1920 The Origin Eau de Parfum [1] ($44) is marketed as a masculine scent. We prefer to think of it as gender-neutral, as the top notes of bergamot and cardamom are assisted by a lovely floral kick of jasmine. The end result makes you feel super confident — and confidence knows no gender.
Paris Hilton Rose Rush for Women Eau De Parfum Spray
Even though the guys are crazy and the stars are blind, year after year, Paris Hilton [2] will keep dropping fragrances. This Paris Hilton Rose Rush for Women Eau De Parfum Spray [3] ($25) is her 23rd — and our personal favourite. It smells exactly like the warm-weather drink, and who wouldn't to have a bedazzled bust of Hilton as their own?
Commodity Bergamot
While hefty perfume bottles look mighty pretty atop a vanity, travel sprays come in handy, too. This one-note Commodity Bergamot [4] ($30) smells expensive, and you can discreetly apply this citrus scent on the go.
Chanel Chance Eau Fraîxhe Body Oil Spray
Sometimes, when you try to spray a heavy perfume, you walk out of a dizzying haze of fragrance wondering where you put your gas mask. Not so with this Chanel Chance Eau Fraîxhe Body Oil Spray [5] ($45), a lightweight, totally modern jasmine and teakwood oil that doesn't feel too weighty on your body.
Kiehl's Since 1851 Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray
We've got just two words to describe this Kiehl's Since 1851 Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray [6] ($43): hubba hubba. This is basically like a backseat Uber makeout sesh in a bottle (minus the awkward kissing in the same car as a stranger thing). Ylang-ylang, rose, neroli, and patchouli make this one to save for nights when you might get lucky.
Diptyque Eau des Sens Hair Mist
We were sceptical about hair perfume at first, but then we realised it's the subtlest way to leave a lasting impression. Enter the Diptyque Eau des Sens Hair Mist [7] ($48), which locks a refreshing scent over your head, without making things look greasy or wet. (And yes, it doubles as a real perfume too, because why not?)
Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture Women's Perfume
This Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture Women's Perfume [8] ($39) feels just as cosy as the brand's ubiquitous tracksuit. It's unabashedly fruity, with notes of wild berries, mandarin, caramel, and sandalwood.
Clinique Happy by Clinique Eau de Parfum Women's Spray Perfume
If it's good enough for Elle Woods [9], it's good enough for us. Clinique Happy by Clinique Eau de Parfum Women's Spray Perfume [10] ($31) has earned classic status during its 21 years of existence. The light grapefruit scent sets the tone for a positively joyous day.
Silver Coast by Good Chemistry Eau de Parfum Unisex Perfume
This Silver Coast by Good Chemistry Eau de Parfum Unisex Perfume [11] ($25) takes the no makeup-makeup trend and turns it into a fragrance. The light-as-air scent of citron, ocean, and rosemary is understated, but chic.
Pacifica Coconut Glow Shimmering Hair And Body Mist
Body mist has grown up a lot since we doused ourselves in overdone mall scents. Exhibit A? Pacifica Coconut Glow Shimmering Hair And Body Mist [12] ($18), a spray that coats your entire body in a super natural piña colada scent.
Zoella Beauty Blissful Mistful Women's Fragranced Body Mist
Peaches are everywhere in the beauty world right now — just ask Too Faced [13]. Make yourself smell like the trendiest stone fruit in town with this refreshing and light Zoella Beauty Blissful Mistful Women's Fragranced Body Mist [14] ($13).
Calvin Klein Downtown Eau De Parfum Spray
Calvin Klein Downtown Eau De Parfum Spray [15] ($27) pairs well with a cardigan sweater, as it contains sweet and sultry notes of green pear, plum, lemon, and incense, and musk. It's ultra-soothing and will give you your comfort food drink when you've already consumed your coffee limit for the day.
Philosophy Pure Grace Nude Rose Eau de Toilette
If you're sensitive to scent, this lightweight Philosophy Pure Grace Nude Rose Eau de Toilette [16] ($49) won't offend your delicate nose. Notes of greens and rose make you think of freshly-cut grass, and cedarwood gives it a subtle weight.
Rituals The Ritual Of Sakura Flourishing Bed & Body Mist
Make every day cherry blossom season with this invigorating Rituals The Ritual Of Sakura Flourishing Bed & Body Mist [17] ($25). Since it doubles as a linen mist, it enables you to skip laundry day and watch Netflix in bed instead — what's not to love?
Wild Spirit Chill Eau de Parfum
As we commence a season of apple picking and caramel lattes, know that this Wild Spirit Chill Eau De Parfum [18] ($25) is the absolute essence of Fall's sweet side. It's a heavy vanilla scent that gives off a tinge of apple and caramel.