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The Best Budget Perfumes
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUDGET PERFUMES
Perfume fragrances or Eau de parfum can be incredibly personal. Many scents and fragrances are perfect for daily use or special occasions. Scents can be comforting or alluring, fruity or earthy, citrusy or musky. The best one is all up to you.
The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to smell like a million dollars! In this guide, we show you our top picks for the best cheap perfumes that will leave you smelling fresh, fruity, or spicy, depending on your style!
WHAT ARE THE BEST BUDGET PERFUMES?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Simple Perfume |  Best Unique Perfume |
Clinique Happy SprayIf you love fun and bright fragrances the Clinique Happy Spray is the one for you! This lightweight perfume lasts long and is perfect for day-to-day use. | Philosophy Pure GracePhilosophy Pure Grace offers a sophisticated, simple, and clean fragrance. This perfume has a water lily, leafy greens, and musk smell to it. | Glossier YouIf you love a unique scent, this personalized perfume, Glossier You, delivers just that! It has a comfortable scent that's perfect for daily use. |
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LET’S GO OVER EACH FRAGRANCE
#1: CLINIQUE HAPPY SPRAY
Feel happy, be happy! This feminine Eau de parfum scent is sure to lift anyone’s mood, and if you’re looking for a fresh and light fragrance wardrobe, look no further. The body mist is the best of both worlds, with vibrant fruity floral scent like ruby red grapefruit and bergamot mixed with the combined floral scent of a Hawaiian wedding flower.
Recommended body fragrance mist for those who want a bright scent that isn’t overpowering, suited for daily use, and has incredible wear time.
PROS AND CONS OF THE CLINIQUE HAPPY SPRAY
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Light, feminine scent ✔️ Great for day use ✔️ No overpowering odor | ✖️ Might be too light for some |
#2: PHILOSOPHY PURE GRACE
Scents are even more powerful when they can trigger emotional responses. Some things remind us of better days while others excite and enchant. This one smells like comfort.
Comfort also comes in all shapes, sizes, and scents — the smell of fresh laundry, your favorite home-cooked meal, and even a warm bath. The Philosophy of Pure Grace is an Eau de parfum that is clean, pure, and homey; the philosophy behind being nothing smells better than soap and water.
Add a few key notes of water lily, leafy greens, and musk, and you’ve got a signature scent perfect for the sophistication within us. The inviting head notes are bergamot, lily, lavender, lemon, and neroli; while florals like lily of the valley, rose, and jasmine make up the heart. The base is a strong musk immediately added to balance it to your desired intensity. Recommended for: classy, clean days where you want to feel like a million bucks.
If you want a more mature-smelling great, try Philosophy’s Amazing Grace.
PROS AND CONS OF THE PHILOSOPHY PURE GRACE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Simple, sophisticated fragrance ✔️ Suitable for daily use ✔️ Pleasant floral notes | ✖️ Might not be suitable for special occasions |
#3: GLOSSIER YOU
As we said, fragrances can be incredibly personal. You wear them, and you feel almost transformed. Much like our clothes and accessories, they can make us feel like different people if we want an escape, even for a night. But that’s not what Glossier You is for.
Instead of making you feel like someone else, the Glossier You is all about making you feel comfortable in your skin and celebrating all the best parts of yourself. The first scent is pink pepper, a top note that piques anyone’s curiosity. The ambrette seeds rounds and amber notes make up the heart. Once completely pulled in, the floral scent of white powdery iris unfurls and balances it all out—a complex fragrance for a unique human like you.
PROS AND CONS OF THE GLOSSIER YOU
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Personalized fragrance ✔️ Complex notes of spice, fruit, and florals ✔️ Perfect for daily use | ✖️ Simple packaging |
#4: ZEN ZEST EAU DE TOILETTE
If you think perfume has to cost a thousand dollars, think again. The Zen Zest Eau de Toilette makes a case for cheap perfumes, being long-lasting and unique in its fragrance.
Our favorite from their perfume line is the Thistle. Fruity notes like melon and pineapple give it a tropical feel reminiscent of summers on our country’s beaches. This Eau de toilette is great for daily use as the scent is mild and not too harsh on the nose and tingles.
At just Php 230, the Zen Zest Eau de Toilette in Thistle is one of the most affordable fragrances on this list, and it’s a local product, too. You can find this fragrance oil online and at local stores near you.
PROS AND CONS OF ZEN ZEST THISTLE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Contains fruity notes of melon and pineapple ✔️ Unique scent with a budget-friendly price tag ✔️ Not too harsh yet lasts all dayt for daily use | ✖️ The fruity notes might be too bright for some people's tastes |
#5: VERA WANG EMBRACE
Scents can be incredibly intimate, too. The Vera Wang Embrace is named after this gesture of affection and intimacy. The Green Tea & Pear Blossom variant is just as irresistible, mixing pear blossom and bergamot as the initial notes and peony, freesia, and orange blossom for the heart.
Wearing it feels like a warm fragrance hug from someone you love. Perfect for summertime, walks on the beach, or going on dates!
PROS AND CONS OF THE VERA WANG EMBRACE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Beautiful floral scent ✔️ Strong without being overpowering ✔️ Lasts all day | ✖️ Pricey compared to others |
#6: SOL DE JANEIRO BRAZILIAN CRUSH CHEIROSA
The Sol de Janeiro mist is a tropical vacation in a bottle. Its tantalizing blend of caramelized sweet vanilla scent from vanilla bean, toasted macadamia nut, and tonka bean makes it a sweet gourmand delight that instantly transports you to warmer climes.
Great for chilly days, Sol de Janeiro’s cozy and rich scent will make you the center of attention, earning you compliments. Enjoy the delightful body fragrance mist and let it transport you to a sunny escape, even in the cold.
PROS AND CONS OF THE SOL DE JANEIRO BRAZILIAN CRUSH CHEIROSA
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Rich and indulgent tropical scent ✔️ Comforting and warm ✔️ Available in large size | ✖️ May not last as long as an Eau de parfum ✖️ Scent might be too sweet for some |
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRAGRANCE?
One of the most enjoyable parts of choosing a scent is all the different options you get. It might seem daunting at first, but don’t worry! Once you learn all the basics, mixing and matching follow the fun part.
First, you must know that typical fragrances consist of key notes. Multiple layers are called the base notes, head/top notes, and middle/heart notes. The blend of these scents provides the overall fragrance.
This is why you’ll find floral fragrances with notes from violet leaves, peonies, Bulgarian roses, freesia, lilies, orange blossoms, vanilla orchids, and pink roses. Others will have a spicy scent with notes of cinnamon, star anise, pink pepper, nutmeg, or delectable vanilla scent; while a fruity fragrance typically features key notes such as creamy and delicious coconut shine, mandarin orange, black currant, and passionfruit. If these aren’t your thing, you can opt for a scent with more earthy notes. Some popular ones include patchouli, white musk, and a woodsy hook sandalwood with a sweet, full aroma.
But of course, the best part about choosing your (cheap) perfume is that most of them are a combination of different kinds of scents — complex and unique, just like the wearer! There are also plenty of benefits to wearing a good scent. For one, it’s proven to lift our mood. A good scent can make us feel fun, bold, or happy. It can set the stage for plenty of occasions, whether it’s a date night or a summer trip with the fam.
If you don’t quite know where to start yet, we’ve outlined some of the best products just for you. They range from cruelty-free natural aromas to spicy, alluring fragrances, and celebrity-inspired ones like the Cloud Eau de Parfum that Ariana Grande delivers. Read on to find out what they are!
WHAT IS THE BEST BUDGET FRAGRANCE?
Picking the perfect budget fragrance is all about finding one that fits your style and doesn’t break the bank. If you’re watching your wallet, you might want to check out brands like Coty, Jovan, Nautica, Rosie Jane, or the new Ariana Grande line.
Then again, look for something that makes you feel good like a warm embrace, and doesn’t empty your bank account.
WHICH IS THE CHEAP AND BEST PERFUME?
Looking for a scent that’s both awesome and affordable fragrance? Check out these gems:
- Dove Original Women’s Deodorant Spray: It’s not just for keeping you smelling fresh; many folks swear it’s got that high-end Eau de parfum vibe at a fraction of the cost.
- Elizabeth Arden Green Tea: Refreshing and light, this perfume is perfect for everyday daytime wear without burning a hole in your wallet.
- Zara Perfumes: Zara has some great options that won’t break the bank and are always on-trend and stylish.
These picks might not last for a few hours as long as the pricey stuff, but they’ll still make you smell fantastic without spending a fortune!
CAN CHEAP PERFUME SMELL GOOD?
Now, I know what you might be thinking – cheap perfume can’t possibly smell good, right? Well, the truth is, the price tag on a fragrance doesn’t necessarily determine its quality or how it smells. Plenty of affordable scent options can smell just as amazing as high-end perfumes.
Of course, there are some things to remember when shopping for cheaper fragrances. You might have to dig more to find a sweet scent that speaks to you. Sometimes, more expensive ones have a certain level of complexity and depth that can be harder to find in a cheaper option. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a fragrance you’ll absolutely love at a lower price point.
One thing to consider when shopping for cheaper perfumes is the brand. Some well-known, reputable brands offer affordable options without sacrificing quality. For example, drugstore brands like Revlon, Coty, and Avon all offer a wide range of fragrances that can be found at a lower price point.
Another thing to remember is that cheaper perfumes may not last as long on well-moisturized skin as more expensive ones. However, this isn’t always the case – some affordable perfume options can last just as long as pricier perfumes. You might have to do a bit of experimenting to find the right one for you.
So, in conclusion, can cheap perfume smell good? Absolutely! While finding the perfect Eau de parfum scent at a lower price point might take a bit more effort, affordable perfumes can smell just as amazing as more expensive fragrances. Don’t be afraid to explore different brands and scents, and always remember that your personal preferences and skin chemistry can play a big role in how a perfume smells on you. Happy scent-hunting!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are Zara perfumes long-lasting?
Zara fragrances often receive mixed reviews regarding longevity. Some customers report that certain Zara fragrances have decent staying power, especially considering their affordable prices. However, others may find that the longevity varies across different scents. It’s recommended to read reviews specific to the Zara perfume you’re interested in, as individual experiences can provide valuable insights into the lasting power of a particular fragrance. Also, factors such as skin type and application method can influence how long a perfume lasts on an individual.
CONCLUSION
It shouldn’t take a fortune to smell great. With these budget-friendly fragrances, you’re well on your way to finding that signature fragrance you’ll know and wax poetic like a beauty editor. Whether it’s an Eau de parfum with citrus notes, a salted caramel one, or a warm musk Eau de toilettes, there is no shortage of wonderful products and all things beauty!
We hope this guide was helpful in your quest to find the perfect fragrance or Eau de parfums. Love fragrances and smelling sweet scents? Try reading our top-scented candles.
Editor’s Choice
CLINIQUE HAPPY SPRAY
If there ever was happiness in a bottle, then this cheap perfume might be it. Crafted with fresh, vibrant notes and sensual undertones, the Happy Spray by Clinique is their best-selling women’s fragrance in the beauty industry.
This minimalist-looking Eau de parfum bottle is the perfect gift for anyone who needs an instant pick-me-up, or a daily comforting scent that can lighten up any room. The fragrance lasts all day.
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.
