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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. They 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?
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 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 note like ruby red grapefruit and bergamot mixed with the combined floral scent of a Hawaiian wedding flower.
Recommended body 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 note 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 smell for a unique human like you.
PROS AND CONS OF THE GLOSSIER YOU
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ 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.
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 scents on this list, and it’s a local product, too. You can find this spray online and at local stores near you.
PROS AND CONS OF ZEN ZEST THISTLE
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ 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: ZARA SUPREME VANILLA

Zara’s Supreme Vanilla Eau de Parfum offers a sophisticated blend that centers on the richness of Madagascar vanilla. This warm fragrance is complemented by notes of tonka bean and cedarwood, creating a scent profile that’s both sweet and woody. An intriguing inky accord paired with pink sugar adds depth, resulting in a captivating aroma that evolves throughout the day.
Many fragrance enthusiasts, including one of our associate editors, have noted that Supreme Vanilla bears a resemblance to high-street perfumes. For instance, some suggest it shares similarities with Kayali’s Vanilla 28, offering a comparable sweet and warm scent at a more accessible price point.
This makes Supreme Vanilla a compelling choice for those seeking affordable perfumes that echo the essence of more expensive sprays. For me, musk spray stands out as a budget-friendly perfume that doesn’t compromise on quality. Its rich and evolving scent profile makes it a worthy addition to any collection.
PROS AND CONS OF THE ZARA SUPREME VANILLA
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ Affordable scent that offers a luxurious experience ✔️ Complex blend of vanilla, tonka bean, and cedarwood provides depth ✔️ Scent lingers, ensuring longevity throughout the day | ✖️ The inky key note may not appeal to everyone ✖️ Some users report moderate longevity, requiring reapplication ✖️ Limited availability in certain regions |
#6: ALLSAINTS’ SUNSET RIOT
As a beauty director, we get to smell different scents when we meet beauty editors and fragrance experts. During one of our few outings, one that stuck with me was AllSaints’ Sunset Riot Eau de Parfum. This unisex mist artfully balances vibrant and calming elements. It opens with a spicy kick from pink pepper, which quickly mellows into a harmonious blend of orange flowers and cedarwood. This composition offers a fresh yet warm scent that appeals to both men and women.
This makes it an attractive option for those seeking the allure of expensive perfumes without straining their budget. All in all, All Saints Sunset Riot offers a sophisticated and budget-friendly option. Its unique blend of spicy and warm notes makes it a versatile choice for daily wear–all you need is a few sprays of this body mist to make you smell like you’re wearing a high-street perfume or one of the best celebrity perfumes out in the market.
PROS AND CONS OF THE ALLSAINTS’ SUNSET RIOT
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Affordable alternative to luxury fragrances ✔️ Unisex appeal with a balanced scent profile ✔️ Long-lasting aroma that endures throughout the day | ✖️ Some may find the initial note too strong ✖️ The scent's evolution is relatively linear, lacking complexity |
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, 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 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.
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 cheap 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!
WHAT TYPE OF PERFUME STAYS THE LONGEST?
If you want a fragrance that lingers throughout the day and makes you feel sexy, choosing the right type of perfume is essential. Longevity depends on the concentration of fragrance oils and the types of notes used in the formula.
The most long-lasting perfumes come in Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Parfum concentrations. These contain a high percentage of oils (15–40%), ensuring the scent clings to the skin for extended hours. Perfumes like Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 or Chanel Coco Mademoiselle are known for their rich compositions that smell warm and last all day.
Fragrances featuring jasmine, cedarwood, sandalwood, and tonka tend to last the longest. These deep, resinous, and slightly smoky ingredients enhance wear time by anchoring lighter floral and fruity notes. Vanilla bourbon and tonka bean add warmth, creating a floral freshness with a lasting presence.
Perfume oils and layering techniques help extend wear time. Beauty Pie and Other Stories offer affordable fragrance oils that can be layered under an EDP for added longevity. Opting for full moon-inspired, nighttime-wear scents with rich bases ensures the fragrance stays with you from evening to morning.
Some floral and gourmand scents, such as jasmine, iris root, apple blossom, and ylang-ylang, are known for their staying power. These ingredients not only enhance a perfume’s performance but also add a sophisticated touch to the overall scent.
While green floral and fresh scents are appealing, they often fade faster than deeper compositions. A clean scent con is that they lack the heavy base notes that anchor fragrances. Instead, opt for fragrances with toasted macadamia nut, vanilla bourbon, and tonka bean for a longer-lasting, smells warm effect.
For the longest wear, choose Parfum or Eau de Parfum, opt for woody and oriental bases, and layer with perfume oils to lock in the scent.
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 perfumes 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.
Are there Eau de Parfums considered affordable fragrances?
Yes, many EDPs are considered affordable fragrances, with brands like Zara, Sol de Janeiro, Lattafa, The 7 Virtues, and Dossier offering high-quality, long-lasting scents at budget-friendly prices.
Can a fresh-smelling perfume with pink pepper last longer?
Yes, they can last longer if it has strong base key notes like wood, musk, amber, or vanilla. Pink pepper itself is a bright and spicy top note, so its longevity depends on how well deeper, long-lasting ingredients anchor it. Opting for an EDP formulation also helps extend its wear time.
How to smell expensive on a budget?
Going for the best affordable perfumes doesn’t mean that you cannot feel expensive. Fragrances with notes like vanilla bean, tonka bean, and sandalwood often exude a warm and inviting aroma.
Citrus perfumes combined with floral notes can provide a fresh yet elegant smell. Burberry Goddess offers a sophisticated ambery profile that balances citrus and floral elements, making it a great choice for those seeking an affordable yet refined fragrance.
High-quality body mists and perfume oils can be cost-effective alternatives to traditional perfumes. Brands like Sol de Janeiro mist offer affordable and luxurious mists. For example, their Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist provides a warm, gourmand note that can make you feel indulgent without breaking the bank.
Choosing cruelty-free fragrances not only aligns with ethical practices but often leads to discovering unique smell. Pacifica is a brand that offers a variety of affordable, cruelty-free perfumes with complex and rich aromas.
Many brands create fragrances that closely resemble high-end perfumes at a fraction of the cost. For instance, Zara has been noted for producing notes similar to luxury brands, allowing you to enjoy sophisticated aromas without the hefty price tag. By exploring these options, you can find sprays that make you smell luxurious and feel confident, all while staying within your budget.
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 key 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 EDPs. 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 key 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 note that can lighten up any room. The fragrance lasts all day, enough to give you that warm hug feeling encapsulated in a great scent.

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.