Last Updated on April 29, 2023
Think you need to spend designer prices to get a good perfume? Think again.
Let’s be honest, designer perfumes are expensive. Byredo YSL, Chanel… most of our favourite perfume brands set us back around £100 for a bottle – but do we really need to spend that much for a great scent?
While most people associate labels and high prices with quality, it doesn’t always have to be the case when it comes to fragrances.
In fact, the perfumers behind most of our favourite designer brands are often the same people who work on the high street’s offering.
For example, last year Zara launched its Emotions collection, an eight-part fragrance collection with iconic perfumer Jo Malone.
It’s not the first time Jo Malone has joined forces with the high street either. She previously worked with French Connection in back in 1998.
Another case in point is H&M’s perfumer Olivier Pescheux, who also previously worked with Diptyque and Yves Saint Laurent.
There are plenty of purse-friendly high street scents to rival my more expensive favourites—you just need to know where to look.
Keep scrolling for our edit of the 12 best high street perfumes.
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READ MORE: This Zara Perfume Smells Just Like Ariana Grande’s Cloud
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Shop our edit high street perfumes
Tuberose 90ml, £12.99, Zara – buy now
Zara describes this perfume as a sparkling, powdery and sensual flower; tuberose plays with its charms in a garden of imitation spices, precious woods and vanilla.
I’ve worn this perfume on rotation for years and have always received so many complements on it.
Rain Eau De Toilette, £4.99, H&M – buy now
H&M describe this scent as a sense of calm and new beginnings: delicate, clean and fresh.
At £4.99 for 20ml, it comes in at one of the most reasonable perfumes on the high street.
White Musk Eau De Toilette 30ml, £16.99, The Body Shop – buy now
The Body Shop describe this Eau de Toilette as having floral, sensual notes that will leave you feeling empowered to express yourself.
This vegan scent is made from 95 per cent naturally derived ingredients, and even the bottle itself is made of 42% recycled glass.
Black Musk Eau De Parfum 30ml, £22, The Body Shop – buy now
This Black Musk version is like White Musk’s cool older sister. It contains sweet pear, spicy pink pepper and heady bergamot, and it smells incredible.
This vegan scent is also made from 95 per cent naturally derived ingredients, and the bottle itself is also made of 42% recycled glass.
Sun Perfume 30ml, £20, Lush – buy now
Lush have far more than just bath bombs and face masks to offer, with a very decent selection of affordable fragrances too.
The Sun scent is a really lovely sweet orange and mimosa scent, perfect for summer.
Velvet Rose Eau De Toilette 100ml, £10 – buy now
Indulge in a soft, floral experience from M&S. Let the fragrant rose, gentle violet, and fresh bergamot notes transport you to a place of pure bliss.
Perfect for any occasion, this delightful scent will leave you feeling refreshed and uplifted.
Miami Muse Eau de Toilette, £28, & Other Stories – buy now
The sweet and floral top notes in this Eau de Toilette are balanced with the fresh and citrusy bergamot base note, making it a well-rounded fragrance that is perfect for any occasion.
It is a wonderful choice for those who prefer a delicate yet distinctive scent.
Gardenia 180ml, £17.99 Zara – buy now
I love the fruity notes of peach and raspberry that add a sweet and playful dimension to the fragrance. It creates a complex and well-rounded aroma that is both seductive and addictive.
Golden Bloom Eau De Parfum, £49.95, Massimo Dutti – buy now
Its captivating aroma combines the delicate scents of honeysuckle, jasmine, and tuberose to create a luxurious and indulgent fragrance that will leave you feeling radiant and confident.
Ellis Brooklyn WEST Eau De Parfum, £98, Free People – buy now
The heart of the fragrance features delicate notes of pear blossom, water lily, and ginger, adding a soft and floral undertone to the scent.
L’EAU SÉZANE Ecru, £75, Sézane – buy now
Its unique blend of scents is perfect for anyone who loves feminine and floral fragrances with a modern twist.
READ MORE: People Are Going Crazy For This Zara Perfume That Smells Just Like Baby Powder
Floral Street Wonderland Peony Eau De Parfum, £68, Oliver Bonas – buy now
One of their standout fragrances is Wonderland Peony, a delightful and feminine perfume that’s perfect for any occasion. It is a blend of light, fruity floral notes, including peonies, pink berries, and violets.
