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Fragrance shopping needs as much time, attention, and discipline as combing through your Hinge likes for potential suitors. You need a game plan in action: What note family do I prefer? How strong of a projection do I really want this perfume to have? Perhaps most importantly, how much am I willing to spend on a fragrance?
To say ELLE.com staff are fragrance lovers is an understatement—it’s safe to say we’re experts at this point. We’ve waxed poetic about the best fragrances for women and the best floral options, and we even have an exhaustive guide to the absolute best scents we’ve smelled yet. So, of course, we found a variety of affordable perfumes to match any mood or occasion.
Building a collection takes a lot of time, effort, and money, especially if you’re focused on quality over quantity. Affordable perfumes get a bad rep because they’re typically not as strong or long-lasting as those on the higher end. Don’t be mistaken: There are still a ton of affordable perfumes that are great conversation starters—and enders (wink).
Our picks for the best affordable perfumes of 2024
Allow us to point you in the right direction. Ahead, we perused our stashes, combed through customer feedback, and polled Maiya Nicole, founder of Black Girls Smell Good, to source the best affordable perfumes every collection needs. Here are the 15 best ones.
Glossier You
Pros
- Buildable and layers well with others
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Don’t let the soft pink packaging of Glossier’s You fool you—first, it’s spicy; then, it’s sweet. Your nose tingles, thanks to a flurry of pink pepper, and then settles down once the powdery iris unfurls. The woodsy hook from the ambrette seeds rounds out this sweet and woodsy fragrance that’s as perfect for daytime wear as it is for nighttime excursions.
Key notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrette seeds
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Glossier star rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This smells so light and fresh! Like you, but better. I like to wear this as a base scent for layering or by itself during summer for a refreshing aroma. It smells clean, but it’s not overpowering.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director
Pros
- Juicy, bright daytime notes
Cons
- Small for the price
While we’re not sure what Cleopatra smelled like, we know she captivated the hearts of her men with her charisma and beauty, so Tocca did its best to embody her essence in a bottle. According to the fragrance house, a goddess smells intoxicatingly delightful, feminine, and luxurious. The notes that best describe her are sparkling grapefruit, patchouli, and a tinge of vanilla musk.
Key notes: grapefruit, white jasmine, peach nectar, patchouli, golden amber, vanilla musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Nordstrom star rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “Thank goodness that the fragrance lives up to such a name. This Tocca fragrance is in my arsenal of perfumes and has been for the past 15 years. A confidence booster, I love how walking near my closet and my collection of scarfs, Cleopatra is all I smell! Highly recommend!”
MIX:BAR EDP Perfume - Vanilla Bourbon
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Need to spray a lot for scent to be noticeable
A vanilla bourbon sounds exactly like the kind of drink you’d order when you want to have a great night—now imagine that feeling bottled up in a jar for your spraying pleasure. Mix:Bar combines the sweet comfort of vanilla with the smokiness of bourbon to create a dark, sexy, and alluring scent.
Key notes: bergamot, jasmine, apple blossom, Madagascar vanilla bean, sandalwood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Target star rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “Mix:Bar is a tried and true staple for any perfumista on a budget. They offer quality fragrances at an affordable price point. My favorite by far is Vanilla Bourbon. The first time I smelled this scent, I was taken aback that it was only $20. I love gourmands and consider myself to be a vanilla snob, and Vanilla Bourbon did not disappoint. It smells like sipping a decadent vanilla latte next to a cozy bonfire. It has a lingering spice and warmth from black pepper and amber, while Madagascar vanilla and orchid smooth out its edges.” —Maiya Nicole, founder of Black Girls Smell Good
Brown Girl Jane Bahia Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Sunny notes
Cons
- Will need to re-up after a few hours
If you want a fragrance that instantly lifts your mood, Bahia feels as airy and calming as sitting in a garden of flowers. Water lotus, tuberose, and jasmine petals are the backbone of this floral medley.
Key notes: peach nectar, water lotus, jasmine petals, vanilla bean, cedarwood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Nordstrom star rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “When deciding on what perfume to buy, the only question I ask myself is, What vacation does this remind me of? I’m a sucker for sunny, bright, delicate scents, and Bahia is the sunkissed companion I travel with on most vacations. The scent is soft but intoxicating, the kind you want to keep spraying throughout the day and never get tired of.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE beauty commerce editor
Fine'ry Magnetic Candy Fragrance Perfume
Pros
- Bright and awakening scent that’s perfect for daytime
Cons
- Can be too sweet for some
Ignite your childlike wonder with a mature, sugary citrus perfume that evokes memories of your favorite treats. Despite its name, it’s not a sickly sweet scent that leaves your head spinning; instead, cotton candy, sugared violet, and pink pomelo offer a soft, delicate blanket that serves as the perfect base for layering similar scents.
Key notes: grapefruit, cotton candy
Size: 2.02 fl oz
Target star rating: 4.1/5 stars
Our expert says: “Fine’ry is a new brand at Target that makes dupes to high-end fragrances. Bright and mouthwatering, Magnetic Candy is my favorite scent from this line. It’s a thoughtful impression of Byredo’s Sundazed and Kilian’s Love, Don’t Be Shy. This is a great scent to transition into the spring and summer seasons. On my skin, it smells like a tart, sweet candy over a background of lush florals. This composition of pomelo citrus, cotton candy, and violet is seemingly simplistic but has great presence.”—Maiya Nicole
Ariana Grande God Is A Woman Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Comes with reusable base
Cons
- Doesn’t last too long on the skin
Those who love linen or aquatic-leaning perfumes will fall in love with God Is A Woman. It’s a refreshing burst of florals and musk that gallop around the star player, juicy pear.
Key notes: ambrette, pear, Turkish rose petals, cedarwood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.1/5
An ELLE editor says: “Forget what anyone says this smells like and allow God Is A Woman to invite you into its world of ambery goodness. I enjoy the pear in this composition and how it doesn’t fade into the background, even in the midst of amber and musk. God Is A Woman is refreshing, intriguing, and comfortable enough for everyday wear.”—Nerisha Penrose
Billie Eilish Eilish Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Layers well with similar scents
Cons
- Can be overpowering for some
Only an artist as complex as Billie Eilish could create an equally alluring scent. A delectable vanilla scent, Eilish has a bold, spicy edge that becomes warmer as you build your desired intensity.
Key notes: creamy vanilla, cocoa, tonka beans
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This bottle looks so beautiful on my vanity—like a piece of art! My friends always get shocked when I tell them it’s Billie Eilish. It’s a warm vanilla that can be worn both day and night.” —Danielle James
Pros
- Oud notes lean sexy and mature
Cons
- Doesn’t last long
Nestled between the racks of clothes at Zara is a treasure trove of underrated scents you’ll be happy to add to your list. Perhaps one of the best is Rose Gourmand, which swirls the floral freshness of rose with the warmth and sweetness of vanilla, both notes playing tug-of-war on the skin throughout the day, so you always get a pleasant whiff.
Key notes: vanilla, tonka
Size: 2.71 fl oz
An ELLE editor says: “Rose Gourmand by Zara is my go-to base scent regardless of what I layer on top of it. It smells way more expensive than it actually is and makes me feel sexy and seductive even if I’m heading to the grocery store. The gourmand notes are superior in this composition, but you can smell a hint of the rose as the scent settles.” —Nerisha Penrose
Swiss Arabian Layali Perfume Oil
Pros
- Scent lingers all day
Cons
- Dropper can deposit too much product
A perfume oil is a surefire way to extend the life of your perfume. Luckily, Swiss Arabian fragrances don’t need much help in that department. Layali is the perfect balance of amber and oud, comprised of sweet ylang-ylang and rose. As it dries, Layali becomes juicier with the help of black currant and orange blossom.
Key notes: ylang-ylang, rose, black currant
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Amazon star rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I really like this. It’s an immediately sweet scent that fades down to a comfortable, subtle floral scent. I definitely recommend it if you like sweet perfumes.”
Philosophy Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette
Pros
- Soft, feminine dry-down
Cons
- Can be too powdery/creamy for some
Creamy, flirty, and feminine, Amazing Grace is as sweet as the song it’s named after without being too overbearing. Each spray invites a sense of calm, almost as soothing as walking through a lush garden of florals—but it has depth, too. Musk provides a deeper embrace that lasts for hours on end.
Key notes: bergamot, musk, muguet blossom
Size: 4.0 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “If you miss the soft, comforting feeling of baby powder, Philosophy’s Amazing Grace is the mature alternative. In this creamy build, the softness comes from the bergamot and muguet blossom without being too overpowering.” — Nerisha Penrose
Kayali Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Settles to a dark, sultry scent
Cons
- Will need to re-up throughout the day
If anyone does vanilla scents well, it’s Kayali. An extension of bestseller Vanilla 28, Vanilla Royale pares down the sweetness and ups the spice. This iteration is darker—despite the gold packaging—courtesy of rum and oud, and when combined with vanilla, it morphs into a sexy, nocturnal olfactory adventure.
Key notes: golden rum, vanilla surabsolute, and sugared patchouli
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora star rating: 3.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Vanilla Royale is intoxicating, spicy, and seductive. I have just about every scent in the Kayali collection—Vanilla 28 and Utopia Vanilla Coco 21 being my top favorites—but unlike Kayali’s other gourmand fragrances, this one steers clear of typical sweet, honeyed vanilla to present the dark, sultry side of vanilla.” —Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- More masculine-leaning than sweet
Sweet Ash is the perfect descriptor for this Snif fragrance, which fuses sugary florals with earthy musks that feel like the warmest hug from your favorite person.
Key notes: juniper, bergamot, fir balsam, tonka
Size: 1 fl oz
Snif star rating: 4.59/5 stars
A Snif reviewer says: “This scent is intoxicating, and it stays! It’s such a unique smell that is perfect for a casual day or a date night. It’s easily become my go-to fragrance.”
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’71 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Pros
- Smells like a tropical vacation
Cons
- Doesn’t last too long
This Sol de Janeiro mist is a gourmand delight from head to toe. The syrupy slick of caramelized vanilla takes center stage, deepening its roots as tonka bean swoops in to elevate the summery scent.
Key notes: caramelized vanilla, toasted macadamia nut, tonka bean
Size: 3 fl oz
Our expert says: “Sol de Janeiro mists can be used as a hair perfume and body mist. I’ve found that they actually last longer than the EDP versions. SDJ 71 is an ooey-gooey warm gourmand fragrance. It has sweet notes of caramel, macadamia, white chocolate, and vanilla. I love wearing this during cooler days when its warmth and decadence can take center stage. It wears like a dessert and is a definite compliment-getter.” —Maiya Nicole
By Rosie Jane Dulce Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Fresh, light scent
Cons
- Doesn’t have strong projection
My favorite thing about the Dulce perfume from By Rosie Jane is that the scent expands beyond the eau de parfum to an oil, body wash, and candle so your entire body can smell delicious. Dulce is a candied vanilla scent with a touch of chocolate and warm woods.
Key notes: vanilla, hinoki wood, nude musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora star rating: 4.8/5
A Sephora reviewer said: “This is soft and sophisticated vanilla. It is not loud but perfect for every day or an occasion when you are close to people. I love it, and I randomly spray it on me even when I work from home, and nobody is around. It’s that good.”
Veronique Gabai Soul Eau De Parfum
Pros
- Bright, daytime scent
Cons
- Need to re-up throughout the day
Soul by Veronique Gabai has the power to transform any room into a serene spa. Earthy, fresh, and bright, soothing lavender and elemi—part of the lemon note family—surround cedarwood to uplift and invigorate.
Key notes: lavender, elemi, olibanum cedarwood
Size: 1.7 oz
Fragrantica rating: 4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Nothing soothes the soul quite like lavender. What I love most about Aroma is that lavender isn’t overpowering here and takes a backseat to a seemingly citrusy blend that smells a lot like lemon or orange. The citrus scent gradually settles to give the woods a moment to shine.” —Nerisha Penrose
How are affordable perfumes different than expensive ones?
When it comes to the affordable versus high-end debate, Maiya Nicole, founder of Black Girls Smell Good, says it all comes down to its scent composition. “Affordable scents may have a lower oil concentration. Body sprays and eau de toilettes are typically made up of one to 15 percent oil. You can expect to lose a bit of longevity when purchasing in this category,” she explains. On the other hand, higher-end perfumes—like eau de parfums and extraits de parfums—have a higher percentage of oil.
What's the easiest way to make perfume last longer?
“Perfumes perform best on clean, well-moisturized skin,” Nicole says. The perfume expert’s favorite hack is a drugstore staple: vaseline. “Vaseline and Aquaphor-like textures help the skin to retain fragrance better than if you’d sprayed them on bare skin. They create a barrier between your skin and the fragrance that stops it from dissolving as quickly,” she explains. To help your scent last longer, Nicole suggests layering similar scents from your in-shower routine. “Be mindful of the concentration you have purchased, and be prepared to take a travel spray with you to re-apply throughout the day,” she adds.
When buying perfume, what are some of the most important things to look for?
“Sillage, projection, and longevity are of great importance to me but aren’t the end-all-be-all. When fragrance shopping, I let my nose lead with curiosity and follow up with a series of questions to vet my potential buy: How does this scent make me feel? What does it say about me? Do I already own something similar? Am I excited to wear this scent? Are the ingredients ethically sourced? Will I leave a scent trail behind? How close will someone have to be to smell this scent? How long does it last on my skin? If it checks those boxes, I feel confident adding to the cart,“ Nicole explains.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose consulted a fragrance expert to find the best affordable perfumes on the market.
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