Can budget perfumes smell as good as designer ones?

Yes, consumer tests show that some budget perfumes, like The Essence Vault 82, can be preferred over their designer inspirations such as Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium.

How much can I save with a dupe perfume?

You can save significantly, with potential savings of up to £70 on fragrances like Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium when opting for a quality dupe.

What are the drawbacks of using dupe perfumes?

The main drawback is often longevity; dupe perfumes tend to fade faster than their expensive original versions.

Home / Lifestyle / Budget Perfume Outshines Luxury Rivals

Budget Perfume Outshines Luxury Rivals

9 Dec

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Summary

A budget perfume was rated higher than its designer original.
Consumer tests removed bias, focusing purely on scent.
Shoppers can save up to £70 by choosing a dupe fragrance.

Consumer tests have revealed that budget-friendly fragrance dupes can rival, and even surpass, their expensive designer counterparts. In a blind smelling test conducted by Which?, a £24.99 dupe of Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium was preferred by testers over the original £95 scent, offering a potential saving of £70.

While some budget fragrances exhibited a brief chemical or alcoholic opening, they often evolved into complex scents with woody and musky notes. In other comparisons, the original Miss Dior and Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede were slightly favored over their respective dupes, though the cost savings remained significant, with potential savings of £75 and £79.51.

The primary compromise with most budget dupes was longevity, with scents fading more quickly than their luxury counterparts. However, Which? suggests that for those willing to reapply, these affordable alternatives provide a way to enjoy beloved fragrances for considerably less money.