How to Find Affordable Perfume That Smells Expensive

A high price does not guarantee a great perfume, and a lower price does not mean a poor one. Much of what you pay for at the top end can be advertising and brand name. If you know what to look for, you can find a perfume that smells expensive for far less.

Look for depth, not just a nice opening

Cheaper-smelling perfumes are often pleasant for the first few minutes and then fade away. Scents that smell expensive tend to change as they develop on your skin, moving from a bright opening to a richer heart and a warm base. When you read a product page, check that it lists top, heart and base notes.

Choose notes that smell rich

Some notes have a natural richness. Oud, amber, musk, sandalwood, vetiver, iris and frankincense all bring depth, and they often appear in Arabian perfumery. This is one reason Arabian scents have become so popular with UK shoppers looking for good value.

Check the concentration

An extrait de parfum or eau de parfum usually has more depth than an eau de toilette. Our guide to perfume concentrations explains the difference.

Compare price by bottle size

Two perfumes at the same price are not the same value if one is 50ml and the other is 100ml. Always check the size before you buy.

Do not over-spray

Even an expensive perfume can smell harsh if you wear too much. One to three sprays is usually enough. Apply it to moisturised skin and you will get more from every bottle.

Where to start

All of our perfumes are under £50. Browse our best perfumes under £50, or see our affordable luxury perfumes.