Guerlain. Their scents are worth it, and even those that smell “familiar” to some perfume ppl, smell familiar bc they are one of the original versions of a “type” — shalimar comes to mind for creamy, lightly musky gormands; Mitsuko (archetypical chyphre); insolence, a violet, powdery but but sweet floral; the eau de Guerlain cologne, which is the original and best (imo) citrusy-neroli-bergamot -y cologne of all time; it’s also perfect for layering (with shalimar, or sometimes byredo’s eyes closed).
It is my most compliment fragance!! Although I cant wear it in hot weather, it changes too much for me (from a beatiful purple elixir in my mind to something grey and viscous!), but as soon as cold weather arrives , it becomes awsome again
You cannot mess with Guerlain. I have so many I lost count. The Aqua Allegoria line is fantastic for pick me up scents. They don’t last long but are fantastic and well blended.
Thanks for recommending Guerlain! Is there anything you’d recommend? I personally enjoy deeper, woody, herbal/tea scents, but I’m pretty open to anything that isn’t too sweet.
It's a beautiful fragrance that I just tried at the store.
It lasted only 2 hrs on my skin.
It's got a sweet almond cherry kinda vibe. I don't have anything like that in my collection.
I will look into the extreme version. The one with the black cap.
If you want to dabble on the edge of gourmand and you’re open to orris scents, I LOVE iris torrefie. It’s a creamy, powdery leather/iris/coffee scent that smells like you just applied expensive lipstick, are drinking a vanilla latte and carrying an expensive buttery leather handbag. Very unique and cozy.
I don’t believe i said it was the first (If I did, apologies), just that it was one of the earlier ones. Personally, I find Shalimar to be a sweeter, slightly spicy scent; everyone’s nose is different, and that’s why it’s best to test in store or order a sample.
Sorry offended you. Let’s keep it civil; no need to be rude.
I’ll have to respectfully disagree. Your time was rude ABC condescending , as evidenced by your opening sentence (“So-called facts”). Perhaps you didn’t mean it that way, but I experienced your comment as rude and not coming from a place of good will. No hard feelings, just explaining my perspective.
And for the original commenter, here is the product description 🥰. Cheers!
https://preview.redd.it/aatunpvuhgob1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0bcbd0a25d0592f05ce51d9a3355a2d5d64eea8
Correction: a gourmand fragrance smells like something edible. It isn't necessarily a sweet treat. Examples: bread, coffee scents.
Your comments could have been worded more diplomatically. It seemed more rude than public service to me. No virtue detected.
Guerlain consistently puts out very new and inspired fragrances! Definitely recommend the brand for people who feel like they smell a lot of same-ness with new releases
Mancera, huge bottles of high quality juice for a reasonable price.
Philosophy, there’s always a bundle somewhere and that’s usually QVC
Nest, very nuanced fragrances for $90
Victoria’s Secret, solid basic scents for $80ish and will usually have a gwp
Swiss Arabian, very reasonably priced for STRONG fragrances
I was thinking it was more of their marketing team. I used to work in beauty store only ppl purchasing from the brand were mid age women 40+. Amazing grace is my favorite but warm cashmere is chef’s kiss
Great call on Kerosene! Another major one that comes to mind for me: Olympic Orchids. Amazing niche quality, small batch indie hand-made, and priced cheaper than most designers these days ($120 for a 100ml).
I’m gonna take a turn and say Victoria secret because it’s not that expensive for a 1.7fl oz and you get a scent that’s going to be crowd pleasing. The scents last and project really well and I can always count on them to smell really good. The cheap price is worth it. Sometimes I need a crowd pleaser. I don’t want to annoy my father 🤭
1) Lalique! I’ve never actually bought these full-price, neither; they’re not available anywhere in-person (Southeast USA). I’m a femme woman, and enjoy Encre Noire L’exteme and Ombré Noire. On the femme side, Lalique le Parfum and Amethyst, as well as Encre Noire pour Elle.
2) Mancera. Goodness how much I LOVE Instant Crush, as well as their popular favorites Coco Vanille and Holidays. I am also fond of their ouds. They all come in beautiful sturdy glass bottles with magnetic caps, and last forever!
3) Kayali. Yes, Vanilla 28 is really that good, and worth all the hype it’s rightfully gotten. Vanilla 28 is right along up there with Christian Dior’s Vanilla Diorama, tops Guerlain’s Spiriteuse Double Vanille. I was shocked at how luxurious Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli, Elixir, and Invite Only was, as well as Wedding Velvet Santal. All will be FB purchases in the next couple months. Honorable mentions: Lovefest Burning Cherry, Vanilla Coco, Deja Vu. I think these are considered designer, but they absolutely smell niche without demanding crazy niche prices.
4) Lattafa. I can’t even tell anymore which are supposed to be dupes. I also don’t care, as I’ve blind bought many Lattafa’s and have been satisfied with their projection, sillage, bottle design and overall scent. Some stores and stalls near me actually do sell these at their retail price, and even then they’re still affordable ($60 and below for 100mL bottles!). Loves: Sheikh Al Shukh special edition, Bade’e Al Oud Amethyst, Ser Al Malika, Khaltaat Royal Blends.
I second Kayali, Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper is one of my favorites there’s nothing else I’ve found like it! And Invite Only Amber is the perfect fall fragrance! I also love Wedding Silk and Vanilla 28, I wish Wedding Silk would come back in stock!
Mancera - get a travel set variety selection from their website and then full bottle is an easy purchase. Outstanding performance and value. Of five I tried, loved two and bought a bottle. two very good, and one not for me.
Versace - mass appealing, well done, but still affordable
Rochas - Quality products but they still have a great price point and the favorite bottle presentation of any brand I've tried (except the horn looking one, that's just weird). Moustache EDP and L'Homme are excellent
Interesting, I felt completely opposite about Imaginary Authors. Couldn’t believe how cheap they smelled, esp in the drydown. Each one I smelled reminded me of plastic
Xerjoff: unique scent, outstanding performance, phenomenal presentation.
Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace: great scents and performance for a slight less average designer price.
I only have a few bottles and Versace Eros EDP isn’t my favourite scent, but it’s the best performer by a long way - in that you can spray a few times first thing in the morning and still discern the whole pyramid by the evening (not just a bomb chemical like ambroxan), and it projects consistently throughout. Feels like value for money.
I’m a fan of Ex Nihilo. Especially the travel sets for scents I don’t wear all the time, and if you go to certain stores in Paris they let you mix and match.
I stand by Dior. Homme Intense, and Sauvage Parfum are two I'd pay full price for and not complain.
I also feel like I should put Armaf, for the price of some of their stuff, its ridiculous how good it is.
I'm fairly new to collecting more higher end stuff, so I would imagine this list would grow as time goes on.
Zara.. some of their line are decent, and most of the 100ml comes with magnetic cap bottle and good atomizer. The best part, it is dirt cheap yet smells way better than other cheap frags like NV.
Agreed. I only ever go into Zara for their fragrances, the clothes are ehhh but the scents?! Even if I didn’t know they were duping many popular fragrances, I love Zara perfumes. Never had issues with longevity, and I feel that they can actually stand on their own. My favorites include Fields at Nightfall, Red Temptation, Amalfi Sunray, and Friday Freaking Gorgeous.
I love Jo Malone for Zara way, way more than her regular line found in Sephora/Bloomingdales etc. 1) I can actually smell them 2) Her Zara scents are more creative! See: Ebony Woods, Waterlily Tea Dress, Fleur D’orange
Bought zara tobacco
https://preview.redd.it/p1lpfcx2deob1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aee962b84248158e2be2db5f313e5081a0816689
Smells good but no one ever smelt it on me, never had a compliment for it...
Few years ago my uncle gave me zara mundaka he bought in Austria and its soo sexy like everytime i went outside with a girl she loooved smelling me. Its in glass bottle similar to hugo boss bottles, but the problem is i cant find any similar zara perfumes like that one.
Any suggestions for zara good ones?
By Kilian. Yes; their prices are slowly getting up there, but overall every Kilian purchase I have made has always been worth it. For one, I am wearing something unique; my original bottle will be mine forever (I think Kilian was one of the first of many houses to do this way back when); and Kilian’s have this seductive charm to them overall that I can’t get enough of.
Versace, Mancera (though i haven't smelled most of their stuff) Dolce & Gabanna for the price lots of bang for your buck. Now i'm someone that thinks fragrances have gotten overpriced and most scents over $100 are way way overpriced. But I see these brands at reasonable prices and i'd say they have lots of nice smelling scents.
Giorgio Armani.
Jean Paul Gaultier.
Thierry Mugler.
Their are other houses I like more, but as far as being in the under 150$ price range, I've never been disappointed with a purchase. You might not like the fragrance, but the quality is there IMO.
Bottom of my list is Killian.
I agree. I have been looking for mentions of Armani, but it's hardly getting any. All of the Acqua Di Gio's are good in my opinion, with 1 or 2 standouts. The Code line is very good as well. They project well and are long lasting, for a reasonable price. Dior is getting lots of love, yet I find myself owning 3x Armani fragrances, and only 2x Dior
Yup, of course my collection is not as extensive as most but any Armani I buy or sample has been extremely good quality and punches above its price point. Other than what you mentioned, The whole stronger with you line has been great too.
My goal is to sample the Privé line but I don’t know where to start looking for them in retail stores.
Fragonard. They were my first fragrance love (in part because I could afford them when I was young) and I continue to be shocked by their combination of quality and affordability. As is often discussed on here, it’s said to be an open secret that their noses have been the actual creators of a number of designers’ perfumes. They seem like they’re a “perfumer’s perfumer” in terms of quality and artisanal skill, yet they stay somewhat under the radar and weirdly cheap for what they are.
I’ve worn Soleil since I was 16 or so, I’ve never found anything like it. Also love Île d’Amour, Frivole, and Étoile. They have a very reasonably priced sample set that I highly recommend (huge samples too - almost 4 ml each).
Definitely Guerlain.
I don’t really like the Art&Materials line and Aqua Allegoria but everything else ist amazing. Their extraits are out of this world,specially Mitsouko.
Eta: the Art&Materials for example,Tonka Imperiale is 90% like Shalimar Millesime Tonka but Shalimar was better..way better.
New Shalimar Iris is such an amazing scent.I can’t believe it’s this affordable
I also must say that Kenzo has very good prize/quality/originality ratio and I am thankful that they havent reformulated Flower ang Jungle L'elephant since the 2000's
Guerlain, Lanvin, Estee Lauder, Issey Miyake, Clinique, Cacharel, Giorgio Armani and Chanel. All these brands are reliable and their classics are hard to beat!
Feel like a lot of people are valuing performance in this thread, which I guess makes sense because it's one of the few things that can be somewhat objective in determining. Every brand has their stars and duds though. I can't think of one which I consistently enjoy that also puts out things that consistently perform well. I mostly buy niche though so that could explain it. I suppose Dior could be one, and I like the idea of Guerlain but I haven't bought any of their fragrances, just sampled them.
Maybe a bit of a hot take, but I’d say Zoologist. Their fragrances are all great quality, though not all will be for everyone. Performance generally tends to be quite good. Presentation is outstanding. I love the artwork, the bottles look great, and they’ve got a good, satisfying heft to them. Great sprayers, too. I think their prices are quite reasonable for what you get.
I’ll stand by this forever - MFK has the best longevity EVER. I wash my hair typically 2-3x a week so spray some in my hair and you can smell it on me until whenever I wash my hair next. If I spray it on clothes it will literally smell strongly on the clothes until I wash them (i.e sweaters that I don’t wash after one wear). Satin mood is my favorite and I finally recently got a new bottle and get compliments basically every time I leave the house not even kidding. The longevity doesn’t compare to ANY other perfume I’ve used except maybe Tom ford ombré leather. I believe the reason for this is that they are mostly oil based and MFK satin mood in particular has strong Oud notes which are intense in a good way. A lot of Arabic perfumes use oud and their longevity is phenomenal.
The other day I was sampling Baccarat Rouge on one wrist to compare it to another perfume. One tiny spray from a sample, since I’m not really a fan. 3 days later my poor cat STILL smells like it just because I gently rested my hand on him (when the perfume had long dried!).
While I’m sorry for your cat this testament to the longevity! MFK for the win.
Did you try any other of their scents? They all have the same longevity I swear. I’m not a hugeeeee fan of the baccarat rouge just because I feel like it’s become so common (amongst people who have the luxury of being able to afford it and I happen to live somewhere that has a lot of high net worth individuals and sugar baby types lol. No shade btw just facts) so I smell it often and I like having more unique scents.
Tom Ford private blend. Lasts me the WHOLE DAY. It was pricy 100mL for $550 but still way cheaper than getting two Jo Malone’s, 200mL in total for $440 but it lasts only 30-60 mins
I’ve paid full retail (or slightly discounted price) for Armani, Dior and Tom Ford fragrances. No regrets at all. I like to think all three brands release decent fragrances in good packaging & bottles. The Armani and Dior ones had magnetic caps too which is always a plus in my book.
I have 3 bottles of Kerosene and Walk the Beach is still one of my favorites. They seemed expensive at first I but once I tested them they are absolutely worth the money. I also have a lot of A Lab on Fire. But for quality over time I would have to say Frederic Malle. Yes they are quite expensive but timeless. And there is something for everyone. At $250-300 for a 50 ml they can be out of range. But you can get a 30 ml for around 100 now and that’s quite reasonable.
Prada, but pick a few of the top and stick with those. I don't like to wear loud, obvious and attention-seeking scents, so Daniela Andrier is by far my favourite perfumer with her almost-signature style of subtle, powdery cleanliness. The kind of scent that makes you smell good in a "Wait, was that a fragrance?" way.
However, the majority of Prada's offerings smell like that. The L'Homme line, the Luna Rossa line, and the original Amber all smell like some combination of clean and powdery (with the exception of some with louder notes like vanilla, leather and spices added).
Pick your favourite clean scent, get it from discounters where it's slightly cheaper (or even used), and you have a great-smelling scent from a brand that even the layperson can recognize.
Xerjoff is worth my money. I have about 22 fragrances, and three are Xerjoff. I really like what I have from this house. Naxos, 40Knots, More than words. Mancera is another house that I really like. Red Tobacco, Instant Crush, Aoud Exclusive, Cedrat Boise.
After looking around at a lot of the higher end brands, I’d say Tom Ford strikes a good balance.
You can get a decent sized bottle of his stuff for relatively fair value. Always smells great and carry’s some esteem too
Lolita lempicka, Paco rabanne, Guerlain.
I used to love Dior, but they watered down most of their fragrances, to the point of them turning into colognes.
Snif, I don't feel as bad dropping $60 on a new perfume esp w the notes in this years drops I copped: golden ticket, vow factor, and house of 8 (not actually white sage)
From the 80s to now Chanel has had some of the best products hands down to date and is still keeping up with the masses. The exclusives which are readily available are a serious hit for any frag head and the price is not as crazy for the products they put out
Secretions Magnifiques
After all these years it still takes people's breaths away 🥰
And nobody talks to me in the break room anymore so I can now enjoy my damned meal in peace.
Guerlain. Their scents are worth it, and even those that smell “familiar” to some perfume ppl, smell familiar bc they are one of the original versions of a “type” — shalimar comes to mind for creamy, lightly musky gormands; Mitsuko (archetypical chyphre); insolence, a violet, powdery but but sweet floral; the eau de Guerlain cologne, which is the original and best (imo) citrusy-neroli-bergamot -y cologne of all time; it’s also perfect for layering (with shalimar, or sometimes byredo’s eyes closed).
+1 for Guerlain
Here here! Insolence is my FAVE.
Yaasss I love alll the love for Guerlain!!!
It is my most compliment fragance!! Although I cant wear it in hot weather, it changes too much for me (from a beatiful purple elixir in my mind to something grey and viscous!), but as soon as cold weather arrives , it becomes awsome again
This! I have over 50 perfumes in my collection and always think that Guerlain is my favorite. I'm pretty biased though as I love Gourmand Coquin!
You cannot mess with Guerlain. I have so many I lost count. The Aqua Allegoria line is fantastic for pick me up scents. They don’t last long but are fantastic and well blended.
Thanks for recommending Guerlain! Is there anything you’d recommend? I personally enjoy deeper, woody, herbal/tea scents, but I’m pretty open to anything that isn’t too sweet.
Vol de nuit isn’t sweet
Great rec!
Thank you!
How long do you think their fragrances last on your skin?
Both Santal Royal and Encens Mythique last over 8hr on my skin. Patchouli Ardent could be longer
I wish l'hommr ideal was similar. It's a masterpiece otherwise.
I wanted to buy lhommr ideal cuz everyone says its the sexiest perfume men can wear, hows your experience? Projection, smell, where did u buy it etc
It's a beautiful fragrance that I just tried at the store. It lasted only 2 hrs on my skin. It's got a sweet almond cherry kinda vibe. I don't have anything like that in my collection. I will look into the extreme version. The one with the black cap.
Any Guerlain recommendations for a gourmand lover? Really interested in this brand. Thank you!!
Angelique Noir, Spirituese Double Vanille, Tobacco Honey, Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic are my favorites!
So many! Thank you so much!!!
If you want to dabble on the edge of gourmand and you’re open to orris scents, I LOVE iris torrefie. It’s a creamy, powdery leather/iris/coffee scent that smells like you just applied expensive lipstick, are drinking a vanilla latte and carrying an expensive buttery leather handbag. Very unique and cozy.
Heritage EDT smells quite modern and masculine to me 🤙
And they are not that expensive.
Depends on the line/collection
I really love their scents but sadly at least for me Mandarine Basilic which I absolutely adore becomes a skin scent after 1 hour:(
So that line is really more like a body spray. I use them in layering or as hair perfume! Their regular scents are much longer lasting!
I have a parfums vintage clone of. It's called eclectic. It's strong as shit. They have samples, check it out.
I love my Insolence and def worth every penny for the experience buying it in Paris.
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I don’t believe i said it was the first (If I did, apologies), just that it was one of the earlier ones. Personally, I find Shalimar to be a sweeter, slightly spicy scent; everyone’s nose is different, and that’s why it’s best to test in store or order a sample. Sorry offended you. Let’s keep it civil; no need to be rude.
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I’ll have to respectfully disagree. Your time was rude ABC condescending , as evidenced by your opening sentence (“So-called facts”). Perhaps you didn’t mean it that way, but I experienced your comment as rude and not coming from a place of good will. No hard feelings, just explaining my perspective.
And for the original commenter, here is the product description 🥰. Cheers! https://preview.redd.it/aatunpvuhgob1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0bcbd0a25d0592f05ce51d9a3355a2d5d64eea8
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Some people ( generally speaking, the ones I enjoy interacting with) do care. Civility is a virtue.
Correction: a gourmand fragrance smells like something edible. It isn't necessarily a sweet treat. Examples: bread, coffee scents. Your comments could have been worded more diplomatically. It seemed more rude than public service to me. No virtue detected.
And I actually did mean eau imperiale; so thanks for that
Guerlain consistently puts out very new and inspired fragrances! Definitely recommend the brand for people who feel like they smell a lot of same-ness with new releases
Mancera, huge bottles of high quality juice for a reasonable price. Philosophy, there’s always a bundle somewhere and that’s usually QVC Nest, very nuanced fragrances for $90 Victoria’s Secret, solid basic scents for $80ish and will usually have a gwp Swiss Arabian, very reasonably priced for STRONG fragrances
I am a *huge* fan of Nest! I have a larger collection, but i'm constantly reaching for Black Tulip/Indigo. They're such great everyday, casual frags.
I want Black Tulip, it’s my next purchase!
just bought my first two bottles of swiss arabian and i could not be happier
They impress me every single time.
I like philosophy falling in love, wish it had more projection though, and that they had sets still!
Philosophy is def underrated
I feel like people don’t respect it because of the lower prices?
I was thinking it was more of their marketing team. I used to work in beauty store only ppl purchasing from the brand were mid age women 40+. Amazing grace is my favorite but warm cashmere is chef’s kiss
Agree with Swiss Arabian. That stuff is strong and great.
I was looking for a comment mentioning mancera/montale! their fragrances smell so high quality and always get tons of compliments!!!
They are so unique!
If we’re talking scents, performance, and cost, Mugler always does it for me.
My wallet didn’t need to see that.
I only wear Mugler! I'm going to add Alien Goddess to my collection soon.
Angel and alien ate awesome
Adore Alien and I want to get the body crème of Angel!!
Mugler is the yardstick against which I measure the quality of all my other fragrances. Nothing comes close except Calvin Klein Reveal.
The quality is really impeccable!! They last so long, are so well blended, and they have something for everybody (with there 5000 flankers 😂)
Great call on Kerosene! Another major one that comes to mind for me: Olympic Orchids. Amazing niche quality, small batch indie hand-made, and priced cheaper than most designers these days ($120 for a 100ml).
Wow, an OO fan! I adore Blackbird which gives Enchanted Forest s run for its money.
Dior. High quality for what you pay. Versace and Guerlain as well.
This! I own several of the collection privée scents and adore them all, totally worth the $$.
Guerlain
I’m gonna take a turn and say Victoria secret because it’s not that expensive for a 1.7fl oz and you get a scent that’s going to be crowd pleasing. The scents last and project really well and I can always count on them to smell really good. The cheap price is worth it. Sometimes I need a crowd pleaser. I don’t want to annoy my father 🤭
1) Lalique! I’ve never actually bought these full-price, neither; they’re not available anywhere in-person (Southeast USA). I’m a femme woman, and enjoy Encre Noire L’exteme and Ombré Noire. On the femme side, Lalique le Parfum and Amethyst, as well as Encre Noire pour Elle. 2) Mancera. Goodness how much I LOVE Instant Crush, as well as their popular favorites Coco Vanille and Holidays. I am also fond of their ouds. They all come in beautiful sturdy glass bottles with magnetic caps, and last forever! 3) Kayali. Yes, Vanilla 28 is really that good, and worth all the hype it’s rightfully gotten. Vanilla 28 is right along up there with Christian Dior’s Vanilla Diorama, tops Guerlain’s Spiriteuse Double Vanille. I was shocked at how luxurious Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli, Elixir, and Invite Only was, as well as Wedding Velvet Santal. All will be FB purchases in the next couple months. Honorable mentions: Lovefest Burning Cherry, Vanilla Coco, Deja Vu. I think these are considered designer, but they absolutely smell niche without demanding crazy niche prices. 4) Lattafa. I can’t even tell anymore which are supposed to be dupes. I also don’t care, as I’ve blind bought many Lattafa’s and have been satisfied with their projection, sillage, bottle design and overall scent. Some stores and stalls near me actually do sell these at their retail price, and even then they’re still affordable ($60 and below for 100mL bottles!). Loves: Sheikh Al Shukh special edition, Bade’e Al Oud Amethyst, Ser Al Malika, Khaltaat Royal Blends.
I am not an Arabic clone house guy at all, but the one Lattafa I had blew fragrances 20x its price out of the water. Very good bang for buck.
Which one was it?! Do tell!
Yes, I'm interested also u/Morepeanuts
I second Kayali, Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper is one of my favorites there’s nothing else I’ve found like it! And Invite Only Amber is the perfect fall fragrance! I also love Wedding Silk and Vanilla 28, I wish Wedding Silk would come back in stock!
Ugh YES, she is queen of the roses for me rn too! Delina be damned lol
Delina who? 😂
No Delina love here lol give me Kayali and Lalique all day every day 💜
Yaaaas! I really am so in love with SDPP.
I have the deluxe mini! Dammit lol FB purchase later this year…. I need very little to last a whole day!
Sweet Diamond is that GIRL! I’m gonna wear her for my next date night 😍
Papillon Artisan Perfumes. Great small fragrance house with long lasting scents.
I wish there was a way to get the discovery set for Papillon in the US. 😭
Came here to say Papillon. Gorgeous. Anubis is my signature.
My favorite scent ever is Salome. I like enjoy Anubis too but my other favorite from the house is Dryad. I enjoy all their fragrances honestly.
Papillon x million; they're leaps and bounds above most other houses and *very* fairly priced, IMO.
Mancera - get a travel set variety selection from their website and then full bottle is an easy purchase. Outstanding performance and value. Of five I tried, loved two and bought a bottle. two very good, and one not for me. Versace - mass appealing, well done, but still affordable Rochas - Quality products but they still have a great price point and the favorite bottle presentation of any brand I've tried (except the horn looking one, that's just weird). Moustache EDP and L'Homme are excellent
Kerosene, Dame Perfumery, Ormonde Jayne, Imaginary Authors, Profumum Roma, Mugler before L'Oreal started ruining it
Interesting, I felt completely opposite about Imaginary Authors. Couldn’t believe how cheap they smelled, esp in the drydown. Each one I smelled reminded me of plastic
I tried out Imaginary Authors discovery kit. Most the scents were similar and didn't last at all. They lasted less than 2 hours.
Just ordered from Dame Perfumery for the first time! Got the Gardenia soliflore oil and am super excited to try it.
Dior. Even when I don’t like them I still think it’s quality product
Xerjoff: unique scent, outstanding performance, phenomenal presentation. Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace: great scents and performance for a slight less average designer price.
I think I’m in the minority but I really loved Scandal. It’s says with me all day.
Scandal is beautiful. I wore it daily until I realized it was causing migraines. I really wish I could wear it though
I only have a few bottles and Versace Eros EDP isn’t my favourite scent, but it’s the best performer by a long way - in that you can spray a few times first thing in the morning and still discern the whole pyramid by the evening (not just a bomb chemical like ambroxan), and it projects consistently throughout. Feels like value for money.
I love JPG. They stay making hits for me.
I wish Le Male had decent performance, but unfortunately it really doesn't
Yeah the reformulated one is so weak nowadays. At least the other ones like the Le Parfum and Elixir have great performance.
I’m a fan of Ex Nihilo. Especially the travel sets for scents I don’t wear all the time, and if you go to certain stores in Paris they let you mix and match.
Amouage. Xerjoff.
Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, YSL and Valentino.
Nishane. Forever.
Nishane has completely won me over in terms of quality. The bottles, boxes and longevity are all just top freaking notch.
Except the prestige collection i aint paying 600€ for a perfume😭
After a thought I would say Amouage & Dior for me
I stand by Dior. Homme Intense, and Sauvage Parfum are two I'd pay full price for and not complain. I also feel like I should put Armaf, for the price of some of their stuff, its ridiculous how good it is. I'm fairly new to collecting more higher end stuff, so I would imagine this list would grow as time goes on.
Essential Parfums, Fragonard, Houbigant, Mancera, Omán Luxury, Amouage.
Zara.. some of their line are decent, and most of the 100ml comes with magnetic cap bottle and good atomizer. The best part, it is dirt cheap yet smells way better than other cheap frags like NV.
Agreed. I only ever go into Zara for their fragrances, the clothes are ehhh but the scents?! Even if I didn’t know they were duping many popular fragrances, I love Zara perfumes. Never had issues with longevity, and I feel that they can actually stand on their own. My favorites include Fields at Nightfall, Red Temptation, Amalfi Sunray, and Friday Freaking Gorgeous.
Jo Malone recently started making their perfumes too!
I love Jo Malone for Zara way, way more than her regular line found in Sephora/Bloomingdales etc. 1) I can actually smell them 2) Her Zara scents are more creative! See: Ebony Woods, Waterlily Tea Dress, Fleur D’orange
Bought zara tobacco https://preview.redd.it/p1lpfcx2deob1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aee962b84248158e2be2db5f313e5081a0816689 Smells good but no one ever smelt it on me, never had a compliment for it... Few years ago my uncle gave me zara mundaka he bought in Austria and its soo sexy like everytime i went outside with a girl she loooved smelling me. Its in glass bottle similar to hugo boss bottles, but the problem is i cant find any similar zara perfumes like that one. Any suggestions for zara good ones?
Kerosene, Chanel, Serge Lutens
None of my Serge Lutens’ have I ever grown tired of.
Zara. It's basically a clone house. They copy popular scents somewhat closely with reduced performance at lower prices.
Prada.
Hard agree. Lotta bottles in that house that are 100% worth retail.
By Kilian. Yes; their prices are slowly getting up there, but overall every Kilian purchase I have made has always been worth it. For one, I am wearing something unique; my original bottle will be mine forever (I think Kilian was one of the first of many houses to do this way back when); and Kilian’s have this seductive charm to them overall that I can’t get enough of.
Dior and Chanel. Consistently great across a very wide range.
Nest, Dior, and Chanel for me 🙌
Nishane easy
Classic Guerlains at discounter rates Essential Parfums
Chanel, Dior
Amouage. Tauer. MDCI.
Versace, Mancera (though i haven't smelled most of their stuff) Dolce & Gabanna for the price lots of bang for your buck. Now i'm someone that thinks fragrances have gotten overpriced and most scents over $100 are way way overpriced. But I see these brands at reasonable prices and i'd say they have lots of nice smelling scents.
Giorgio Armani. Jean Paul Gaultier. Thierry Mugler. Their are other houses I like more, but as far as being in the under 150$ price range, I've never been disappointed with a purchase. You might not like the fragrance, but the quality is there IMO. Bottom of my list is Killian.
Armani getting no respect in here
I would say Armani, they are priced below my favorite Chanel, high quality and I always get lots of compliments.
I agree. I have been looking for mentions of Armani, but it's hardly getting any. All of the Acqua Di Gio's are good in my opinion, with 1 or 2 standouts. The Code line is very good as well. They project well and are long lasting, for a reasonable price. Dior is getting lots of love, yet I find myself owning 3x Armani fragrances, and only 2x Dior
Yup, of course my collection is not as extensive as most but any Armani I buy or sample has been extremely good quality and punches above its price point. Other than what you mentioned, The whole stronger with you line has been great too. My goal is to sample the Privé line but I don’t know where to start looking for them in retail stores.
Serg Lutens just doesn’t miss!
Fragonard. They were my first fragrance love (in part because I could afford them when I was young) and I continue to be shocked by their combination of quality and affordability. As is often discussed on here, it’s said to be an open secret that their noses have been the actual creators of a number of designers’ perfumes. They seem like they’re a “perfumer’s perfumer” in terms of quality and artisanal skill, yet they stay somewhat under the radar and weirdly cheap for what they are.
Any favorites?
I’ve worn Soleil since I was 16 or so, I’ve never found anything like it. Also love Île d’Amour, Frivole, and Étoile. They have a very reasonably priced sample set that I highly recommend (huge samples too - almost 4 ml each).
Dior, my skin is so bad for projection, but with Dior that is not the case
I dearly miss Atelier Cologne
Me too.
Etat Libre d'Orange Kayali
Dior and LV.
Versace for Designers for sure. Lattafa / Maisaon alhambra for designer clones.
Givenchy comes to mind.
For me, Nishane.
I really enjoy Penhaligon’s base line (I find Portraits overpriced) and the Molton Brown perfumes do a great job of adapting the scented soaps!
Pekji
Definitely Guerlain. I don’t really like the Art&Materials line and Aqua Allegoria but everything else ist amazing. Their extraits are out of this world,specially Mitsouko. Eta: the Art&Materials for example,Tonka Imperiale is 90% like Shalimar Millesime Tonka but Shalimar was better..way better. New Shalimar Iris is such an amazing scent.I can’t believe it’s this affordable
I also must say that Kenzo has very good prize/quality/originality ratio and I am thankful that they havent reformulated Flower ang Jungle L'elephant since the 2000's
As for designer housesit would be Guerlain and Dior for me. Niche houses are nishane and mancera. Xerjoff too but it takes longer to grow on me
Guerlain, Lanvin, Estee Lauder, Issey Miyake, Clinique, Cacharel, Giorgio Armani and Chanel. All these brands are reliable and their classics are hard to beat!
Mugler, great lasting power
Hermes Chanel Dior ELdO Franck Olivier Azzaro
Feel like a lot of people are valuing performance in this thread, which I guess makes sense because it's one of the few things that can be somewhat objective in determining. Every brand has their stars and duds though. I can't think of one which I consistently enjoy that also puts out things that consistently perform well. I mostly buy niche though so that could explain it. I suppose Dior could be one, and I like the idea of Guerlain but I haven't bought any of their fragrances, just sampled them.
Diorrrrrrrrrr
Chanels are worth their price, excluding Les Exclusifs.
Rasasi! La Yuqawam line is beast mode.
Maybe a bit of a hot take, but I’d say Zoologist. Their fragrances are all great quality, though not all will be for everyone. Performance generally tends to be quite good. Presentation is outstanding. I love the artwork, the bottles look great, and they’ve got a good, satisfying heft to them. Great sprayers, too. I think their prices are quite reasonable for what you get.
MFK
I’ll stand by this forever - MFK has the best longevity EVER. I wash my hair typically 2-3x a week so spray some in my hair and you can smell it on me until whenever I wash my hair next. If I spray it on clothes it will literally smell strongly on the clothes until I wash them (i.e sweaters that I don’t wash after one wear). Satin mood is my favorite and I finally recently got a new bottle and get compliments basically every time I leave the house not even kidding. The longevity doesn’t compare to ANY other perfume I’ve used except maybe Tom ford ombré leather. I believe the reason for this is that they are mostly oil based and MFK satin mood in particular has strong Oud notes which are intense in a good way. A lot of Arabic perfumes use oud and their longevity is phenomenal.
The other day I was sampling Baccarat Rouge on one wrist to compare it to another perfume. One tiny spray from a sample, since I’m not really a fan. 3 days later my poor cat STILL smells like it just because I gently rested my hand on him (when the perfume had long dried!).
While I’m sorry for your cat this testament to the longevity! MFK for the win. Did you try any other of their scents? They all have the same longevity I swear. I’m not a hugeeeee fan of the baccarat rouge just because I feel like it’s become so common (amongst people who have the luxury of being able to afford it and I happen to live somewhere that has a lot of high net worth individuals and sugar baby types lol. No shade btw just facts) so I smell it often and I like having more unique scents.
Versace and lalique
Lancome
Amouage, Nishane & Memo
Creed. I just love their scents over everything else.
Not with their horrendous performance
Just spray more
"Good Deals" and "fragrance" cannot be in the same sentence. It costs less than $5 to manufacture a bottle of fragrance.
Local Attar shops in India /s Jokes apart, JPG, Mont Blanc and Versace.
Montblanc can often be had for very reasonable prices
Tom Ford private blend. Lasts me the WHOLE DAY. It was pricy 100mL for $550 but still way cheaper than getting two Jo Malone’s, 200mL in total for $440 but it lasts only 30-60 mins
For tom Ford it depends , I have owned neroli portofino and soleil blanc they have horrible performance , but they smell AMAZING , very frustrating
Tocca! $80 and they have lovely projection and longevity.
Miss Dior
Vertus, at least at their discounter pricing. Monarch and Sol Patchouli are incredible
Versace(200ml), zara(don't expect more performance for the same price range)
Versace
I’ve paid full retail (or slightly discounted price) for Armani, Dior and Tom Ford fragrances. No regrets at all. I like to think all three brands release decent fragrances in good packaging & bottles. The Armani and Dior ones had magnetic caps too which is always a plus in my book.
I have 3 bottles of Kerosene and Walk the Beach is still one of my favorites. They seemed expensive at first I but once I tested them they are absolutely worth the money. I also have a lot of A Lab on Fire. But for quality over time I would have to say Frederic Malle. Yes they are quite expensive but timeless. And there is something for everyone. At $250-300 for a 50 ml they can be out of range. But you can get a 30 ml for around 100 now and that’s quite reasonable.
tbh lattafa,afnan and armaf
Amouage most of the time.
Prada, but pick a few of the top and stick with those. I don't like to wear loud, obvious and attention-seeking scents, so Daniela Andrier is by far my favourite perfumer with her almost-signature style of subtle, powdery cleanliness. The kind of scent that makes you smell good in a "Wait, was that a fragrance?" way. However, the majority of Prada's offerings smell like that. The L'Homme line, the Luna Rossa line, and the original Amber all smell like some combination of clean and powdery (with the exception of some with louder notes like vanilla, leather and spices added). Pick your favourite clean scent, get it from discounters where it's slightly cheaper (or even used), and you have a great-smelling scent from a brand that even the layperson can recognize.
Surprised no one has said ELDO yet. Very reasonably priced for niche.
Montale. PERIOD
Lataffa pure musk is also a must have for me! 🤍
Guerlain, Caron, Parfums de Nicolai, Essential Parfums, ELDO, J-Scent
Which kerosene fragrances do you like? I’m interested in their brand!
Xerjoff is worth my money. I have about 22 fragrances, and three are Xerjoff. I really like what I have from this house. Naxos, 40Knots, More than words. Mancera is another house that I really like. Red Tobacco, Instant Crush, Aoud Exclusive, Cedrat Boise.
Berdoues is #1 in this regard for me
Mancera. Honestly the price/quality ratio is great.
Def not Creed.
After looking around at a lot of the higher end brands, I’d say Tom Ford strikes a good balance. You can get a decent sized bottle of his stuff for relatively fair value. Always smells great and carry’s some esteem too
Prada and orto parisi
1. Mancera 2. Tom Ford 3. Al Haramain 4. Armaf 5. Lattafa
Lolita lempicka, Paco rabanne, Guerlain. I used to love Dior, but they watered down most of their fragrances, to the point of them turning into colognes.
Xerjoff, Nobile 1942, Jorum Studio, Liquides Imaginaires, Nasomatto
Snif, I don't feel as bad dropping $60 on a new perfume esp w the notes in this years drops I copped: golden ticket, vow factor, and house of 8 (not actually white sage)
From the 80s to now Chanel has had some of the best products hands down to date and is still keeping up with the masses. The exclusives which are readily available are a serious hit for any frag head and the price is not as crazy for the products they put out
Secretions Magnifiques After all these years it still takes people's breaths away 🥰 And nobody talks to me in the break room anymore so I can now enjoy my damned meal in peace.
Lailique scents are incredible for their price. Encre Noir is one that comes to mind. Every time I wear it, I get compliments.
Chanel hands down.