Perfumes is something I have tried to avoid talking about. I feel its too personal and the over the top packaging and publicity usually makes sure that most designer perfumes get more attention than they are worth. Which is why I thought talking about the less expensive brands which have some just-as-amazing fragrances would be interesting. So for this post I am going to concentrate on the non-designer brands which in my opinion, need some recognition for their fantastic quality, yummy fragrances and great prices. The reasonable prices ensure they are everyday perfumes.
- I will start off with my recent beauty brand obsession, L’Occitane.
This was the brand which got me started on using hand cream. I remember a friend asking me if I have hand cream, with me replying ‘no way, who uses hand cream?’. Well that question has been answered for me – people who have tried the L’Octane Delicious Hand cream do. Please try it. It smells divine.
But apologies, I am getting distracted. This was meant to be about the perfumes. After coffee, vanilla is probably my favourite fragrance. So when I was at the L’Occitane counter at Selfridges recently, I instinctively went for their Vanilla Eau de Toilette. Very light and fresh yet perfect for cold weather. When I came back to google it (of course) I was not surprised to see the rave reviews and awards. I am currently in the market for a winter fragrance – I think I can call off the search. They also seem to have some discounts for Christmas, so definitely convenient.
2. Origins: Honestly, ginger is not a smell you associate with perfume. In fact, I love ginger in my food and do not think of it as a smell I would like on my person. Till I tested the Origins Ginger Essence perfume. Weirdly refreshing and fresh!
3. Korres: I am not a big believer in different masculine and feminine fragrances. Perfume is something that is so personal, generally dividing preferences on the basis of gender alone seems strange to me. Especially since the unisex perfumes currently available are so good. DJ is using this Korres Eau de Toilette. Honestly, out of all the fancy perfumes he has, this is my current favourite. I nick it every now and then!
Although John Lewis stocks Korres, I didn’t see any of their fragrances, only the toiletries were available. We got these while in holiday in Corfu. Now I really wish I had picked up a bottle for myself as well!
4. Avon: Surreal Garden is a really old one from Avon but still so good! if you manage to get hold of a bottle from somewhere please let me know where? Avon doesn’t seem to have it on its website anymore.
5. Zara: Both Satarupa and Bidisha swear by Zara Rose. Zara isn’t really the place you go looking for fragrances but at £8 a 50 ml bottle it can’t hurt to try!
6. Victoria’s Secret: Party girl Bidisha has included Victoria’s Secret Shimmer Spray Mist. I have a feeling this might not strictly be an everyday perfume since its actually leaves a slight shimmer on the skin! The fragrance itself is everyday wear though, and quite nice, light and energetic.
7. The Body Shop: I wanted to avoid mentioning any of the Body Shop perfumes. Not because they are not great (they are which is why they are on this list!) but everyone has used atleast one Body Shop fragrance and has their personal favourites. Mine was Aqua Lily – I remember spraying it and actually feeling better, less stressed. This was the best thing in the Bombay heat. I will stop now or I might cry. This is now discounted.
Bidisha recommended the White Musk Sun Glow. Frustratingly, this is also not available on the Body Shop site but it is on eBay. I might go home and just steal her one!
Please always remember to swatch perfumes on your own skin (not on the test strips), after you have worn the moisturisers and other products you normally wear everyday. And please try before you buy!
–Anisha
This post was in collaboration with L’Occitane.
Thanks for sharing these perfumes!
Hugs,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Most welcome. Have you tried any of them?
great picks! I literally just used up the last of my L’occitane hand cream!
XO Sahra
Que Sera Sahra
Haha! Thats what got me hooked on L’occitane!
I love Cool water, Womanity and the original Christina Aguilera perfume. I’m happy to shell out for the first 2 but the last is a remnant of my student days and as much as I love it, it never lasts for more than a few minutes. I stumbled upon Marks & Spencers £15 perfumes and one of them is a dead ringer for it and lasts so much longer so I’ll be buying that from now on. It’s called Belle Soiree. Also Tendre Cherie is a wonderful slightly spicier scent for the same price so if you find an M&S anywhere, do check out their own brand perfume section, there’s something for everyone
Cool Water has always been my favourite especially in India’s hot weather! Never heard of the other two – will make a note and try them out. I have never thought of perfume dupes but really great idea especially for everyday fumes
I love L’occitane and the Bodyshop. I seriously think that perfume should be considered an accessory worn every day
Honestly, out of all my makeup, its definitely perfume I miss the most in case I forget to apply it. I have been wearing perfume for so long so its definitely missed more!
Love this list! Such a great variety!
http://www.inspiredbylynne.ca
Thanks Kristina!
You’ve got some really great picks here! Avon do some stunning fragrances that don’t break the bank and I have many fragrances from The Body Shop which I absolutely adore!
Yeah – Avon ones are usually great. But I find Avon so difficult to get hold of! Body Shop is always a great bet!
L’Occitane is the best among these products, it smells really good and the cream is so nourishing!
And I also like the Zara and VS fragrances, but can I share a secret? I usually buy cheaper perfumes that smell good and pray them here and there in my closets and home, so it smells divine all day long!
Cheers,
Anna
I actually started on their hand cream and now moved onto the perfume and lip balm – everything! And thats definitely a great idea – especially using it in drawer lining and pillows.
Great post! I love Body Shop, VS and Zara 🙂
Any particular ones? Also, please L’occitane – good ones there too!
such a great post! I definitely agree that ginger isn’t something I would consider perfume worthy, but it does seem like it has possibilities. think I may give that one a try 🙂
Atleast check it out! Its definitely interesting. And I feel bad about going with the same thing over and over again – trying out something new is always great!
This is great post 🙂 I love Perfumes from ZARA and AVON 🙂
Love Avon! Just trying out a new Zara one now. Actually I even like Avon makeup – when I can get hold of it!
Thanks for this! I’m definitely gonna check out some of these recommendations.
Thank you! The best thing about perfume is trying it out is free! Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing, I definitely want to try the Victorias Secret one
Let us know how you liked it!
What a great selection! I love all the L’Octane hand creams and the Neroli perfume. I have tried the Zara perfume and The Body Shop one which are fab!
I love the L’Occitan product and especially there hand creams. They are such a generous brand and always giving away freebies and holding event with goody bags full of items.
Really loving the blog. 🙂 xx