When I was first asked to do a “Fragrance Finds Under $35” piece, I was wondering what on earth I’d find in the maze of expensive choices out there. I then immediately thought of several of the ones listed, but have to say I was pleasantly surprised to find as many as I did and some really good choices as well. I should note to that more companies are doing small or rollerball versions of the scents. Some are featured here, but there are many more out there if you look. Happy shopping and please share some of your favorite budget finds.
Youth Dew: I know, you’re thinking Youth Dew? Hasn’t that been around since Grandma’s day? Yes it has but so have many other classics. While personally not my favorite, my best friend wears this almost daily. While I am wearing a $200 perfume she gets compliment after compliment on what she’s wearing- Youth Dew. Estee Lauder’s first perfume, it’s a strong, spicy floriental featuring ylang ylang and carnation notes. Not for everyone, but if it’s for you it’s one of the true bargains out there. $32.00 EDP Spray
Trish McEvoy #9 Blackberry and Vanilla Musk – Sweet but also warm and rich, #9 was an instant success upon its release back in 2000. It smells just like its name, with lots of ripe blackberry. Pretty, ultra wearable and now you can have it in a to- go format called Pocketable. Also available in 2 more scents. $25.00 for 6ml rollerball.
Philosophy “State of Grace” Fragrance Wardrobe– Four of Philosophy’s light and pretty fragrances make up this set. These are soft, barely there scents. You can wear each individually or layer. Set includes: Amazing Grace, Pure Grace, Eternal Grace and Inner Grace. $35.00. Each bottle is .33 oz.
Pacifica: Whether you buy the solid, roll on or 1 oz bottle, all in this line are under $ 25.00 (solids are just $ 9.00). The quality belies that price though. Pacifica scents are well done and often have a mood boosting tropical bent. One of newest in the line is California Star Jasmine– a slightly musky/woodsy floral with driftwood, orange and the title’s star jasmine. Tuscan Blood Orange- a succulent juicy orange is highly recommended too.
Outspoken by Fergie for Avon – A new release that I was pleasantly surprised by. Outspoken starts a bit fruity, then tuberose takes over and by the drydown cedar and vetiver show up. This is a mainly a warm white floral with a touch of woods. Comes in a pretty genie bottle at $28.00 for 1.7 oz.
Lush Gorilla Perfume Sampler – LUSH’s new Gorilla perfume line introduces some brand new scents and also includes some old favorites. Well priced at $ 12.00, the sample set features each of the 7 scents in a 2ml vial. If you find one (or two) you love, the solid stick form of each is only $9.95. The fragrances in the set are: Imogen Rose, Orange Blossom, Tuca Tuca, Karma, Vanillary and The Smell of Freedom.
MAC Hues– MAC perfumes don’t get as much attention as their makeup but there is a small, nice line called Hues. Turquatic might be the most popular with it’s aquatic, woody blend of mineral water, lotus, cedar and orris (iris). $ 25.00 for 20ml.
Fracas by Robert Piquet Roll On – A true French classic. A hothouse flower of a perfume loaded with big white florals like gardenia, tuberose and lily of the valley. Unabashedly pretty and glamorous. A rich scent and generally expensive except for this rollerball version. Also one of the few scents that will last almost all day with no touch ups needed. $25.00 for .25 oz. (Rollerball exclusive to Sephora)
Crazylibellule And The Poppies– Crazy Sticks. These solid perfumes are portable as can be and also very well done for the price . The woman behind the company happens to also have started Sephora originally. There is a wide range of scents available including many fruit or vanilla based ones as well as a couple of spicier ones. A favorite is Ananas Imperial with it’s blend of pineapple, citrus and musk. $16.00
We are giving away TWO rollerballs of Pacifica (one in Jasmine and one in Blood Orange) to one lucky winner. Simply enter a comment below to be considered.
– Diane Artzberger, The Beauty Alchemist
