At this time of year when every penny counts, we don’t always have extra cash to splash on the ultra luxe perfumes we lust after – either as gifts for loved ones or a special treat for ourselves. However, there are some truly amazing pocket-friendly fragrances out there, and following the first of our gift guides last week, we asked some of our favourite bloggers for their top five for under £30. Step forward Jasmine award-winning Persolaise…
Easily one of the greatest, most distinctive scents of all time, this courageous marriage of rose and patchouli – composed by Bernard Chant – just seems to get better with age. Thumbs up to Clinique for continuing to make it in an accessible, entry-point size.
Clinique Aromatics Elixir £22.50 for 10ml eau de parfum
At Debenhams
You can always rely on Simon and Mark Constantine to inject boldness into their olfactory creations, and Kerbside Violet is no exception. It contrasts the steam-green hiss of violet leaf with assertive, urban notes of asphalt and petrol to create one of this year’s true originals.
Gorilla Perfume Kerbside Violet £18 for 10ml perfume
At Lush
In its special ‘Kiss’ mini-edition, Daniela Andrier’s more-ish blend of caramel notes with powdery benzoin and skin-hugging musks is cuter than ever. And it’s completely calorie-free. Bonus!
Prada Candy £26.10 for 20ml eau de toilette
At John Lewis
Malle’s large flacons are a touch pricy, but he recently made the welcome decision to offer all his scents in individual 10 ml bottles, some of which come in at under £30. [NB: This set of three work out at just over £20 each] Of those, Olivia Giacobetti’s En Passant is my favourite: a whisper of lilac, lily of the valley and longing.
Frederic Malle En Passant £65 for 3 x 10ml eau de parfum
At Liberty
Jasmine and sandalwood come together with head-spinning power in this modern classic from Jean-Paul Guerlain. Do note that you can pick up both the eau de toilette and the heavier eau de parfum for less than £30.
Guerlain Samsara £29.99 for 30ml eau de parfum
At Boots