I Test Fragrances for a Living—These 11 Zara Perfumes Give Luxury Alternatives a Run for Their Money
They're all under £30
Mica Ricketts
This year, we all wanted to smell expensive, in every which way. But while the finest power perfumes might whisper wealth rather than scream it, classic fragrances tend to come with a price tag. However, in my opinion, as a fragrance expert, you don’t have to break the bank to find a scent that smells incredible. And when I want a more purse-friendly perfume, there’s only one place on the high street that I rely on: Zara.
Yes, while it was once a bit of a beauty insider secret, many of Zara’s perfumes have now reached viral status for their wide range of scents and affordable price point. In fact, they even previously collaborated with Jo Malone CBE on a special line of fragrances—proving that you really can enjoy expert-created scents without dropping hundreds of pounds.
Not only do they smell amazing, but all of these perfumes are under £30, which makes them even more appealing. They are perfect for throwing in your bag to apply throughout the day, and I always get compliments whenever I wear them out and about. In fact, after borrowing them, most of my friends have gone to Zara and purchased the perfumes themselves.
There is something for everyone, but in my opinion, as a perfume-obsessed beauty editor, the below TK options are the best you can buy. Your perfume collection is about to get a whole lot better...
The best Zara perfumes to buy now:
1. Zara Vibrant Caramel
Key notes: bergamot, mandarin orange, apple blossom, vanilla and praline
We love a good dupe, and this is highly reminiscent of Prada's Paradox. It's a gourmand in every sense of the word, mingling citrus accords with sweet, smoky vanilla notes. It's juicy, fruity, and flowery all at once—but not cloying.
2. Zara Red Temptation
Key notes: saffron, coriander spices, bitter orange, jasmine, praline, moss, amber
You might have seen this fragrance be likened to the iconic (and painfully expensive) Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540—and it's the closest high street alternative I've come across. This perfume is my go-to evening scent. It's warm and woody, with notes of saffron, jasmine, praline and amber. It's chocolatey but not too sweet, and makes the perfect date-night option.
3. Zara Energetically New York
Key notes: cardamom, jasmine, sandalwood
Energetically New York is a more genderless scent option, and is part of Zara's collection with Jo Malone CBE. Notes of cardamom, jasmine and sandalwood give it a super-fresh finish, and you'll feel like you just stepped out of the shower after one spray. One thing to note, the lasting power is not as impressive as some of the other options, but I always carry it in my bag so I can apply it throughout the day.
4. Zara Fleur de Patchouli
Key notes: peony, patchouli, guaiac wood
Another Malone creation, Fleur de Patchouli is a green, floral delight. It's fresh and earthy, without being crisp, and it has a depth that leaves it lingering on the skin for hours on end. Plus, it smells wonderfully luxe.
5. Zara Fashionably London
Key notes: bergamot, rose, musk
This is easily one of the most beautiful rose perfumes I've ever smelled. It's lightweight, fresh, has a subtle sparkle and isn't even slightly offensive.Think of this perfume like ambling down the centre aisle of a London-based flower market.
6. Zara Magnificently Dubai
Key notes: saffron, nutmeg, leather
This perfume is a middle-eastern-inspired delight. It's rich, it's warm, it's woody—and it smells undeniably expensive. Magnificently Dubai smells like walking through a spice-filled souk, with leather goods and woods lining each stall.
7. Zara Gardenia
Key notes: gardenia, orange blossom, coffee, peach, raspberry
If you like warn, sweet, floral but palatable scents, this one is for you. This isn't the sort of perfume I think anyone can really dislike it—it's what I like to call a crowdpleaser. Plus, it a 180ml bottle, it's excellent value for money.
8. Zara Vanilla Collection 01 + Vanilla Collection 02
Key notes: Madagascan vanilla, pink sugar, tonka bean, cedarwood
Vanilla perfumes never go out of style, but they are hard to get right. This pair is rich, sophisticated and woody and smells so expensive.
9. Zara Rose Gourmand
Key notes: jasmine, peony, rose, caramel, vanilla, amber
A modern interpretation of a classic floral perfume, this offers a really soft and uplifting bouquet of rose, jasmine and peony. Plus, there's an almost skin-like warmth from musky amber.
10. Zara Cherry Smoothie
Key notes: cherry, plum, almond, vanilla, tonka bean
Fresh and fruity, this mouthwatering fragrance is perfect for spring/summer. While its the dark fruits that take centre stage here, the entire scent is elevated with the addition of vanilla and almond which provides a grounding nutty element to take that saccharine edge off.
11. Zara Cocoa & Latte
Key notes: chocolate, chantilly cream, vanilla, passion fruit, peach, suede
Leading the way with a new wave of modern gourmand fragrances, Zara's new cocoa collection celebrate chocolate in all its forms, but its this velvety, suede-spiked offering which has captured my heart.
