Perfume dupes: the best scent swaps

Lime & Basil by The Perfume Edit

A perfume dupe for Lime & Basil by Jo Malone

Our award-winning citrus scent, Lime & Basil is loved for its refreshing notes and purse-friendly price tag (which could explain why it often sells out!). But word quickly spread on the fragrance grapevine that our exclusive refreshing body spray is a Jo Malone dupe of her famous Lime, Basil & Mandarin scent. The Independent says, “it boasts the same unmistakable combination of zesty lime, peppery basil and bright, glistening mandarin that made Jo Malone a household name”. So, if you’re looking for an uplifting, botanical scent (that just happens to be a Jo Malone dupe), then this fragrance delivers.

Cloud by Ariana Grande

A perfume dupe for Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Ahhh, if we had a penny every time we’re asked for a Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe… This viral fragrance (thanks to PerfumeTok) is loved for its sultry, heady vibes but has an eye-watering high price tag (somewhere in the region of £320 for 70ml!). Cue Cloud by Ariana Grande. It mimics the opening notes exquisitely, sharing the same lavender top note as Baccarat Rouge 540. Critics say it develops a smidge closer to the sweet side than the OG, with notes of coconut, praline, and whipped cream, but we say it makes it more suitable to wear every single day! 

Very Good Girl by Carolina Herrera

A perfume dupe for Lost Cherry by Tom Ford

Tom Ford successfully rebranded fruity fragrances for grown-ups with its fan-favourite Lost Cherry. Blending black cherry, tonka bean, Turkish rose, and almond, it captivates at first spritz and makes for a winning date night scent. Much like Very Good Girl by Carolina Herrera. Similarly, this Lost Cherry Tom Ford dupe takes red berries and lychee to the sophisticated side via rose and vanilla, leaving a trail of mystery wherever you go. Hooray for the perfect Lost Cherry Tom Ford dupe!

Defy by Calvin Klein

A perfume dupe for Bergamote Soleil Eau de Parfum by Atelier Cologne

As its name – Bergamote Soleil – suggests, the bergamot note is the blinding star of the scent. But that doesn’t mean any fragrance featuring bergamot can accurately mimic its profile – after all, bergamot is widely used in the fragrance world. What makes this note unique in this scent, is how it’s warmed up by lavender and spiced by black pepper. The same is said for Defy by Calvin Klein, where bergamot oil mingles with uplifting lavender absolute and earthy vetiver oil. It’s fresh, sharp and unmistakably sunny – the perfect dupe.

Angel Nova by Mugler

A perfume dupe for Delina by Parfums de Marly

Searching for the best Delina perfume dupe can send you down a Reddit rabbit hole (guilty as charged!). Fragrance lovers trying to copy the fresh-yet-intense notes look to layering multiple scents, where you could use one –  Angel Nova Eau de Parfum by Mugler. Sharing many of the same notes, from rhubarb and lychee at the top to the rich heart of rose, it’s as vibrant and head-turning as Delina for a fraction of the cost. Alternatively, Angel Nova Eau de Toilette by Mugler also shares similar qualities, such as notes of sweet lychee and floral rose oil, but with warmer, woodier undertones. You can thank us later. 

About Elena Chow
Copywriter

Elena is a creative copywriter who’s been around the beauty block for more than a decade, writing for brands and glossy magazines. A self-proclaimed fragrance addict (her ‘open’ collection is at 14 bottles, but who’s counting?), it’s no wonder she loves penning pieces on our newest releases and trending notes. Her signature scent? Elle by Yves Saint Laurent.