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We tested M&S’ popular perfume dupes plus the £10 scent we preferred to the Jo Malone original
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COLLECTING perfume isn't a cheap hobby.
Much like fine wine or cheese, many good perfumes carry a hefty price tag - thanks to high concentrations of perfume oils, luxury packaging, brand clout, or a mixture of all three.
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But here's the thing - whilst there are some brilliant, expensive fragrances out there, there are also some amazing cheap options, too.
I've spoken about my love of before, and here I go again - because M&S own-label fragrances are excellent.
Not only are affordable (they cost just £10 a pop), but many of the brand's offerings have been compared to designer fragrances.
Social media is teeming with claims that some M&S fragrances are dupes of popular perfume labels like Le Labo and Chanel.
So, I grabbed my and popped down to my local M&S branch to see what all the fuss was about.
M&S Apothecary Warmth Eau de Parfum, £10 DUPE: Le Labo Santal 33, £230
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M&S Apothecary Warmth Eau de Parfum, £10
Couting celebs like Ellie Goulding, Justin Bieber, and Ryan Reynolds as loyal fans, (£230) is a bit of a bougie buy.
This unisex EDP is leathery and woody, with cosy aromatic notes and a powdery finish.
Santal 33 is warming and reassuring - and M&S Apothecary's aptly named is a known dupe.
M&S Apothecary Warmth Eau de Parfum, £10, is a rich, comforting EDP with tangy spiced notes alongside a heavy, creamy base.
Despite its £10 price tag, I was surprised by how complex and intricately layered this perfume is.
Whilst it doesn't quite have 's delicate, powdery notes, I love's spicy, herbaceous notes, which remind me of a steaming cup of chai.
Why Everyone Is Loving M&S
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:
“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.
“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.
“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.
“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.
“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.
“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.
“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”
M&S White Coconut Eau De Toilette, £10 DUPE: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, £38
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M&S Discover White Coconut Eau De Toilette, £10
(£38) is a beach bag essential.
This juicy, sumptuous body mist has gourmand notes of pistachio, salted caramel and almond - making it nearly good enough to eat.
It's the perfect summertime fragrance, making it perfect for a light refresh, but it will set you back £38.
So, fans of the fragrance have found a dupe in budget (£10)
One shopper says: "I'm a frequent buyer of another well-known brand, but no longer - this is £10 for 100ml compared to £30 - great smell and long-lasting, even use as a room spray."
Other shoppers love its holiday-esque aroma, with one saying: "Lovely scent. This is gorgeous. Fresh with a hint of coconut. Gives me memories of holidays!"
Whilst (£10) isn't quite cut out for a beach bag (thanks to its glass bottle), it certainly sent me to warmer climes.
READ MORE:
M&S Warm Neroli Eau De Toilette, £10 DUPE: Rabanne Lady Million Eau de Parfum, £86
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M&S Warm Neroli Eau De Toilette, £10
Rabanne 1 Million was the smell of the 00's, with its iconic gold-bar bottle making its way into bathroom shelves across the country.
So, when the designer label launched (£86) in 2010 - the female equivalent - it was met with applause.
This floral, fruity fragrance has sugary notes of honey and citrus, alongside a heavier, warming amber base.
Sumptuous and elegant, with a sultry musk dry down, beauty fans can't help but compare (£10) to Rabanne Lady Million EDP.
Despite being an EDT - which tends to be lighter and fresher - (£10) is a well-known dupe of Rabanne.
I'd consider this M&S Warm Neroli Eau De Toilette as an evening fragrance - think late-night dinners and dashing in and out of taxis.
M&S Velvet Amber Eau De Toilette, £10 DUPE OF: Chanel No.5, £104
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M&S Velvet Amber Eau De Toilette, £10
As possibly the most famous fragrance in the world, (£104) needs no introduction.
It's thought that the EDP earned its name after being the fifth sample Gabrielle Chanel smelt when creating her namesake fragrance, but this is widely disputed.
It has a gorgeous, balanced aroma which pairs floral notes of jasmine and rose with a creamy base of vanilla and sandalwood.
However, shoppers have noticed that (£10) is a dupe.
One shopper says: "I've been a Chanel buyer all my life but I refuse to pay £100 now."
Whilst the fragrance doesn't have the same staying power as Chanel, shoppers still say it's great value for money.
One adds: "A lovely scent, it is very similar to . It does not last very long but at that price you can afford to re-apply!"
M&S Discover Seasalt & Neroli, £12.50 DUPE OF: Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, £118
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M&S Discover Seasalt & Neroli, £12.50
If there's one beauty brand my friends and I go wild for, it's.
Whether it's the elegant fragrances or charming bottles that do it for them, this brand is indisputably one of the nation's favourites.
For me, I love how diverse and full of character the fragrances are - plus they look great on your dressing table.
Bright and breezy (£118) is no exception and has a delicate aroma that reminds me of fresh laundry, alongside tangy sea salt.
(£12.50) is a good, budget alternative that has a light, fresh feel.
Whilst it won't last long (this is often the case with EDTs as they contain smaller concentrations of perfume oil), I love spritzing it onto skin and clothes for a quick refresh.
M&S Soft Iris Eau De Toilette, £10 DUPE OF: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, £104
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M&S Soft Iris Eau De Toilette, £10
With its summery notes of rose and patchouli, (£104) is both elegant and playful.
The luxury fragrance is one of Chanel's lighter fragrances, with a youthful feel, and is a real crowd-pleaser, thanks to its sweet yet balanced aroma.
It's the perfect summer fragrance - ideal for outdoor weddings and posh picnics in the park - but it will set you back a hefty £125.
Fortunately, though, (£12.50) has earned its name as a Chanel Coco Mademoiselle dupe.
Just like Chanel's offerings, this EDT has scrumptious notes of floral iris and jasmine, which are balanced with a lightly spiced base of vetiver and amber.
Whilst I'm hard-pressed to pick a favourite M&S perfume, the crown goes to this one - thanks to its uplifting, floral aroma that reminds me of holidays and hotel lobbies.
M&S Black Pepper Eau De Toilette, £10 DUPE OF: Davidoff Adventure, £25
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M&S Black Pepper Eau De Toilette, £10
Whilst it isn't the priciest EDP on this list, beauty fans love (£27.50) and its citrusy, aromatic aroma.
The fragrance balances notes of orange and lemon with zippy pepper and sultry white musk, which come together for an energetic, fresh finish.
At £25, is already a budget buy, but fans have found an even cheaper alternative.
Hailed as a Davidoff dupe, (£10) has similar notes of spicy peppercorns and a warm amber base.
Shoppers love the EDT, with one saying: "Has a fresh, citrus smell with Smokey undertones which I assume is the black pepper."
Adding: "I use it every day after showering and to work."
Other shoppers love its staying-power, with one adding: "The smell lasts a long time on clothes, and is still present the next day."
M&S Midnight Blossom Eau De Toilette DUPE OF: YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum, £79
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M&S Midnight Blossom Eau de Toilette, £10
Synonymous with late nights and dinner dates, (£79) is the ultimate evening fragrance.
This creamy fragrance has notes of vanilla, matched with warming woody notes and spicy pink pepper.
Whilst (£10) has a slightly sharper finish, which isn't quite as well balanced as YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum, it's a great budget alternative.
When first spritzed onto my skin, it has a heavy, intoxicating feel, but has a lighter, powdery dry down.
I wouldn't wear it during the day, thanks to its rich aroma, but I'd give it a spritz before clattering out the door in heels.
I work at M&S and people need to stop spending full-price on beauty items - here's how you can nab £170 worth for £30
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