Splurge vs steal: Springtime scents

Just as the spring air makes us excited and happy for the warmer months to come, so too does the prospect of new fragrances to buy. So whether you’re on a budget or have a few extra dollars to spend, you’re sure to find a scent to love this spring.
Splurge: Carven Le Parfum, 100mL, $129
This truly feminine fragrance is full to the brim with mandarin blossom, white hyacinth and notes of sweet pea, jasmine and ylang ylang.
Save: Chi Chi Peony Eau De Parfum, $19.95
Since they’ve just come into bloom, it’s only fitting to envelop yourself in peony rose. This fragrance blends the notes of the peony with jasmine, mandarin, lime and berry - and the result is divine.
Splurge: Estée Lauder Pleasures, 100mL, $145
Like the smell of a garden after a spring rain shower, this sheer, shimmering blend of lilies, white peonies and jasmine tingle with exotic baie rose.
Save: Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers Eau de Toilette, 50mL, $19
The warmth and brightness of the sunflower is captured in this uplifting, euphoric scent. The fresh and fruity fragrance includes notes of melon, peach and bergamot, as well as jasmine and cool tea rose.
Splurge: Lancôme Balafre, 75mL, $220
The notes of lemon, sweet lime and mandarin blend to create a zesty, fruity scent that’s perfect for warm, sunny days.
Save: Clarins Sunshine Fragrance, 100mL, $55
This fragrance smells like summer in a bottle, with a combination of mandarin, grapefruit, ylang ylang and patchouli, as well as watermelon to hydrate skin and chamomile to soothe. Sunshine has a non-photosensitising formula, meaning it is safe to wear in the sun, all summer long.
Splurge: Jo Malone London Mimosa & Cardamom Cologne, 100mL, $185
This mesmerising new scent from Jo Malone is one for the bohemian heart. Mists of honeyed, golden mimosa float above the spiciness of freshly cut cardamom.
Save: The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Eau de Toilette, 50mL, $36.95
This spicy, floral fragrance is inspired by the rose fields of the Moroccan Dades valley, and combines the aromas of freshly cut roses and cassis buds with warm spices.
Splurge: Essenze by Emernegildo Zegna Indonesian Oud, 125mL, $250
This fragrance is crafted around the rare oud wood, with hints of rose, amber, patchouli and Italian bergamot. It’s sexy, and perfect for spring.
Save: So…? Kiss Me, 30mL, $14.95
Woody, oriental and fresh, So…? Kiss Me has notes of blackcurrant and pineapple, which break down to reveal layers of sweet vanilla and a strong floral heart. Base notes of musk and wood round off the fragrance.
Are you a big spender when it comes to perfume? What fragrance are you loving at the moment?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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56 Member Comments
Chi Chi Peony sounds lovely and very affordable too
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Love to see the comparisons thank you
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Love all perfumes, especially YSL
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The cheaper ones just dont last as long
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The expensive one's do sound nice but the steal also do too in the end the steal are just as good as the splurge one's are so if I had to pick I would go with steal.
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Flowerbomb all the way! Exxy but love it!
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Really wanna try the body shop's atlas mountain rose and even the other body shop fragrances like Italian fig and the lotus scented one :)
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Love the so kiss me
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Nothing is more gorgeous than getting a new gragrance
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With this current heatwave of summer I'm thinking a cool crisp scent wouldn't go astray. I wore my Dior J'Adore today though which I think could work for spring, summer, winter or autumn!
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I love to have both, you feel special that way when you use your good one
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Love a crisp and fresh scent for springtime
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I've one of these fragrances & that is So...? Kiss Me, It's ok not too bad yeah I like trying all different types but my faves would have to be some of the old time classic's like TABU that has been around for years & a few of the Avon perfumes are nice too. You have to pick what suits you & there are so many different ones out there it's amazing how many there is.
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The so...? Fragrances don't seem to last Long
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For something floral I highly recommend the Estee Lauder Modern Muse Rouge scent. It smells heavenly! And the longer you leave it the better it smells :)
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Id really love to try Essenze - it sounds absolutely gorgeous and more into the spice/wood family
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So interesting to look at all the comparisons!!!!!!
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I love these comparisons!!
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Several of these gorgeous fragrances I would love to try. If I like a perfume I will definitely splurge.
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I'd love to try the Lancome scent, sounds so perfect for summer. The Clarins cheaper option looks great too
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Gorgeous fragrance! I can't live without it. I'm loving Calvin Klein Aqua at the moment. It's so feminine and fresh.
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Jo Malone makes such gorgeous scents.
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