Fragrances Under $40 That Actually Smell Really Good
Often linked to memory, experiences, and feelings, fragrance is a beauty genre that has the capacity to make a lasting difference in your life. We’re talking about memories here—and it can be a quick whiff of a dessert or that lingering scent of clothing detergent that reminds you of home, not necessarily exotic flowers or sandalwood.
The easiest way to utilize fragrance in your beauty routine is by using perfume, something that can quickly become a signature for so many women. These aromatic staples, though, aren’t always affordable and smelling like “cheap perfume” isn’t usually used in kind descriptive sentences. But with so many brands producing relatively affordable scents that actually smell good, that issue is long behind us. Take a look at our favorites under $40, below.
MORE: 10 of the Dreamiest Summer Scents
Love the smell of clean clothes? It obviously beats the alternative, but there is something relaxing about that particular scent that radiants off your jersey when it’s finally dry. This fragrance smells exactly how it sounds, making the process of testing fragrances in order to find one that fits your fancy much easier. The formula in this 1.0 fl. oz. bottle is light, airy scent rests on your skin and will gently wake you up when you spritz it on in the morning. If you tend to stay away from strong fragrances before you rush out the door, this one is for you.
(CLEAN Cool Cotton, $38, cleanperfume.com)
Before you go and totally dismiss the category of fragrance mists, hear us out. Yes, they’re not always as long-lasting as perfumes, but sometimes that’s a good thing, especially if you know you’re going to want to change your scent later on for a different occasion. Layering, if it’s not done the right way, doesn’t always give you the best result. Whether it’s applied right after a shower in conjunction with the Whoopsie Daisy body cream or not, this product leaves a lingering, delicate floral scent that’s not overpowering or overly sweet.
(bodycology Whoopsie Daisy Fragrance Mist, $2.56, walmart.com)
Demeter has a reputation for delivering perfume bottles that smell like things, well, you wouldn’t ever think of putting into a fragrance bottle. Famous for fresh, earthy scents (they actually make one called Dirt), the company’s approach to rain doesn’t require an umbrella and won’t put a damper on your day. And that distinct scent you smell when a summer rain shower finally comes to an end? Turns out, it’s a real thing. According to Demeter, that smell comes from the ground as plants release oils that blend with other odors (not always a bad thing!) in the soil. That smell is then entered into the hair when it’s humid, thus the smell of rain. And with this product, you can have the smell without the frizzy hair that comes along with a storm.
(Demeter Fragrance Library in Rain, $20, demeterfragrance.com)
Citrus scents and green tea combine with this eau de cologne from The Body Shop. Complete with notes of mandarin, lemon, bergamot, you’ll get that zen alertness you look for in fruity products. It also combines lighter floral scents like calming jasmine and violet for a layered yet wearable product that will spark up a convo.
(The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Eau De Cologne, $25, thebodyshop—usa.com)
It’s on the lighter side, but it’s not your average “walk through a field of flowers” type of perfume. If you like sultry scents, this White Etheriana product includes notes of bamboo, tree moss, lime and even violet for a musky meets feminine fragrance. You’ll get all the elements you like from sexier and cleaner scents in one, that happens to complement each other quite well. It’s also $20, so there’s that.
(Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana Eau De Toilette, $20, target.com)
Thought FLOWER Beauty only produced color cosmetics you loved? Oh, well, now they have fragrance, too! While they offer three choices, Radiant has become a quick favorite. Combining rose, peony, and pink pepper with amber and greens, it’s a floral concoction with the tiniest bit of spice—just enough to keep it interesting!
(FLOWER Beauty Fragrance in Radiant, $25, walmart.com)
We love a bouquet of flowers just as much as the next girl, and when it’s packaged in a bottle to last not only throughout the day, but whenever we want to smell of fresh blooms, we really dig it. This perfume holds notes of Turkish rose otto, geranium, and orris concrete for a unique scent no one else will have.
(Soap and Paper Factory Eau De Parfum, $32, soapandpaperfactory.com)
