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Smelling good?

(104 Posts)
ROMILO Thu 21-Aug-25 14:58:50

I have used the same perfume 'Beautiful ' for many years but I think they must have changed the formula because the last bottle has lost both potency and staying power . Have you any suggestions for a similar floral perfume that isn't in the silly price category.

Mojack26 Sat 23-Aug-25 18:02:28

www.theessencevault.co.uk/ try this link. I have used it a few times smells the same to me also got some for my 2 adult daughters who use the 'real' thing...They were both impressed as it was good for work or every day....

Georgesgran Sat 23-Aug-25 16:59:19

Always CK Obsession for me, since it was first introduced. I wear it every day without fail and get through 3 bottles a year - cheap as chips now in some places.
I can’t smell it on myself.

NotSpaghetti Sat 23-Aug-25 16:40:24

Some fragrances still include animal products or are tested on them, Earthmother9 though obviously synthetics are cheaper.

NotSpaghetti Sat 23-Aug-25 16:34:47

Lallylou - I have yet to find a Chanel perfume that I think suits me.

4allweknow Sat 23-Aug-25 16:31:20

I have used Chanel No5 fir years but I too have noticed it just doesn't seem to be the same as even a couple of years ago. Doesn't have any staying power. Will have a go with M & S soon to test out as family usually gift the expensive stuff at Christmas.

Diplomat Sat 23-Aug-25 16:26:40

I also have had compliments on Clinique's Aromatics Elixir. Also use Chanel No. 5 but can never smell perfume once applied, except Poison by Dior which I've used in the past and is very strong.

Earthmother9 Sat 23-Aug-25 16:24:09

Perfumes changed a lot in the 80's, they stoped using animal products. The vintage ones were very different.

NotSpaghetti Sat 23-Aug-25 16:22:58

henetha no, "dupes" are copies and are perfectly legal.
Obviously some cheap fragrance is "developed" rather than a straight attempt to copy.

There are machines that analyse the fancy fragrances and then replicate them.
It doesn't really seem to involve any "Art" - just chemistry.

castlecook Sat 23-Aug-25 16:09:47

Liz Earle number 1 is a fabulous scent, my other one is Christian Dior Diorella. Both not astronomically expensive but I do get Diorella at the airport.

Cambia Sat 23-Aug-25 16:02:43

I love the oud perfumes and you can get them in little trial roller bottles so you can see which one one you like. Also love the Korres Greek range of perfumes available in the UK.

Mamanelen10 Sat 23-Aug-25 15:56:57

The only perfume that other people seemed to like on me was Clinique’s Aromatics Elixir. Not having worn perfume for years I decided first to just use Yardley’s lavender water now I’m officially old at 92. This has changed beyond all recognition so could only go back to the Aromatics which I then found, from reviews, has also completely changed. I’m almost housebound so it’s not easy to try samples as I used to. This all came about because I was impressed by a friend visiting who left a lovely waft of scent in the room each time she left. She doesn’t ever remember which one she’s used when I’ve asked. I’ve never liked heavy perfumes, just something very light and floral.

Tessa1234 Sat 23-Aug-25 15:50:05

I love the Aldi dupe of Jo Malone's Lime, Basil & Mandarin - very fresh smelling and a great price.

Nannytopsy Sat 23-Aug-25 15:45:49

Chanel Mademoiselle although I find it a bit powerful now. I have gone to Hermes Twilly

GrannyGravy13 Sat 23-Aug-25 15:28:58

I use Jo Malone, shower gel, moisturiser and fragrance every day, even if I am staying home.

DH gave me The White Company Advent Calendar last Christmas, it contained several of their shower gels and matching fragrances, Sicilian Lemon is rather nice.

NannySue45 Sat 23-Aug-25 15:12:32

Another vote for the M & S perfumes.
I like Soft Iris ...... it's not very strong but smells lovely for every day wear.
Chanel Mademoiselle or Jimmy Choo are favourites for going out.

specki4eyes Sat 23-Aug-25 14:58:42

Gosh, has no-one ever tried Lancome perfumes..they are all wonderful. My Saturday night perfume is Mon Guerlain but now I wear it every night that I'm going out. My other favourite is Femme by Rochas, which Ì have been wearing since I was first able to afford a small bottle back in the 70s.
If only I could find Tabu by Dana again, my perfume shelf would be complete.

Harris27 Sat 23-Aug-25 14:48:32

I love Calvin Klein perfumes my favourite is eternity. But I do like women and femme.

Readandcook Sat 23-Aug-25 14:46:23

I wear D&G Light blue and love it- always get compliments when I wear it!
The bottle has lasted me over 18 months so it’s good value for money I think

Lallylou Sat 23-Aug-25 14:27:07

Don't waste your money on Jo Malone.
Do try M and S surprisingly cheap but nice. Think she does change not only our skin on pheromones and sense of smell. All of the Chanel perfumes are luxuriously wonderful on us all. Use it sparingly. I save boots points and treat myself. Lally

win Sat 23-Aug-25 14:21:37

TwiceAsNice

Clinique Happy and M&S Florentyna are both floral and not expensive . I alternate 4 perfumes , the other two are Body Shop White Musk and Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass again not expensive

Happy is my favourite I used to use Beautiful but was given Happy many years ago and have stuck with it. It suits my skin and my personality people say

DamaskRose Sat 23-Aug-25 14:18:03

I use a Lidl perfume (green top, don’t know the name) in summer and an M&S one in winter. I don’t know enough about perfume to know if they are dupes. My “going out” favourite is Chanel No 19.

Marleygirl Sat 23-Aug-25 14:15:00

Some good recommendations here - many thanks. Years ago I worked for Houbigant in London who created Quelque Fleur which Princess Diana loved (and spilt down her wedding dress) and that is a perfume that was lovely and memorable, obviously. I still love lavender!!!

Flippin2 Sat 23-Aug-25 14:12:45

Elizabeth Arden Splendor is my favourite summer perfume

TBsNana Sat 23-Aug-25 14:10:09

I recently tried YSL Rive Gauche again in a fit of nostalgia and still like it -people have commented except the woman in the post office pulled a face and said it reminded her of her Mother....😳

BeneathTheHowlingStars Sat 23-Aug-25 14:06:48

I always buy dupes of my favourite perfumes. I find they last longer, are usually not tested on animals and are around a quarter of the price of the 'real' ones. I do love my perfumes and probably have about a hundred bottles at the moment.