These New $15 Perfumes on Amazon Smell Shockingly Expensive
A yummy perfume for the cost of a cocktail? Say less.
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As a fragrance collector and beauty editor who’s tested hundreds of scents throughout the years, I’m well aware that price doesn’t always equal quality. In fact, plenty of my favorite fragrances clock in at under $100—and I’m always looking for more affordable scents to make my perfume obsession a little less ~financially devastating~.
Enter this budget-friendly perfume line I stumbled across on Amazon: Pacifica’s five eau de parfums feature mood-boosting scents for just $15 a pop (yep, the same price as a margarita). And after a smell test with some fellow Cosmo editors, the scent profiles on them are just as delicious. Try sultry amber chocolate or Y2K-coded strawberry, with a luxe glass bottle and sculptural cap that’ll look darling on your vanity.
(Spoiler alert: Our unanimous favorite was Vanilla Whip, whose balanced, sophisticated scent reminded us of far pricier perfumes.)
Smells like: Bergamot, almond, orris, pink pepper, vanilla, sandalwood, amber cream
One Cosmo editor says: “If you adore a smooth, woody vanilla scent (think Vanilla Skin from Phlur or Vanilla 28 from Kayali), then there’s a good chance you’ll be into Vanilla Whip. It’s more complex than I expected, thanks to the sandalwood and powdery orris that balance out its sweet vanilla notes. I think this would be blind buy-safe for any vanilla fan.”—LAUREN GRUBER, COMMERCE EDITOR
Smells like: Strawberry, peach, mandarin, geranium, cocoa blanc, amber, vanilla, sandalwood
One Cosmo editor says: “Color me surprised: I don't really like fruity perfumes, but I kind of vibe with this, in that my 16-year-old-self would probably have EATEN THIS UP. Sure it's fruity and kind of smells like a Claire's or Limited Too, but in a way that feels super nostalgic. I'd recommend for anyone who loves a sweet, fruity scent that has a slight Y2K vibe.”—MADISON MCGEE, COMMERCE EDITOR
Smells like: Orange flower, jasmine, bergamot, tuberose, vanilla, santal, peru balsam
One Cosmo editor says: “This is a nice, well-rounded floral scent that would be perfect for spring and summer. The notes of vanilla, santal, and bergamot help balance of the florals so it doesn't sway too mature.”—SARAH MABERRY, COMMERCE EDITOR
Smells like: Cinnamon, orange flower, bergamot, hazelnut, coffee, cacao, vanilla, sandalwood
One Cosmo editor says: “One whiff of Amber Cocoa, and I was immediately transported to my teenage bedroom, slathering my legs with cocoa butter lotion after a shower. This scent is rich, spicy, and sweet without going cloying. I can picture myself reaching for this one on summer nights, since it layers so nicely with my body care products.”—LG
Smells like: Apricot, ginger, peach, jasmine, osmanthus, vanilla, sandalwood, musk
One Cosmo editor says: “Sugared Apricot smells to me like rooftop cocktails on the first warm spring day. It's very sweet—no vibey old fashioneds or smoky mojitos here—but the peachy undertones and sugary top notes have me itching to hit up a nearby happy hour and spend way too much on a spritz.”—SAMANTHA JONES, SENIOR COMMERCE EDITOR
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Gruber is a commerce editor at Cosmopolitan with years of experience researching and writing about all things beauty. An expert in the perfume space, she uses her knowledge of the history and science of fragrance to analyze the latest trends. For this article, she recruited five of her fellow Cosmo editors to test and review each new Pacifica perfume.
Lauren Gruber is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with more than five years of professional writing experience. She specializes in fragrance, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, and more. Before her time at Hearst, Lauren graduated from New York University and wrote for Shop TODAY, Entertainment Tonight, Self, V Magazine, L’Officiel, and more. When she’s not researching Prime Day deals or testing the latest perfume launches, you can find Lauren hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater.
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