There are two types of fragrance people: those who stick to their signature scent year on year, and those who switch things up with the seasons. For years, I used to sit in the first camp, loyal to my OG companion, YSL Black Opium. But somewhere between my frontal lobe fully developing and a few too many heady, post-lunch office-induced migraines (picture: 1pm, July, windows sealed shut), I realised not every perfume belongs in every setting. I've since defected and now treat perfume like a rotating wardrobe, Hannah Montana style.
When the coats go away, so do the heavy perfumes, and in spring, they're replaced by something lighter, brighter and just indulgent enough that I feel like I belong somewhere in the Caribbean, frozen cocktail in hand.
This spring 2026 season, my go-to has been Fugazzi Magic Mango, which retails at £95 for 50ml. It opens with that classic, unapologetic mango scent we all know and love (none of that barely-there nonsense), before slipping into a more mysterious saffron heart, and finally, settling down into something woody and grown-up with akigalawood and vetiver.
It's sophisticated sunshine, bottled, so much so that it's been my most complimented scent of the year... humble brag, I smell great.
Then, plot twist, along comes Zara's Solar Mango – all £17.99 of it...
At first sniff, it's suspiciously familiar. The same bright mango opening, but where Fugazzi goes sultry and spiced, Zara takes a beach holiday. Its middle notes lean into solar notes, jasmine and coconut, giving it a warm yet slightly creamy vibe. Not to mention its base of sandalwood that keeps things soft and crowd-pleasing, rather than intense.
They're similar in that they're both mango-forward – no green, no sharpness, just ripe, golden fruit. And they're also both eau de parfums, which means they actually last (that is, longer than an eau de toilette, typically anyway) – impressively so, especially for Zara, which has no business lingering this well at that price.
Do I still love my £95 bottle? Obviously. But am I quietly thrilled to have found a budget-friendly alternative? Also obviously. This way, I can savour my favourite for special occasions, and liberally spritz away the pennies of the latter without a second thought.
You heard it from me: spring 2026 smells like mango – however much you want to spend.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
