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These Primark perfumes smell so much like designer fragrances, no one will believe they cost £5
Feeling smug because getting change from a tenner in a beauty aisle is rare...
If you want proof that I'm a boujee B when it comes to perfumes you need only look at my shelf full of Le Labo, Byredo and Jo Malone, So, when I become obsessed with a fragrance from... Primark this year, I was perplexed.
With such excellent beauty buys from the likes of M&S, &Other Stories and even Aldi and Lidl, Primark has stiff competition on the high street beauty front, BUT then the brand dropped a new scent collection and doing my duties as a beauty journalist, I enquired and, boy, am I glad I did.
If you think there's something familiar about them, you're not alone. Seeing as I'm a fan of Phlur's fragrances (aren't we all?) and the Soft Scents lineup is seriously giving them a run for their money with blends like Whipped Cream and Sweet Strawberry, it's all the more impressive.
Below, the best from the Primark perfume range that smell luxe and there's one for every perfume palette...
How I tested the Primark perfumes
I tested the wear time of each scent by always applying to my pulse points. They are all Eau De Parfums but some are EDPs and some are EDP intense.
So, it’s important to say, that these fragrances will wear different if you are comparing an Eau de Parfum intense to a regular EDP as an intense has a higher concentration of perfume oil in it compared to an EDP which has more alcohol and so will wear off of the skin quicker.
The vibe: If your tastes lean towards clean and sophisticated, Role Model is for you. Earthy notes give this blend a subtle, fresh vibe, which basically embodies a crisp spring morning. But trust me, it's versatile enough to reach for year-round; a woody, musk-like base gives it depth, which feels grown-up and makes it a gorgeous scent for any season.
Smells like: Phlur Father Figure Eau de Parfum, £99
Notes and scent profiles: Lemon zest, woody, earthy
The vibe: Okay, the name suggests you're in for a sugary sweet gourmand, but Whipped Cream is actually so much more elegant. I was surprised (and delighted) to discover this floral musky blend is much more grown-up than cloying. Basically, imagine a comfortable, gentle skin scent that settles quickly to become warm, addictive and super wearable.
Smells like: Phlur Soft Spot Eau de Parfum, £99
Notes and scent profiles: Vanilla, musk, floral, woody
The vibe: This has quickly become my go-to from the Soft Scents collection - and for good reason. While soft, creamy vanilla adds warmth, hints of pink pepper and citrus elevate and brighten the scent, making it beautifully feminine and a great option for everyday. After all, it's hard to go wrong with an fresh, airy blend. I'd especially recommend this to anyone who's into layering; I've been wearing it with Merit Retrospect Extrait de Parfum, £79 and the result has me basking in compliments.
Smells like: Phlur Vanilla Skin Eau de Parfum, £99
Notes and scent profiles: Vanilla, citrus, warm spice
The vibe: "Sultry, not sickly" is the best way to sum up Sweet Strawberry, a fruity gourmand. If you're anything like me, at first spritz, you'll get hints of Haribo Giant Strawbs. While my tastebuds are a fan, my nose isn't (soz) - but luckily, it settles down on the skin in seconds. Once the amber and tonka bean come through, the scent becomes bold, sensual and frankly, delicious. Even better, it lasts for hours; I was still getting wafts of it after a busy 9-5.
Smells like: Phlur Strawberry Letter Eau de Parfum, £99
Notes and scent profiles: Strawberry, amber, tonka bean
The vibe: Mood-boosting fragrances don't get much better than this, especially at such a purse-friendly price point. Think fruity and floral, with a similar tropical touch to your favourite Sol de Janeiro mist. Again, if you're layering on top of anything musky, woody or citrus - or if you're after something punchy and energising for daily wear - look no further.
Smells like: Phlur Dragon Fruit Body Mist, £38
Notes and scent profiles: Tropical fruits, floral
The vibe: This is my favourite of the Pro collection and if you like tea-infused perfumes like you'll love it. It's lighter than the likes of Le Labo The Noir but has that green, herbaceous air that is as chic as it is comforting. The fig isn't overly sweet at all but cuts through the green.
Notes: Fig, matcha and vetiver
The vibe: Super smooth and a little spicy, I'm a big fan of this spritz. The sandalwood steals the show. It's woody but very, very light. The cardamon is a subtle spice too, and not at all dominate in the scent and then mixed with the iris it's a gorgeous, feminine woody scent.
Notes: Cardamom, iris and sandalwood
The vibe: When you first spray this on your skin it gives pure Ribena vibes with the blackcurrant completely taking over. Do not be put off. As it dries the violet leaf and smoky tea intermingle to create a beautifully grown-up fruity floral.
Notes: Blackcurrant, smoky tea, and woody birch
The vibe: This scent (that I have to say lasts really well on the skin considering it costs just £6) combines the freshness of juniper berries and a hint of citrus with the creamy, light woodiness of sandalwood. It's the perfect kind of scent to transition from summer to autumn.
Notes: Citrus, soft woods, and mineral musk
The vibe: Earthy but citrusy, this scent is for you if you prefer a year-round summer vibe over anything warm and wintery. It has violet enmeshed with the green and citrusy scents so if you like a a more quirky floral this'll be your vibe.
Notes: Bergamot, marigold and violet
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Beauty Assistant Urmi works across Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Red and Prima.
She fell into the world of beauty following a Masters in Magazine Journalism, and has been knee-deep in maximalist makeup, seasonal nail trends, and skincare myth-busting ever since. Both in and outside the office, she is best recognised by her signature red hair and elaborate set of acrylics.
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