When it comes to finding luxury fragrances at affordable prices, Aldi has become a go-to destination for savvy shoppers. L360 takes a look at its affordable Sol de Janeiro and Jean Paul Gaultier alternatives.
Known for its budget-friendly offerings, Aldi is gaining a loyal following for its ‘dupes’ of high-end perfumes, including Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Jo Malone.
But while these budget scents offer an accessible alternative to costly designer fragrances, are they really worth it?
L360 dives into Aldi’s most popular perfume dupes and speaks to experts on how they compare to the real thing.
Aldi’s most popular perfume dupes
Hotel Collection No. 1 Lime, Basil & Mandarin Eau De Parfum (£6.99 for 100ml) vs Jo Malone’s Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne (£82 for 50ml)
Fragrance notes: mandarin orange, English lavender, vetiver
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Aldi’s Hotel Collection No. 1 Lime, Basil & Mandarin is a close match for Jo Malone’s iconic citrusy scent.
Priced at a mere £6.99 for 100ml, it’s an attractive option compared to Jo Malone’s hefty price tag of £82 for half the amount.
However, while the Aldi version may replicate the opening notes of its high-end counterpart, the long-lasting quality of the original is hard to replicate.
As Holly Hutchinson, founder of perfume brand Memorize London, explains: “In my 15 years of experience working in the fragrance sector, I can honestly say that a product priced at £6.99 compared to a product that retails at £82 isn’t going to be truly comparable.”
Indeed, the Aldi version may start strong with the refreshing notes of lime and basil, but it lacks the complexity and staying power that you’d find in the Jo Malone original.
Hotel Collection No. 39 Poppy & Barley Eau De Parfum (£6.99 for 100ml) vs Jo Malone’s Poppy & Barley Cologne (£82 for 50ml)
Fragrance notes: red poppy, blackcurrant, barley, bran, white musk
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Another entry from Aldi’s Hotel Collection is No. 39 Poppy & Barley, a charming dupe of Jo Malone’s floral and fruity Poppy & Barley.
This scent is perfect for lovers of light, everyday perfumes with soft floral notes.
Kirsty, aka Labels for Lunch on YouTube, posted a video where she said the Aldi dupe: “Isn’t a perfect match, but it’s scarily close”.
She goes on to detail how she thought it was “really good” and that it “lasted all day” and “didn’t smell cheap”.
One of the comments on the video seemed to agree, saying: “I have bought this and trust me, it is amazing”.
Men’s Gentleman Eau De Toilette 1 (£4.99 for 50ml) vs Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male (£67 for 75ml)
Fragrance notes: wood, mint, lavender, cinnamon, vanilla
For men, Aldi’s Gentleman Eau De Toilette is a solid dupe of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male, the classic barbershop fragrance known for its aromatic vanilla and minty freshness.
Priced at a fraction of the designer scent, Aldi’s version offers a decent option for those who love the masculine and warm scent of Le Male.
However, as with the other Aldi dupes, the lasting power and the quality of the fragrance oils used in Jean Paul Gaultier’s creation simply can’t be matched.
Lacura Ladies’ Eau De Parfum Cardinal Red (£5.99 for 50ml) vs Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 (£155 for 35ml)
Fragrance notes: saffron, jasmine, ambergris
One of Aldi’s most ambitious offerings, Lacura Ladies’ Eau De Parfum, attempts to replicate the beloved and ultra-luxurious Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
While the Aldi version might come close to capturing the same warm, amber floral opening notes, the complexity and sheer artistry of the original make it incomparable.
Holly’s advice rings particularly true here: “A quality perfume is worth the investment. It should last throughout the day, it should not need to be reapplied, and you should experience the way the notes change.”
Simply put, if you’re after the unparalleled sophistication of Baccarat Rouge 540, the Aldi dupe might leave you wanting more.
However, for those looking for an affordable alternative to the boujee bottle, Aldi’s version comes pretty close.
Zara also do an excellent dupe of the perfume for £12.99.
Aldi’s Lacura Tropical Essence 28 Body Mist (£2.99 for 90ml) vs Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist (£24 for 90ml)
Fragrance notes: jasmine, hibiscus flower, ozone, lychee and dragon fruit, vanilla, musk
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Dr Kubanych Takyrbashev, health and wellness adviser at Nao, an organic superfoods company, says: “While both aim for a warm, tropical fragrance, the Cheriosa 68 boasts a complex blend with notes of vanilla, salted caramel and pistachio, creating a gourmand experience. Aldi’s Tropical Essence 28 leans towards a simpler, fruity-floral scent, reminiscent of coconut and vanilla.
“The longevity and projection might also differ, with the Cheriosa 68 potentially having a longer-lasting, more noticeable fragrance due to higher perfume oil concentration or different formulations.”
That said, Lacura’s version is a more cost-effective way to liberally spray yourself with a fruity scent, thanks to its £2.99 price point, while the original product costs £24 in Boots.
While fun and perfect for summer, these budget-friendly body mists are exactly that — light and fleeting.
You’ll need to reapply throughout the day to maintain that holiday scent, whereas the original Sol de Janeiro product offers a longer-lasting, more sophisticated formulation.
The verdict: are Aldi perfume dupes worth it?
Aldi’s perfume dupes undoubtedly offer a tempting deal, especially when you consider their incredibly low prices compared to their designer counterparts.
They do a commendable job at replicating the top notes and giving a taste of luxury without the hefty price tag.
Ellie, owner of hair specialists PrettyGorgeousHair, says: “Investing in a high-end fragrance is a significant decision, so trying a duplicate first can be a wise approach to determine if you truly enjoy the scent before committing to the originally.”
However, she warns: “Many companies offer scents that mimic more expensive options, but their longevity can vary significantly.
“Some may perform well, while others may only last a short time or have poor staying power.”
For those looking to splurge on a lasting and luxurious fragrance experience, a high-quality original is undoubtedly worth the investment.
After all, as Holly says, “Quality over quantity is my motto — with a quality perfume, you only need to use a little to get a lot of scent projection.”
