How to Get Perfume for Cheap

The key to scoring high-end perfumes at low prices may be simpler than you think. Imagine walking through a store and catching the irresistible scent of a luxury fragrance, only to look at the price tag and cringe. It's a scenario we've all been through. But what if I told you that you don't need to break the bank to smell amazing? In this article, I'll reveal strategies that savvy shoppers use to get their hands on high-end perfumes without the high-end price. From online deals and seasonal sales to discount stores and even do-it-yourself options, you’ll find plenty of tips to help you smell divine for less.

Why Pay Full Price?

Perfume is one of those luxury items that many people assume you have to pay full price for if you want the best quality. But that's a myth. Perfumes are regularly marked down, and with a bit of insider knowledge, you can easily find top-notch fragrances at a fraction of their retail price. Why pay full price when you don't have to? The trick is knowing where and when to look.

Outlet Stores & Discount Retailers

One of the easiest ways to save on perfume is to shop at outlet stores or discount retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Nordstrom Rack. These stores often carry designer perfumes at deep discounts. The catch? Inventory is constantly changing, so you might need to visit frequently to find your favorite brands.

If you're lucky, you could score a $100 bottle for $40 or less. But it’s not just about luck; these stores get shipments regularly, and the best time to shop is during weekdays, especially in the morning when new items are being stocked.

Shop Online and Save

The internet has revolutionized the way we shop for luxury goods, including perfume. Online retailers like FragranceNet, Scentbird, and even Amazon offer significant savings on name-brand perfumes. Many of these platforms offer coupons and loyalty programs, allowing you to save even more.

Fragrance Subscription Services

If you’re the type who loves variety and wants to try new scents frequently, consider a fragrance subscription service like Scentbird or ScentBox. These services allow you to sample luxury perfumes every month for as little as $15. You won’t get a full-size bottle, but it’s perfect for testing out new scents without committing to a hefty price tag.

Discount Perfume Sites

Websites like FragranceNet, Perfume.com, and FragranceX are dedicated to selling authentic perfumes at discounted prices. They often offer deals, especially during holidays and special sales events. Be sure to sign up for their newsletters to stay in the loop for flash sales and promotions.

Clearance Sections and Coupons

Most online retailers have clearance sections where they offer steep discounts on discontinued or out-of-season fragrances. Combining these deals with coupons can lead to even bigger savings. Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices between different websites.

Wait for the Sales

Patience is key when looking for a good perfume deal. The best sales typically happen during major shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and right after the New Year when retailers are looking to clear out old inventory. During these times, you can often find perfumes marked down by 30% to 70%.

Email Signups and Loyalty Programs

One pro tip is to sign up for email lists from your favorite retailers. Many websites will offer a discount code just for subscribing, which can give you an instant 10%-20% off your purchase. Retailers like Sephora and Ulta have loyalty programs that reward you with points for every dollar you spend, which can later be redeemed for discounts or even free products.

Buying Perfume Duty-Free

If you travel frequently, buying perfume duty-free can be a great way to save. Airports around the world offer a variety of luxury fragrances at prices significantly lower than retail stores. Duty-free shops eliminate the cost of taxes and tariffs, meaning you can score a deal. Plus, some airports even run sales or offer additional discounts on top of their already reduced prices. However, do your research beforehand—sometimes the savings aren’t as significant as they appear.

DIY Perfume: Making Your Own Signature Scent

Another fun way to save money on perfume is by making your own. While this might sound complicated, it's actually quite simple. There are DIY perfume kits available online that provide all the materials you need to create a customized scent. Not only is this a cost-effective option, but it also allows you to create a fragrance that is uniquely yours.

All you need is a few basic ingredients: essential oils, alcohol, and distilled water. Choose essential oils that appeal to you, like lavender, jasmine, or sandalwood, and mix them in different combinations until you find a scent that you love. You can easily make a batch of your own perfume for under $20—an incredibly affordable option compared to high-end designer bottles.

Perfume Dupes: Smell Expensive for Less

Perfume dupes are another excellent option for those who want to smell luxurious without the high price tag. These are fragrances made by lesser-known brands that closely mimic the scent of popular designer perfumes. While they might not have the same name or packaging, the scent can be remarkably similar.

Brands like Dossier and ALT. Fragrances specialize in producing high-quality dupes of popular perfumes like Chanel No. 5 or Tom Ford’s Black Orchid. For a fraction of the price, you can enjoy a scent that’s nearly identical to the original.

How to Spot a Good Dupe

When shopping for perfume dupes, read reviews carefully. Many people share their experiences online, detailing how close a dupe comes to the real thing in terms of scent and longevity. Also, don’t be afraid to order samples first. This way, you can try a scent before committing to a full-size bottle.

Buy Smaller Bottles or Rollerballs

Perfume doesn't have to come in a large, expensive bottle. Many high-end perfumes are available in smaller sizes, such as rollerballs or travel sprays. These smaller options can cost significantly less, allowing you to enjoy a luxury scent without the luxury price. Rollerballs, in particular, are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and typically cost between $20-$30.

Pro tip: Look for perfume sets around the holidays. Many brands release gift sets that include smaller versions of their most popular scents at a fraction of the cost.

Reselling Perfume

Another often-overlooked way to save money on perfume is by buying or selling perfumes in online marketplaces. Websites like eBay or Poshmark allow you to purchase partially used bottles of perfume at discounted prices. Similarly, you can sell any perfumes you no longer use to fund your next fragrance purchase.

Testing Before You Buy

If you're hesitant to commit to a full bottle without trying a fragrance first, ask for samples at department stores or beauty retailers. Many stores will provide small perfume samples for free, allowing you to test the scent on your skin and see how it wears throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Luxury perfumes don’t have to come with luxury price tags. With a little patience, strategy, and creativity, you can score amazing deals on high-end fragrances. Whether you shop at outlet stores, hunt for sales online, or even create your own signature scent, there are plenty of ways to smell incredible without overspending.