Perfumes Similar to Glossier You: A Journey Through Affordable Dupes

It was the fourth fragrance I tried that day, and it wasn’t even close. Finding a scent similar to Glossier You seemed like an impossible quest. Each perfume I sampled either missed the mark entirely or felt like a cheap imitation. But then, just when I was about to give up, I found something that caught my attention—a fragrance so close to Glossier You that I had to double-check the label. Could this finally be the affordable dupe I’d been searching for?

Let’s backtrack a little. Glossier You, the cult favorite from Glossier, has been hailed as a unique, personal scent that adapts to the wearer’s skin chemistry. It’s often described as “you, but better,” with notes of pink pepper, iris root, and ambrette—a musky, slightly floral combination that’s both subtle and sophisticated. However, at $60 for a 50ml bottle, it’s not exactly the most budget-friendly option, especially if you’re looking to build a perfume collection.

This is where affordable alternatives come into play. If you’re looking for a scent that captures the essence of Glossier You without the price tag, there are several perfumes that come surprisingly close. Let’s dive into some of the best options available, what makes them similar to Glossier You, and how they perform.

Zara "Femme"
Zara is no stranger to producing high-quality fragrances at a fraction of the cost of luxury brands. Zara Femme has become one of the most commonly mentioned dupes for Glossier You, thanks to its warm, musky notes that mimic the cozy, skin-like quality of the original. It has a base of vanilla, musk, and sandalwood, creating that warm, enveloping feeling that Glossier fans love. The best part? It’s available for around $20, making it an accessible option for those on a budget.

Phlur "Somebody Wood"
Phlur’s fragrance lineup is all about minimalism and eco-consciousness, much like Glossier. Somebody Wood comes close to replicating the musky and slightly woody elements of Glossier You. It features sandalwood, musk, and cardamom, giving it a similar earthy feel that’s grounded and versatile. While Phlur is still a niche brand, this fragrance retails at a slightly lower price point than Glossier, offering a good middle-ground option for those who want a similar vibe but with a twist.

Escentric Molecules "Molecule 01"
This is a fragrance that has been whispered about in beauty circles for years. Molecule 01 contains Iso E Super, a synthetic molecule that adapts to your skin’s natural scent, which is also a key characteristic of Glossier You. The beauty of Molecule 01 is its ability to blend seamlessly with your skin’s chemistry, creating a “you, but enhanced” scent profile, much like Glossier’s famous fragrance. While it doesn’t exactly replicate Glossier You, it gives off a similar vibe—one that’s personal, intimate, and never overpowering.

Juliette Has A Gun "Not A Perfume"
One of the closest olfactory matches, Not A Perfume by Juliette Has A Gun, is a minimalist fragrance composed entirely of Cetalox, a synthetic version of ambergris. This gives it a musky, woody scent that closely resembles the clean, skin-like essence of Glossier You. Though slightly more expensive than some dupes on this list, it’s a great option for those who love the minimalism of Glossier and want something in the same family of fragrances.

Mix

Cloud Musk
Found at Target, Mix

Cloud Musk has been gaining popularity as a Glossier You alternative, especially among fragrance enthusiasts looking for an affordable dupe. At just $19, Cloud Musk provides a soft, musky scent that feels like an intimate hug—close to the skin and subtle. While it may not have the exact depth of Glossier You, it does offer a similar musky undertone that makes it a worthy contender in this list of dupes.

What Makes These Dupes Similar to Glossier You?

The hallmark of Glossier You is its ability to smell like an extension of the wearer’s skin. Its musky, slightly floral profile adapts to individual skin chemistry, creating a personalized scent experience. The perfumes mentioned above share some of these qualities in varying degrees:

1. Musk and Ambrette: Many of these dupes, including Zara Femme and Juliette Has A Gun’s Not A Perfume, lean heavily into musky notes. Musk is known for creating a warm, intimate scent, which is why it’s so effective in replicating the “you, but better” feel of Glossier You.

2. Minimalism: Glossier You is often praised for its minimalistic formula, focusing on a few key notes. Perfumes like Molecule 01 and Not A Perfume follow a similar philosophy, creating fragrances that are clean, subtle, and designed to enhance rather than overpower.

3. Adaptability: Perfumes like Phlur Somebody Wood and Mix

   Cloud Musk adapt well to different skin types, offering a personal, skin-like scent that’s close to the wearer without being too strong.

4. Affordability: One of the biggest draws of these dupes is their price point. Perfumes like Zara Femme and Mix

   Cloud Musk offer a Glossier You-like experience without breaking the bank, making them accessible to a wider audience.

The Importance of Testing on Skin
One thing to note when searching for dupes is that fragrance can change significantly when applied to your skin. While a perfume may smell one way on a test strip, it might transform completely when it reacts with your body’s natural oils. This is especially true for Glossier You dupes, as their subtle, musky compositions are often designed to meld with your unique scent profile.

Before committing to a full bottle of any dupe, it’s always a good idea to try a sample or test it on your skin. This way, you can ensure that it complements your natural scent and provides the “you, but better” effect that Glossier You is known for.

Table of Dupes and Comparisons

Perfume	Price Range	Key Notes	Longevity	Sillage
Zara Femme	$20	Musk, Vanilla, Sandalwood	Moderate	Light
Phlur Somebody Wood	$96	Sandalwood, Musk, Cardamom	Long-lasting	Moderate
Escentric Molecules 01	$100	Iso E Super	Long-lasting	Moderate
Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume	$135	Cetalox	Moderate	Light
Mix Cloud Musk	$19	Musk, Woods	Moderate	Light

Conclusion
Glossier You may have created a sensation in the fragrance world, but it’s not the only perfume that can give you that “you, but better” experience. From Zara Femme to Juliette Has A Gun, there are plenty of affordable alternatives that offer a similar vibe without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a fan of musk or looking for something that feels uniquely you, these dupes offer a wide range of options for any budget.