Finding affordable alternatives to high-end perfumes has become a popular pursuit, as not everyone can justify spending over £100 on a luxury fragrance. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise when it comes to scent quality.
To cater to this demand, high-street retailers have started offering perfumes that closely resemble their designer counterparts at a fraction of the cost. A prime example is Zara’s Golden Decade perfume, which bears a striking resemblance to Yves Saint Laurent’s (YSL) 2020 release, Libre Intense.
While a 90ml bottle of Libre Intense comes with a hefty £145 price tag, Zara’s Golden Decade, praised for making the wearer “smell amazing,” is available for just £22.99. According to TikTok user @bryan_njh, Zara’s version is a “95% dupe for YSL’s Libre Intense”.
In his review, Bryan noted: “I swear this is so good. This opens up to a slightly sweeter, stronger orange blossom opening, but I swear to you, in the dry down, it smells 100% the same”.
Bryan elaborated on the scent’s characteristics, highlighting its “You get that lovely sweet vanilla facet, a little bit of freshness from the citrus, and the lavender”.
Upon re-smelling the perfume, he exclaimed: “Oh my god. This is probably one of the best Zara dupes out there… it’s absolutely amazing; you’re not gonna regret it.”
Zara’s £22.99 fragrance is described as “A warm, elegant and enveloping eau de parfum for a woman who wants to convey a sense of freedom and express her emotions to the fullest.”
The scent profile includes a “white floral bouquet (jasmine, orange blossom) enhanced by the juicy facets of mandarin” and is rounded off with “sweet and addictive lavender”.
YSL’s Libre has achieved iconic status as it was the first women’s perfume to feature a floral lavender base. Fenwick describes it as being “built on old tensions, between a masculine structure of Lavender and an ultra-feminine Orange Blossom”.
Judging by this description, Zara’s version seems to be hitting the right notes. But if you’re after something less overpowering and prefer the original Libre aroma, then Zara Golden Sweet Decade could be your perfect match.
Currently discounted from £22.99 to £15.99 for 80ml, it offers the lightness of the original while also providing longevity. Plus, it’ll save you nearly £100 compared to the original fragrance.
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that while many are fans of the high-street perfume, it won’t be an exact replica of the designer product. Do your homework before making a purchase.