There are tons of dupes within the fragrance world–who doesn’t want to smell expensive for less? Iconic scents like Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 and Kilian’s Love Don’t Be Shy have been emulated countless times, at varying price points. Bath and Body Works recently launched Everyday Luxuries, a collection of body sprays that are “inspired by the trending luxury fragrances you adore” – and “crafted by the same master perfumers behind some of your favorite designer perfumes.” I had the chance to test 5 fragrances from the collection against their original inspirations–here are my thoughts.
Pink Obsessed is said to smell like blushing jasmine, cashmere praline, and vanilla bourbon. The name is fitting–this smells like a sweet and fluffy pink cloud. According to my internet research, this smells similar to a few different luxury fragrances, but I tested it against Valentino’s Donna Born in Roma, available at FragranceNet. To my nose, they are almost identical; B&BW really nailed that candied jasmine note that reminds me of Turkish delight.
Petal Parade is heavier on the florals, but just as sugary-sweet. With notes of blushing jasmine, cashmere praline and vanilla bourbon, this one has also been likened to multiple luxury fragrances, but I compared it with Prada Paradoxe, which is available at FragranceNet. It’s very, very close in terms of scent profile, if not quite as strong. In my experience, Prada Paradoxe is one of the most powerful designer eau de parfums on the market–it lasts forever, and might be too overwhelming for some. In those cases, Petal Parade would be an excellent option. I really enjoy the warmth and headiness of the florals in both.
If You Musk’s name is self-explanatory; it’s a musk bomb. Lipsticky and powdery, it smells a lot like Glossier You, with notes of iris, pink pepper and airy musk. You is a bit spicier, while If You Musk is breezier and lighter. I think the body spray would be an amazing option for layering with almost any more concentrated fragrance. It would also help soften You, whose pepperiness can be sharp to some noses (though it’s one of my personal favorites).
I’ve saved my two favorites for last. Floral Fantasy is the scent that piqued my interest in this collection. When I first smelled it, I marveled at how much it smells like Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb. The perfumers absolutely nailed the DNA of this one; it’s a spot-on dupe. Official notes of Floral Fantasy are peach osmanthus, jasmine and warm patchouli. In my opinion, the only differentiator between the two is that Flowerbomb touts a prominent base note of patchouli that makes it last; I don’t get the patchouli as strongly in Floral Fantasy. I absoutely love reaching for it, though, as it’s easier to spritz on than the eau de parfum and is so addictively warm without being sugary.
Finally, Covered in Roses is truly a hidden gem for fans of Parfums de Marly’s Delina. Its listed notes are ruby berries, sugared rosebuds and blush amber, and I feel it has truly captured the unique magic of PDM’s most beloved scent, but in a lighter way. In fact, the pungent lychee note present in Delina is toned down in Covered in Roses, making it more wearable for some. I’m not sure I should admit this, but I actually prefer Covered in Roses to the real thing. If you have Delina and want to refresh your scent throughout the day without knocking out the people around you, or if you can’t afford this very expensive perfume, you should absolutely check out Covered in Roses.
Discover the full Everyday Luxuries collection here.
