I absolutely love trying out new perfumes. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that it's one of my favourite hobbies. As a beauty editor, I'm lucky enough that I get to do this on a daily basis, and I'm always on the lookout for trending or unexpectedly good scents. Recently, I've been seeing everyone talk about Marks and Spencer perfumes, so I was keen to see what all the fuss was about.
If you didn't know, not only does M&S do some of the most stylish and high-quality high-street clothes available, but the British institution also has an impressive beauty offering. It stocks lots of cult brands such as Benefit and Clinique, but also has its own in-house ranges that have become increasingly popular. Before trying out some of the perfumes myself, I had a look online and was so impressed by how affordable they are. Prices range from around £10-£15 and the packaging is minimal and chic—just what you'd expect from designer scents.
With an amazing selection on offer, I called upon my beauty network to find out which M&S perfumes were not to be missed, and I've now been testing out some of the best-selling scents for myself over the last few weeks. I honestly can't tell you how many compliments I've gotten—because the bottles are on the smaller side, I've been carrying them around everywhere with me, and my friends and family have been dying to know where each perfume is from.
So, if you want to know which M&S perfumes I recommend, keep reading.
The Best M&S perfumes, Listed:
- Soft Iris Eau de Toilette
- White Coconut Eau de Toilette
- Fresh Mandarin
- Warmth Eau de Parfum
- Velvet Amber Eau de Toilette
- Pink Pepper Eau de Toilette
- Seasalt Neroli Eau de Toilette
- Midnight Blossom Eau de Toilette
- Spiced Wood Eau de Toilette
1. Soft Iris
Key Notes: Iris, bergamot and patchouli.
As soon as I smelt this, I felt like I had walked straight into a Chanel store. It really reminded me of some of the luxury brand's high-end fragrances, so I couldn't believe it was just £10. The floral blend is perfect for everyday wear, with base notes of vetiver and amber giving this perfume a sophisticated finish.
2. White Coconut
Key Notes: Coconut, vanilla, sea moss, citrus and amber.
If, like me, you're dreaming of summer, trust me when I say that a spritz of this perfume will transport you to a tropical island far, far away. It has such a delicious, creamy and refreshing scent, thanks to notes of coconut, vanilla and citrus, while amber adds a warm, expensive-smelling edge.
3. Fresh Mandarin
Key Notes: Mandarin, ylang ylang and vanilla.
Speaking of refreshing, say hello to Fresh Mandarin. This citrusy scent has a gorgeous sweetness to it, thanks to notes of amber, vanilla and sandalwood, and you could definitely take this from day to night.
4. Warmth
Key Notes: Cardamom, cinnamon, cedarwood and sandalwood.
As soon as I got this fragrance, it reminded me of a perfume I loved from Aesop years ago, and not just because of the bottle. The scent itself smells so expensive, and has been designed to bring a sense of comfort to your day. It's quite literally the perfect perfume for autumn and winter, and really does feel like a warm hug.
5. Velvet Amber
Key Notes: Amber, neroli and jasmine.
If you're after a sensual evening fragrance, then this might be the perfume for you. Warm, rich notes of amber make wearing this scent feel so luxurious, and I love layering it with other perfumes too.
6. Pink Pepper
Key Notes: Pink pepper, jasmine and vanilla.
Another intoxicating option from the brand is Pink Pepper. Sweet hints of vanilla and amber combine with floral orange blossom and sensual jasmine for a scent that will have you (and those around you) hooked.
7. Seasalt Neroli
Key Notes: Sea salt, neroli, mandarin and musk.
Part of the Discover Intense range, this affordable fragrance really reminds me of a similar scent from Jo Malone. Hints of sea salt make spraying this perfume feel like a breath of fresh air, whilst notes of musk give it an unexpected depth.
8. Midnight Blossom
Key Notes: White flower, mandarin and tuberose.
According to the internet, this perfume is a great alternative to YSL's Black Opium, which is one of my all-time favourite scents. Of course, the M&S version is much more affordable, and you could even layer both fragrances together to make the scent last all day long.
Key notes: Apple, clove and sandalwood.
Prepare for fireplace season with this warm, spiced, only slightly sweet woody fragrance. If you like light and floral, it won't be the right one for you but for all the musk lovers out there, you might have stumbled upon your next signature scent.
