The countdown to Christmas is underway, but with loads of options on the market, there’s still time to stock up on presents. If you’re after something for a fragrance enthusiast in your life, Sephora is offering a curated discovery collection that includes eight mini fragrances, including one from Jo Malone, for less than £10 a bottle.
The Sephora Favourites Fragrance Discovery Set is packed with fragrances valued at £188.10, but is priced at £79, reports OK!. The set includes eight miniature perfumes, featuring a good mix of classic and trendy brands, all packed inside a pink pouch, which can later be reused as a makeup bag.
If you’re in the market for a new signature scent and feeling adventurous, then this set is a great way to explore bestselling scents for a fraction of their usual price. It could also save you money on stocking stuffers, as each mini can easily be regifted, but the entire set would also make a brilliant present.
What really makes this gift set stand out is the variety, as it encompasses classics like Jo Malone, longstanding designer brands like Burberry, Gucci and Prada, and more niche, cult brands like Merit, Who Is Elijah and Glossier.
OK! writer Jada Jones, who frequently covers fragrances, offered her insights on the set, saying: “This is an incredible deal, particularly for those who like sweeter and floral fragrances. While I’ve not tried most of the scents in this particular set, I recognise that they’re some of the most popular brands on the market at the minute.
“Glossier You Fleur is a flanker of the cult classic You with a floral twist, and Nest has come out with some of my favourite gourmand scents. Prada Paradoxe, Gucci Guilty and Burberry Goddess are some of the most loved ranges of designer perfume lately, so this is a great way to try them.”
The scents inside lean heavily towards florals, but there are also some other fun options for fans of warmer scents and gourmands (scents that smell like desserts).
There is a 9ml bottle of Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede, a floral, fruity scent with notes of red apple, peony and suede. This one is a cologne, so it’s on the lighter side, with one fan describing it as “light, airy and fresh”. The same size bottle costs £18 on its own.
Another floral comes in the form of Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum, which has notes of pear blossom, gardenia and jasmine over a base of brown sugar and patchouli. This one isn’t sold in this mini 5ml, so it’s a nice way to try the fragrance without committing to a full bottle.
A less sweet floral in the collection is a Glossier You Fleur Eau de Parfum, which normally retails for £32 individually. This scent adds notes of Ylang-Ylang and apricot to the brand’s bestselling You, which is considered a skin scent, meaning it’s meant to enhance, rather than cover, the wearer’s natural scent.
A similar floral, musky combination in the set is Prada Paradoxe Virtual Flower Eau de Parfum, which has top notes of bergamot, middle notes of jasmine and neroli, and a base of musk and ambrette.
If you’re not a huge fan of florals, you might like Retrospect by US-based beauty brand Merit, which normally costs £30. This warm, clean scent opens with fruity bergamot and pear, and has floral middle notes of jasmine and rose, and a creamy base of vanilla and musk.
Another musky scent with added woody notes is Nomad by Who Is Elijah?, which normally retails for £40 in this size. This complex scent has notes of jasmine, saffron and almond, with a heart of rose, amber wood and ambergris, and a woody base of cedar, fir resin, moss, amber and musk.
Two gourmands complete the collection, both with vanilla notes. One is Nest’s Vanilla Bourbon, which has notes of vanilla, orange butters, brown sugar and jasmine, and was described by a shopper as “vanilla, but grown up”.
Last but not least is a mini of Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum. At 5ml, it’s more of a sample, as the smallest travel size available individually is a 10ml, which retails for £28; however, it’s still a great opportunity to try it. The scent layers three different vanilla notes with lavender, ginger and cacao, and one fan says it’s “a dream come true for everyone who loves sweet vanilla scents”.
Sephora customers have left only positive reviews of the set so far, with one saying: “Incredible range of perfumes. Great sizes and value for the price.”
Another said: “Loved this edit, as it actually contained the newer releases from some of the most popular fragrance houses. No duds and so easy to fit in your handbag. Very pleased with my purchase.”
A third enthusiastic buyer said: “Great combination for great price…There are a few scents in here I will add to my collection with an upgraded, bigger size…kudos!”
Of course, the only downside is that if you are buying this as a gift, you can’t be sure everyone will like all of the scents.
