I Always Get Compliments on Zara Perfumes—These 14 Could Easily Pass for Designer
Who doesn’t love a designer perfume? Not only do they look beautiful, but they also smell beautiful. The only downside is that they can sometimes set you back a small fortune. Thanks to one of my favorite stores, however, expensive-smelling perfumes don’t have to break the bank. Enter Zara.
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Over the years, Zara perfumes have become staples in my fragrance collection, and I often find myself reaching for them over my luxury scents. Since trying lots of different ones out for myself, I’ve come to realize that there are certain Zara fragrances that smell just like some of my designer faves. In fact, if you blindfolded me and asked me to tell the difference between the two, I’m not sure I’d always be able to.
It seems I’m not alone—TikTok is full of videos of people comparing Zara perfumes to high-end fragrances from brands such as Armani, Dior, Tom Ford and YSL. Here at Who What Wear, we don’t gatekeep, so I thought it was only right to round up the best Zara perfume dupes available right now.
All of these perfumes are $80 or less, so you’re literally getting the designer look (or smell) for less. Interested? I thought so. Keep on scrolling for the very best Zara perfume dupes. These fragrances are always selling out, so make sure to add them to your basket before it’s too late. You’ve been warned.
The Best Zara Perfume Dupes
1. Zara Golden Decade vs. YSL Libre
Zara
Golden Decade Eau de Parfum
According to TikTok, Golden Decade is a very close match for YSL’s Libre, and both include jasmine, orange blossom, and lavender notes. YSL’s fragrance has better staying power, but Zara’s version is a very affordable option if you know you like the scent already.
2. Zara Ebony Wood vs. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Zara
Ebony Wood Eau de Parfum
A perfume I always get complimented on is Zara’s Ebony Wood, and it smells so similar to Wood Sage & Sea Salt by Jo Malone London. In fact, Ebony Wood is part of Zara’s collection with Jo Malone CBE herself, so you know it’s going to be good. I would say that the Zara perfume is a little richer, while the Jo Malone scent has fresher notes of sea salt and sage, which is why I like to wear the Jo Malone London fragrance in the day and layer with Ebony Wood for the evening.
3. Zara Energetically New York vs. Le Labo Santal 33
ZARA
Energetically New York
Everyone loves Le Labo’s Santal 33, but the price tag? Not so much. This smooth sandalwood scent has become hugely popular—almost synonymous with some parts of New York, in fact. Energetically New York smells very, very similar with notes of sandalwood, jasmine, and cardamom.
4. Zara Vibrant Caramel vs. Prada Paradoxe
If you love Prada’s Paradoxe, then you’ll really like Zara’s Vibrant Caramel, which smells very similar. Like Prada’s, this one is sweet and good enough to eat with a citrus opening that dries down into an intoxicating vanilla and praline base. It’s a very close match for Prada’s now-iconic scent.
5. Zara Sublime Époque vs. Armani My Way
According to the internet, Zara’s Sublime Époque is an exact dupe for Armani’s popular fragrance My Way. Both perfumes contain notes of sweet jasmine and floral tuberose with warm vanilla and cedar at the base. Zara’s perfume also contains hints of orange blossom for a fresh, citrusy element.
6. Zara Red Zara Temptation vs. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Possibly one of the best dupes I have ever come across is Zara’s Red Zara Temptation. This fragrance smells so much like the famous Baccarat Rouge 540 with notes of creamy praline, musky amber, and sensual jasmine. I’m not lying when I say I always get complimented on this scent. It’s worth noting that the Zara one doesn’t last as long, but the slim bottle means that it’s easy to throw in your bag to refresh throughout the day.
7. Zara Apple Juice vs. Marc Jacobs Daisy
Daisy by Marc Jacobs was one of the first perfumes I ever owned, and smelling Apple Juice from Zara has me feeling so nostalgic. It’s just as floral and fruity and has notes of apple, orange, and grapefruit combined with rose, jasmine, violet, and peony. Both fragrances finish with hints of sandalwood, which makes wearing them feel like a warm hug.
8. Zara Cherry Smoothie vs. Tom Ford Lost Cherry
To me, there’s nothing quite as delicious as the smell of fresh cherries, and Zara’s alternative to Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry smells almost good enough to eat. Both fragrances combine sweet and sour notes of cherry and plum with creamy, woody almond. Zara’s fragrance also contains a hint of vanilla, giving it a noticeable warmth.
9. Zara Hypnotic Vanilla vs. Dior Hypnotic Poison
Not only do these both have very similar names, but the Zara one is also a close match for Dior’s much-loved Hypnotic Poison. Zara’s take is drenched with golden vanilla bourbon that envelopes you in a gourmand cloud with apricot blossom and jasmine that lasts really well. Expect compliments whenever you wear this one.
10. Zara Amalfi Sunray vs. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino is a favorite among many. But the price tag? Not so much. A close match is Zara’s Amalfi Sunray, which has very similar notes of zesty bergamot and mandarin with a twist of orange blossom and musk that will transport you straight to the Amalfi coastline.
11. Zara Fashionably London vs. Parfums de Marly Delina
The whole Who What Wear team loves Parfums de Marly’s Delina scent, and Zara’s Fashionably London perfume has lots of similar notes. They are both rose fragrances with fresh hints of bergamot and warm musk at the base, making both scents perfect all year round.
12. Zara Deep Garden vs. Carolina Herrera Good Girl
If you like Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl fragrance, then you will love this Zara perfume, according to TikTok. Both scents feature notes of tuberose and tonka bean for a truly intoxicating finish.
13. Zara Gardenia vs. YSL Beauty Black Opium
YSL’s Black Opium has been in my collection for as long as I can remember. It’s such an intoxicating scent, and Zara’s Gardenia fragrance contains all of the same key notes such as orange blossom and coffee. What’s not to like?
14. Zara Cocoa & Latte vs Giardini di Toscana Bianco Latte
Giardini di Toscana’s viral Bianco Latte has been all over my For You page. However, I’ve noticed that Cocoa & Latte smells very similar. It’s a delicious gourmand of white chocolate, Chantilly cream, and luxurious suede.
Shop More Zara Scents
Another uplifting everyday option with hints of kiwi, magnolia, and cedar.
Zara
Vetiver Pamplemousse
Formulated for spring 2025 by Malone, this scent combines fresh citrus notes of mandarin with a warm and woody amber base.
Those who love rich, smoky scents will be drawn to this one, which features notes of chocolate, vanilla, passion fruit, and peach.
Zara
A Sweet Pastry in Paris
Inspired by Parisian pastry shops, this sweet but fresh scent is perfect for spring.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
