Shoppers across the UK are in for a fragrant treat this Black Friday, as retail giant Marks & Spencer has launched a significant price reduction on its highly-praised collection of perfumes. The high street stalwart has cut 25% off its range of 'designer dupes' – scents that remarkably mimic popular high-end fragrances but carry a much more budget-friendly price tag.
Popular Scents at Pocket-Friendly Prices
M&S is renowned for offering affordable alternatives to luxury perfumes, with bottles typically starting at around £10. This Black Friday promotion, however, makes them even more accessible. A standout offer is the Winter Nights Limited Edition Eau de Toilette in a 100ml bottle, now available for just £7.50. This particular fragrance has garnered a loyal following, with numerous customers claiming it smells 'exactly like' the iconic Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540.
Customer reviews strongly support these claims. One shopper, Minnie, enthusiastically described it as "the best dupe smell", adding that it "Smells exactly like Baccarat Rouge. It's long lasting. So happy." Another reviewer, Laura, echoed this sentiment, stating the scent "Smells lovely and lasts all day, very similar to a more expensive brand." For context, the authentic Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum starts at £132 at John Lewis, highlighting the immense saving.
A Closer Look at the Customer Verdict
While the majority of feedback is glowing, the reviews provide a balanced perspective. Some customers note a difference in longevity compared to the original designer fragrances. Tony commented that the Winter Nights scent was a "decent copy but doesn't last long". Another customer, Cheryl, offered a nuanced view: "This is a take on my absolute favourite scent, Baccarat Rouge... Might not be as long lasting but the smell is divine. A definite close at a fraction of the cost."
The sale doesn't stop there. Another popular choice is the Seasalt & Neroli Eau de Toilette, also reduced to £7.50. This fragrance is widely considered a superb alternative to Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt. One five-star reviewer went as far as to say it was "better than the real deal and much cheaper". Conversely, a customer named Sue found the scent "a bit over-powering" and noted it only lasted a couple of hours. The authentic Jo Malone cologne retails for £86 at LookFantastic.
More Dupes to Discover
The Black Friday discounts extend to other sought-after scents. The Pink Pepper fragrance, often seen as a dupe for Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle, has been reduced from £16 to £12 This strategic move by M&S during the peak Black Friday shopping period makes luxury-inspired fragrances accessible to a wider audience. It allows consumers to enjoy sophisticated scents from YSL Black Opium to Marc Jacobs Daisy without the designer price tag, proving that style and substance don't always have to break the bank.
