Spritz, spritz! Don’t get us wrong – we think of our fragrances as investment pieces and our love for luxury scents runs deep (hi, Jo Malone London). But, as 2024’s best new fragrances have taught us, it’s totally possible to have a great curation of spring perfumes without having to splurge. From the smell of tropical fruits and exotic flowers to sparkling florals that conjure scenes of rose-filled fields, we narrowed down the best affordable perfumes to have on your radar.
Best daytime spring fragrance: NUXE Very Rose Fragrant Water
La vie en rose. NUXE has recently added a scent to its Very Rose face and body care collection. Within the vivid pink bottle is a dazzling rose bouquet where rose absolute takes centre stage, accentuated by grapefruit, raspberry, blackcurrant, clementine and powdery musk for a modern twist. The result is a mix of both sweet and sour. The packaging alone, however, is reason enough to invest. This eau de parfum is perfect for tossing in a travel bag for when you want a subtle hint of fragrance that feels refreshing and uplifting. No wonder it’s such a crowd-pleaser.
R945 for 100ml from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za, Woolworths, Foschini, Truworths and Superbalist
Best soft spring fragrance: Elizabeth Arden White Tea Eau Florale
If deep, heady scents aren’t your cup of tea, reach for this. Light and airy, the new Elizabeth Arden White Tea Eau Florale evokes the feeling of a carefree springtime picnic in the park. It’s sense-clearing and beaming with crisp freshness, but there’s a creamy woodiness to it that feels beautifully familiar. White tea, muguet, pink freesia and musk are the backbone of this floral medley. Pink orris, blush honeysuckle and tonka bean come to play too, so you always get a pleasant whiff throughout the day. It’s nearly impossible to over-spritz. A perennial favourite for spring.
R780 for 30ml, R980 for 50ml or R1,220 for 100ml from Clicks, Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Superbalist and Takealot
Best fruity spring fragrance: Kate Spade New York Bloom
There’s no better way to celebrate spring than with a fruity-floral scent. First, take in the soft pink, floral packaging. What’s inside, however, seems tailormade for springtime. Kate Spade New York Bloom was made to illicit feelings of romance, sensuality and confidence. It’s a beautiful mix of bright citrus with white florals and warm cedarwood, cashmeran and sandalwood. White camellia, orange flower and ylang-ylang hold the starring role in this fragrance, supported by Granny Smith apple, lemon primofiore essence and sweet orange essence.
R999 for 40ml, R1,199 for 60ml or R1,499 for 100ml from Clicks, Dis-Chem and Superbalist
Best beachy spring fragrance: Oscar de la Renta Bella Tropicale
Whether solar perfumes are typically your thing or not, we’re convinced you’ll love Oscar de la Renta’s Bella Tropicale. We imagine this tropics-inspired scent is exactly how it smells to sit atop a blanket on a beach and watch the sunset while sipping on rosé and nibbling on a spread of fruit. Pineapple fresca, red coral and citrine accord make you feel like you’re on island time, while ylang-ylang, coconut water and orange flower absolute go full tropical vibes. As it dries down, you’ll sniff a lineup of delectable notes like tonka bean, sandalwood and ocean mist musk.
R999 for 30ml or R1,425 for 100ml from Dis-Chem and Truworths
