Top 8 Fragrances for Women Under $150
BY JENNY JUNG
Starting at $55, discover my gate-kept scents without breaking the bank.

03 FEB - 2025
Luxury scents at prices that won’t make your wallet cry.
Recently, I stepped into MECCA to explore some new fragrances, and let me tell you, I was absolutely gobsmacked by the price hikes! Back when I worked there, I distinctly remember Le Labo’s 100ml EDPs being around $390-$400 — now they’re a staggering $602! Don’t get me wrong, I adore Le Labo, but on the real, I am simply not at the stage in life where I can casually drop that kind of cash on perfume.
As a self-confessed fragrance fanatic, this shocking realisation inspired me to dig into my collection and share my top favourite fragrances that exude luxury without the luxury price tag. And let me just say, I’ve been low-key gatekeeping a few of these, but we’re all about sharing the love (and saving the cash) here.
So, whether you’re a seasoned perfume lover or just dipping your toes into the world of fine fragrance, I’ve rounded up some incredible scents — both popular favourites and hidden gems — that deliver on quality without breaking the bank. And hey, maybe the boys deserve a list next? Let’s dive in!


Abel Fragrances Build Your Own Perfume Set
This one’s a splurge compared to the others, considering its sample-size nature. At $130 for 18ml (3 x 6ml vials), it’s a higher price per ml, but Abel’s full-sized fragrances are still far more affordable than brands like Le Labo, offering the same level of quality.
Abel is a Wellington-based fragrance brand that prides itself on using 100% natural ingredients, and there’s something truly special about supporting a local business that puts so much care into their products. When you buy from Abel, you're not just getting a luxury scent, but you’re also investing in the local community.
The Build Your Own Perfume Set lets you curate your very own fragrance wardrobe, giving you the option to choose three mini perfumes that can be worn separately for different occasions or layered together. It’s perfect for travel, your desk drawer or just to keep your favourite scents close by at all times. Plus, the portability makes it an easy way to switch things up throughout the day. A little birdie told me that when you purchase a mini, you can redeem the cost towards a full size fragrance!
If I had to recommend just one fragrance from Abel, Black Anise is my favourite. With rich notes of anise, tobacco and vanilla– it is deliciously warm, spicy and slightly sweet. If you’re looking for a bold yet sophisticated fragrance, Black Anise hits the mark. On the other hand, Abel just released their juicy new fragrance, Apartment, which puts all other cherry fragrances to shame!
Tokyo Milk Dark Tainted Love
Tainted Love by Tokyo Milk Dark is the perfect example of an intimate fragrance that knows how to captivate without shouting for attention. This is a scent that exudes quiet confidence; intriguingly sexy, yet understated. It skips the more obvious "sexy" notes like heavy oud or bold roses, instead leaning on a unique, sultry blend that feels warm, inviting and just a touch mysterious.
The key players in Tainted Love are dark vanilla bean, tea leaves and sandalwood, grounded by a subtle hint of tonka bean. The result is a soft, velvety and lactonic sweetness with a smoky edge that lingers close to the skin. It’s the kind of fragrance that draws people in, creating a magnetic allure without overwhelming the senses.
What makes Tainted Love stand out is its ability to feel both edgy and cozy, making it perfect for date nights, evenings out or simply when you want to feel effortlessly put-together. Plus, it’s $100, proving you don’t need to break the bank to smell like a million bucks.
Maison Matine - Bain de Midi
Bain de Midi by Maison Matine is the ultimate fragrance for those who dream of sun-drenched escapes but want a scent that remains effortlessly chic. It’s a radiant scent that captures the soft, golden glow of an afternoon by the sea. What sets this fragrance apart is its ability to be sensual as it does not rely on typical beachy or overly sweet tropical notes. Instead, Bain de Midi offers a refined take on warm and sunny vibes.
The fragrance opens with a creamy coconut note, balanced by the floral brightness of frangipani and ylang-ylang. These are anchored by a smooth, musky base that wraps around you like a second skin. It’s light enough for everyday wear but has just enough depth to feel special, like a stolen moment of tranquility on a busy day.
Bain de Midi feels like a bottle of sunshine — a gentle, comforting fragrance. Its price point is also refreshingly down-to-earth, proving that you can indulge in something luxurious and niche without overspending. Whether you’re a beach lover or simply want to channel those carefree vibes, this is a scent worth discovering.

Maison Matine, Bain de Midi, EDP, 50ml, $129 NZD.
BYREDO Bal d’Afrique Roll On Oil
I’m not usually a fan of purchasing minis, as 5ml or 10ml sizes can feel limiting. But if you’re looking to spend less on luxury fragrances, exploring perfume oils is a game-changer. While they come in small, slender vials, the concentrated formula means a little goes a long way. They’re surprisingly long-lasting, and it takes quite some time to get through even a small size. Plus, their portability makes them perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Bal d'Afrique Perfume Oil by BYREDO is a stunning example of how sophisticated a small package can be. The scent is warm, vibrant, and subtly exotic, with notes of neroli, African marigold and a touch of jasmine that makes for an energising, yet grounded, floral fragrance. Additionally, the rich blend of cedarwood and vetiver adds depth and smoothness.
BYREDO offers its perfume oils in several of its iconic scents, each as fantastic as the next, but Bal d'Afrique is my personal favourite. Its warmth and complexity make it feel timeless and unique, perfect for any occasion.
When it comes to packaging types like this, durability is key. Unlike some options that can shatter easily, such as the REPLICA 10ml minis, this perfume oil comes in a sturdy, thick glass vial that stands up to life on the go. It's not just practical, it’s beautifully designed too.
If you’ve been curious about BYREDO’s scents but hesitant to commit to a full bottle, the perfume oils are an affordable and luxurious way to explore the brand. And if you’re like me, you might just fall in love with Bal d'Afrique.
L’Atelier Parfum - Coeur de Petales EDP
L’Atelier Parfum’s Coeur de Petales Eau de Parfum is a hidden gem that offers an elegant, floral experience without being too overpowering. If you’ve been searching for a fragrance that captures the softness of freshly bloomed petals with a touch of sophistication, this is it. Coeur de Petales is a delicate and romantic scent, perfect for those who appreciate a floral scent that won’t give you a headache.
When it comes to niche scents, it can be a challenge to find one that doesn’t cross the line into something too unusual or avant-garde. Many niche fragrances can feel a little “out there,” but Coeur de Petales strikes the perfect balance. It offers a beautiful floral profile, with notes of rose and peony, but with a few surprising twists. The smooth, powdery base of musk and sandalwood adds warmth and depth, making it wearable and comforting, yet distinct.
If you’re someone who wants to dip their feet into niche fragrances without diving into the more experimental territory, this is a great choice. It’s a floral fragrance at heart, but its subtle complexity makes it feel fresh and unique. L’Atelier Parfum has a knack for creating scents that are both refined and approachable, and Coeur de Petales is a perfect example of that balance.
Glossier - You Doux
Glossier You Doux is one of my absolute favorite fragrances, period. It’s a scent that truly captures the essence of a skin scent but with an added touch of warmth and depth. The original You fragrance has become iconic for its ability to blend seamlessly with your natural scent, and You Doux follows in those footsteps but brings a little something extra to the table. It introduces a perfect dose of vanilla and palo santo, adding a cozy richness that feels comforting and inviting.
What makes this fragrance stand out is its unisex appeal. It’s a vanilla fragrance, but it’s balanced so beautifully that it doesn’t lean too feminine or masculine. Instead, it sits perfectly in the middle, making it incredibly versatile.
I have to mention how this fragrance went viral on TikTok, where it was dubbed the “boyfriend’s hoodie” scent. Someone described it as the lingering smell of your boyfriend when you borrow his hoodie, and honestly, that description has stuck with me ever since. It’s funny how evocative fragrances can be, how a simple story can shape your perception of a scent. After visualising that scene, I couldn’t stop obsessing over this fragrance.
Whether you’ve already fallen in love with the original Glossier You or are looking for something with a little more warmth and sweetness, You Doux offers a soft, enveloping scent that truly feels like a hug in a bottle.
Ellis Brooklyn - Sand Fragrance Hair Body Mist
Okay, the next two recommendations might be considered cheating a little because they are body mists. But hear me out, this is for the girlies who prioritise volume in their fragrances without compromising on longevity or complexity. Both of the next picks are full-sized, budget-friendly and pack the kind of lasting power and depth you’d expect from an EDP.
Ellis Brooklyn’s Sand Fragrance Hair & Body Mist is an absolute must have for those who love warm, sensual scents that linger in the best way possible. With notes of ambrette, jasmine and musk (my top three favourite notes), it captures that warm vibe but in a more refined way. What sets it apart from many other beach-inspired fragrances is that it doesn’t have the typical salty, marine qualities you’d expect. Instead, it leans into a warm, soft beachiness, like the comfort of a day spent lounging in the sun at a resort rather than the ocean, per se. The musk and jasmine provide a subtle floral depth, while the ambrette adds a slight earthy, almost powdery quality that enhances its longevity.
Despite being a body mist, Sand lasts incredibly well, and its full-sized bottle offers great value for money. Whether you spritz it into your hair or onto your skin, it provides a warm, comforting aura without feeling too heavy or overwhelming. For anyone looking for a beachy, cozy fragrance that lasts but doesn’t break the bank, this is a fantastic choice.
Rare Beauty Comfort Body and Hair Fragrance Mist
This one is for those who crave a cozy, enveloping scent that makes you feel like you're wrapped in a soft, warm hug. Again, this is a body mist, but it offers full-sized luxury at an incredibly affordable price, with a lasting power that rivals many EDPs.
True to its name, Comfort is all about creating a warm, soothing atmosphere. It combines notes of vanilla, soft florals and a creamy musk that feels just like slipping into your favourite sweater after a long day. What’s really special about this fragrance is how it blends a sweet, gourmand warmth with a light, airy freshness – perfect for those who want a soft, approachable scent that’s not too heavy or overpowering.
Like the Ellis Brooklyn Sand mist, Rare Beauty’s Comfort Fragrance Mist lasts remarkably well for a body mist. It’s the kind of fragrance that lingers gently and it works beautifully in both hair and on skin. Plus, the full-sized bottle is a total steal for how much you get! If you’re someone who loves comforting, sweet, yet balanced fragrances, this is the perfect spritz to add to your rotation.
For those who like to keep their scent game consistent, Rare Beauty also offers a full range of Comfort-scented products, including body and hand creams, so you can layer up for an even longer-lasting effect. Whether you’re starting with the mist or building your collection, it’s a great way to keep the cozy vibe going all day long.
There you have it — seven incredible fragrances that prove you don’t have to splurge to smell expensive. Whether you’re after something floral, woody or musky, these affordable options offer the perfect balance of quality and value. So, no more excuses! Treat yourself to a scent that’ll turn heads without turning your bank account upside down.
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