POUNDLAND has released a new range of seven perfumes for women, inspired by popular branded scents.
Costing just £4 for 100ml, the fragrances are homages to classics like Mugler Angel, Giorgio Armani Si Passione and Prada Candy.
The Poundland eau de parfum bottles - which are available in stores and online - are thought to be one of the cheapest on the high street.
But are they any good? We asked senior fragrance evaluator Noemie Maury to give her verdict.
She tested samples of the scents immediately after spraying and then again 15 minutes later to check their staying power.
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Here’s what she thought:
1. Lady Glamour
- Inspired by Good Girl by Caroline Herrera, £113 per 80ml on official website (£141.25 per 100ml)
“This one has a strong impact to start with," Noemie said.
"It’s well balanced and a trendy, sweet, musky smell with white flowers.
"It’s nothing complex and there’s no depth to it, but for the price, I’d say it was good.”
And its staying power wasn’t bad either. She felt the smell lasted but had become simpler and less sweet over time.
2. Pink Crush
- Inspired by Prada Candy, £73.95 per 50ml at Boots (£147.90 per 100ml)
“This is fruity and fresh and not harsh, but it smells a bit weak and cheap,” Noemie said.
“I would not have guessed it’s inspired by Prada Candy – but for £4 the smell is decent.”
But after 15 minutes she was less impressed.
“It’s not lasted and it’s barely there now,” she added. “There’s just a bit of an apple smell left.”
3. Summer Goddess
- Inspired by Paco Rabanne Olympea, £78 per 50ml on official website (£156 per 100ml)
“This does smell a bit like the Paco Rabanne - it’s not exact but it’s in the same direction,” Noemie said.
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“It’s got a nice scent of white flowers, it’s well-balanced and quite strong.”
But there was almost nothing left 15 minutes later.
“It’s much weaker and smells a bit like suntan lotion now,” Noemie added.
4. Red Petals
- Inspired by Giorgio Armani Si Passione, £125 per 100ml on official website
“There’s definitely a smell of red roses with a strong vanilla background that is similar to the ‘Si’ range,” said Noemie.
And after 15 minutes the scent remained.
“It’s still there and has a strong impact. This is a safe bet,” she added.
5. White Light
- Inspired by Mugler Angel, £125 per 100ml on official website
Noemie could immediately tell this one was inspired by Angel.
“It’s clear straight away what this is supposed to be,” she said.
“It is a cheaper version, so has a slightly harsher smell, but at £4 you get what you pay for and this is very similar for the price.”
But after 15 minutes, the similarity had faded.
“It’s still a similar profile to Angel but a lot of the notes have faded away and now it mainly smells of patchouli and vanilla,” she added.
“For the price, I think it’s good but I’m not hugely impressed by it as a product.”
6. Define Me
- Inspired by Scandal by Jean Paul Gaultier, £105 per 80ml on official website (£131.25 per 100ml)
“This one is quite weak without any strong fragrances,” Noemie said.
“If you want something light and fresh this might be a good option but I wouldn’t personally pick this one as there’s not much to it.”
And after 15 minutes she was even less impressed.
“There’s nothing left!” she added.
7. Miss Conduct
- Inspired by Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, £136 per 100ml on official website
“On first impressions, this seems like a good copy," said Noemie.
"It’s a mix of peach and vanilla but it is a bit on the sweet side with more of a vanilla ice cream scent.”
But that changed after 15 minutes.
She added: “The scent has changed so quickly and it doesn’t compare now.
"It’s just like vanilla ice cream and any other depth has gone. It’s lost the peach completely.”
NOEMIE’S VERDICT
Either Red Petals or Lady Glamour.
“You get what you pay for, but these are good for the price and the smell is longer-lasting than the others,” she said.