If you want to smell expensive on a budget, Zara is home to some of the best perfumes around. Coming in at £30 and under, many Zara perfumes give some of the most well loved luxury fragrances out there a run for their money, and they come in at a fraction of the price. What’s not to love?
Having tried almost all the Zara perfumes (I can never resist a quick smell at the till every time I head into my local store) I’ve got the nose for the ones that smell truly expensive. And one little-known Zara perfumes that I think is hugely underrated is Zara Energetically New York (£30).
Zara Energetically New York Review
Zara
Energetically New York Eau de Parfum
Fragrance family: Spicy
Key notes: Cardamon, jasmine, sandalwood
Zara describes this scent as a “woody, spicy fragrance that combines the vibrant freshness of cardamom, a floral heart of jasmine and the enveloping warmth of sandalwood”. Personally, I feel it really captures the bustling New York energy: think towering glass skyscrapers on a crisp, spring day with not a cloud in the sky. It’s airy, clean and fresh with a subtle spiciness from the cardamon, before paving the way for a warm, creamy sandalwood base. I could totally picture an NYFW off-duty model wearing it.
Some say Energetically New York smells a bit like Le Labo Santal 33. I think there are similarities, but in my opinion, the latter is creamier while Energetically New York feels more fresh and spicy. And because it is one of the fragrances created by renowned perfumer, Jo Malone CBE, of course it smells incredibly expensive, too. My only qualm is that while it has a very noticeable impression for the first couple of hours, I find it disappears after then. However, at just £30, I don’t mind topping up a couple of times. In fact, the 30ml size is only £16 and is the perfect size to take on the go.
To me, this smells like the understated, quiet luxury scent you might catch a waft from a well-heeled Upper Eastsider as she passes by on her way to an important meeting, fresh from having a bouncy blowout on 5th Avenue. It’s like a breath of fresh air that captures the vibrant, fast-paced spirit of the city it’s named after. The beauty of this scent is that it suits any occasion. It’s casual enough for daytime but lends itself to the evening too if you don’t want anything too heavy.
For
- Expensive-smelling scent
- Creates a noticeable impression on the first spritz, so it’s bound to get you compliments
- Is very wearable and crowd-pleasing
- Created by Jo Malone CBE
Against
- Not the most long-lasting
- Not for you if you don’t like sandalwood scents
Shop Zara Energetically New York
ZARA
Energetically New York
If you want a smaller size for on the go, this 30ml bottle is the perfect size for slipping into your handbag.
ZARA
Energetically New York Elixir Parfum
For a little more you can enjoy the elixir version, a stronger scent which lasts even longer on the skin.
