Are We All Sleeping On Zara Perfume? I Tried 9 Bestsellers To Find Out
Are We All Sleeping On Zara Perfume? I Tried 9 Bestsellers To Find Out
If you’ve ever questioned whether perfume elitism is a real thing, allow me to share a recent revelation I had. While brainstorming stories for this very website, it occurred to me that there was one fragrance brand that had never so much as entered my home, much less touched my skin: Zara. I don’t shop at Zara all that often, but when I stopped to consider what the brand might offer in terms of fragrance, I admittedly turned my nose up at the thought. I’m by no means fancy — my guilty pleasures include aimless Target walks followed by a drive-thru Happy Meal — but in that moment, my fragrance snobbery was definitely showing, even if only my pets were around to witness it. It wasn’t until I brought this up with coworkers that I realized just how wrong I was. One particularly discerning colleague — Refinery29’s own beauty director — admitted to being a longtime fan of Zara perfumes. So, in the spirit of self-discovery and beauty journalism, we set out to test some of the brand’s most popular scents, many of which were created in collaboration with Jo Malone, CBE — a modern-day scion of luxury fragrance and founder of fragrance brand Jo Loves. Keep reading for the standout Zara scents that genuinely challenged (and in some cases dethroned) our most expensive bottles of perfume. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. Energetically New York Eau de Parfum “I audibly gasped when I sprayed this one on. It’s another masterpiece from Jo Malone, and one of those genius fragrances where no single note dominates, yet the symphony as a whole feels utterly sublime. It’s fresh and feminine without leaning overly youthful or twee, and as a former New Yorker myself, I can say it genuinely captures the vibrancy and energy of New York City. (Thank you, Jo, for omitting notes of crowded subway cars and hot street garbage.) Sweet rose and citrusy bergamot bring a bright, almost sparkling quality at first spritz, while a soft, warm musk keeps everything grounded and wearable. This is easily my new daytime fragrance, and the skin-like dry down pairs beautifully with something more woodsy or spicy for after-hours.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.Zara ENERGETICALLY NEW YORK EDP 100ML (3.4 FL.OZ), $, available at ZaraNude Bouquet Eau de Parfum “This was the first Zara fragrance I tried, and spoiler alert: things were off to a promising start. I loved how clean and warm it was, thanks to notes of cardamom and jasmine, and how it had a soft, skin-like sensuality with a base of cozy sandalwood. Sadly, it didn’t last especially long on skin, though it seemed to cling much better to hair and clothing throughout the day. It actually reminded me a bit of Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Seduction Eau de Parfum, which I love, thanks to that same sheer musky-floral vibe. This is the kind of scent that feels effortless and intimate — the perfume equivalent of freshly washed sheets and just-showered skin. I could see myself reaching for it on low-key days when I want something subtle but still pretty.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer. Zara NUDE BOUQUET EDP 100ML (3.4 FL. OZ), $, available at ZaraWaterlily Teadress “Waterlily Tea Dress smells like nothing I’ve ever tried before, which makes sense considering the legend herself, Jo Malone of Jo Loves, is the mastermind behind it. It’s green and crisp thanks to bergamot and mint, while ambroxan — a musky, skin-like note — gives it a clean, soapy quality that reminds me of fresh laundry hanging outside after the grass has just been cut. It wears best on skin, where the base notes become warmer and cozier as the day goes on.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director Zara WATERLILY TEA DRESS EDP 100 ML (3.4 FL. OZ), $, available at ZaraLightly Bloom Glitter Eau de Parfum “First impressions: So fresh and delicate! This fruity floral immediately reminded me of a more grown-up version of the Harajuku Lovers fragrances I was obsessed with in middle school — playful and sweet, but more polished and sophisticated. The fresh, juicy notes of lotus flower, peony, and skin-like musk give it a soft, airy quality that feels especially nice for daytime or warmer weather. “There’s shimmer suspended in the formula, but I was disappointed that it doesn’t really show up much on skin or hair. (Bath & Body Works’ Diamond Shimmer Mists, on the other hand, absolutely deliver on fairy-like sparkle.) This one lasted a bit longer on me than Nude Bouquet, though I still wouldn’t call it particularly long-wearing. Still, for the price, I can’t deny that it sparks joy and a certain teenage nostalgia — plus I love that the bottle is small enough to keep in my bag for reapplication.” — Karina Hoshikawa, sen
If you’ve ever questioned whether perfume elitism is a real thing, allow me to share a recent revelation I had. While brainstorming stories for this very website, it occurred to me that there was one fragrance brand that had never so much as entered my home, much less touched my skin: Zara.
I don’t shop at Zara all that often, but when I stopped to consider what the brand might offer in terms of fragrance, I admittedly turned my nose up at the thought. I’m by no means fancy — my guilty pleasures include aimless Target walks followed by a drive-thru Happy Meal — but in that moment, my fragrance snobbery was definitely showing, even if only my pets were around to witness it.
It wasn’t until I brought this up with coworkers that I realized just how wrong I was. One particularly discerning colleague — Refinery29’s own beauty director — admitted to being a longtime fan of Zara perfumes. So, in the spirit of self-discovery and beauty journalism, we set out to test some of the brand’s most popular scents, many of which were created in collaboration with Jo Malone, CBE — a modern-day scion of luxury fragrance and founder of fragrance brand Jo Loves.
Keep reading for the standout Zara scents that genuinely challenged (and in some cases dethroned) our most expensive bottles of perfume.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Energetically New York Eau de Parfum
“I audibly gasped when I sprayed this one on. It’s another masterpiece from Jo Malone, and one of those genius fragrances where no single note dominates, yet the symphony as a whole feels utterly sublime. It’s fresh and feminine without leaning overly youthful or twee, and as a former New Yorker myself, I can say it genuinely captures the vibrancy and energy of New York City. (Thank you, Jo, for omitting notes of crowded subway cars and hot street garbage.) Sweet rose and citrusy bergamot bring a bright, almost sparkling quality at first spritz, while a soft, warm musk keeps everything grounded and wearable. This is easily my new daytime fragrance, and the skin-like dry down pairs beautifully with something more woodsy or spicy for after-hours.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
Zara ENERGETICALLY NEW YORK EDP 100ML (3.4 FL.OZ), $, available at Zara
Nude Bouquet Eau de Parfum
“This was the first Zara fragrance I tried, and spoiler alert: things were off to a promising start. I loved how clean and warm it was, thanks to notes of cardamom and jasmine, and how it had a soft, skin-like sensuality with a base of cozy sandalwood. Sadly, it didn’t last especially long on skin, though it seemed to cling much better to hair and clothing throughout the day. It actually reminded me a bit of Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Seduction Eau de Parfum, which I love, thanks to that same sheer musky-floral vibe. This is the kind of scent that feels effortless and intimate — the perfume equivalent of freshly washed sheets and just-showered skin. I could see myself reaching for it on low-key days when I want something subtle but still pretty.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
Zara NUDE BOUQUET EDP 100ML (3.4 FL. OZ), $, available at Zara
Waterlily Teadress
“Waterlily Tea Dress smells like nothing I’ve ever tried before, which makes sense considering the legend herself, Jo Malone of Jo Loves, is the mastermind behind it. It’s green and crisp thanks to bergamot and mint, while ambroxan — a musky, skin-like note — gives it a clean, soapy quality that reminds me of fresh laundry hanging outside after the grass has just been cut. It wears best on skin, where the base notes become warmer and cozier as the day goes on.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Zara WATERLILY TEA DRESS EDP 100 ML (3.4 FL. OZ), $, available at Zara
Lightly Bloom Glitter Eau de Parfum
“First impressions: So fresh and delicate! This fruity floral immediately reminded me of a more grown-up version of the Harajuku Lovers fragrances I was obsessed with in middle school — playful and sweet, but more polished and sophisticated. The fresh, juicy notes of lotus flower, peony, and skin-like musk give it a soft, airy quality that feels especially nice for daytime or warmer weather.
“There’s shimmer suspended in the formula, but I was disappointed that it doesn’t really show up much on skin or hair. (Bath & Body Works’ Diamond Shimmer Mists, on the other hand, absolutely deliver on fairy-like sparkle.) This one lasted a bit longer on me than Nude Bouquet, though I still wouldn’t call it particularly long-wearing. Still, for the price, I can’t deny that it sparks joy and a certain teenage nostalgia — plus I love that the bottle is small enough to keep in my bag for reapplication.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
Zara LIGHTLY BLOOM GLITTER EDP 30ML (1.01 FL. OZ), $, available at Zara
Fashionably London Parfum Elixir
“Fashionably London smells expensive — and was my runaway favorite of all the Zara perfumes I tried. (Brava to Jo Malone for this one!) Being an elixir (similar to an extrait in that it’s essentially a stronger version of an eau de parfum), it was the perfect level of long-lasting without being overpowering. The contrast between fresh peony and leathery woods doesn’t sound like it should work on paper, but trust me, it absolutely does. Grounded by a warm musky base, the overall effect is sophisticated, polished, and honestly? Sexy! It’s become my new go-to for date nights and special events where I want to feel my most powerful and confident.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
Zara FASHIONABLY LONDON ELIXIR PARFUM 100 ML (3.4 FL. OZ), $, available at Zara
Red Zara Temptation Extrait de Parfum
“I took a bit of a gamble with Red Zara Temptation knowing amber gourmands aren’t usually my thing. I tend to find them a little too heady and overly sweet for my taste, so I went in skeptical. However, Red Zara Temptation has been lauded as a "dupe" of Baccarat Rouge 540, so I was game to give it a go. Out of all the fragrances I tested, this one was probably my least favorite — but I have to give credit where it’s due: the staying power was seriously impressive — when I stripped down for my nighttime shower, I could still smell traces of it on my skin. (This is an extrait de parfum, which has a higher fragrance concentration than a traditional eau de parfum or eau de toilette.)
“At first spritz, the creamy vanilla felt a bit overpowering to me; personally, I prefer vanillas that lean warmer and more bourbon-y, rather than dessert-like. But as it wore throughout the day, it settled into something much more sensual and complex, with bitter orange and almond-like tonka absolute coming through beautifully. While it’s not something I’d personally reach for often, I can definitely see the appeal if you love bold gourmand scents that leave a memorable trail behind.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
Zara RED ZARA TEMPTATION & VANILLE EXTRAIT DE PARFUM, $, available at Zara
Magnificently Dubai Eau de Parfum
“Out of Zara’s entire Cities collection, Magnificently Dubai stood out to me immediately — and I’m convinced it’s the most expensive-smelling of the lot. Not only does it feature saffron, the world’s most prized spice, known for its earthy, honeyed warmth, but it’s layered with musk, woods, and amber that make it feel like a comforting embrace in a bottle. The staying power is seriously impressive, too. I sprayed this on a jacket last summer and, no exaggeration, I can still catch traces of it lingering on the collar. While Fashionably London might be the fragrance going viral on TikTok, Dubai is the collection’s real unsung hero.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Zara MAGNIFICENTLY DUBAI EDP 100ML (3.4 FL.OZ), $, available at Zara
Zara Cherry Bomb
“Cherry scents are fleeting, always losing the juicy tartness that I crave from them pretty quickly — but not this one. The cherry inside this is more of the morello kind: steeped in syrup and a little boozy, like it’s been bobbing on top of a carefully crafted cocktail. Zippy mandarin, warm vanilla, rose petals, and green leaves give it a powdery, wearable edge that’s so beautiful. If you like KAYALI’s Burning Cherry, you’ll love this too.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Zara CHERRY BOMB EDP 90 ML (3.04 FL. OZ.), $, available at Zara
Cocoa Sunset in Miami Eau de Parfum
“Cocoa Sunset in Miami was another pleasant surprise. The name alone had me worried this would give edible chocolate vibes, but the actual impression is much more than just cocoa; when met with fresh orange blossom and velvety gourmand notes of sweet almond, I found that the overall vibe was surprisingly elevated. Compared with the OG Cocoa Sunset (which I was able to sample at my local Zara), this one is much more luminous, solar (perfume-speak for having a warm, tropical profile), and as sunkissed as the white-sand coastline of South Beach.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
Zara COCOA SUNSET EDP 100ML (3.4 FL. OZ), $, available at Zara
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