We hunted down 20 perfumes under Rs 5,000 that you'll fall in love with
Fragrances that don’t fade faster than you can say Chanel No. 5
A perfume isn’t just a scent; it’s a narrative waiting to be explored. Talented perfumers craft intricate symphonies, blending countless ingredients like skilled composers orchestrating a masterpiece. The choice of each note, whether it’s the freshness of citrus, the warmth of amber or the intrigue of exotic spices, contributes to the perfume’s unique personality.
The mogra body mist that reminds you of the gajra your dadi would wear. A petrichor-based spritz reminiscent of your first solo trip. You can still recall the oudhy, dark femininity with a hint of tobacco that followed that one ‘cool’ teacher you had in high school who wore jeans and constantly drew the ire of the principal for going off curriculum.
But finding the perfect perfume can be challenging when you’re trying to smarten up your money-spending habits.
You don’t need to choose between finding a signature scent and making monthly SIP payments. We’re in the business of making your wallet and your nostrils equally happy, so we unearthed perfumes under Rs 5,000, from beautiful full-sized bottles that elevate your dressing table to travel-sized vials that will keep you smelling fresh on the go. These scent profiles will become an integral part of your everyday routine.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur, are hunting for perfume dupes on r/DesiFragranceAddicts or dipping your toe in a different scent family for the first time, let this be your visa to the delightful world of perfumes under Rs 5000.
20 bang-for-your-buck perfumes under Rs 5000
Eau de Parfum (EDP)
These bad boys contain a higher concentration of fragrance oils, packed with the good stuff, usually ranging from 12% to 18%. EDPs have more aromatic perfume ingredients, creating a richer and stronger scent than your morning coffee kick.
And speaking of kick, EDPs are in it for the long haul. They’re like the marathon runners of the fragrance world, lasting on your skin for a solid 6 to 8 hours, sometimes even longer.
Aristocrat Her EDP by Ajmal, ₹3,250 (75 ml)
Ajmal is the gift that keeps giving. They have something that will tickle your olfactory fancy, no matter what scent profile you’re attracted to.
They’ve tried to capture in a bottle what it means to be a modern woman — bold, fresh, charismatic, balanced, warm and sweet. She knows her power and isn’t afraid to stare down any mansplainer while wearing this Ajmal perfume, given its hints of spiciness with cinnamon and cardamom will only fan the flames.
Lancome Idole EDP, ₹4,000 (25 ml)
A fresh, floral and clean-like-fresh laundry scent that’s all about understated elegance.
This is a versatile perfume that’s perfect for the workplace, a day-time brunch or a night out with friends. It’s as beautiful to wear as it is to look at.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl EDP, ₹5,000 (30 ml)
This perfume has been a crowd favourite for a long time, not only because of its unique bottle. It’s sugar, spice and everything sultry and nice. The top notes introduce a burst of fresh jasmine, while the heart notes deepen the scent with rich cocoa and tonka bean.
It’s a blend that can make you feel like you’ve stepped into a classic noir film.
Studiowest Black Currant and Vanilla EDP, ₹1,295 (100 ml)
A fragrance that unveils its layers with every wear, inviting you to experience its floral and fruity symphony, intertwined with the cosy and sensual embrace of vanilla and musk.
Ideal for someone who appreciates complexity that balances all major scent profiles without burning a hole in your pocket.
Gardenia by Zara EDP, ₹1,290 (90 ml)
Zara’s Gardenia perfume is an olfactory journey into the heart of a lush garden in full bloom. For the dupers, this intoxicating amber floral fragrance is often cited as coming close to the scent profile of Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium for its blend of white flowers, vanilla and jasmine.
While it may not have the same intensity or longevity as YSL, it’s worth clearing a spot on your dresser for this one.
Island Suit by LoveChild by Masaba EDP, ₹2,200 (100 ml)
If you’re seeking a fragrance that’s as refreshing as a sea breeze and as timeless as the tides, then Masaba’s Island Suit is a perfect match. At first, it may smell traditionally ‘manly’, but we say embrace its unisex appeal.
Apothecary Warmth EDP by Marks & Spencer, ₹1,499 (50ml)
A timeless, genderless and seasonless scent, this is labelled by the brand as a “wellbeing fragrance”. With warm cedarwood, sandalwood, cinnamon and cardamom aromas, it really does feel like wearing your favourite sweater next to a crackling fireplace.
Internet sleuths have also likened it to Le Labo Santal 33.
Burberry Goddess EDP, ₹4,400 (30 ml)
A gourmand perfume led by vanilla from Madagascar. In fact, a trio of vanillas gives this perfume its unique scent – one with a rich sweetness, another with a strong woody undertone and at the base, a vanilla enriched with lavender.
Sweet, slightly musky and sensual, you’ll live up to the name with a spray of this.
She Came She Stayed EDP by Albatross, ₹3,999 (100 ml)
A spicy, leathery tobacco unisex perfume that makes a loud statement every time you walk into a room.
Tweak reader Sreya described this as the perfume version of “stealing your boyfriend’s clothes and pulling it off better than he ever did”.
Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Eau de Toilette (EDT) is like the Goldilocks of fragrances – just the right balance of aromatic goodness. EDT’s fragrance oil concentration hovers around 8% to 12%. Not too strong or light, it’s that perfect middle ground, typically sticking around on your skin for a decent 4 to 6 hours.
Many brands create EDT and EDP versions of their perfume. One of the most appealing aspects of EDT fragrances is that they are often more budget-friendly than their EDP counterparts, making them a more accessible option.
Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Sakura Blossom EDT, ₹3,500 (100 ml)
A twist on the classic beloved by mothers and grandmothers around the world, this perfume transports you to a serene springtime oasis, where cherry blossoms bloom and green tea refreshes.
It’s a fragrance that calls for serenity and rejuvenation with every spray.
Signorina in Fiore by Salvatore Ferragamo EDT, ₹3,535 (30 ml – currently on sale)
A Tweak reader described this perfume as a “spritz of vitality as you walk through a romantic garden.”
A fresh scent that has a lightness to it, it does sit on the sweet and fruity end of the spectrum but with a deep woodiness to give it some depth.
Miss Dior Roller-Pearl EDT, ₹3,900 (20 ml)
This is the ultimate accessory for the on-the-go perfume fanatic. With each roll, you’re treated to the refreshing floral elegance of Miss Dior.
A perfume loved across generations, making it truly timeless and transcending occasions and seasons.
Body Mists
Body mists are light, versatile, and oh-so-refreshing. Unlike traditional perfumes, body mists have a lower concentration of fragrance oils, so you can use them all over your body, including your hair and clothes, without worrying about it being too overpowering. While they’re often more budget-friendly than traditional perfumes, you may need frequent top-ups depending on the weather and your own sweat index.
Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Fragrance Mist, ₹2,999 (250 ml)
This fruity-floral fragrance is like confidence in a bottle, making you want to runway strut through the office and turn heads along the way – mostly because you will smell incredible. One spritz, and you’re officially the star of your own glamorous show. It’s the scent that whispers, ‘I woke up like this’ – effortlessly luxe and stylish (yes, it’s possible).
Forest Essentials Oudh & Green Tea Body Mist, ₹2,875 (130 ml)
Forest Essentials’ body mist tells a tale of two cities. One with the richness of oudh that takes you back to your holidays at your grandparents’ home, where nani would burn incense every evening.
Before you’re fully lulled into a comforting slumber, the zing of green tea wakes you right back up. It’s the perfect aromatic companion for those seeking a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity.
Plum Bodylovin’ Smokin’ Vanilla Body Mist, ₹575 (150 ml)
Who doesn’t love smelling like a bakery? However, this mist is worth exploring if you’re a tried-and-tested vanilla-loving girl who wants to try something new but is apprehensive about stepping out of her comfort zone.
Plum takes the comforting scent of vanilla and gives it a smokey twist, creating a fragrance that’s nothing short of addictive. And if you like it, they also have an EDP version.
Travel vials
These compact, lightweight versions of your favourite scents are designed to be easy to carry and meet airline regulations. Or even just reduce the weight of your already overloaded handbag.
We also love to test-drive a vial if we’re considering changing up our signature scent, before investing in the full bottle.
Sol de Janeiro Sol Cheirosa ’62 EDP, ₹2,300 (8 ml)
This perfume smells like a luxurious vacation in Brazil. Volleyball on the beach under the sun as the breeze blows through your hair, dancing under the stars and sipping delicious, fruity drinks.
The warm, nutty and vanilla perfume is like a bottled-up tropical paradise.
Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry 48 EDP, ₹2,400 (10ml)
Picture this: a lush, sun-kissed orchard where the sweet, succulent cherries have been set ablaze by the warmth of the sun.
A wonderfully sexy and darkly sweet scent that lingers in the air and in the memory of anyone you meet. Perfect for a romantic rendezvous – whether with a partner or you’re going solo.
Libre by Yves Saint Laurent EDP, ₹1,800 (10 ml)
YSL said Libre was a “reinvention of the floral perfume,” but we see it as a re-imagination of traditionally feminine scents.
Libre is bold and audacious, as the name suggests, with all the personality of dark femininity – dominant, assertive and sultry. If you’re looking for a blind buy, you will never go wrong with this one.
Bella Vita Luxury’s EDP Set, ₹849
This is perfect for the perfume commitment phobes and people who are seeking their signature scent from perfumes under Rs 5000 but are unsure of where to start.
You get to try every kind of scent style, from fruity and floral to oriental and woody, with a slightly sweet oudh.
Special mention
Hairloom by Simrasa Luxuries, ₹999 (50 ml)
Because sometimes, even your hair needs a signature scent. Who wouldn’t want to turn their tresses into a fragrant masterpiece that leaves a trail of envy-inducing aroma wherever you go?
It’s a hair product with hydrating and conditioning glycerine and hibiscus extract as well, so you get the best of both worlds.
