Gucci perfume does not come cheap – but it smells so good that it can be hard to resist buying it. With 100ml of the perfume setting you back a whopping £135, it's clear to see why budget supermarket Aldi has decided to make a 'dupe' of the fragrance. But how accurate have they managed to make it?. I love perfumes like the way magpies love silver – and have a very keen nose for smelling differences between them. I'm not usually a cheap perfume lover, much preferring to save up for the real deal. However, I am a sucker for spritzing my perfumes a million times, so when it comes to day-to-day life, budget-friendly are definitely preferable.
Aldi's Lacura Meadow Bouquet Eau de Parfum, which is apparently reminscent of Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine, will set you back just £6.99. Aldi describes it as smelling of the "invigorating zest of Italian Mandarin and Bergamot," which "is balanced by a touch of Black Pepper.". It also contains "a captivating bouquet of Jasmine, Jasmine Sambac, Magnolia, and Damask Rose blossoms, while the rich warmth of Australian Sandalwood, Benzoin, and Patchouli creates a lingering allure.".
According to the online description, Gucci's original perfume promises something incredibly similar. They share that it " bursts with a radiant composition led by Grandiflorum Jasmine". It's "blended with base notes of Sandalwood and Benzoin" – and "its sensual notes create a skin imprint unique to the wearer". It also contains "Mandarine Essence and Magnolia Accord," with top notes of Mandarin Italy Essence, Bergamot Italy Essence, Black Pepper Essence, heart notes of Jasmine Grandiflorum Absolute, Magnolia Accord, Jasmine Sambac Absolute, Rose Damascena Essence and base notes of Sandalwood Australia Essence, Benzoin Extract, Patchouli Indonesia Essence.
The original is definitely one of my favourite fragrances. Traditionally, I'd opt for something heavy on the vanilla, but when I smelled this fresh floral fragrance, I fell in love. It's one that never fails to get compliments – so finding a cheaper alternative has really reeled me in. Along came Aldi, promising big things - and I must admit, when I first sprayed the fragrance, I was apprehensive.
Can a £6.99 supermarket perfume really take on the big dogs at Gucci? I seriously doubted it. Without spraying the original first, I sprayed Meadow Bouquet and was shocked. The initial spritz smelled just like the original. Admittedly, the dry down isn't as complex or luxurious smelling as the original, but on first impressions, you could be fooled. If you were a massive fan of the Gucci after spraying it in the airport, for example, but couldn't justify the exorbitant price tag, whacking a £6.99 perfume onto your weekly shop won't break the bank, and it'll make you smile because it smells satisfyingly similar.
One thing Gucci wins on, hands down, though, is the packaging. The luxurious green bottle with stunning floral imagery on the sticker looks fantastic on my dressing table. But for £6.99, I can't complain at Aldi's rather plain, old-fashioned-looking bottle. But which will I reach for when going on a night out? I can't lie; it would always be the Gucci. It just smells more unique, complex, and divine - and it undoubtedly lasts longer too.
As far as perfume dupes go, though, this is a really impressive one. Considering it is £128 cheaper than the original, if you want to smell good without a hefty price tag, this is the way to go. But you'll have to be quick because fragrance and skincare releases do not hang around long when it comes to Aldi. The fragrance is available in stores nationwide now, while stocks last. There are also two other Gucci dupes to choose from - Lacura Blush Bouquet Eau de Parfum and Lacura Spring Bouquet Eau de Parfum.
It's worth noting that Aldi's perfume will not be exactly the same as the original designer product. Many elements go into a good product that isn't just about the scent – including how the perfume wears and how much you need to use to make an impact. We recommend doing your research before making a decision. Get our money-saving tips and top offers direct to your inbox with the Mirror Money newsletter.
