While Zara perfume dupes have certainly received rave reviews, it’s Aldi that take the crown for theirs. In fact, their dupe offerings as a whole have seen shoppers flocking to the stores. In the past few weeks alone, they’ve launched a £2.99 answer to Olaplex, a Sol De Janiero inspired body mist, some 100% silk Slip style scrunchies and a Sol De Janeiro body lotion dupe. If you’re not fussed by authenticity, then the reviews would suggest that these dupes are worthy checking out.
And it's fair to say that the latest fragrance dupe to land on Aldi shelves could be their most overt offering yet. Priced at just £4.99 a bottle, Lacura’s Essence of Italy Giallo, Indigo and Nero Eau de Toilettes are said to be a ‘premium new scent that won't pull on the purse strings.’ And, in case packaging didn’t make it obvious enough, they're modelled on cult classic fragrances from the iconic fragrance house Acqua Di Parma. But how do they compare?
Lacura’s Essence of Italy Giallo Eau de Toilette, £4.99 makes for a summery medley. It boasts a refreshing blend of citrus, bergamot and ginger, compined with hints of rich neroli, cedar and myrtle. Patchouli, musk, and leather ensure a touch of warmth to finish. It’s a dupe of the Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne Spray, £92 which is something of a cult classic having been created in 1916 – it too shares notes of patchouli and leather.
Then there’s Lacura’s Essence of Italy Indigo Eau de Toilette, £4.99, a dupe of Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi Eau de Toilette Spray,£99. It fuses fruity notes of orange, lemon, and grapefruit, as well as spicy hints of cedar, bergamot, jasmine, and pink pepper. Like its high-end counterpart, its aim is to transport wearer to the Amalfi coast with just a spritz.
Finally there’s Lacura’s Essence of Italy Nero Eau de Toilette, £4.99 which the brand describe as ‘captivating and intense.’ The heady blend of bergamot, sandalwood, and patchouli with agarwood, orange and amyris are modelled on the Acqua Di Parma Signature Oud, £219, which is known for being something of a fragrance heavy-weight thanks to its blend of highly-concentrated perfume oils.
Our thoughts? It’s seriously hard to come anywhere close to Acqua Di Parma’s scent offerings. While a small selection of notes might be comparable (and Aldi’s do smell good) Acqua Di Parma’s fragrances ooze an undeniable luxury that just can’t be recreated by a supermarket brand. Sometimes, the OG just can’t be beaten.
Aldi’s new range is available in stores now, while stocks last.
Shop: The Original Acqua di Parma scents
Beloved by beauty editors, Acqua di Parma’s Colonia Spray was created way back in 1916 – and still manages to be enduringly beautiful. One spritz and you’ll be hit with a refreshing blend of grapefruit, mint, rose and patchouli. It’ll linger for hours.
Not only does it smell delicious, but this summery spritz has also been created with the aim of aiding relaxation and calm. Grapefruit and lemon are particularly renowned for their aroma-therapeutic qualities - and it's sure to reel in the compliments.
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Housed in a classic black bottle, Acqua di Parma's Signature Oud is about as luxurious as it gets. It's bursting with bergamot, orange, coriander, musk and cedarwood, for a soft, woody spritz that feels warm, rich, and comforting.