Marks & Spencer, aside from being home to a blockbuster fashion collab with Sienna Miller, has cemented its status as the ultimate treasure trove for high street beauty finds. Home to an array of impressive in-house brands - think Autograph, Apothecary and Fresh Elements - beauty buffs flock to the shelves to top up their supplies - especially when it comes to perfume. Yep, #FragranceTok (that corner of the internet responsible for making scents go viral) is quick to lend its seal of approval to M&S's scent offerings. In particular? The dupes.
Alongside Zara (and occasionally Aldi and Lidl) Marks & Spencer has become something of a fragrance dupe gold mine. There are alternatives to Black Opium by YSL, Paco Rabanne's Lady Million, and even Byredo’s Gypsy Water. The best part? The prices start from as little as £4, meaning you’ll have change left over for a packet of Percy Pigs. If you’re not bothered by a lack of authenticity, then consider those well-stocked aisles your personal beauty heaven.
The newest offering is the Discover Sweet Pistachio Eau De Toilette, £10, which has taken social media by storm. Creators suspect it’s been created to rival the sweet notes of Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, £24. The difference in price is impressive, yes, but just how do they really compare?
Shop: M&S Discover Sweet Pistachio Eau De Toilette
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S reviewer: 'Great sweet, fun gourmand scent.......Ah! It's quite lovely! Very sweet, gourmand fragrance, so not for someone who likes subtle scents. Not as dreamy and subtle as the Sol de Janeiro brand, but a fun, gourmand scent for the summer. And it's only £10. And it's cruelty free.'
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Generous bottle at 100ml
Cons
- Not as long lasting
Our review of the M&S Discover Sweet Pistachio Eau De Toilette
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'One spritz of this scent reveals a sweet, rather heady initial hit that feels both warm and comforting. Notes composed of pistachio, tuberose and tonka leave behind a nutty, floral mesh that truly does smell lovely. The dry-down reveals a softer, more subtle gourmand finish that feels like the perfect winter sun fragrance. When I compared the two, I would say that the Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist does share some similarities. It's also oozing that moreish nuttiness. But in my experience, there’s more depth there thanks to the addition of jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood. Both beautiful gourmand fragrances, certainly, but Sol de Janeiro pips M&S to the post when it comes to luxury and longevity.'
Final verdict
Our thoughts? There's similarities, yes, but if you're looking for an out and out Sol de Janerio dupe, this might not be the one for you. While some notes are absolutely comparable, the high end counterpart just feels that touch more special - it's richer and more opulent. All that said, if you know you love a gourmand scent, then chances are you'll love this one. It's sweet and warming and still likely to reel in the compliments - especially if you aren't against reapplying throughout the day. For £10? We'd recommend.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness
Main image credit: TikTok @mandsbraehead
