I’m a Perfume Snob Who Just Tried H&M’s New Fragrances—Here’s What I Thought

Key notes: Pistachio, sea salt, candy apple, white flowers, salted caramel, sandalwood, musk and praline

Rating: 8/10

The first scent I tried was Fearless Optimist, and I immediately text my friend telling her to buy it for her upcoming holiday. This is one of the best affordable summer perfumes I have tried. It is really sweet, so if you don’t like gourmand scents, then this probably isn’t for you, but if you want a perfume that reminds you of sipping cocktails on a sun-soaked getaway, then I highly recommend adding it to basket. With notes of pistachio, caramel and praline, this fragrance smells almost good enough to eat.

Key notes: Black pepper, bergamot, tobacco, jasmine, leather, sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, musk and milky accord

Rating: 10/10

One of my personal favourites is Adventure Seeker. This fresh, woody scent is definitely giving some of my luxury alternatives a run for their money. At first you are hit with spicy black pepper and fresh bergamot, but once the fragrance settles on the skin, notes of amber and musk become more and more noticeable. This one gets 10/10 from me.

Key notes: Bergamot, orange blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle, marshmallow, vanilla and cotton candy

Rating: 8/10

Another expensive-smelling option is Chic Socialite. This is a modern take on a fresh, floral scent. It still has a powdery base, but hints of marshmallow and cotton candy make this a lot more fun and playful. I could see myself reaching for this on a daily basis.

Key notes: Cotton flower, eucalyptus, citrus, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, amber and cashmere wood

Rating: 9/10

If you like fragrances such as Maison Margiela’s Lazy Sunday Morning and Byredo’s Mojave Ghost, then you will love this H&M perfume. It honestly smells just like fresh laundry, with a delicate scent that you’ll want to spritz over and over again. Because the notes are on the lighter side, you might find yourself having to top up your fragrance throughout the day, but for just £9 I really can’t complain.

Key notes: Coconut water, guava. tiare, violet, patchouli and vanilla

Rating: 7/10

I like to think of Creative Visionary as a grown-up version of those summery body sprays we all used to wear. It has a ripe, fruity base that bursts into the skin, and hints of coconut water will instantly transport you to sunnier skies.

Key notes: Almond, peach, tuberose, jasmine, vanilla, tonka bean and cacao

Rating: 6/10

Personal Muse is one of those fragrances that changes on the skin over time. When I first spritzed it, all I could smell was notes of peach and I found it a bit too fruity for my liking. However, once it settled on the skin I started to notice warmer notes of vanilla, tonka bean and cacao coming through, which gave it a much more sophisticated edge.

Key notes: Pear, bergamot, orange blossom, jasmine, patchouli, vanilla and amber

Rating: 8/10

On the website, this perfume is described a floral fragrance, but in my opinion it’s a lot fruitier thanks to notes of ripe, juicy pear. The florals definitely make their way through over time, along with warming amber and vanilla. I couldn’t really imagine anyone not liking this delicious scent.

Key notes: Honeysuckle, apple blossom, lemon, mandarin, vanilla, ylang ylang, caramel and cashmere wood

Rating: 7/10

Social Butterfly is a beautiful concoction of notes that is bound to earn you compliments. Think sweet honeysuckle, juicy apple, fresh lemon and smooth caramel. One word: yum.