The best Zara perfumes are some of the most popular scents on the market, with options to suit every taste. Whether you prefer light and fresh scents or want something more warm and woody, there is an affordable Zara fragrance waiting for you.
Undoubtedly offering some of the best perfumes for women, Zara offers scents, packaging, and lasting power to rival high-end designer brands. With over 65 fragrance variations currently available to shop online, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a fresh scent. However, it can be tricky to pick your new favorite high-street perfume without smelling it in person. "Buying a fragrance online is notoriously challenging because of the obvious limitation – you can’t smell through a screen," says Master Perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek.
That's why we have visited Zara consistently over the past nine months, testing out the newest launches as well as familiar favorites, to give you our honest thoughts about which Zara perfumes are worth adding to your basket. Whether you're a Zara perfume novice or you just want a bit of direction when selecting your next scent, we break down everything you need to know about the retailer's best perfumes, as well as expert tips on how to get the most out of your Zara fragrance.
How we tested the best Zara perfume
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A small selection of the Zara perfumes included in this guide
We have been wearing Zara fragrances for years now, and have also been reviewing our product selection consistently for the last nine months to ensure that this list is reflective of the best Zara perfumes available to buy today.
We've tested a wide range of Zara fragrances with a variety of different notes to select the best from each fragrance family, wearing each for a full day. As well as seeking out the best fruity, woody, fresh, and floral perfumes, we also paid attention to factors like lasting power and potency to determine which budget Zara scents really are the best. Figuring out how to choose a perfume to suit your taste can be tricky, but due to their lower price points, we think all of these Zara perfumes are pretty safe bets.
11 best Zara perfumes, chosen by our beauty team
This Zara perfume is definitely one of the brand's sweeter scents, but is on the mature side within that fruity fragrance family. The top notes of pear are accompanied by a middle of red berries and a vanilla base, giving a fruity and feminine aroma that lingers on the skin. It dries down to a vanilla base that will pleasantly remind you just how good you smell throughout the day.
Wonder Rose is also very layering-friendly. It can be spritzed with one of Zara's other vanilla-based scents, like Tuberose, or even mixed with one of your pricier perfumes to make it go the extra mile.
Coming in at $25.90/£17.99 for a 180ml bottle, this is the perfect budget-friendly way to smell like a delicious, fruity cocktail that won't make your head hurt. This excellent price point also makes it a great gift idea for anyone who likes fruity yet delicate scents or is looking to explore sweeter smells without splashing out on a designer label.
Zara Applejuice is said to resemble one of the best Chanel perfumes, Chance. Though it is less powerful than Chance, when testing we found that the scent is similar, making this ideal for casual wear if you want to save your pricey Chanel for special occasions. Fruity without being overly sweet, Applejuice is a perfume for those who like feminine fragrances that are also fresh. We found that it's the sort of perfume that is not immediately noticeable but still leaves a subtly clean and crisp aroma that comes through in wafts throughout the day.
The only downfall we found when testing is that it is not quite as long-lasting as other Zara perfumes we have tried. However, you can maximize wear time by paying attention to when you apply your fragrance. "The best time to spray perfume on your skin is right after your shower," says Iember Gordon, Fragrance Expert and Head of Marketing at The Fragrance Shop. "This is because moisture gives your scent something to hold on to, so spraying your signature scent on after your skin has been freshly washed boosts its staying power."
We have this one in our perfume rotation for the days when we want to go for something more natural, and it is a smell we will never get tired of. We've gone back to Applejuice for years, and it is still one of our top recommendations that we think everyone and anyone would like. Plus, at under $26/£18 for a 180ml bottle, it wins the title of the best cheap perfume with a designer scent on this list.
There are several variations of the Zara Gardenia scent, but we love the original version best. The best Zara perfume for a mature sweetness, Gardenia has been compared to YSL's Black Opium. However, after testing for several months now, we think that it is less overwhelming than Black Opium - in the best way.
Designer fragrances are usually very potent and long-lasting, but this also means that they can sometimes be slightly suffocating when first applied. Gardenia bypasses that and cuts straight to the worn-in smell that sits gracefully on the skin for hours, giving a universal appeal that we can't imagine many people not liking.
Navigating how to buy fragrance online can be challenging, especially if you're not totally sure which scents you like best. So, if you want to make a purchase that you know won't fail you, Gardenia has our vote. The contrast between the floral and coffee notes creates a perfectly balanced, crowd-pleasing perfume that is both feminine and slightly musky.
If you liked the sound of Applejuice but want something a little more hearty, Zara Orchid is just that. It has all the light, fresh appeal of Applejuice, plus woody base notes that add an extra dimension. When testing this over several different days, we found that it dries down to be musky and creamy, leaving the floral top notes to fade into the background. If you lean more towards floral scents but want to start dipping your toe into the woody world, this is the perfume to do it with.
"Some people may pay too much attention to the initial spritz [of a perfume], as they are sold on the top notes, without hanging around to see how the fragrance develops over time," explains Mastenbroek. "While helpful, some people may place too much importance on these notes." Orchid in particular proves this point, as the base notes that push through later on are what you really want to pay attention to.
The only negative to Orchid is that it isn't a particularly unique smell, in that it resembles many other floral perfumes. However, if you want something reliable that you will never grow tired of, we can't recommend it enough. And thanks to the variety of notes in this perfume, it is a perfect candidate for fragrance layering.
Nuit does exactly what it says on the tin: it is the ultimate nighttime fragrance. Both sweet and woody, it is a distinctly mature smell that lends itself to after-dark wear, thanks to the mysterious and intriguing vibe that it gives off. The amber and vanilla base notes really steal the show here, and are the main scents you can make out whilst wearing Nuit. Plus, when testing, we found that you only need a couple of spritzes to get a potent scent, so it is sure to last you well throughout any occasion.
However, this is a perfume that really needs to dry down to reach its full potential, as the opening notes only partially reflect the scent you will carry with you throughout the day. Once it settles in, this is a warm and cozy perfume that we love to turn to in the winter months.
Though they smell substantially different, Zara Nuit evokes the same autumnal feelings as Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace, which makes you want to sip red wine whilst wearing fluffy pajamas. Despite some of the sweeter notes, we think it could certainly act as a unisex fragrance for those who want something more gender-neutral or a little more hearty.
Fleur de Patchouli is one of Zara's more premium and pricy fragrances, created in collaboration with Jo Malone. However, this is definitely the best Zara perfume if you want a true luxe feel that is worth every penny. From the packaging to the scent itself, it offers a brilliant price point for a stunning perfume in which no detail has been overlooked.
This fragrance sits at the earthy end of the floral spectrum, so we bet that even those who don't typically select floral scents will gravitate toward it. The gentle smell reflects that of fresh flowers at their best - not too powdery, and still retaining elements of the natural woody scents they are surrounded by.
When testing, we noticed that the strong patchouli notes mimic Chanel's iconic Coco Mademoiselle perfume, making this an ideal cheaper alternative for everyday wear. We've worn Coco Mademoiselle for several years now, so we're certain this is a quality dupe. However, where Coco Mademoiselle is subtly clean and soapy, Fleur de Patchouli is more natural. It is floral without sickly sweetness, and because of this, we believe Fleur de Patchouli is one of the most timeless Zara perfumes out there.
Zara's description of Tuberose is minimal, as it is presented as a 'mystery' fragrance. But if you know one thing about this perfume it should be that, surprisingly, it doesn't smell much of Tuberose. However, it has still earned a place on our list of the best Zara perfume. When testing, we loved the delicate balance of vanilla and woody notes, making for a scent that sits perfectly in between sweetness and musk. If you are after the best vanilla perfume that isn't overtly sugary, we recommend giving Tuberose a go.
Coming in at an extremely reasonable $6.99/£4.99 for 30ml, this is a scent we recommend if you want something cheap and cheerful for travelling or gifting to a loved one. The light and powdery finish has a universal appeal that we think anyone who wears sweeter fragrances will like, so it's a safe bet as a present.
We also love the handy 30ml bottle that is the ideal size for your handbag, great for making fragrance top-ups throughout the day. Or, to really help this smell stick to you all day, try Gordon's clever hack. "If you have a signature scent, you can get your clothing to smell like it as well. Line your drawers with tissue paper that has been spritzed a few times and allow the scent to permeate the fabrics." Trust us, you will want every inch of you to smell like Zara Tuberose.
Red Temptation has become one of the most popular Zara perfumes of all time, and that is due to its similarities to the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. The perfect spiced scent, it is a great day-to-night perfume that won't seem out of place for any occasion.
This perfume is definitely one that grows on you, and perhaps not something that everyone will fall in love with at first sniff. However, it is a truly distinctive perfume that is bound to draw compliments. If you want an affordable perfume that will become your unique signature scent, we definitely recommend Red Temptation.
Plus, it is pretty long-wearing, so will last throughout the day. But if you are going to wear this into the evening without reapplying, you can easily make it even more potent. "For desk-to-dancefloor situations, use an unscented moisturizer on your skin before you apply perfume," says Gordon. "This will help lock the fragrance in better as it gives a moist skin impression."
Zara White is one of our all-time favorite fragrances due to how versatile it is. Light and floral, this reminds us of some of the best lavender perfumes in its freshness and is the sort of perfume we think anyone and everyone would like, thanks to the subtlety of each note. If you are after a perfume that is adaptable to all manner of occasions and vivid without being overbearing or too powdery, White is definitely the one to go for.
The magnolia notes are the most prominent here, with sweet lychee fading into the background of this scent. We would recommend this perfume to those who don't like sweetness, as the freshness substantially outweighs it here. We have had the miniature roller ball version of this perfume in our makeup bag for years, and it never seems to run out. Even the smallest amount clings to the skin all day long, making it a great long-lasting perfume for everyday wear.
It's worth noting that Zara perfumes come in various strengths and this one is an Eau de Toilette. When weighing up eau de toilette vs parfum, remember "perfume and cologne are sold in different ratios of fragrance oil to alcohol," explains Gordon. "The more concentrated forms, like pure Parfum, will cost the most and last the longest, whilst the less concentrated versions like an Eau De Toilette, will cost less and the spritz won't last as long." However, with White, this is no problem - its lightness is part of the appeal and is perfect for all-day wear.
Majestic Lilas is a newer Zara fragrance launch, and it is already one of our top scents for summer. With minimal notes of lilac flower and sandal, it is a toned back fragrance that doesn't shift between overwhelming top, middle, and base notes throughout the day. Instead, it applies as a deliciously pure floral, not sweet or artificial, eventually drying down into a clean yet woody scent that lingers all day. If you want a perfume that will have you smelling like you just got out of the most luxurious shower or spa treatment, this is it.
In a slim 30ml bottle, this is an ideal travel companion too. The change in the scent from floral to woody throughout as you wear means that it will work for both day and night, so you won't need to pack any extra scents in your carry-on. Considering the elegant packaging and the refined scent that has a simultaneously mature and playful finish, it comes in at an extremely reasonable price too.
If you want to get a little more out of those floral top notes, you can add this perfume to your hair to get a more potent scent. "Don't spritz directly onto your hair as the alcohol can cause damage to the hair," advises Gordon. "Try spraying your favorite fragrance on your hairbrush and brush it through dry hair, creating a more encompassing fragrance that lasts longer."
Fields at Nightfall is another new launch from Zara, but we expect it to become a staple pick before long. With a rich blend of praline, jasmine, and sandalwood, it has an evening feel that reminds us slightly of YSL Libre in terms of its hearty yet sweet finish. It also has the same strong lasting power as Libre, keeping the same scent from the initial spritz for hours after.
This fragrance also reminds us of another designer collection - the Replica range by Maison Margiela. Replica scents are intended to mimic and evoke memories of a very specific time or place (such as a library or jazz club) and Fields at Nightfall strikes in much the same way. The romantic image of being in a field under the stars is a brilliant descriptor for this perfume, so it is one to go for if you want a quintessentially nighttime scent.
It has the same packaging as many of the other classic Zara perfumes, so it is not the most sophisticated bottle to have on display. However, the fragrance itself is one of our new favorites, and it is worth every penny for a 100ml bottle that lasts brilliantly on the skin.
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