Best perfumes under $300. For a typical perfume lover, almost every fragrance bottle in their possession or one they’ve used in the past had a designation; there is always the signature scent, the perfume for special occasions, the casual or go-to perfume, the emergency save-the-day, the one that comes out once in a year, and the ridiculous list continues.
To get to this place of no stress and being fairly acquainted with perfumes and the notes they contain to even think of assigning these functions based on their purpose, the road to tread often involves a rigorous series of ‘trials and error’ that nobody willingly loves to undergo.
In all sincerity, choosing the ideal perfume can be both difficult and confusing seeing that there many fragrance options available in the market to choose from, with more releases joining the list of already-existing ones daily.
To offer some sort of guidance that will help ease the daunting task of testing and choosing, we have compiled a list of the best perfumes under $300 USD, with an inclusion of their price range and availability on different online websites.
This list considers important factors such as cost, fragrance formula, general product review, fragrance family, the notes they contain, longevity, projection and sillage, and the fragrance composition. Also, this list breaks the perfume choices into two, listing the ideal perfumes choices for men, and the ideal perfume choices for women.
Baccarat Rouge 540 is an oriental and floral gender-neutral fragrance perfect for men and women by Maison Francis Kurkdjian that are sold under $300. This fragrance was released in 2015 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Baccarat, a French glass manufacturer known all over the world for their fine crystal arts, and had only 250 collectible bottles exclusively produced by Francis Kurkdjian, with each extrait de parfum bottle selling for $4000 at the time.
But now, this fragrance is produced in commercial quantity and is available to more people, though not in the characteristic Baccarat red bottle.
The “540” in the perfume title refers to the temperature degree involved in the product of this iconic fragrance that gives it the unique Baccarat red shade. Within the world of perfumes, this blend exists as the wonder of transformation, in this case involving the metamorphosis of crystals and 24-karat gold dust to an iconic fragrance that is loved and adored by men and women all over the world.
The notes contained in this fragrance include: saffron, citrus, amber, cedarwood, jasmine, oakmoss, fir resin, sage, and ambergris.
This fragrance is often lauded for its magical and very poetic composition, as it is composed of notes like Saffron, Cedarwood, Jasmine, and Amber in equal proportions, making for a deeply affecting and intense signature scent. Quite reputable for its smooth and velvety feel, it comfortably stays on the skin like a favourite piece of ornament. In addition, it gives off a radiant, compelling, and soporific aura, which is meant to reflect the affluence and elegance mainly associated with the Baccarat brand.
Price And Availability
This natural spray comes available in 1.2 fl. oz., 2.4 fl. oz., and 6.8 fl. oz. bottle sizes. On the original Francis Kurkdjian website, the 1.2 fl. oz. sells for $115.000, and the 2.4 fl. oz. sells at $237. However, on this site the 6.8 fl. oz. bottle does not meet the below $300 category. While on Harrods, the 70ml bottle sells at $260. This fragrance comes in two variants and so come with different prices based on the chosen fragrance edition.
Delicate and alluring, Delina eau de parfum is a sweet and floral fragrance for women released in 2017 by Parfums de Marly. Like the affluent royal history behind the creation of and constant creative inspiration for the luxury Parfums de Marly fragrance brand, it also embodies an haute culture of coming up with high-end hypnotic and unprecedented fragrance blends, which as expected is extended to the making of this nobly fragrance created by Quentin Bisch.
Like a specially crafted bouquet of radiant and intense scents, it ingeniously combines the salient notes of fresh and fruity notes of bergamot, lychee and rhubarb with the floral notes of Turkish rose, lily of the valley, peonies, and petalia, to form a typically feminine fragrance.
The base consists of musky and deeper notes of cedarwood, Haitian vetiver, incense and cashmeran. This fragrance speaks class and sophistication, with a bit of indulging mystery that envelopes and keeps the wearer fresh all day long. The fragrance notes contained in this fragrance are: bergamot, vanilla, lychee, nutmeg, cedar, Turkish rose, Haitian vetiver, rhubarb, white musk, incense, and cashmeran.
Repeatedly tagged the perfect depiction of dainty and floral femininity, the version mostly known as traditional femininity, this fragrance expresses this in its unique composition and product packaging. The flacon comes in a light shade of pink with tassels attached to the neck of the bottle, and a sliver top.
Price And Availability
This fragrance comes available in 2.5 fl. oz. or 75ml and 0.7ml sample bottle sizes. On the Parfums de Marly Paris original site, the 2.5 fl. oz. or 75ml bottle sells for $255.00. for a site like Selfridges and Co, when converted the 75ml bottle is sold at $237.00 per bottle.
While on a site like Walmart, the 75ml or 2.5 fl. oz. size sells for $274.00 per bottle. Also, this same bottle size sells for $290.00 on a site like Smallflower.com. On Harrods US, the 75ml bottle sells for $230, and for $260.85 on Escentual.com. On Amazon, the 2.5 fl. oz. eau de parfum spray bottle generally sells for $274.73, which other independent prices that may be higher or lower than this average price.
J’adore infinissime eau de parfum is a recent oriental and floral fragrance specially crafted for women, which was released in September 2020. Building on the iconic J’adore composition, this perfume blend opens up with the fresh, citrusy, and spicy burst of flowers, berries, and citrus, which includes pink pepper, ylang ylang, centifolia rose, blood orange, lily of the valley, bergamot, jasmine sambac, and Grasse tuberose. The harmony to this blend is maintained with balance and cohesion provided by the musky base note of sandalwood.
This fragrance comes as a recent addition to the Dior fragrance collection, and was created by Dior’s resident perfumer, François Demachy. Like the “infinissime” in the name reveals, it leaves behind a sensual and captivating fragrance trail that seems to last till infinity.
Existing as an unending tribute to femininity, it is the ideal signature for the assertively confident and brave modern woman with a sense of worthiness, which is whom Charlize Theron as the face of this fragrance represents.
Just like the idea of feminine majesty and goddess-like energy it is captures; the packaging comes as an exquisite hour-glass shaped sunshine gold flacon with a tiny neck covered with golden bangles, with the flacon resembling the female body of a goddess whose inherent grace and infinite allure is heightened by the golden hoops on her neck. To make sure each drop of fragrance is layered enough to last all day, the use of this fragrance can be combined with other body products in the same line as this fragrance.
This luxury eau de parfum fragrance comes available in 50ml or 1.7 oz. and 100ml or 3.4 oz bottle sizes. On the original Dior US website, the 50ml or 1.7 oz. bottle sells for $115, while the bigger 100ml or 3.4 oz. bottle goes for $145.00 USD. These price rates are also the same on a site like Sephora.com. something close to these prices apply on the PerfumeShop.com, where the $100ml sells at $140.74 and the 50ml sells at $102.00.
On a site like Selfridges & Co, the 50ml or 1.7 oz. bottle sells for $99.00 and the 100ml or 3.4 oz. bottle sells for $137.00 per bottle. For an online shop like Myer, the prices are slightly increased seeing that the 50ml size sell for $178.00 per bottle, while the 100ml size sells at $258.00 per bottle.
In addition, a site like Escentual.com sells the 50ml and 100ml bottle sizes at $102.08 and 140.96 respectively.
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Coming as a refined eau de parfum fragrance, Eau de Soir is a feminine perfume that belongs to the floral chypre fragrance family. This fragrance was released in 1990 initially as a personal perfume for Countess Isabelle D’Ornano given to her as a gift by her husband-Count Hubert D’ornano, who collaborated with her and Jeannine Mongin to create this scent, and it comes as the second perfume from the Sisley brand when it was finally made mainstream years later.
It stands out among other feminine scents, with its unique composition and harmonious blend of spicy notes, fresh citrus notes, floral notes, and amber notes. The top notes in this fragrance include mandarin orange and grapefruit; while the heart notes and base notes include: jasmine, black pepper, syringa/lilac, Lily of the valley, ylang ylang, iris, rose, Genever iris, cistus, oak moss, amber, musk, and patchouli.
This signature scent evokes a fantastical spell-bound stroll through the gardens of Royal Alcazar in Seville after sunset, at that particular hour when the expelled enchanting scent of syringa/lilac traps the olfactory senses in a tryst.
In addition, this classic fragrance is suited for the elegant and sophisticated, and constantly strives to make an impression as it has intoxicating charm that lasts 24/7. The packaging of the fragrance is modest, with a transparent bottle and a top shaped as the head of a woman, perhaps the countess herself.
Price And Availability
This fragrance comes in available in 30ml or 1.0 fl. oz., 50ml or 1.7 fl. oz., and 100ml or 3.4 fl. oz. bottle sizes. On the original Sisley website, the 30ml bottle sells for $135.00, while the 50ml size is priced at $195. Also, the 100ml sells for $278.00. on Nordstrom, the 3oml or 1.0 fl. oz. bottle sells for $135, with the 50ml or 1.7 fl. oz. and 100ml or 3.4 fl. oz. bottles selling for $195 and $278 respectively.
On Harrods, the 100ml sells at the discounted price of $206 USD per bottle. While on John Lewis and Partners, the 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml bottles sell for $130, $180.98, and $265 USD in this order when converted.
On Amazon, the 1.0 fl. ounce sells for $93.24, while the 1.7 fl. ounce bottle goes for $109.20. in addition, the 3.4 fl. ounce bottle sells for $120.19 USD.
Velvet Mughetto is a gender-neutral floral and fruity (citrus aromatic) fragrance from Dolce and Gabbana and launched in 2020 specially made for women and men. The nose behind this fragrance is Sidonie Lancesseur, and it belongs to the velvet fragrance collection which also contains other fragrances based on flowers and central fragrance notes they contain, such as Velvet Sublime, Velvet Oriental Musk, Velvet Amber Sun, Velvet Cypress, Velvet Mimosa Bloom, Velvet Exotic Leather, Velvet Love, Velvet Incenso, Velvet Amber Skin, Velvet Ginestra, Velvet Rose, Velvet Desert Oud, Velvet Bergamot, Velvet Vetiver, Velvet Desire, Velvet Wood, Velvet Pure, Velvet Tender Oud, and Velvet Patchouli.
The imagination and thematic influence that inspires the creation of this sensual androgynous fragrance is the Island of Sicily, along with the pleasant warmth of the sun on sweet-smelling flowers peculiar to this region, the breathtaking landscape, the blossoming of spring on this celestial island, and its little natural pleasures that gradually unfold with the daily progression of time.
With respect to the diverse and rich composition, this fragrance opens with the fruity, spicy, and fresh notes of bergamot blossom, pink pepper, and cassis. At the core of this fragrance exists notes like lily-of-the-valley-from where this fragrance gets its name, patchouli, and magnolia, while the base and final base notes of sandalwood and cashmeran provide a deep and enshrouding balance to the general mix.
As an ode to the Mediterranean island, it tries to stay true to the allegorical signature of the woodland flower, giving off a warm, soothing, and addictive spring feel that turns heads and leaves the wearer feeling cool and refreshed all day long.
As part of the velvet fragrance collection, it comes in a velvety soft green bottle combined with golden shades occurring at different points on the bottle, and a lime-green top with a stroke on the same golden hue on the bottle.
Price And Availability
On Harrods, the 50ml or 1.7 fl. oz. bottle is sold for $226. While on Walmart, the 50ml or 1.7 fl. oz. bottle sells from $203 to $215.99 USD, courtesy of independent sellers on the site. Furthermore, on a website like Smith and Caughey’s, this same bottle sells for $295.00 USD.
Violet and Amber Absolu eau de parfum is a spicy and powdery fragrance with a unisex appeal that is part of the Jo Malone Absolu fragrance collection. This fragrance comes as an upgrade to the previously released scent, Rose and White Musk Absolu, still by Jo Malone London. Mimicking the colours visible in an Arabian Night, both in composition and packaging, it comes in a flacon marked with a distinct deep velvet shade, and a gradient capturing sunset that inspires its creation.
On composition, it includes notes with Mid-Western origins such as violet (in the form of flower petals and leaves, which is the first note and central scent here in this mix, which then merges with white musk and oud to create a signature scent that is both timeless and irresistible.
In addition, this balance is further balanced out with the soothing base amber and patchouli notes. The total notes in this fragrance include: violet, oud, white musk, patchouli, labdanum, and amber.
This fragrance was released in 2019 and was created for Jo Malone by perfumer-Anne Flipo. Loved for its consistency and reliable notes, it stays on fresh for 10 to 14 hours, with an average sillage and good projection. It is the ideal perfume choice for late nights out and casual date.
Price And Availability
On the main Jo Malone London website, the 100ml bottle size is sold for $295.00, while on a site like Selfridges & Co, this same size is sold for $220 per bottle.
On Harrods, the 100ml bottle size sells for $236 USD. While on eBay, the 100ml bottle is sold between $154 to $265.61, depending on seller.
Millesime Imperial eau de parfum is a floral, musky and woody fragrance that was created by Olivier Creed for men and women. The city that inspires the creation of this unique scent is Sicily, and it tries to captures the essence and ambience of this beautiful city by the sea-side through the incorporation and perfect blend of citrus notes, fruity notes, sea notes, and woody notes.
On fragrance composition, it contains tangy and fresh citrus notes of lemon, mandarin, and bergamot; which balances out perfectly blended calming sea notes, largely appealing fruity notes, and the deep and dense scents of woody and amber notes like musk, sandalwood, and amber.
This fragrance is both warm, elegant, and seductive, making it the best choice for daytime and evening affairs, either for formal or informal settings. Its unisex appeal is another strong feature of this unique fragrance, making it easier to share your favourite fragrance with your spouse or partner. It has a very impressive staying power and increased projection that guarantees freshness all day long.
Like the name Millesime Imperial which when translated means “imperial vintage”, this fragrance lives up to the Creed reputation and the stellar standard it sets from an existence that goes way back to the rise and fall of imperial courts in Europe.
The flacon is thoroughly covered in gold as a tribute to the royal history backing the Creed brand and its sustained influential status over the years. In addition, it commemorates the 150th anniversary of this great fashion house that started in Paris many decades back.
Just as in most Creed fragrances, this gold standard fragrance comes available in 30ml or 1.01oz, 50ml or 1.7 oz. and 100ml or 3.4 oz., 250ml or 8.45 oz, and 500ml or 16.9 oz. bottle sizes. In addition, there are unofficial sample bottles that come in 1 oz or 1.04 oz. bottle sizes.
Price And Availability
On the original Creed website, the 50ml or 1.7 oz bottle is the only bottle that falls under the below $300 category as it sells for $239.04, the remaining bottle sell at prices above $300 USD. This price is also applicable on a site like Selfridges & Co. On Fragrancenet.com, 50ml or 1.7 oz. size is sold for $251.99 per bottle, while the 1. Oz. sample size sells for $212.99.
On Luckyscents.com, the 2.5 ml sample bottle sells for a token fee of $10, while the 50ml or 1.7 oz. bottle sells for $295 USD. On OriginesParfumes.com, the 100ml bottle sells for $200.72 when converted. For a site like YannParfumerie, the 100ml bottle is sold for $260, while on HoltRenfrew.com the 30ml or 1.7 oz size sells for $253 per bottle.
Amber Nuit eau de parfum is an oriental (with dominant floral and amber notes) gender-neutral fragrance created for men and women by Francois Demachy, Dior’s in-house perfumer. This fragrance comes as an addition to the list of Dior’s famous gender-neutral scents, among which we find perfumes like Cologne Blanche by Dior, Bois d’Argent by Dior, and Eau Noire by Dior.
Like the name hints, this fragrance is a bottle of contrasting and conflicting opposites. Here, “ambre” and “nuit” capture an essence of the deep and intense dark notes of amber and pink pepper(which is a common feature in most typically masculine perfumes), and the inherent attributes of floral and citrusy notes like Bergamot, grapefruit, and Turkish rose, which is often the metaphorical representation of traditional femininity. The notes in this fragrance include: Turkish rose, grapefruit, amber, bergamot, and pink pepper.
Like its embodiment of male and female traits, it marries the banal notes of amber to the dainty and creamy notes of Turkish rose, representing how it successfully merges two varying personalities into a harmonious fold, that is neither too animalistic or effeminate.
In general, this fragrance is both powerful and alluring, making it the epitome of elegance and boldness. Amber Nuit eau de parfum by Dior was launched by Dior in 2009 and comes available in 45ml or 1.3 fl. oz., 125ml or 4.25 fl. oz., 250ml or 8.5 fl. oz., and 450ml or 15 fl. oz. bottle sizes. It comes in the iconic flacon that houses most classic fragrances from Dior and has an amber-yellow colour.
Price And Availability
On the original Dior website, the 45ml or 1.3 fl. oz. bottle sells for $100, closely followed by the 125ml or 4.25 fl. oz. bottle which sells for $220. On the bigger side, the prices of the 250ml or 8.5 fl. oz. bottle and the 450ml or 15 fl. oz bottle are not included in this review because they do not fall under the below $300 category.
Allure Homme Sport eau extreme EDP is a woody and aromatic fragrance for men released by Chanel in 2012, which comes as another collection to the popular Allure Homme collection of fragrances that include similar fragrances like Allure Homme Sport Cologne and Allure Homme Sport.
Like the name, the fragrance composition reminds one of adrenal rush. It is the ideal perfume choice for the daring, brave and resoundingly independent man who treads on dangerous edges and constantly pushes borders and boundaries. This idea of a powerful and adventurous masculinity this fragrance represents is perfectly embodied by pro surfer, Danny Fully.
Created by Jacques Polge, this fragrance is a potpourri of spicy, woody, amber, and aromatic notes. When applied, the fragrance profile opens with the minty and citrusy scents of mint and mandarin, which is followed by the green and woody notes of sage, cypress, and cedarwood. The lingering scents of tonka bean and musk is very obvious here as the fragrance journey ends.
In this thick mix of fragrances, there is a faint hint of black pepper that highlights the individual scents. The top notes in this fragrance are mint, cypress, mandarin orange, and sage. Subsequently, the middle and base notes include: black pepper, white musk, tonka bean, cedar, and sandal wood.
This fragrance comes in the usual Allure Home Sport flacon, though with a slight distinctive change in colour and available colour shades. Instead of the usual lighter silver or semi-transparent bottle shade, this one comes in a deeper silver hue similar to grey, with a stainless-like texture. On any dresser, it paints a clear picture of passion and sophistication.
Price And Availability
This fragrance is available in 50ml, 100ml, and 150ml bottle sizes. On the main Chanel website, the 50ml bottle is sold for $84.10, and the 100ml for $116.25 when converted to USD. On Sephora, the 50ml bottle is sold for $98.00 USD.
On OrigineParfums.com, the three bottle sizes are available and sell at $73.87 (for the 50ml), $99.92 (for the 100ml), and $120.50(for the 150ml). Also, the 150ml bottle sells for $195.95 on Brandfield.com.
Colonia Futura eau de cologne is a fougere aromatic fragrance that is meant for men and women by Acqua di Parma. This fragrance comes as a flanker of the classic bestselling Colonia cologne from Acqua di Parma, still with the irresistible aura and rich Italian touch.
Like the name insinuates, this fragrance is deemed to be the future replacement for the older Colonia, and seems equal to the task with its rich blend of exotic and intoxicating scents. This fragrance will definitely be a favourite option for men and women who are naturally drawn to citrus and aromatic scents.
The Colonia Futura fragrance is predominantly made up of fresh notes, along with the zesty scents of citrus and pink pepper. When applied initially, the citrus notes are thee first scents to overwhelm the nostrils, closely followed by the very leafy and green scents of clary sage and lavender, with lavender being a major note that was carried over from the original Colonia fragrance.
The base note of vetiver balances out everything, bring in an earthy woody aura and reassuring cohesion to the entire fragrance composition.
Living true to its sustainable and eco-friendly ideology, this fragrance is made only with naturally grown and sourced ingredients, and the flacon is produced with recycled products. In addition, the notes in this fragrance are: lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, citrus, pink pepper (for the top notes), lavender, clary sage (for the middle or heart notes), and vetiver (as the base note).
Just like the old Colonia, this fragrance comes in the characteristic Colonia fragrance flacon, and still maintains that Italian simplicity.
Qualifying as a classic fragrance, it generally lasts between 4 to 5 hours, though using this fragrance with other body products in the collection can lengthen the staying power. Also, layering can also help increase the longevity and sillage.
Price And Availability
Colonia Futura eau de cologne comes available in 20ml, 50ml, 100ml, and 180ml bottle sizes. On the main Acqua di Parma website, the 20ml, 50ml, 100ml, and 180 bottle sizes respectively sell for $72.95, $109.43, $151.98, and $201.82 when converted to USD. On SpaceNK.com, the 50ml bottle is sold for $104.56, while the 100ml sells at $144.69 per bottle.
For an online shop like Myer.com, the 100ml bottle sells for $219 USD. This price rate is discounted on JohnLewis.com, as the 50ml bottle sells for $97.27, and the 100m for $1333.75. Also, the 180ml bottle is sold for $176.30.
On other popular online shops like Nordstrom and Harrods, the 20ml, 50ml, and 100ml bottles are available. On Nordstrom, the 20ml, 50ml, and 100ml bottles sells for $70, 125, and $175 USD in that order. While for Harrods, the 50ml and the 100ml sells for $97 and $133 respectively.
Mister Marvelous eau de parfum is an aromatic and woody fragrance created by Ben Gorham for men. Like the name, it believes in the concept of changing and spicing things up to start up something marvelous.
This fragrance steers away from the portrayal of the traditional idea of masculinity upheld by most male fragrances. And as such, it gives a bright and invigorating fresh and citrusy signature scent that is in contrasts with the traditional male deeply spicy and mysterious scent.
The ideal man whom this fragrance is modelled after is both adventurous, active, fun, and spontaneous. These qualities are recognized in its mix of notes that include: top notes of neroli flower and mandarin; heart notes of lavender and bamboo; and base notes of white cedarwood and black amber.
Just like most fragrances from Byredo, this perfume launched in 2011 comes in a simple bottle and is made with only natural ingredients.
Price And Availability
This fragrance comes available in 50ml and 100ml bottle sizes. On the Byredo EN website, the 100ml sells for $227.37 USD when converted. While on Amazon, the same 100ml bottle size sells for $231.88.
On SpaceNk.com, the 50ml bottle is sold for $180.00, while the 100ml size sells at $265. For a website like Perfume.com, the 100ml or 3.4 oz. bottle size sells for $201.02.
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