12 Best Perfumes Under $500 For Women & Men [2024]

Best perfumes under $500. Imagine walking into a department shop and moving to the perfume section, first few minutes will leave you overwhelmed and confused due to the number of options directly in front of you that you have to pick from.

This is why most of these shops employ salespersons or attendants who understand how overwhelming being confronted with multiple options feel and so are ever willing to help you make a perfect choice.

On the other hand, most people would choose not to trust the opinion of these shop attendants recognizing that they are simply there to sell and are always willing to convince a buyer to settle for an option, even if it does not favour them. And so, such persons would rather choose to come perfume shopping with a friend or family member.

However, choosing a signature scent is both an intimate and important process for every perfume lover seeing that fragrances are vivid expressions of one’s essence, and that certain scents encapsulate memories from a timeline therefore creating some sort of attachment to the involved olfactory notes.

In addition, this process is never an easy road as it often involves trying out tons of perfumes, blending different fragrances, wasting money, and largely being patient.  So, choosing the right perfume is not only about choosing a fragrance that agrees with your skin chemistry or turns heads whenever you pass, but also settling for the option that serves all intended purposes and renders the value you want.

To help lessen the stress of picking one item from a shelf full of perfumes, here are some steps to bear in mind when choosing a signature scent:

Know a bit more about perfumes – it is very important to know more than two paragraphs about perfumes and the art (or science) of creating perfumes. This knowledge should also include knowing the different types of fragrances and being able to differentiate between them.

Also, it is advised that you get every acquainted with the different fragrance notes, the olfactory blends that go together, the ones that last longer, and the combination of notes that are perfect for each season. Also, if there is a particular fragrance you love, knowing the constituent notes of this fragrance can help you with deciding the notes you love and learning to narrow down your choices to fragrance brands containing these notes.

Money isn’t everything – this advice is not merely preaching against vanity, but also reiterating the notion that expensive does not always mean perfect or better for you. However, this does not mean that luxurious perfumes are not wonderful or long-lasting. Most are, but they might not be what you are looking for in a signature fragrance.

The goal here is to find that perfect fragrance and doling out thousands of dollars for a bottle of perfume does not guarantee that it will be what you are looking for.  

Follow up – this tip means that you constantly need to keep up with trends, especially within the beauty industry as related to perfumes. Follow up on new fragrance releases, read about them, watch review videos on them, and read what people who have used them have to say about them.

This does not necessarily mean that you must buy every fragrance that hits the market. Simply staying abreast of trends is enough to let you know if a fragrance is perfect for you or not.

Be patient – exercising patience is an inexcusable tip especially when searching for the ideal perfume. Exercising patience in this context might mean not purchasing a fragrance out of first-time high, or because of popular opinion.

This is because most fragrances work with your skin composition, and so it is important to note that a particular fragrance everyone is gushing about might not even agree with your skin’s chemistry. In all, learning to wait a bit will prevent you from spending money unnecessarily.

Best Perfumes Under $500 For Women

1. Gypsy Water Eau De Parfum By Byredo

Gypsy Water is a woody aromatic gender-neutral perfume under $500 for men and woman and is dubbed the most popular fragrance within this line from Byredo. It was created by Jerome Epinette with only natural ingredients and launched in 2008.

Just like the name implies, Gypsy Water eau de parfum is inspired by the nomadic and untethered way of life and beliefs of the Romany people or gypsies, and just like they do, this fragrance adopts a minimalist approach both in composition and packaging. Focusing on the innate desire to explore, its unique notes harmony stress on the ideals of freedom and a degree of connection to earth elements.

The opening notes gives off a fresh, spicy and citrusy feel that reminds one of the outdoors, while the deep middle notes consisting of incense, pine needles and Orris root jointly blend to offer an irresistible and alluring scent that feels like second skin.

The base contains notes like sandalwood, amber, and vanilla, which envelopes the wearer in a strong but not overwhelming earthy and nightly scent are reminiscent of bonfire nights and the unique feel of the woods at night. These base scents that linger on for a while after being spritzed. Made only with organic ingredients and without parabens, it has a long-lasting scent that keeps the wearer fresh all day.

Price And Availability

Gypsy Water eau de parfum by Byredo comes available in 50ml and 100ml. On the Byredo website, the 50ml bottle sells at $154.62 USD, while the 100ml sells at $227.66 USD.

On Amazon, the 1.6 oz or 50ml bottle size sells for $180.00. This same price applies for the 50ml on site like Lucky Scents, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom, while the or 3.4 oz. or 100ml bottle is sold for $265 USD. For a site like 24S.com, the price of the 50ml or 1.7 oz. is slightly discounted and sells at $175 USD.

2. Feminin Pluriel By Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Feminin Pluriel is a floral oriental perfume under $500 for women which was created by Maison Francis Kurkdjian and released in 2014. This fragrance is an exquisite bouquet of creamy and alluring floral notes, making it the typical feminine scent that stands the test of time and the influence of evolved tastes.

To put together this grand fragrance, the perfumer extends beyond the usual scope and confines of its known perfume rituals to come up with a blend that incorporates chypre notes such as Jasmine from Egypt, Iris from Florence, Indonesian patchouli, Rose from Grasse and the rest, in a bid to create and immortalize an olfactive representation of the true feminine essence. The flagrant notes in this blend include: lactone, green notes, violet, orris, rose, orange blossom, jasmine, pear, iris, lily of the valley, Indonesian patchouli leaves, vetiver.

Like the “Pluriel” in the name hints at how it captures the multifaceted nature of the notes that make up its fragrance composition, it also reflects how this fragrance is timeless and unconventional. Crafted for the quintessential feminine woman, it extols the ideals of graceful attractiveness, flexibility, spring freshness, and freedom.

With respect to the outstanding fragrance features, it has an increased longevity with moderate intensity that allows the wearer sustained comfort without feeling suffocating once the perfume is applied. To make this even easier, it comes in a spray bottle that makes usage very convenient. Furthermore, it comes in the usual Maison Francis Kurkdjian perfume bottle, with a very feminine shade that intersects between very light pink and light gold.

Price And Availability

This fragrance comes available in 70ml or 2.4 fl. oz. and 200ml or 6.8 fl. oz. bottle sizes. On the main Maison Francis Kurkdjian website, the 70ml or 2.4 fl. oz. bottle sells for $182.26 while the 200ml or 6.8 bottle is sold for $358.45 USD. These price rates are also the same for the two bottle sizes on a site like Noseparis.com. These prices are slightly increased on Selfridges & Co, where the 70ml or 2.4 fl. oz. bottle is sold for $194 USD.

For an online shop like Saks Fifth Avenue, the 70ml or 2.4 fl. oz. bottle sells for $225 and the 200ml or 6.8 fl. oz. size sells for $415. These prices also remain the same on Luckyscents.com.

On Harrods, the 200ml or 6.8 fl. oz. is sold for $365 per bottle. For a site like Johnlewis.com, the 70ml size of this eau de parfum sells for $200.49 per bottle (when converted). In addition, the 2.4 fl. oz. or 70ml bottle size sells between $220 to $290 (depending on location).

3. Atelier Cologne Rose Smoke Pure Parfum

Atelier Cologne Rose Smoke Pure Parfum is a woody, floral and oriental androgynous fragrance crafted for men and women. This fragrance is an exclusive design for Harrods and gets the inspiration for its creation from the classic English rose. To achieve the desired result of formulating a fragrance that stands out, it also incorporates an oriental note into the central rose scent.

Like most typically feminine scents that are transformed to appeal to male users, it relays a subtle hint of spice, musk, and smoke-based notes. This fragrance is comfortable on the skin and has increased longevity and sillage. Like the touch of gold that is part of its unique and exquisite packaging, it sets a gold standard that most perfumes aspire to.

This fragrance was released in 2019 as a limited-edition fragrance and comes as a pure perfume (cologne absolutes), which means that this perfume variant is more concentrated than the eau de toilette variant. Being a minimalist fragrance, the notes contained in this fragrance include: Turkish rose (as the top note), while Indian Papyrus and Guaiac wood exist in this composition as the heart note and base note respectively.

Price And Availability

Atelier Cologne Rose Smoke Pure Parfum comes available in a 200ml bottle size and is exclusively limited to Harrods. The limited nature of this fragrance makes it highly-sought and also increases its monetary value. On Harrods, the 200ml bottle sells at $310 USD. This is one of the best perfumes under $500 online.

4. Tom Ford Velvet Orchid Eau De Parfum

Velvet Orchid eau de parfum is an oriental floral perfume under $500 created by Yann Vasnier, Shyamala Maisondieu, Calice Becker, and Antione Maisondieu for Tom Ford. This fragrance was part of the Orchid fragrance collection unveiled by the design house- Tom Ford, in 2015.

Also, it comes as a revamping of the previously existing classic Black Orchid from Tom Ford which was released in 2006.

This fresher and newer variant blends the sultry and mysteriously seductive aura of the flanker fragrance with the sense of dynamic femininity espoused by this newer formula. Quite the metaphorical breath of fresh air, it combines the intense tangy and sweet notes of honey, rum (or Succan absolute) and citrus.

Like the name represents, the power of this fragrance lies in how warm and comfortable it feels like velvet on the skin, and how the fragrance lures people in effortlessly. Upon application, the fragrance opens with the treacly sweet-smell of honey, which is closely followed by deep and permeating scent of orchid that feels like bathing in an orchid covered bathtub, albeit without the suffocating feel and overwhelming scent.

Next are the gentler notes of rose, hyacinth, and jasmine, which jointly soften the thick feel of the orchids from earlier and slowly reveal other heart notes and the accompanying soothing base notes. In addition, it has an increased sillage and a long-lasting knack that ensures it lasts all day without the need off layering.

Its elegant and timeless signature scent makes it a worldwide favourite in the women’s fragrance collection, even seeing it win the Fragrance Foundation Luxury Women’s award in 2015. Like the name and the attached affluence, this perfume comes packaged in a velvet shade with streak of gold, for the box-label with the name on, and the tassel rope at the neck of the fragrance bottle.

Price And Availability

This fragrance comes available in 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml bottle sizes. On the original Tom Ford website, the 50ml size sells for $134 per bottle, while the 100ml size is sold $185 per bottle. While on Amazon the 1.7 fl. oz or 50ml size costs $102.88 per bottle.

On PerfumeShop.com, the 30ml bottle sells for $83.23, while the 50ml and 100ml sizes are sold at $115.98 and $163.73 per bottle respectively. These price rates also apply on websites like Boots.com and Selfridges & Co. For a website like Ulta Beauty, the 100ml bottle is sold for $184.00.

5. Loubirouge Eau De Parfum By Christian Louboutin

Loubirouge eau de parfum is an oriental spicy fragrance for women belonging to the Loubiworld collection released by Louboutin in 2020. This first ever fragrance collection from the renowned designer contains seven original and unique fragrances that come in the same flaming red bottle with varying experiences, with each bottle encapsulating a fantasy world that indulges the olfactory senses.

Fragrances in this collection include: Loubicroc eau de parfum, Loubirouge eau de parfum, Loubifunk eau de parfum, Loubikiss eau de parfum, Loubiraj eau de parfum, Loubicrown eau de parfum, and Loubidoo eau de parfum.

This fragrance is meant for the metaphorical ‘lady in red’ and comes in a spicy red flacon that captures the integral spiciness of this fragrance and faintly reminds one of the signature Louboutin red-soles. In addition, the top of the falcon resembles a ‘horcrux’ covered in an even shade of sliver and is in the form of a stiletto on top a world/globe, indirectly hinting of the personality behind this fragrance. With this reference, it can be rightfully said that this fragrance is specially crafted for that Amazonian woman who is seductive and ambitious, and at the same drives the world around her.

In addition, this fragrance was created by perfumer-Marie Salamagne, drawing creative inspiration from the evocative powers of memories, dreams, and the imagination, along with long-term olfactory attachments. The fragrance notes contained in this perfume are cardamom, iris, and vanilla.

Price And Availability

Loubirouge eau de parfum comes available in 90ml bottle sizes. On the Christian Louboutin US website, the 90ml bottle sells for $300 USD. This same price rate applies on a site like Saks Fifth Avenue. While on other sites like Harrods and Selfridges, this same bottle sells at $306.38 USD when converted.

6. Night Veil Casablanca Lily Extrait De Parfum

Night Veils Casablanca Lily Extrait is a spicy, fruity and oriental fragrance that just like most perfumes from Byredo fragrance collection also comes with a unisex appeal. The creation of this fragrance was inspired by the sprouting town located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Just like the town, this fragrance tells the story of growth and progression, from an ancestral timeline to a thriving innovative city at par with modern civilization. Subsequently, like the source of inspiration the defining qualities of this fragrance remains its adaptability and the perfect blend of diverse cultural influences.

Just like the name indicates, as a perfume extract it contains more concentration of essential oil and other natural ingredients, which increases its value and staying power. In addition, the essence and composition of this fragrance depends largely on flowers, especially Lily, rose, and jasmine-often dubbed flowers of the night, and other locally sourced ingredients. This fragrance gives an elegant and sophisticated feel, making it the ideal signature scent that serves for all occasions.

Night Veil Casablanca Lily Extrait de parfum was created in 2015 by the brain behind Byredo, Ben Gorham, who collaborated with seasoned perfumers like Olivia Giacobetti, and Jerome Epinette. Like expected from the Byredo minimalist fragrance tradition, the top notes in this fragrance include: Plum, Gardenia; while the middle and base notes include: carnation, Indian tuberose, rosewood, and honey accord.

Price And Availability

This fragrance comes available in 50ml and this size sells for $300 USD on the original Byredo website. And this same price applies on other sites like Woodberg and Senteurs D’Ailleurs. On a site like Harrods, this price is slightly increased and the 50ml bottle sells for $358.00, while it sells for $330 on Saks Fifth Avenue. On Nordstrom, the 50ml bottle sells for $330 USD.

In addition, the highest price for the 50ml bottle is on Escentials, which sells at $480 per bottle. On Amazon, the 50ml or 1.5 oz. bottle sells between $249.48 to $399 USD.

7. Rose Prick Eau De Parfum By Tom Ford

Just as the name reveals without much ado, Rose Prick eau de parfum is a gender-inclusive perfume under $500 for men and women from Tom Ford, which belongs to the Chypre floral fragrance family. Also, a whiff of this fragrance allows one a privileged glimpse into Tom Ford’s private garden.

At the heart of this fragrance, it combines the best rose notes from three rose breeds which are Bulgarian rose, May rose or Rose de Mai, and Turkish rose, to brew an enchanting unconventional and wickedly seductive scent that clings to the body like silk without appearing overpowering or suffocating.

To avoid being another typical talcum-powder rose fragrance befitting an older woman, it brings in the contrasting and totally unexpected notes of tonka bean, spicy Sichuan pepper, and turmeric.

Furthermore, the addition of more notes like musk and Tolu Balsam combine to gives this blend the characteristic Tom Ford fragrance makeover, resulting in a one-of-a-kind fragrance loved by men and women.

This fragrance is the ideal signature scent for individuals in touch with both their masculine and feminine sides. It has a long-lasting fragrance trail that lingers till the end of the day, and this makes sure that the wearer is enveloped in the exotic and rich smell of this fragrance all day long.

The fragrance comes in a cute lighter shade of pink matte, also known as baby pink, in the iconic Tom Ford shaped bottle, along with a black sticker that has the name of the perfume on it. This fragrance was released in 2020, and has seen remained one of the best-selling fragrances from Tom Ford.

Price And Availability

This innovative fragrance blend comes available in 50ml, 100ml, and250ml bottle sizes. On the original Tom Ford website, the 50ml or 1.7 fl. oz bottle size sells for $350 USD, while on Amazon the 50ml bottle is sold for $498.45. For a site like Nordstrom, the 50ml or 1.7 fl. oz. size is sold at $350.00 per bottle.

On John Lewis.com, the 50ml bottle is sold for $311.09, while the 100ml bottle size sells for $436.62 when converted from pounds to USD. Also, on BlueMercury.com, the 50ml size is sold for $350 per bottle.

Best Perfumes Under $500 For Men

8. Neroli Portofino By Tom Ford

Neroli Portofino eau de parfum is an aromatic fragrance with a major citrus composition that was unveiled in 2011 for men, and women. Like the sea blue shade of the flacon and wealth Italian town of Portofino from where it gets its notes inspiration, this fragrance perfectly incorporates the cool notes of sea breeze and sparkling water, with a few green notes and musky undertones.

This fragrance is soothing, sophisticated, and comes with an unforgettable scent that is forever imprinted in the olfactory memory. The notes contained in this fragrance include: the top notes of mandarin orange, bergamot, and Italian lemon; the middle and heart notes of lavender, Tunisian Neroli, and orange flower; and the base notes of rosemary and amber.

It is the ideal summer and spring signature fragrance that embodies the heart of Italy and the many beauties it possesses.

Price And Availability

This luxury fragrance comes available in 1.7 oz. or 50ml, 3.4 oz. or 100ml, and 8.4 oz or 250ml bottle sizes. On the original Tom Ford website, the 50ml bottle sells for $250, while the 100ml bottle size sells for $340. The 250ml bottle that follows falls outside the below $500 category.

On the Saks Fifth Avenue website, the 1.7 oz. or 50ml bottle sells for $250, and the 3.4 or 100ml bottle for $340. This similarity in price is also maintained on sites like Spacenk.com and Luckyscennts.com. for a site like Amazon, the 3.4 oz. or 100ml bottle sells for $381.86 USD, while on John Lewis the 50ml and 100ml bottle sizes sell for $237.97 and $475.94 in that order.

9. Green Irish Tweed Eau De Parrfum By Creed

Green Irish Tweed is a floral, musky and woody fragrance created by Olivier Creed and released in 1985 for men. The creation of this classic fragrance is inspired by a leisurely stroll through the Irish countryside, it combines familiar woody notes with fresh and minty green notes to create a feel of the fauna and flora of the countryside.

The top notes in this fragrance are peppermint, lemon, and Indian Verbena. In addition, the middle or heart note is a violet leaf; while the base notes include-iris, ambergris, sandalwood, and Florentine.

Like the tweed normally worn by typical gentlemen from the countryside in the 19^th century, this fragrance taps into the rich English history to capture a scene in history when gentlemanly charm, hunting in groups, horseback rides, ownership of estates and fine-tailored tweed suits were the perfect ideas of masculinity.

The flacon housing this fragrance comes in a matte black shade, though the bottle changes depending on the volume of fragrance it contains.

This fragrance remains iconic till now, being that perfect signature scent for the modern man who shuttles between a suit and tie life and a flannel shirt and shorts life. Also, it speaks to the evergreen fashionable man who is both confident, daring, and typically believes that classic fragrances are like suits and can never go out of fashion. Green Irish Tweed eau de parfum still remains one of the best fragrances from Creed, so that over the years other perfumers have tried copy its unique fragrance composition.

Price And Availability

Green Irish Tweed eau de parfum comes available in 50ml, 100ml, 250ml, 500ml, and 1000ml. On the main Creed website; only the 50ml and 100ml bottle sizes fall under the below $500 USD category. So, the 50ml bottle sells for $310, while the following 100ml bottle sells for $415. This price rates remain unchanged on sites like Luckuscents.com and Nordstrom.com.

On Fragrancenet.com, the 50ml or 1.7 oz. bottle sells for $234.99, while the 100ml or 3.3 oz. bottle sells for $314.99. While on the website of London International Cosmetics and Perfumes, the 100ml bottle sells for $233.22 when converted to USD.

10. X For Men Perfume Spray By Clive Christian

X for Men eau de parfum spray is an oriental fougere fragrance for men, though reviews have shown that it also appeals to women. Also, it comes in a masculine and feminine version. This fragrance was created by Geza Schoen and launched in 2001.

The notes in this fragrance include: orris, bergamot, juniper berry, saffron, cardamom, vanilla, sambac oil, cinnamon, jasmine hedione, amber, cedarwood, ginger, vetiver oil, spices, pimento oil, and moss.  

X for Men takes your usual traditional masculine perfume notes and transforms it into a powerful and seductive aphrodisiac scent for men. All thanks its 20% perfume concentration, it has a longer staying power and uniquely stays through to the perfume rituals that the Clive Christian brand of perfumes are known for.

As a luxury perfume brand, it combines the most expensive ingredient and the oldest spice to craft a fragrance that sets a gold standard as scent for the affluent and the elite. This show of affluence further extends to its physical appearance, as it comes in a stunning matte black flacon with the top created in the form of a crown.

 Price And Availability

This high-class fragrance comes available in 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml. On the original Clive Christian website, the 30ml bottle is sold for $225, while the 50ml is sold for $350. The 100ml bottle on this site is above $500 and so does not fall under the category of perfumes to be reviewed here.

On Amazon, the 50ml bottle sells for $350 USD, and this same bottle on Luckyscents.com sells for $355.

11. Rodeo Eau De Parfum By Byredo

Rodeo eau de parfum is a gender-neutral leather-based fragrance designed by Ben Gorham.

This fragrance is inspired by the rodeo lifestyle and the daring and adventurous nature of cowboys. The fragrance composition in a tribute captures the serenity, the build-up of adrenaline thrills and excitement right before the main thing starts. Therefore, this fragrance is not merely about the frenzy but more about the composure and confidence before the frenzy.

Though based on leather, it mixes with other sweet, woody, and refreshing notes to create a fragrance that smell fresh and constantly clings to the skin like cotton. The top note in this fragrance is leather, along with heart and base notes such as suede, midnight violet, vetiver, and black amber.

This fragrance is for special occasions and can be that one thing you share wholeheartedly with a partner seeing its unisex appeal. As usual, it comes in the characteristic Byredo bottle and gives off the simple yet exquisite vibe.

Price And Availability

Rodeo eau de parfum by Byredo comes in bottle sizes of 50ml and 100ml. On the main Byredo website, the 100ml or 3.4 oz. bottle sells for $285. Also, this price remains the same on 24s.com and on eBay.

12. Fougere Royale By Housbigant

Like the name hints, Fougere Royale is an aromatic fougere fragrance and one of the perfumes under $500 for men that was released in 200. This modified fragrance comes an upgrade of the earlier fougere fragrance released in 1882 and was created by Paul Parquet.

This ground-breaking innovation in a bottle is the first ever fougere scent and so starts the line of classic fougere perfumes.

This recent edition factors in modern strides, the evolution of scents, and preference as it tries to recreate this original ever-green fragrance from the past.

Created by perfumer-Rodrigo Flores-Roux, it combines the fresh and rejuvenating scents of green notes, an alluring blend of floral and aromatic notes, and deeply earthy and woody notes that balances out everything.

The top notes contained in this fragrance are: chamomile, bergamot, lavender, and Mediterranean herbs. In addition, the middle and base notes include: geranium, cinnamon, rondeletia, clavel, rose de mai, coumarin, tonka beans, clary sage, amber, and amber.

This fragrance comes in two variants of the 100ml bottle size; and they are the Fougere Royale Extrait de Parfum and the Fougere Royal eau de parfum. It also has unofficial sample sizes with relative prices.

Price And Availability

On the Houbigant Parfum website, the 100ml bottle sells for $176.54 USD. And on Luckyscents.com, the same 100ml sells for $180 USD.

On JovoyParis.com, the 100ml is sold for $176.54 (with tax included). This price also applies on a site like Essenza Nobile, where the 100ml bottle is sold for $176.54 (plus VAT). While on Escentual.com, the 100ml bottle sells for $171.99 (minus shipping).