Marks & spencer's new perfumes: seriously good scents for under £25
Let's be honest, the hunt for a genuinely decent, long-lasting fragrance that doesn’t require remortgaging your house is a constant quest. As a self-confessed fragrance obsessive – and officially crowned The Rising Media Star at the 2025 Love Perfume Awards, a title I assure you is entirely deserved – I've sifted through countless options. And the latest discovery? Marks & Spencer. Yes, that Marks & Spencer.
Unexpected excellence on the high street
For years, M&S has quietly been delivering surprisingly sophisticated eau de parfum formulas, proving that quality doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. And this week, they've upped the ante with STUDIO, a new unisex edit featuring eight new fragrances. Naturally, my journalistic duty (and frankly, my insatiable curiosity) demanded a thorough investigation, involving extensive sniffing, rigorous debate, and a frankly alarming amount of office fragrance commentary.
After much deliberation, two scents emerged as clear frontrunners, both retailing for a remarkably reasonable £22.50. These aren’t fleeting, synthetic splashes; these are fragrances with staying power and undeniable appeal.
M&s sheer musk: the glossier you dupe you need
If you've ever swooned over Glossier You, but balked at the price, M&S Sheer Musk is your answer. This isn’t a blatant copy; it’s a clever interpretation. The initial spray offers a subtle sweetness, a touch more pronounced than You, but the core notes – pink pepper, musk, and ambrette – are undeniably familiar. The fragrance shapeshifts beautifully, transitioning from a warm, sugary sweetness to a comforting, woody base, ultimately settling into a layered, skin-like aroma. The name 'Sheer' is remarkably apt; it's not a faint scent, but it evokes the feeling of a delicate nightie or a chic cardigan – effortlessly stylish and subtly alluring. Prepare for compliments.
M&s salted haze: coastal escape in a bottle
The concept of 'salty' fragrance is tricky. Pure salt is odourless, and conjuring the aroma of decaying marine life is hardly a recipe for a best-seller. M&S Salted Haze, however, manages to capture the essence of the seaside without the unpleasant undertones. Forget the stink of cod and scampi; this fragrance delivers a refreshing wash of pear blossom, bergamot, and cedarwood. The initial burst of crispness gives way to delicate aquatic notes, evolving into a creamy, sensual finish thanks to sandalwood, musk, and tonka bean. It's less a trip to South End pier and more a luxurious coastal getaway – and all for under £25.
In a world where the cost of everything seems to be spiraling upwards, M&S's STUDIO collection is a welcome reminder that olfactory indulgence doesn’t have to break the bank. It's a testament to the fact that quality and affordability can, indeed, coexist. And that, frankly, is something to celebrate.