Aldi has dropped three new budget fragrances inspired by pricey designer scents
Aldi is back with another exciting launch for fragrance lovers—three new designer-inspired eau de parfums that are already flying off shelves after hitting stores on Sunday 9th March. After the success of previous designer-inspired perfumes, the supermarket giant has introduced Lacura Sandalwood, Lacura Addition, and Lacura Black Intense, £9.99. Each of these scents is seemingly inspired by a high-end Le Labo fragrance, offering a luxury experience for over £224 less.
Le Labo’s perfumes have gained a devoted following, with its unique, unisex blends and effortlessly stylish packaging. In fact, my personal favourite perfume of all time is the brand’s Santal 33. However, with a 100ml bottle of it costing £234, it’s a splurge I can’t always make. Though, I do still treat myself to a smaller 30ml bottle for £125 when I really need to cheer myself up (I promise, the luxurious and sexy scent really is worth the price).
So, as a Le Labo fan with more of an Aldi budget, I’ve put all three of the new Lacura fragrances to the test to see how they compare to their designer counterparts – Santal 33, Another 13 and Thé Noir 29. Here’s my verdict on each, and whether I’m tempted to make the swap from designer to supermarket…
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Lacura Sandalwood Eau de Parfum 100ml, £9.99 in Aldi stores
First up is Lacura Sandalwood, which takes inspiration from Le Labo’s cult favourite, Santal 33. This fragrance is a blend of spice and violet, with rich woody notes of sandalwood and oud. As it settles, warm undertones of musk and amber create a soft, sophisticated aroma.
Zoe’s verdict: I was pleasantly surprised by how closely Lacura Sandalwood mirrors Santal 33. The initial spicy kick mellows into a warm, woody scent that feels both comforting and refined. While it may not have quite the same depth as the original, at £9.99, it is an impressive alternative that works well for both day and night. As a wearer of Santal 33, I can honestly say the two scents are very similar, but I view Lacura’s as more of a body spray than a perfume.
Lacura Addition Eau de Parfum 100ml, £9.99 in Aldi stores
Next, we have Lacura Addition, which takes its inspiration from Le Labo’s Another 13—a fragrance beloved by those who appreciate clean, musky scents. Aldi’s version incorporates synthetic musk, warm amber and woody accords, balanced by fresh citrus notes of pear and apple.
Zoe’s verdict: Lacura Addition offers a fresh, clean scent that is incredibly wearable. The subtle fruity notes add a touch of brightness without being overwhelming, making it an excellent everyday fragrance. Given the £224 price difference from its luxury counterpart, this is a really great alternative for those looking for an understated yet elegant scent, however it does have a tinge of ‘synthetic’ to the smell, whereas Le Labo’s has incredible depth.
Lacura Black Intense Eau de Parfum 100ml, £9.99 in Aldi stores
Lastly, Lacura Black Intense is an alternative for Le Labo’s Thé Noir 29. This fragrance is fresh yet complex, featuring notes of cedarwood and vetiver, with a spicy kick from clove and bay. Bergamot provides a tangy lift, while the base evolves into a rich, sensual blend of tobacco and hay.
Zoe’s verdict: Lacura Black Intense is a standout. The layering of spices and woods creates a scent that is both sexy and comforting. It’s perfect for those who prefer a deeper, more robust fragrance that still feels sophisticated. For the price, it’s a fantastic option that holds its own against far more expensive perfumes. The staying power is the only thing that lets it down, as with each of the three scents.
All in all, the three Lacura scents are definitely some of the best I’ve seen from the supermarket giant. The scent profiles have definitely been nailed, even if they aren’t very long-wearing. I’ll definitely be popping them in my handbag for days I’m in the office, but I don’t think you can beat the original Le Labo Santal 33 – it’s a beauty editor hero scent for a reason.
