beauty

The 6 most underrated celebrity perfumes that actually smell expensive.

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If there's one thing I love, it's a celebrity perfume. As a perfume connoisseur myself, I own many and I'm not ashamed. 

We all know the queens, right? The Britneys (yes, I own every Fantasy, don't judge), The J.Lo Glow, the Fenty Eau de Parfum. They're iconic, they're everywhere, and they're amazing. 

Watch: Why perfume smells different on everyone. Article continues after video.


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But what about the perfumes that should be in your everyday rotation, but have been seriously ignored? The secret gems that are just as chic, just as comforting. 

Well, I've done the hard yards (and the heavy sniffing) for you. It's time to dig deep and give these criminally underrated celeb perfumes the love they deserve.

Nude by Rihanna, $89.95. 

Nude by RihannaImage: Big W

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Seriously, if you ask me, this Rihanna perfume is so slept on in the world of celebrity fragrances. Everyone is obsessing over Fenty — which is completely fair because the Fenty perfume is incredible — but this one is just as good, and way easier on the bank account.

It launched way back in 2012, but Nude gives off that same gorgeously woody, creamy, and warm vibe — all thanks to notes of sandalwood, vanilla orchid, and musk.

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It just melts into your skin, creating a subtly sexy aura. This is the perfect, cosy scent that I reach for multiple times a week.

Meow by Katy Perry, $24.99.

Meow by Katy PerryImage: Chemist Warhouse

Don't let the silly, kind of creepy bottle fool you — Meow smells expensive. 

This perfume kicks off bright and juicy with mandarin and pear, then gets softened by white florals like jasmine. But the best part is the vanilla — it feels incredibly creamy and milky without being sickly sweet or heavy.

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The secret? It's grounded by a hint of musk, sandalwood, and amber, so it actually lasts for ages. 

Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj, $39.99.

Pink Friday by Nicki MinajImage: Chemist Warhouse

Okay, the Pink Friday bottle is... a moment. It's definitely a statement. But the liquid inside is a delightful surprise.

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I'm not typically a fruity perfume girlie, but this scent nails the perfect balance of floral and fruity — it's bright, cheerful, and never tips over into that sickly, overpowering zone. It's just a happy, vibrant and incredibly easy-to-wear scent.

Full disclosure: it's not the longest-lasting perfume on this list. But the smell itself is so genuinely lovely and balanced — never too intense or headache-inducing — that I happily re-spritz it all day long.

It's the perfect, instant mood-booster when you need a gentle burst of fun and sweetness.

Private Show by Britney Spears, $19.99.

Britney Spears Private ShowImage: Chemist Warehouse

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We know all the Britney classics. They are not underrated; Midnight Fantasy and Hidden Fantasy are foundational scents for a reason. I own and love both with all my heart. BUT one of her absolute best perfumes that no one talks about is Private Show.

It's a creamy, warm gourmand inspired by notes of coffee and dulce de leche.

Seriously, this perfume is the ultimate warm hug. It's rich, cosy, and smells exactly like a fancy, milky coffee dessert you want to bathe in.

Promise by Jennifer Lopez, $44.99.

Promise JLOImage: Chemist Warehouse

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JLo can basically do anything, and I'm happy to report that making amazing perfume is definitely on the list. While Glow is the nostalgic OG, Promise is just as good. 

If you hate anything that's too sickly sweet or too overwhelmingly floral, this is your perfect middle-of-the-road scent. It manages to balance sweetness with stronger, more sophisticated notes.

It's anchored by robust base notes of wood and amber, which gives it a deep, polished feeling, while still keeping a touch of floral sweetness up top. It feels professional, put-together, and is honestly a solid, dependable, chic everyday scent.

Cé Lumière by Beyoncé, $160.

Beyonce perfumeImage: beyonce.com

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Look, Beyoncé is a literal powerhouse, and her perfume Cé Lumière reflects that — it's an assertive, commanding white floral that is not here to apologise.

First things first: this scent comes out swinging with a surprising punch of Madagascar black pepper and sunny Italian mandarin. It's not subtle. That spicy kick stays in the background, though, perfectly boosting the rich, sophisticated depth of the jasmine heart. Then, the musk and patchouli arrive to give that white floral moment a smooth, ridiculously elegant finish. 

This is a powerful, elegant scent you wear when you want to feel unapologetically like a boss.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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