Where to Find Cheap Perfume: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding affordable perfume doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Whether you're looking for a signature scent or just something new to try, there are several ways to find cheap perfume without compromising on the experience. In this guide, we'll explore various strategies, including shopping online, checking out discount retailers, visiting factory outlets, and even considering alternative fragrance options. With a little research and some savvy shopping tactics, you can enjoy luxury scents without breaking the bank.

1. Shop Online

Online shopping has revolutionized the way we purchase everything, including perfume. E-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and dedicated perfume websites often offer lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores due to lower overhead costs. Here’s how you can make the most out of online shopping for perfumes:

• Price Comparison Tools: Websites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or Shopzilla allow you to compare prices across multiple online retailers. These tools are essential for finding the best deals on your favorite scents.

• Discount Codes and Coupons: Before finalizing your purchase, search for discount codes or coupons. Websites like RetailMeNot or Honey often have up-to-date offers that can save you even more.

• Online Perfume Retailers: Websites like FragranceX, FragranceNet, and Perfume.com specialize in selling discounted perfumes. They offer a wide selection, often including both popular brands and niche fragrances at reduced prices.

• eBay and Auction Sites: You can sometimes find high-end perfumes for less on auction sites like eBay. Just be sure to buy from reputable sellers with good feedback to avoid counterfeit products.

2. Visit Discount Retailers

Discount retailers often carry perfumes at significantly reduced prices. These stores buy overstocked or discontinued items from department stores, which they then sell at a discount. Some popular discount retailers include:

• TJ Maxx/Marshalls: These stores frequently have a rotating selection of designer perfumes at a fraction of the retail price.

• Ross: Similar to TJ Maxx and Marshalls, Ross offers discounted perfumes, especially around the holiday season when they stock up on gift sets.

• Big Lots: This store can be a hidden gem for finding cheap perfumes, especially for lesser-known brands.

3. Factory Outlets

Factory outlets are another excellent place to find discounted perfumes. These stores often carry last season’s products, overstock, or slightly flawed items that are still perfectly usable.

• The Cosmetic Company Store: Owned by Estée Lauder, this outlet sells overstock and discontinued perfumes from brands like Clinique, MAC, and Tom Ford at reduced prices.

• Perfumania: With locations across the United States, Perfumania offers discounts on a wide variety of perfume brands.

4. Consider Alternative Fragrance Options

If you're open to alternatives, there are several ways to enjoy fragrance without spending a lot:

• Body Mists and Sprays: These are often cheaper than perfumes and can be a great way to layer scents or enjoy a lighter fragrance throughout the day. Brands like Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret offer a wide range of affordable options.

• Rollerball Perfumes: These are smaller, travel-sized versions of perfumes that are not only cheaper but also convenient for on-the-go application.

• Dupe Fragrances: Some brands specialize in creating fragrances that mimic the scent of popular designer perfumes at a fraction of the price. Brands like Zara and Dossier offer well-reviewed alternatives.

5. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs and Newsletters

Many retailers offer loyalty programs or newsletters that give subscribers access to exclusive discounts, promotions, and even early access to sales. Here are some to consider:

• Sephora Beauty Insider: Sephora’s loyalty program offers points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or free products.

• Ulta Rewards: Similar to Sephora, Ulta’s program allows you to earn points on purchases, with frequent sales on perfumes.

• Department Store Newsletters: Signing up for newsletters from department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, or Bloomingdale’s can give you early access to sales and exclusive offers.

6. Use Cashback and Rebate Apps

Apps like Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and Ibotta offer cashback on purchases from a variety of retailers, including those that sell perfumes. Simply sign up, shop through the app, and earn a percentage of your purchase back as cash.

• Rakuten: Offers cashback on purchases made through their platform from retailers like Sephora, Macy’s, and more.

• Ibotta: While primarily focused on groceries, Ibotta occasionally offers rebates on health and beauty products, including perfumes.

7. Buy in Bulk or as Part of a Set

Sometimes buying perfume in bulk or as part of a gift set can save you money in the long run. Many retailers offer value sets, especially around the holidays, that include full-sized bottles along with other complementary products like lotions or body sprays.

• Holiday Sets: Keep an eye out for these around November and December, as they often provide the best value.

• Bulk Purchases: Some online retailers offer discounts when you buy multiple bottles or sets at once.

8. Check for Seasonal Sales

Perfume retailers often have seasonal sales, especially around major holidays like Black Friday, Christmas, and Mother’s Day. Planning your purchases around these sales can result in significant savings.

• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: These are some of the biggest shopping days of the year, with discounts often extending to perfumes.

• After-Christmas Sales: Many retailers offer steep discounts on holiday gift sets and other inventory they need to clear out.

9. Use Subscription Services

If you like trying new perfumes regularly, a subscription service might be a cost-effective way to do so. These services send you a new scent every month, often at a much lower cost than buying full-sized bottles.

• Scentbird: Offers a monthly subscription that allows you to try designer perfumes without committing to a full bottle.

• Luxury Scent Box: Another subscription service that offers personalized fragrance options each month.

10. Look for Unboxed or Tester Bottles

Unboxed perfumes or tester bottles are often sold at a discount because they don’t come with the fancy packaging. However, the fragrance inside is the same. These can be a great way to save money if you’re not concerned about the box or if you're buying the perfume for personal use.

• Tester Perfumes: These are often available at a lower cost because they were originally intended for display purposes.

• Unboxed Perfumes: Retailers like FragranceX or Perfume.com often sell unboxed versions of popular scents at a discount.

Conclusion

Finding cheap perfume is all about knowing where to look and being strategic with your purchases. Whether you’re shopping online, visiting discount retailers, or exploring alternative fragrance options, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite scents without overspending. With these tips, you can build a fragrance collection that rivals those of the most luxurious perfume enthusiasts—all while staying within your budget.