I tried Aldi's Le Labo perfume dupe - one major difference was off-putting (2025)

Aldi has released a new range of perfumes inspired by the much-loved Le Labo scents, and at just £9.99 each, they're a fraction of the price of the luxury versions.

There's no denying the joy of indulging in a new perfume. However, it's common knowledge that some high-end fragrances can set you back a pretty penny, which isn't always the best news for your wallet.

As a self-confessed perfume enthusiast, I could while away hours sampling various scents to add to my collection. This is precisely what I did at duty-free last year when I decided to splurge on a fragrance I'd been coveting for a long time - the iconic Le Labo Santal 33.

So, when Aldi announced their own take on this cult favourite, I was eager to give it a whirl and see how it measured up.

The Lacura Sandalwood Eau de Parfum, priced at a mere £9.99 for 100ml, immediately grabbed my attention. In comparison to the staggering £234 for a bottle of Santal 33 (Le Labo, John Lewis) of the same volume, it's undeniably a more wallet-friendly alternative.

The renowned fragrance, adored by celebrities like Jodie Comer, has achieved its cult status for good reason. Its unique aroma - a blend of warm, spicy, and smoky notes with hints of iris and cardamom - lingers all day with just one spritz, justifying its hefty price tag, reports the Express.

It's probably why I've been using it sparingly since I got my hands on it.

Aldi's Le Labo perfume dupe review

I had high hopes that the Aldi version would offer a similar scent, allowing me to make it my new go-to handbag perfume. However, as soon as I removed the cap, my heart dropped.

Unlike the metallic spray caps of most perfumes, Aldi's fragrance featured a clear plastic one. This minor detail instantly made the product feel less luxurious to me, resembling more of a body mist than an opulent perfume.

However, looks can be deceiving - ultimately, it's the aroma that counts. I spritzed a bit onto my wrists, let it absorb into my skin, and then took a whiff.

The resemblance was undeniable. The initial spicy burst is followed by a slightly sweeter scent compared to Le Labo, making it more suitable for casual daytime wear.

It possessed those distinct amber notes that I adore in Le Labo, and it's genuinely one of the closest substitutes I've ever encountered - on par with the M&S Warmth range.

The only other drawback was its short-lived presence on my skin. But at £9.99, it's hard to grumble. I recently took this bottle on holiday, and it was perfect for tossing in my bag for quick touch-ups.

If sandalwood isn't your cup of tea, there are two other Le Labo-inspired fragrances to consider.

The Black Intense fragrance was a delightful surprise. This scent, with its spicy yet sweet notes, is said to be reminiscent of Le Labo The Noir and is more suited for evening wear.

I found it to have slightly better longevity than the Sandalwood, which is always a plus.

Lastly, there's Addition, a fragrance that supposedly shares similar notes with Le Labo Another 13. This one has strong floral notes with a subtle hint of fruitiness. If you're a fan of Baccarat Rouge, then this will be right up your alley.

All these fragrances are priced at £9.99. But remember, as with all Aldi Specialbuys, they won't be available forever - so grab them while you can.