Are Dollar Store Colognes Safe For Your Skin?

There are many colognes and perfumes available at dollar stores, often inspired by or copying the scent of popular fragrances. Some people enjoy these cheap fragrances, but others are wary of their quality and safety. While some dollar store fragrances smell nice and last a long time, others have a vinegary or chemical smell and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is important to remember that just because something is cheap, does not mean it is a good deal if it is not safe or causes discomfort.

Are dollar store fragrances ever worth it?

It's tempting to opt for a cheap fragrance, especially when you see a dollar store cologne that's "inspired" by a well-known scent. But are these bargain fragrances ever worth it?

Well, it depends on your priorities. If you're simply looking for a pleasant scent to wear now and then, and you're not too fussed about longevity or authenticity, then a dollar store fragrance could be a good option. Some people even prefer the cheaper versions of their favourite scents!

For example, one person reported that the dollar store version of Old Spice, called "Ivy Club", was actually better than the current version of Old Spice, smelling more like the classic version. Another person said that the dollar store version of Cool Water by Davidoff was "reminiscent" of the original, though it was "watery" and lacked longevity.

However, if you're a fragrance connoisseur or you're looking for a signature scent, then dollar store fragrances are probably not the way to go. These fragrances are usually very watered down compared to the originals, and the quality can be questionable. One person reported that a dollar store cologne burned their wrist upon application, which is definitely not an experience you want to have!

In conclusion, if you're just looking for a pleasant scent to wear occasionally and you don't want to break the bank, a dollar store fragrance might be worth a try. However, if you're seeking a high-quality, long-lasting fragrance, you're probably better off saving your money and investing in the real deal.

Are they safe to use on skin?

While some people have reported positive experiences with dollar store colognes, others have expressed concerns about their safety and quality. It is important to exercise caution and conduct a patch test before fully applying any new fragrance to the skin.

Some dollar store colognes have been described as having a pleasant smell that lasts for several hours, which is impressive for an eau de toilette. However, others have been labelled as "cheap-smelling" and overly watered down.

One user reported a slight burning sensation when they first applied a dollar store cologne to their wrist, which is concerning. This experience was shared by another user who also felt a burning sensation when trying a different dollar store fragrance.

It is worth noting that some dollar stores sell imitation fragrances, which may not be exact replicas of the original scent. These imitation colognes may have a similar smell but might not have the same longevity as their more expensive counterparts.

When it comes to essential oils, which are sometimes used in fragrances, it is generally recommended to dilute them before applying them to the skin to avoid any potential irritation. It is also important to be cautious when using essential oils around pets, as some oils can be harmful to animals.

In summary, while some people have had positive experiences with dollar store colognes, it is always advisable to exercise caution when applying any new fragrance to the skin. Conducting a patch test on a small area of skin and waiting 24 hours to observe any potential reaction is a good way to determine the safety of a particular fragrance for your skin.

What are some good dollar store fragrances?

While some people have raised concerns about the safety of dollar store colognes, with one person reporting a slight burning sensation when applying a particular fragrance, many people have tried and tested various dollar store fragrances and reported positive experiences.

Jean Phillippe Paris from Dollar Tree

This fragrance has been described as a good alternative to Cool Water, with a similar lasting effect.

Prism by Jean Philippe Tristar from Dollar Tree

Retailing for just a dollar, this cologne is said to be inspired by Ralph Lauren's Polo. One user reported that it had a surprising presence and did not smell cheap. It also had good longevity, lasting 8-9 hours in some tests.

Revel from Dollar General

This line of fragrances from Dollar General includes body sprays, EDTs, and lotions that are said to be very close to the originals. Some of the fragrances they imitate include:

• Bright Crystal Versace
• Drakkar Noir Guy Laroche
• Clinique Happy
• Viva la Juicy Juicy Couture
• Polo Red Ralph Lauren
• Bleu de Chanel Parfum Chanel
• Guilty Pour Homme Gucci
• Black Orchid Tom Ford

EAD (European American Designs) from Dollar Tree

These fragrances have been recommended by some users, not necessarily as impressions of designer fragrances but as nice-smelling scents for just a dollar. Some of the fragrances include:

• Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue
• Cacharel Amor Amor
• Justin Bieber Girlfriend
• Paris Hilton Can Can

Body Fantasies Coconut Fantasy from Dollar General

This coconut-scented fragrance has been recommended for a tropical experience, especially during the summer.

Mirage Brands from Five Below

These fragrances have been described as decent, although they may lack lasting power. Some of the fragrances they imitate include:

• Burberry Brit Rhythm
• Lacoste 21.21
• YSL L'homme

Onyx from Dollar Store

This strong men's cologne has been described as having a heady musk.

Lidl's Cheap One Million

This fragrance has been recommended, particularly for the way the citric top notes fizzle out seconds after spraying.

G Bellini from Lidl

Lidl's fragrance line has also been recommended, particularly the clones of One Million and Boss Bottled.

Preferred Fragrance from Big Lots

This brand has been recommended by some users, particularly the copies of:

• Polo Black Ralph Lauren
• Hello Kitty Koto Parfums
• Invictus Paco Rabanne
• Viva la Juicy Juicy Couture
• Prada Candy Prada
• Jimmy Choo Exotic (2016)
• Hollywood Royal Juicy Couture

Jordache Body Sprays from Dollar General

These body sprays from Dollar General are not labeled as impressions of anything, but they have been said to smell great.

Lovesick from Big Lots

This patchouli fragrance has been described as lovely.

Meringue (Version of CanCan) from Dollar Tree

This fragrance has received compliments from users.

Pour MA Belle (Version of Amor Amor) from Dollar Tree

This fragrance has also received compliments from users.

Floral Code (Version of Armani Mania) from Dollar Tree

This fragrance has been said to smell like Armani Mania, although one user was unsure.

Version of Victoria Secret Heavenly from Dollar Tree

This fragrance has received compliments from users.

Belcam ADG Clone

This fragrance has been described as pretty solid and easily as good as something like 360 Red.

Walmart's Cool Water Clone

This clone has been said to be better and longer-lasting than the modern Cool Water.

Old Spice Knock-Offs

Some dollar stores sell knock-offs of Old Spice, such as Ivy Club from Family Dollar or Dollar General, which some users have claimed is even better than the original.

Aqua Di Gio Knock-Offs

Some dollar stores sell knock-offs of Aqua Di Gio for men, which have been recommended by some users.

Please note that I cannot guarantee the safety of these products, and it is always advisable to test a small amount of the product on your skin before applying it more liberally to ensure that you do not have an adverse reaction.

Are they long-lasting?

When it comes to the longevity of dollar store colognes, opinions vary. Some people find that they don't last very long, with one person saying that a knock-off of Obsession for Men was "pretty transient". However, others have found that certain dollar store colognes can last for a full workday or a night out. For example, Prism by Jean Philippe Tristar, a scent inspired by Ralph Lauren's Polo, lasted for 8-9 hours in some tests.

Longevity also seems to depend on the specific scent and brand. For instance, one person found that a dollar store imitation of Eternity had very short longevity, while another person said that a knock-off of Cool Water from Walmart was longer-lasting than the modern version.

In general, it seems that while some dollar store colognes may offer long-lasting fragrance, others may not be as durable. The longevity of these colognes can also depend on individual factors such as skin type and body chemistry.

It's worth noting that some dollar stores offer a range of fragrance options beyond cologne, such as hair and body mists, which provide a lighter scent that is ideal for daily wear. These may be a good alternative if long-lasting fragrance is not a priority.

Are they similar to popular fragrances?

Many dollar store colognes are designed to smell like popular fragrances, such as Polo Black, Cool Water, Old Spice, Drakkar Noir, and Bleu de Chanel. While some people find that these colognes smell very similar to the original fragrances, others find that they smell watered down or cheap.

For example, one person found that the dollar store version of Prada Candy was "EXACT but a tad weaker." Another person found that the dollar store version of Cool Water "smells just like the real thing and lasts just as long." On the other hand, one person said that the dollar store version of Old Spice was "reminiscent, but much more watery and had very little longevity." Similarly, another person said that the dollar store version of Cool Water was "very watered down compared to the name brand."

While some people may be able to tell the difference between dollar store colognes and the original fragrances, others may not. One person said, "I am sure many people wouldn't know that they smell cheap." Another person said, "I rarely buy [them] now that I have nicer things, but I am sure many people wouldn't know that they smell cheap."

In addition to smelling similar to popular fragrances, some dollar store colognes have similar-looking bottles. For example, Mirage Brands sells knockoffs of Burberry Brit Rhythm and Lacoste 21.21 that come in similar-looking bottles.

Overall, it seems that while some dollar store colognes may smell similar to popular fragrances, others may smell watered down or cheap. It may be worth the small cost to try them out and see if you like them.

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