
Zara has become well-known for its fragrances, which are often compared to designer perfumes but are available at a fraction of the cost. One of its most popular fragrances is the Rose perfume, which has been described as a dreamy, elegant, and pretty scent. But what does it actually smell like?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fragrance notes | Creamy vanilla, caramel, jammy rose, jasmine, peony, carnations, amber, musk, pear, pink pepper |
| Smell | Sweet, floral, musky, woody, fruity |
| Longevity | Pretty good |
| Price | Under £25 |
| Dupes | Glossier You, J'Adore by Christian Dior, Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum |
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What You'll Learn

Notes of pear, musk mallow, and rose
Musk is a versatile fragrance that complements a wide variety of scents, making it ideal for layering. The scent of musk is frequently compared to the scent of clean human skin, and it is often grouped into the amber fragrance family, known for its warmth and richness. Musk fragrance molecules are very large, so fragrances containing musk tend to last longer than those without.
Musk mallow, also known as Abelmoschus moschatus, is a natural musk compound derived from wild celery. It has a medicinal smell that is soothing and smooth, like the olfactory equivalent of cuddling in a blanket with a warm cup of cocoa. Musk mallow has a nutty, milky, and slightly dominant scent. It is described as musky, balsamically sweet, and floral.
Pear is a fruity scent that is often associated with freshness and sweetness. It can add a touch of crispness and juiciness to a fragrance, creating a delightful sensory experience.
Rose is a classic floral scent that exudes elegance and romance. It is often associated with love, passion, and femininity. The scent of rose can range from delicate and subtle to rich and opulent, depending on the variety of rose used in the fragrance.
Combining these three scents—the nutty and floral musk mallow, the fresh and sweet pear, and the romantic and elegant rose—creates a sophisticated and uplifting fragrance. The musk provides a warm base, the pear adds a touch of crispness, and the rose brings a delicate floral touch, resulting in a well-rounded and captivating scent.
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A cheaper alternative to J'Adore
According to a reviewer, Zara's Rose Gourmand perfume is a sweet scent with notes of vanilla, caramel, jammy rose, jasmine, peony, carnations, amber, and musk. It is a cheaper alternative to designer perfumes and smells amazing.
Now, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to J'Adore, here are some options:
Fruity Jasmine by Dossier
Inspired by J'adore, this perfume starts with mandarin, leaves, and sweet pea, followed by fruity notes of mandarin and plum. The floral heart is said to be similar to J'adore. Priced under $30, it is an affordable option to try.
Eau de Soleil Blanc by Tom Ford
This perfume is said to smell similar to, or even better than, J'adore in Joy. It is a salty white floral blend with a stronger peach note than the original J'adore. The noticeable differences are in the citrus notes, depth, and spicy touches found in Eau de Soleil Blanc. It is a creamier scent with vanilla and coconut, giving it a comparable white floral heart and a beachy feel.
Zara Zara Rose
According to a user comment, this perfume smells almost identical to J'adore.
Bora Bora on eBay
A user comment suggests that this perfume smells practically identical to J'adore.
Inspire by Dior
Although not a direct alternative, Inspire has a sweeter candy note mixed with tuberose, while J'adore has softer fruity white floral notes. The two fragrances are quite comparable, especially when seeking a cheaper alternative.
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A dupe for Glossier's 'You'
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to Glossier's You, MIX:BAR Cloud Musk Eau de Parfum is a great option. It has different top, middle, and bottom notes from Glossier You, including blue cypress, cardamom, jasmine, cotton peony, and tonka beans, but it also contains iris, which is why many people claim it's a good dupe. It's also described as "peppery", a quality often associated with Glossier You. However, the overall scent of MIX:BAR Cloud Musk is more warm and spicy than bright and sparkling, so it's not a perfect dupe.
Fleur De Blonde by Urban Outfitters is another potential dupe for Glossier You, with at least four people mentioning that it's almost an exact dupe. It also has notes of ambrette, a key note in Glossier You.
Moi? by Montagne Parfums is directly inspired by Glossier You, with the exact same notes: iris, ambrette, and pink pepper. This is one of the most similar dupes on the list and it's only $40.
If you're looking for a more expensive alternative, Fleur de Peau from Diptyque also has notes of iris and ambrette.
Finally, if you're looking for a body wash rather than a perfume, Harry's Fig Body Wash is claimed by TikTok users to smell similar to Glossier You, despite not containing fig, a key ingredient in Glossier's fragrance.
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$55.12 $59.99

A sweet, floral scent
Zara has a range of perfumes that offer a sweet, floral scent. One of their most popular fragrances is the Rose Gourmand, which combines creamy vanilla and a swirl of caramel with floral notes of jammy rose, jasmine, peony, and carnations. The addition of amber and musk gives this fragrance a warm and inviting feel.
Another option is the A Perfume In Rose, which has top notes of pear, a middle note of rose, and a base note of ambrette (musk mallow). This perfume offers a slightly sweet and airy scent, with the pear note preventing it from becoming too overpoweringly floral. It is a simple, elegant, and pleasant fragrance that is perfect for any occasion.
Zara's Rose Eau de Toilette is another floral fragrance with a light and sour fruity twist. It has been compared to Dior's J'Adore, offering a more affordable option with a similar scent. This perfume is perfect for the spring and summer months, as it is light and settles fairly quickly.
For those who enjoy a sweet, floral scent with a touch of fruitiness, Zara's Cashmere Rose (previously known as Perfume in Rose) is a great option. This fragrance has top notes of peach, pear, and pink pepper, giving it a subtle spicy kick. While it may not have the longest-lasting power, its affordability makes it a great choice for those who don't mind reapplying throughout the day.
Finally, for a sweet, floral scent with a woody twist, the discovery set by Jo Malone CBE includes the Rose Gourmand scent, alongside other popular fragrances. This set allows you to explore a range of options, with the Rose Gourmand offering a warm and slightly sweet fragrance that smells more expensive than it is.
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Longevity and affordability
Zara's perfumes are well-known for being affordable alternatives to designer fragrances. The brand's perfumes are described as "high-street perfumes" and "chic-smelling fragrances" that are "cheaper alternatives for their designer counterparts".
The price of Zara perfumes ranges from under £25 to $45.90 for a 100ml bottle. This affordability means that even if you need to reapply throughout the day, you can ""literally shower yourself in it".
In terms of longevity, the reviews are mixed. Some sources say that Zara perfumes are "not the most long-lasting", while others claim that they have "pretty good" longevity. One source says that the perfume "lasts a pretty long time, considering how soft and gentle it is".
The lasting power of the fragrances seems to vary depending on the specific scent and the individual wearer. For example, one source says that the Rose Eau de Toilette is "surprisingly long-lasting for a perfume that is so affordable", while another says that the same scent is "not very long-lasting".
Another factor that affects longevity is the type of fragrance. For example, the Lightly Bloom scent is described as having "not the best" lasting power, but it is still "pretty decent, especially for such a light fragrance". Similarly, the Cashmere Rose scent has low staying power due to its subtle nature, but its affordability makes up for this.
Overall, while Zara perfumes may not have the longest-lasting power on the market, their affordability means that reapplying throughout the day is not a problem.
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Frequently asked questions
Zara Rose Eau de Toilette is a floral fragrance for women. It is a dupe for Dior J'Adore, with a similar scent but a lighter and cheaper composition. It is a clean, pretty floral with a nice rose scent that is balanced by berries.
Zara Rose Gourmand is a sweet, floral scent with notes of vanilla, caramel, rose, jasmine, peony, carnations, amber and musk. It is long-lasting, with the vanilla and musk being most prevalent in the dry-down.
Zara's Perfume in Rose is a fruity, floral fragrance for women. It has notes of pear, rose and musk mallow. It is a soft, feminine, airy scent that is slightly sweet. It has been described as similar to Glossier You.











































