A popular fragrance is set to return to the middle aisle of Aldi, costing just a fraction of the price of a similar designer scent. The Lacura Empress eau de parfum will be back on shelves from September 15, according to the supermarket.
It is ideal for anyone watching their pennies, priced at just £5.99 for 100ml. Aldi describes the fragrance is “reminiscent” of Paco Rabanne’s Olympéa eau de parfum. This designer scent is currently priced at £103 for 80ml from Boots and The Perfume Shop.
The Lacura version is an infusion of water jasmine, green mandarin, and ginger flower scents. Aldi said: “Offering notes of water jasmine, green mandarin, and ginger flower, fused together with rich vanilla and sandalwood, the signature scent is reminiscent of Paco Rabanne’s Olympéa eau de parfum but is 94 percent cheaper than the high-end counterpart at a retail of £103.”
Empress has proved popular with Aldi shoppers in the past. In a post on the supermarket’s Instagram earlier this year, one follower commented: “I got myself Empress and it smelt soo good”, while another wrote: “I got empress today smells lovely.”
Others were disappointed they missed out on the perfume last time they were in stores. One person said: “Any chance of seeing them again. I missed it …went to three Aldis: only found an open bottle which was used or may be used as a tester.”
Another said: “Never got to try these. Literally someone cleared the whole lot. Got to start limiting as these people are bulk buying to sell on for twice the price. Rarely can I get my hands on your perfume dupes now.”
With Lacura Perfect Pink (£5.99, 100ml) and Devotion eau de parfum (£5.99, 100ml) also joining shelves alongside from September 15, a third follower said: “I got them all and they are absolutely lush!! For me best one is Empress, stays all day long!”
Lacura Devotion offers floral notes of jasmine, orchard, and rose that meet fruity hints of plum and blackberry undercut with notes of amaranth. Lacura Perfect Pink boasts base notes of vanilla, tonka bean and sandalwood paired with delicate floral notes of iris, peony, and lily of the valley - producing a scent that is reminiscent of fresh flower bouquet. Both of these fragrances have been compared to versions by high-end brand Dior.
You perhaps get what you pay for, though. Grazia said in a review that "we don’t think Aldi’s Empress quite manages to outshine its high-end counterpart (the Paco Rabanne certainly performs in terms of longevity)".
Plenty of other products are out there. For a sample, see Amazon's eau de parfum page.
