MissLJBeauty

Every year around Valentine’s Day, Aldi’s Lacura perfumes return and every year they sell out. As soon as they land in stores, people start searching whether Aldi perfumes are actually any good, whether the Lacura range smells like the designer fragrances they’re inspired by, and whether they’re worth buying or just another middle-aisle hype moment.

I’ve been buying Aldi fragrances on and off for years, long before they became viral. I still remember the original Jo Malone-style Lacura launches, especially the Pomegranate-inspired scent, which caused huge hype in stores. I bought that one myself and found it lasted around four to six hours on my skin, which genuinely surprised me for the price. It wasn’t identical to the Jo Malone version, but it was a close sister scent and absolutely wearable.

Because of that experience, I wasn’t sceptical about this year’s Aldi Lacura Valentine’s Day fragrances. I was curious. This time, I didn’t just smell them in store, I got all four and wore them properly, during the day and at night, in real-life situations, so I can tell you all if they are worth it or just more hype. 

I review beauty and fragrance regularly over here on MissLJBeauty and I’m very picky about scent quality and longevity, especially when it comes to budget perfumes. I love fragrance, I have a good nose, and I genuinely hate bad smells, so if something doesn’t perform well, I notice quickly.

All four fragrances are 100ml bottles, priced at £6.99, and this year they’re displayed at the front of Aldi stores, making them easy to spot if you’re popping in specifically for them. Savings are based on RRP comparisons and can be up to 95%, depending on the fragrance. Let’s face it, with the way prices are right now, being a bit more conscious of what we spend feels pretty unavoidable.

Quick Take: Aldi Lacura Perfume Review

If you enjoy easy, wearable fragrances but don’t want to spend £80+ on a designer bottle, Aldi Lacura perfumes are genuinely worth picking up. They’re affordable without feeling cheap, easy to wear day to day, and good enough that people actually comment on them. They’re not exact copies, but they capture the feel of much more expensive perfumes really well, which is exactly why these Aldi fragrance dupes sell out every year.

Lacura Je Suis Femme Eau de Parfum Review (£6.99)

Inspired by Lancôme La Vie Est Belle

Fragrance notes
Juicy pear and blackcurrant open the fragrance, followed by orange blossom and jasmine through the heart. The base is warm and comforting, with patchouli and vanilla creating a soft, lingering trail.

My experience
This is the Aldi Lacura perfume that feels most me. It opens fruity and warm, then settles into a creamy vanilla base that feels comforting rather than overly sweet. I wore Je Suis Femme all week while I was on a course and had three different people ask me what I was wearing. Every single one of them was shocked when I said it was Aldi.

In terms of longevity, it does fade after a few hours, but it doesn’t disappear. I could still smell it on my jumper later in the day, which I always take as a good sign. There’s also no harsh alcohol smell when you first spray it, which is something I really notice with cheaper perfume dupes.

Who it’s best for
If you like La Vie Est Belle, Flowerbomb or Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl Glam-style fragrances, or warm, feminine scents that work day to night, this is the safest blind buy of the Aldi Lacura range.

Lacura Mon Amour Eau de Parfum Review (£6.99)

Inspired by Giorgio Armani Si Passione

Fragrance notes
Pear and blackcurrant give a bright, juicy opening, lifted by pink pepper and grapefruit. Fruity and floral notes of pineapple, rose and jasmine unfold before settling into a warm base of vanilla, cedar, patchouli and amberwood.

My experience
Lacura Mon Amour feels more sophisticated and sensual than Je Suis Femme. It opens fresh and slightly fruity, but this is one of those Aldi perfumes that genuinely smells better after about an hour. The dry-down becomes warmer, softer and more elegant, which is why I see this as more of a date-night fragrance rather than an everyday one.

Longevity is similar to Je Suis Femme on me and, again, there’s no sharp alcohol opening. It feels grown-up, polished and very wearable.

Who it’s best for
If you want a more refined Aldi women’s perfume, or you like Si Passione but don’t want to use your expensive bottle every time, this is the one to go for.

Lacura Gentleman Eau de Toilette Review (£6.99)

Inspired by Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

Fragrance notes
Lavender, mint and bergamot create a fresh opening, with cardamom and subtle spice through the heart. The base is warm and smooth, blending vanilla, tonka bean, amber and sandalwood.

My experience
I didn’t expect to be that into this one, but Lacura Gentleman genuinely surprised me. It’s clean, slightly powdery and very easy to wear. Even though it’s marketed as a men’s fragrance, I actually think it leans quite unisex and I could easily wear this myself.

This is the safest blind buy of the Aldi men’s perfumes and the one I’d recommend if you’re buying for a partner and don’t know their exact preferences.

Who it’s best for
Everyday wear, office-friendly fragrance, or a low-risk gift option.

Lacura Power for Men Eau de Toilette Review (£6.99)

Inspired by Paco Rabanne 1 Million

Fragrance notes
Blood mandarin and pepper open the scent, followed by warming cinnamon through the heart. Leather and amber dominate the base, giving the fragrance depth and lasting warmth.

My experience
Power for Men is the boldest fragrance in the Aldi Lacura range. It’s warm, spicy and has much more presence than Gentleman, making it better suited to evenings and nights out. Despite being stronger, it still feels smooth rather than harsh and, again, there’s no alcohol-heavy opening.

I expected not to be that into the men’s fragrances overall, but both surprised me, especially how wearable they are.

Who it’s best for
Evening wear, confident scent lovers, and fans of warm, spicy fragrances.

How These Compare to the Perfumes I Actually Wear

I regularly wear fragrances like Paco Rabanne Fame and Carolina Herrera Good Girl Very Glam, so I’m not judging Aldi Lacura perfumes from a budget-only point of view. Je Suis Femme, in particular, reminded me of perfumes I’ve loved for years, including Lancôme La Vie Est Belle and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. It sits firmly in that warm, comforting fragrance family that so many people gravitate towards.

Best Aldi Lacura perfume for everyday wear

Best Aldi Lacura perfume for date night or evenings

Best Aldi men’s perfume for everyday wear

Best Aldi men’s perfume for evenings

If you only buy one:
• For everyday wear -  Je Suis Femme
• For evenings -  Mon Amour
• As a gift - Gentleman

My Final Verdict

The reason Aldi Lacura perfumes keep selling out isn’t just the price, it’s because they genuinely smell good. There’s no harsh alcohol hit, they don’t feel cheap, and they’re actually enjoyable to wear, which is why people go back for them every year.

I shop in Aldi all the time and always end up wandering the middle aisle, so I’ve tried a lot of their beauty launches over the years. These are exactly the kind of finds Aldi does so well. They’re affordable, easy to pick up, and genuinely worth using. I wear them the same way I wear my more expensive perfumes, just without the worry.

They’re perfect for everyday errands, travelling, throwing in a gym bag, or even heading out mountain biking. I love fragrance and I hate bad smells, so having something affordable that still smells great means I don’t save my favourite perfumes only for special occasions.

If you enjoy finding beauty products that actually work in real life rather than just looking good on a shelf, I share more honest fragrance and budget beauty reviews over on MissLJBeauty, all based on what I genuinely use and reach for.

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