Grace Lindsay
I've spoken before of my love for a good perfume (both eye-wateringly expensive ones and more affordable fragrances), but there's one purse-friendly scent that has been literally turning heads whenever I wear it recently. And I've decided it's only polite to share it with everyone. After all, last night at a work dinner, three different people asked me what I was wearing—so it must be good, right? Well, it turns out the fragrance in question isn't really perfume at all but a body mist. Yes, as in one of those plastic pump bottles of scent that you probably kept in your PE kit at school. Worry not, though. This one has the mastermind behind luxury fragrance house Byredo behind it, but at a seriously affordable price point.
Delivering on way more than sellout summer dresses, & Other Stories is probably the high-street store I recommend most for beauty products that rival the most luxurious brands on the market. As for their fragrances? Trust me—they smell seriously expensive. And it's no surprise when & Other Stories has Ben Gorham, founder of Byredo (and probably my favourite ever fragrance brand), working on its scents. And while you won't find any Byredo alternatives, you will find seriously original and complex perfumes that smell incredible. As for the specific scent I always get compliments on? The Arabesque Wood Body Mist.
Described as a "deep, earthy oud with a twist of citrus", it doesn't immediately sound like the kind of fragrance that would appeal to me. I tend to opt for musky skin scents, violet-heavy florals, or amber-spiked gourmand fragrances. However, this body mist delivers a zingy freshness that I always find myself returning to during the summer months, particularly. It's zesty with lemon and ginger, but dries down into those amber undertones that I like for an expensive-smelling edge.
I'm a big fan of & Other Stories perfumes and have been testing out some of the newer fragrances.
As much as I love this body mist, it's not the only & Other Stories fragrance that I rate. In fact, the brand has so many good scents, and they've had lots of new perfume launches recently that have exceeded all of my expectations. Ahead, keep scrolling for the other affordable fragrances that I keep on rotation from the high-street store.
The Best & Other Stories Fragrances, Tried & Tested by an Editor:
- Best & Other Stories fragrance overall: Sardonyx Fire
- Best spring & Other stories fragrance: Paper Blossom
- Best summer & Other stories fragrance: Perle de Coco
- Best sweet & Other stories fragrance: Perfect Pistachio
- Best fresh & Other stories fragrance: Sicilian Sunrise
1. & Other Stories Perle de Coco
Key notes: Caramel, red apple, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, warm milk accord
A creamy coconut scent with hints of vanilla and caramel—this & Other Stories perfume screams hot summers by the pool. Sadly, I tend to wear it while lugging two kids to the park, but it still brings me so much joy. Plus, it manages to be gourmand without being the slightest bit cloying.
2. & Other Stories Sicilian Sunrise
Key notes: Lemon, grapefruit, pineapple, pear, musk, amber, cedarwood
This uplifting citrus scent smells like the best homemade lemonade—in a good way, of course. Sharp, freshly-juiced citrus fruits and sun-soaked woods combine for a warm, summery scent.
3. & Other Stories Sardonyx Fire
Key notes: Guava, pink freesia, rose absolute, saffron, Indian jasmine, patchouli, black amber, vanilla beans
This is my favourite-ever & Other Stories perfume. It's a deep floral with hints of vanilla that reminds me of balmy nights on holiday. I have repurchased this scent so many times. Despite only costing £32, it smells incredibly expensive, and it lasts so well on the skin.
4. & Other Stories Nocturnal Tales
Key notes: Grapefruit, cypress, lavender, tobacco, tea, vetiver, vanilla, suede
This & Other Stories fragrance is unlike any others in the collection. It's a woody scent at heart, but it has a sexy, warming aroma thanks to notes of tobacco and vanilla. It smells so expensive and reminds me a lot of a designer fragrance that is over four times this price.
5. & Other Stories Perfect Pistachio
Key notes: Pistachio nuts, warm milk, hazelnut, white chocolate, amber, candied vanilla, sandalwood, musk
Another gorgeous gourmand fragrance from & Other Stories, Perfect Pistachio smells just as delicious as your favourite pistachio baked goods. You can really smell the milk and the white chocolate in this, but these sweeter notes are beautifully balanced by amber, sandalwood and musk.
6. & Other Stories Miami Muse
Key notes: Pink pepper, guava, raspberry blossom, violet, patchouli, cotton candy, musk
Sorry, I know I've been talking about sweet scents a lot, but I couldn't not include Miami Muse. Unlike the sickly aromas more affordable options often create, this one contains pink pepper to lend a grown-up edge to the cotton candy heart.
7. & Other Stories Paper Blossom
Key notes: Pear, cassis blossom, pomelo, blue agave, green violet, wild orris, sandalwood, vanilla, amber
Delicate florals and fresh fruits come together in this fragrance to create the most perfect springtime scent. It's sweet, playful and uplifting, and I can't imagine anyone not liking this perfume.
8. & Other Stories Fleur de Mimosa
Key notes: Almond, bergamot, red currant, jasmine, mimosa, heliotrope, cedarwood, amber, musk
This fragrance smells of fresh mimosa and musk, and is totally dreamy. Although it opens with fresh, vibrant notes, the warm, woody, musky base makes this scent super long-lasting when spritzed onto the skin.
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