ALDI has a number of popular perfumes, but if you’re here, chances are you’re interested in Lacura’s E1 fragrance – so what does it smell like? That’s exactly what I’m going to be filling you in on in this article. Believe it or not, many of ALDI’s best perfumes are dupes for designer scents like Tom Ford, Jo Malone and Chanel, and as you’d expect from the budget supermarket’s regular pricing, they’re a mere fraction of the cost of the originals. Even in a cost of living crisis, you don’t need to abandon your favourite fragrances as you can get them for 95% less than the original price at ALDI.

A stand out among the collection is ALDI’s E1 Exclusive Only Eau De Parfum, which is part of the popular Lacura collection. This scent became an instant favourite for its quality and affordability, but also because of the designer scents it’s been likened to. It didn’t take long for many ALDI shoppers to recognise the scent of E1 as a popular designer fragrance from none other than Carolina Herrera.

Keep reading for everything you need to know. Next, read more about the best perfume dupes from ALDI, as well as the best perfume dupes from M&S, Zara and Next.

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What does ALDI’s E1 perfume smell like?

ALDI’s Lacura collection E1 perfume has been likened to both Carolina Herrera’s 212 VIP Rose and Chanel’s Chance. The budget scent and Carolina Herrera’s popular perfume have identical notes of Champagne, Peach Tree Blossom, Queenwood, Musk and Amber, while the bottles are undeniably similar too.

I can see why some have compared it to Chance too. The Chanel scent has notes of Pink Pepper, Jasmine, Amber Patchouli, White Musks and Vanilla, so they do share similar notes – but after comparing the two, I have to say that E1 is undoubtedly a doppelgänger of 212 VIP Rose.

The OG: 212 VIP Rose, £74, Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Rose is a light and feminine fragrance, which was introduced by the label in 2014. It’s lesser known than Good Girl, but if you love fruity and floral scents with a hint of champagne, you’ll love it.

212 VIP Rose 50ml, £74, Carolina Herrera at Boots – buy now

Sizes and price range

30ml (£53 at Next)

50ml (£74 at Boots)

80ml (£101 at Next)

Scent

Top notes: Champagne Rosé Pink Pepper

Middle notes: Peach Tree Flower Roses

Base notes: Queenwood, Musk Amber

The Dupe: E1 Exclusive Eau De Parfum, £4.99, ALDI

If you’re looking for a decent dupe, this is the real deal. For under £10, you get the 212 VIP Rose experience for under £5 from ALDI. Sadly it’s sold out in the shop, but you can often find it on reselling sites like eBay for a mere fraction of the price of Carolina Herrera’s perfume.

E1 Exclusive Eau De Parfum 100ml, £4.99, ALDI – read more

Scent

Top notes: Pink Champagne

Middle notes: Peach Tree Blossom

Base notes: Queen Woods, Musk and Amber

Is ALDI’s E1 perfume worth it?

In short, yes. How could I say no when Lacura’s E1 perfume is only £4.99? A subtle tweak in the notes and packaging sets ALDI’s E1 and Carolina Herrera’s 212 VIP Rose apart, but the two share a remarkable resemblance. Plus, the added touch of amber gives E1 a great depth of earthiness. Price wise, ALDI’s £4.99 scent is a steal compared to the £53 original. My advice? Keep an eye out on ALDI’s perfume collection — it sometimes may be out of stock, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.