Boots has launched a new collection of Arabian-inspired perfumes priced at £14.99 each, with one scent already drawing comparisons to luxury niche fragrances costing hundreds of pounds. The Jawhara Oud Velvet Eau de Parfum, part of the five-strong Jawhara range, has impressed shoppers with its blend of oud, rose, spices and vanilla.
The Oud Velvet fragrance opens with coriander and saffron before developing into smoky oud, amber wood and cedarwood, softened by creamy vanilla. One reviewer described it as 'a phenomenal oud, rose, and spice fragrance' and predicted that if Coty, which owns the brand, sends it to influencers, 'the price could easily triple'. Another shopper said it 'smells like a £200 boutique perfume'.
The wider Jawhara collection includes four other fragrances: Sultan Rose (rose, peony, saffron and vanilla incense), Golden Nectar (bergamot, tuberose and musk), Sweet Dates (vanilla, raspberry, dates and caramelised amber), and Amberwood Nomad (cardamom, cedarwood and myrrh). All are 100ml and priced at £14.99.
Available online now and arriving in selected Boots stores from early June, the collection aims to bring the richness of Arabian perfumery to a wider audience without the luxury price tag. Some alternatives include the Kayali Vanilla Musk Mini Duo set for £24 from Sephora and the Versace Miniature Set for £39.29 from Amazon.
Shoppers have praised the longevity and projection of Oud Velvet, with one noting it 'projects heavily for the first two hours' and leaves a 'lingering, expensive sillage'. However, some have commented that the bottles and caps feel lightweight, though the perfume itself 'punches way above its weight class'.
