Fashion writer Rachel Pugh has found a £11.99 perfume at Boots that she claims rivals her favourite £112 Jo Malone scent, saving over £100. The Jawhara Sultan Rose Eau de Parfum, usually £14.99 but discounted by 25%, offers a woody, spicy Middle Eastern-style rose oud, while Jo Malone Rose Blush is a breezy, fruity-floral limited-edition cologne.
Finding an Affordable Alternative
Pugh, who typically gravitates towards spicier fragrances, had been searching for a wallet-friendly alternative to her Jo Malone staple. She says Sultan Rose is not a 'dupe' but a fresh interpretation of the rose profile. 'It's more in keeping with my usual scent profile,' she said. 'I tend to gravitate towards spicier fragrances, so it hits the mark perfectly as a summer compromise.'
The fragrance opens with warm saffron accord and Akigalawood, leading to a heart of majestic rose accord and powdery peony, with a base of vanilla incense. It is marketed as unisex but Pugh found it leans slightly feminine. At £15, she expected a subtle scent but found it surprisingly potent, though it requires more frequent reapplication than her Jo Malone.
Other Fragrances in the Collection
The Jawhara Collection includes four other fragrances. Sweet Dates, also £11.99, is an ambery, fruity Eau de Parfum with notes of vanilla, raspberry, date, patchouli, caramelised amber, and cedarwood. Pugh says it resembles Lush's Sticky Dates body spray (£29) but is less overpoweringly sweet and more refined for summer evenings. She noted that her boyfriend preferred it, calling it a true unisex scent.
Golden Nectar combines bergamot, tuberose, and musk for a lighter floral fragrance. Amberwood Nomad blends cardamom, cedarwood, and myrrh for a warmer, masculine-leaning scent. Oud Velvet offers a rich, woody-amber fragrance with saffron, oud, and creamy vanilla, also leaning masculine.
Value for Money
While the Jawhara perfumes may not have the staying power of pricier alternatives, Pugh says they are ideal for slipping into a handbag for quick spritzes throughout the day. 'For picnics and barbecues, it's an absolute no-brainer,' she added. The full collection is available at Boots.
