Marks & Spencer has launched a new in-house fragrance brand, Studio, an edit of eight eau de parfums priced at £18 each. The collection has already drawn comparisons to luxury scents from Tom Ford, Jo Malone, Byredo and Dolce & Gabbana, and has been gaining attention on TikTok for its layering versatility.
Affordable luxury in chic bottles
The Studio line is packaged in glass bottles reminiscent of Byredo and Dior, and includes a discovery set priced at £12. Each unisex fragrance costs £22 and is designed to be worn solo or layered. The scents evoke vanilla, musk, amber and tonka, with some combinations said to create a custom scent.
M&S's fragrances have become increasingly popular, with the Discover range costing as little as £12 and the more premium Apothecary line, which rivals Le Labo, regularly selling out.
Five standout scents tested
Shopping Editor Daisy Lester has been wearing the collection since its launch last month. Five Studio scents have earned her countless compliments. Here is what she found.
Darkest vanilla – Five stars. An alternative to Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, with notes of warm amber, tonka bean and patchouli, balanced by floral orchid and vanilla bean. While the luxury scent costs £299 for 100ml, the M&S bottle is less than £25. It is a warm, velvety, high-end scent that lingers all morning.
Vanilla silk – Four stars. An alternative to Phlur Vanilla Skin, sharing the same blend of vanilla and soft musk. Top notes of lemon and orange blossom avoid being overly sweet thanks to “buttery shortbread” aromas.
Salted haze – Five stars. An alternative to Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt. This summery scent has a warm, creamy base and top notes of pear blossom, with seaweed, fig leaf, lavender, cedarwood, sandalwood, musk and tonka bean. It evokes a similarly crisp, earthy feeling as the Jo Malone scent.
More from the line
Amber creme – Four stars. An alternative to Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Amber, sharing top notes of warm amber and a veil of patchouli. It has a rich, creamy base that appeals to gourmand lovers. It layers well over M&S Studio's sheer musk (£22.50).
Dewy rose – Four stars. An alternative to Byredo Young Rose, combining delicate rose with soft notes and subtle warmth. It is light for summer but elegant and uplifting for year-round wear.
