I tried the 'Le Labo' inspired fragrances at Aldi

Despite my collection, I am constantly seeking perfumes and looking for something new to wear. The past week after hearing and seeing Le Labo Santal everywhere, I finally decided to go on the hunt to smell it. Surprisingly, few stores stock them, despite being in the City of London at the time of my decision, I had to go across to Liberty London to find them. After smelling Santal 33, I realised that it wasn’t anywhere near as appealing to me as ‘Another 13’. As someone who often impulse purchases a perfume, and more often than not stops wearing it after a month, the £234 price tag made me reconsider my lack of impulse control. So, when Aldi launched three Le Labo dupes, I had to go check them out and share my thoughts in a post.

Black Intense eau de parfum

£9.99 100ml

If you’re someone who gravitates toward deep, sophisticated scents, then Black Intense might just be your next favorite fragrance. Inspired by the luxurious Le Labo Noir 29, this scent brings a bold and mysterious edge, perfect for those who appreciate the richness of dark, woody notes.

At the heart of this fragrance lies the intoxicating warmth of tobacco and cedarwood, creating an inviting yet enigmatic aroma that lingers beautifully throughout the day. These earthy elements provide depth and complexity, making Black Intense an excellent choice for evenings, colder months, or anyone who loves a fragrance that makes a lasting impression.

One of the best things about this scent? It comes at an incredibly affordable price of just £9.99. If you’ve been longing for the signature richness of Le Labo Noir 29 but aren’t ready to splurge, Black Intense offers a fantastic alternative without compromising on quality. Whether you’re adding it to your collection or seeking a budget-friendly dupe, this fragrance is a must-try for lovers of bold and elegant scents.

Addition eau de parfum

100ml £9.99

If you’re a fan of unique, niche fragrances, you’ve probably come across Le Labo’s Another 13—a scent that stands out for its unusual yet captivating composition. As a personal favorite of mine, I find its blend of moss and ambroxan creates a soft, almost creamy effect while remaining incredibly subtle. It’s one of those fragrances that feels effortlessly sophisticated, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Lately, I’ve heard that The Addition is said to be a comparable alternative to Another 13, and naturally, I had to try it. Firstly, The Addition opens with a noticeable hit of alcohol, which is slightly different from the way Le Labo fragrances unfold. However, once it settles, the dry-down bears a striking resemblance to the beloved Another 13, capturing that delicate, musky-woody essence that makes it such a cult favorite.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a verified breakdown of The Addition’s exact fragrance profile, so it’s tricky to compare the notes side by side. But based on experience alone, it definitely gives off a similar vibe—making it an interesting option for those who love the original but don’t want to splurge on a high-end bottle.

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of The Addition is its incredible value for money. Unlike Another 13, which can cost a small fortune, The Addition comes in a generous 100ml bottle for just £9.99. At that price, you really can’t go wrong, especially if you’re looking for an affordable, everyday fragrance to wear to the office or on casual outings.

If you’ve been curious about Another 13 but hesitant to make the investment, The Addition might be worth a try

Sandalwood eau de parfum

100ml £9.99

If you’re a fan of Le Labo’s Santal 33, you know how distinctive and luxurious this cult-favorite fragrance is. With its signature blend of sandalwood, cedar, leather, and cardamom, it exudes a warm, sophisticated aroma that lingers beautifully on the skin. However, with its high-end price tag, it’s not always the most accessible option for everyday wear.

That’s where Aldi’s Santal 33-inspired fragrance comes in—a much more affordable alternative that promises a similar scent experience without the premium price. But there’s a catch: finding an unopened bottle can be quite the challenge. Due to their popularity, these fragrances sell out quickly, making them one of the most sought-after beauty buys in Aldi’s middle aisle specials.

One thing to note is that the packaging isn’t quite as refined as Le Labo’s sleek, minimalist design. Instead, it leans towards simple and functional, with a clear plastic dispenser and a label that reflects its budget-friendly price point. While it may not offer the luxury aesthetic of a high-end bottle, what truly matters is the juice inside—and from what I’ve experienced, the scent itself is well worth the trade-off.

If you’re looking for a guilt-free way to enjoy a high-end-smelling fragrance without spending a fortune, Aldi’s Santal 33 alternative is definitely worth considering. But don’t wait too long—since these are part of Aldi’s middle aisle specials, they tend to disappear from shelves fast. If you spot one at your local store, grab it while you can!

Have you managed to get your hands on this fragrance? Let me know in the comments.

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