Finding the right perfume is as fun as it is tricky. On one hand, there's a certain kind of thrill when you're opening, sniffing, and spraying every bottle you get your hands on at every store. But on the other, all the scents kiiiinda just mix together after a while on your wrist or on the small pieces of paper you've bunched up in your pockets. (Yes, even after a whiff of palate-cleansing coffee beans.) You end up just not buying anything because you're stuck in that everything-smells-so-good limbo. But one trusty way to find a new fragrance is by trying out a brand's bestsellers to see if they fit what you're looking for.
If you've scrolled through TikTok anytime in 2024, then you already know Zara has been a go-to for those who want a variety of scent choices without breaking the bank. And here at Cosmo, we're all about wanting to give you the inside info on everything beauty to give you more bang for your buck. That's why we asked Zara themselves about what their fragrance bestsellers are—at least in the Philippines!—and they got back to us with the scents and samples. Here's what we tried.
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Zara's Best-Selling Perfumes For Women
Red Temptation
First off, we have the strong, sensual, and def long-lasting Red Temptation. I once received a bottle as a birthday gift from my fellow fragrance-hooked BFF. She said it was supposed to smell like Maison Francis Kurkdjian's bestseller, Baccarat Rouge 540, which costs P14,850—so I saw why she wanted me to try this out.
When I finally tried Red Temptation and sprayed it on at the start of the day, people still smelled it on me well into the night. But they thought it was a guy's perfume that had rubbed off on me, lol. So while this is described to be a feminine scent, I personally find this to be more unisex because of its musk.
Zara Red Temptation, P1,295 (80 mL), Zara
According to Zara, this eau de parfum is "disguised as the warm and textured facets of beautiful Saffron and coriander spices," which does give it a slight spicy scent. It also has notes of jasmine and white flowers, with moss and woody amber notes.
If you want to wear this as an everyday scent, it's sure to announce your presence with its sillage and have people smell it on you throughout the day because of its longevity. It gives off a serious but sultry vibe that makes it perf for those office sirens. You can also wear it for dinner dates with your S.O., wine nights out with your friends, or that once-in-a-blue-moon party night in Pob.
Red Temptation Summer
Red Temptation Summer is the lighter, fruitier sister of Red Temptation, with notes of rose petals, lychee, and raspberry. At first whiff, this eau de parfum immediately comes off lighter than the musky and deeper accords of the OG Red Temptation. Before it settles into a distinct peony bouquet, it first gives off the sensual aromas of amber and praline.
All that to say—if Red Temptation is the IG baddie going out for a hot date, then Red Temptation Summer is the fun, carefree girlie who's ready for a sunny day out. It still has the flirty DNA of Red Temptation but more vibrant. It's perfect for those laid-back moments when you want to feel fresh and confident without overwhelming the senses. You can wear it for casual dates out, a breezy afternoon in BGC, or even a deck presentation for your Big Girl Job.
Zara Red Temptation Summer, P1,695 (80 mL), Zara
Applejuice
Imagine your favorite childhood cologne, but all grown up as an eau de toilette. That's what Applejuice smells like, with top notes of apple (of course), orange, and pink grapefruit that gives it a floral opening. After a while, it reveals more floral notes of rose, jasmine, violet, and peony. Give it a little more time and it dries down to a cleaner, almost soap-like scent care of creamy sandalwood.
Of all the bestsellers on this list, Applejuice smells the most innocent and subtle. It's almost playful the way it combines both fruity and floral into a delectable smell that has a delicate, airy presence on your skin. It's perfect for everyday, especially on those relatively chill days when you're out running errands or doing some shopping. This would be a safe blind buy for yourself or as a gift.
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Zara Applejuice, P1,145 (90 mL), Zara
Nude Bouquet
As someone who tends to go for lighter and more powdery scents, I find myself reaching for this more often than the rest. It's an eau de parfum with notes of cherry, peony, and vanilla. The opening notes are more on the peony side and the first few sprays come out as sharp, refreshing floral. It's almost like a more sophisticated cologne or body mist from your teenage years. It's a little bit piercing at first, but it settles into your skin with a soft vanilla scent that isn't too sweet or cloying.
Zara's Nude Bouquet would be a great everyday scent, especially for bright days out and you're dressed up in your fave sundress or linen coords. It's a great pick for brunch dates, cafe-hopping with the girls, and Sunday lunch with the fam. While it's relatively long-lasting on me, it's not as potent at the end of the day like Red Temptation. But because it dries down to a not-so-sweet floral-vanilla, this would be a safe blind buy if you haven't smelled it yet or if you're giving it as a gift.
Zara Nude Bouquet, P1,495 (100 mL), Zara
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