This Perfume Costs Less Than $50, But Reviewers Are Obsessed

A good perfume can boost your mood and confidence by tenfold, but often we'll find that quality signature scents are costly. However, affordable perfumes can be just as long lasting as more expensive ones, according to Gabriela Chelariu, senior perfumer at Firmenich, a Swiss fragrance and flavor company.

"The construction of the fragrance is the key to a long-lasting fragrance," Chelariu says. She explains that the way the ingredients are mixed and the quality of ingredients used all relates to scent longevity, and some cheap perfumes accomplish this. To get the most of your inexpensive perfume, the following tips might help:

• Know how to apply it: Rollerball perfume can last longer on the skin, but sprays can show great longevity when sprayed directly on clothing.
• Pay attention to sizing: Start small with a new fragrance. "I like purchasing minis or rollerballs as an inexpensive pick when I am trying to find a new fragrance," says Danusia Wnek, chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.
• Layering is key: Pairing a perfume with a complementary body wash or lotion can really elevate the scent. The scents don't even have to match — just make sure the both are light enough to layer together.

Here are the best affordable perfumes for women that smell expensive yet actually make inexpensive perfume gifts. Each pick was carefully selected by GH's beauty team and rave reviews online.