The definitive season to wear your favorite perfumes is here, and the great thing about it is that you can smell great on a budget as well. All the best cheap fall fragrances on this list have been chosen with care and with love.
I remember times when I either did not have enough money to buy expensive niche fragrances or just couldn’t justify splashing so much hard-earned money on a bottle of perfume.
Nonetheless, this article is suitable for anyone wanting to smell good this fall without spending big bucks. One of the big myths in perfumery is that you have to only purchase a niche or high-end designer perfumes to smell good which is far from the truth.
With this article, my goal is to provide the Scent Grail reader with proven affordable perfumes that have worked for many and for me during my many years as a perfume hobbyist so that you can smell good as well.
After reading this post about the best cheap fall fragrances for men I also suggest checking out my other two unisex, and high-end fall fragrance lists where I explore different fragrances for wider budgets.
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To differentiate the list from your typical fragrances seen everywhere else, I have included a couple of relatively unknown perfumes from brands such as Bentley, giving you different options no matter which one you opt to sample or buy in the end.
Best Cheap Fall Fragrances: The List
One thing I have stayed from is only including the absolute cheapest of the bunch fragrances and focusing more on the quality itself.
This means, what you see here is a range of scents up to $60 USD which qualifies as the last monetary level of affordable value in terms of perfumery.
I haven’t forgotten about covering all the different variations of perfumes that work in this season of warmer and colder days.
After the list, I also invite you to read helpful additional information about fall fragrances to get more insights about fall fragrance notes, and how to ideally wear your favorite fall perfume.
10. Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Intenso
A note from the brand: “The sensuality of Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Intenso Eau de Parfum derives from the blending of citrus notes with lavender and cypress, for a bold and unforgettable olfactory composition.
A richly sensual, modern fragrance, Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Intenso Eau de Parfum exalts the virility of the man who wears it.”
Why is Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Intenso one of the best cheap fall fragrances: I admit it. I’m a sucker for good fragrances that pay homage to the golden years of masculine perfumery from the 70s and the 80s.
Intenso doesn’t necessarily smell like these, but there is a certain aroma inside, mainly a combination of aromatic lavender, woody tobacco, and dry grass-like hay that transport me to a different era of perfumery.
In my opinion, Intenso is still the best from the Pour Homme line and an upgrade to the original Pour Homme. This is not your typical fall fragrance as it doesn’t include heavy oriental notes, making it more versatile. There are many colder-weather fragrances on the market.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Woody Aromatic
- Release Date: 2019
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Lavender, Tobacco, and Hay
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Spring and Fall
- Occasions: Business, and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Aromatic, Woody, Green
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
9. Bentley For Men Absolute
A note from the brand: “Bentley Fragrances has developed an exclusive limited edition fragrance designed to meet the wishes of smart, elegant and ambitious men. Bentley for Men Absolute was created by one of the world’s most famous perfume makers: Michel Almairac. Speaking about the new men’s fragrance, he said: “I wanted to express the strong, authentic side of the Bentley brand in this fragrance, while also bringing out its timelessness. I therefore focused on woody notes, which have strength and unique character. This is also why I chose precious agarwood for this composition.
Why is Bentley For Men Absolute one of the best cheap fall fragrances: Bentley Absolute is a fragrance with a strong character that highlights woody and spicy note composition.
A unique release from Bentley’s collection keeps up with the masculine theme that offers a mysterious and charismatic scent trail.
An absolute masterpiece, and almost one-to-one fragrance to long gone Gucci Pour Homme 1 perfume done by the same perfumer who claims that it includes exact composition.
It has a certain freshness to it that remains even with the denser notes of amber, oakmoss, incense, and cedarwood. I have rarely seen a fragrance at this price point that lacks any sort of synthetic aroma or chemical smell of this quality.
- Perfumer: Michel Almairac
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Woody Oriental
- Release Date: 2014
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
- Most dominant notes: Olibanum, Atlas Cedar, and Papyrus
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business, and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Low
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Woody, Smoky, Spicy
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
8. Molinard Ambre
A note from the brand: “An unforgettable journey in the enchanting lands of the East! Intended to maintain the mystery of seduction, Ambre reveals the refinement of a noble and exclusive matter. This unisex Eau de Parfum offers elegance in a dazzling tone, for a contemporary olfactory interpretation of the Molinard myth.”
Why is Molinard Ambre one of the best cheap fall fragrances: You might wonder can a niche fragrance be affordable and made out of high-quality ingredients, and I say absolutely yes.
Molinard is a family-owned historical French niche fragrance house that has been in the business for more than 170 years releasing exceptional high-end niche fragrances at an affordable price.
Ambre from Molinard is similar to Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Grand Soir, and Histoires de Parfums Ambre 114 without compromising the quality.
A straightforward mixture of amber, incense, and patchouli notes with unusual inclusion of citruses in the opening and lifted by aromatic lavender. Molinard house and its fragrance collection is my personal recommendation for everyone just starting to get into niche perfumery.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Oriental
- Release Date: 2015
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 50% – 50%
- Most dominant notes: Benzoin, Incense, and Vanilla
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business, Night Out, and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Spicy, Balsamic, Oriental
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
7. Guy Laroche Drakkar Intense
A note from the brand: “Daring to spread an irresistible and addictive power, Drakkar Intense embodies a greater thirst for danger man.”
Why is Guy Laroche Drakkar Intense one of the best cheap fall fragrances: 40 years after Drakkar Noir, Drakkar Intense arrives with an interesting take on one of the most famous masculine perfumes of all time.
Along with recognizable Drakkar Noir aromatic, spicy, and woody composition, Intense introduces new oriental accords with zesty bergamot, aromatic sage, and hints of suede leather and amber.
By remixing the original formula, what we have here is Drakkar for younger generations with traces of the original. If you like to explore and see what men wore 40 years ago, but still smell contemporary, Intense is worth a go.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Aromatic Oriental
- Release Date: 2022
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Patchouli, Suede Leather, and Amber
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business, Night Out, and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Aromatic, Leather, Oriental
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
6. Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo Signature
A note from the brand: “The perfect balance between untamed masculinity and Italian elegance. Quintessence of the UOMO man, an edgier and darker chapter for a rich and bold lingering sensation. Deeper and more magnetic, a new composition diving a step further into audacity without betraying Ferragamo’s Italian craftsmanship and legacy.”
Why is Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo Signature one of the best cheap fall fragrances: This is a sweet, gourmand, and oriental fragrance through and through.
Just like the original Uomo, the fragrance is dominated by signature tiramisu accord enveloped in leather, and warm tonka beans.
Additional citruses and spices during the opening and middle stages provide interest through the development. Long-lasting and mass-pleasing. Affordable Uomo flanker with a beautifully deep and satisfying aura. Uomo Signature has been officially discontinued, and now is the best time to get it while it is still cheap as it is.
- Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Oriental
- Release Date: 2018
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 60% – 40%
- Most dominant notes: Tonka Beans, Leather, and Coffee
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Night Out, and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 10 – 12 hours with great projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Spicy, Leather, Oriental
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
5. Joop! Homme Absolute
A note from the brand: “The JOOP! Homme Absolute man is a born seducer. He is confident enough to let his guard down. Never taking himself too seriously, he knows that humor and playfulness pave the way to happiness. But he also values closeness, complicity and intimacy. Because he believes in himself and pursues his own passions, he can shed his ego to share time, trust and complicity with the people he loves. JOOP! Homme Absolute is a fragrant illustration of men’s dual nature.”
Why is Joop! Homme Absolute one of the best cheap fall fragrances: Well, I would be lying if I told you that any other fragrance from the Joop! Homme line is my favorite. My guilty pleasure fragrance, and the only one from the line that doesn’t choke all of my senses with overbearing sweetness.
Absolute could have been a fragrance from a whole different Joop! line since it doesn’t share anything with his other siblings.
Black pepper and incense come in spades here, and either you love it or hate it. For me, this fragrance is super interesting and unique. The base is tamed with gentle notes of masculine-smelling ylang-ylang, dry vetiver, and nutty tonka beans. Recommended to anyone who wants to sample something new and original from Joop! brand.
- Perfumer: Antoine Maisondieu
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Woody
- Release Date: 2019
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Incense, Black Pepper, and Ylang-Ylang
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Night Out
- Longevity and Sillage: 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Smoky, Spicy, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
4. L’Erbolario Meharées
A note from the brand: “Eternal scents awoken by the warm breath of a wind that has blown through the fiery emptiness of the desert.”
Why is L’Erbolario Meharées one of the best cheap fall fragrances: If I had to pick only one fragrance from the list to sample and buy first, it would be Meharées. Why?
Well, it is because it smells identical to my favorite perfume of all time – Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur. The funny thing about this one is it was released more than ten years before Musc Ravageur which means Maurice Roucel took inspiration from L’Erbolario fragrance believe it or not.
Therefore, if you want to get the feeling of how Musc Ravageur smells, but for a fraction of the price, try this hidden gem.
A warm, spicy, and musky fragrance that will at least mentally transport you somewhere in the desert, sitting at an oasis.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Oriental Spicy
- Release Date: n/a
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 50% – 50%
- Most dominant notes: Cinnamon, Amber, and Vanilla
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Night Out
- Longevity and Sillage: 10 – 12 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: HIgh
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Spicy, Woody, Powdery
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
3. Afnan Supremacy in Oud
A note from the brand: “Bold and powerful. Our in Oud is a long-lasting scent designed to create an entrance regardless of where you wear it. Experience, empower, and impact.”
Why is Afnan Supremacy in Oud one of the best cheap fall fragrances: Middle-Eastern fragrance house of Afnan is full of pleasant surprises. Supremacy in Oud is a clone fragrance of one of the most popular niche fragrances on the market – Initio Parfums Prives Oud for Greatness, and that is no secret.
When comparing these two perfumes side by side, Supremacy in Oud has additional smokiness and sweetness due to the synthetic oud accord but on the skin, the result is so close, few would spot differences.
Let’s not forget the beautiful Afnan presentation that would put to shame many niche brands and the longevity that is even better than the real thing. Probably the best affordable oud fragrance on the market right now.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Woody
- Release Date: 2021
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 50% – 50%
- Most dominant notes: Saffron, Oud, and Sweet Notes
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Leisure, and Night Out
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with great projection
- Compliments: HIgh
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Spicy, Woody, Sweet
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
2. Molinard Cuir
A note from the brand: With Cuir, Molinard revisits its past to better face the future. Tinged with the sweet scents of leather, this new element reveals the secrets of that, which was once the city of tanners, Grasse. Cuir is sensual and with a strong character, disseminating seductive notes of musk and chypre. The rose, jasmine, and iris flowers come to visit the spicy herbs and patchouli to create a delicious and addictive smell of leather.
Why is Molinard Cuir one of the best cheap fall fragrances: A second fragrance from the affordable French niche house on this list had to be here, otherwise, it would be complete.
There is no better leather fragrance on the market at this price point – period. Combined with oud, amber, and spices, it tells a story of a well-lived and easy-going life somewhere in Southern France.
Classy, contemplative, and confident, Cuir takes you for a ride with fresh opening, throughout its spicy heart, to amber leathery base notes that smell like a new luxury car. When it reaches the full dry down, the perfume becomes cozy and soft like a fluffy cloud made out of cinnamon, amber, oud, and leather. A hidden masterpiece.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Leather
- Release Date: 2015
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 60% – 40%
- Most dominant notes: Leather, Saffron, and Oud
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Night Out
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Spicy, Leather, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
1. Burberry London For Men
A note from the brand: “A sophisticated scent with top notes of bergamot, lavender, and warm cinnamon. Artfully balanced heart notes of mimosa flower and rich leather. Lower tones combine heady tobacco leaves and dense oak moss to complete this distinctive and refined fragrance.”
Why is Burberry London For Men one of the best cheap fall fragrances: London from Burberry will always be one of my favorite colder weather fragrances of all time no matter the average performance.
A Christmas in the bottle, and arguably the best festive season fragrance which also works during the colder days of fall.
Sweet tobacco and cinnamon run the game here and evoke thoughts of being in a large room with a Christmas tree, spices in the air, and pastry while you are having chit-chat beside the fireplace with your friends and family sharing the best moments from your life.
- Perfumer: Antoine Misondieu
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Woody
- Release Date: 2006
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Cinnamon, Tobacco, and Woods
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business, and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Woody, Spicy, Leather
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A+
What is a fall perfume?
So, you may ask yourself what is actually a fall perfume or how can I know what to look for? Well, since fall is a season that is between summer and winter, these types of perfumes are here to close the gap in this area.
While some days can still get hot as during the summer, at times the temperature can really drop, that’s why I have added even the extreme ends which are generally considered pure summer and winter scents.
Fall perfumes have a tendency to make you feel cozy, comforting, warm, and at times mysterious. These perfumes are not heavy and are not light. They sit in that sweet spot between those two and work fantastically.
In the end, you should wear what you like, not what anyone else says. The fine balance between choosing the right season for perfume, and how one projects around you is an art of its own.
Fall fragrance notes
When it comes to fall fragrance notes in the best fall fragrances for men category, there is an easy rule to follow. In my opinion, the fragrance world is interconnected with colors. A rule of seasonal colors, for fall, is Brown, Orange, Red, Black, and Yellow.
By following this rule, you can simply guess where to follow your nose and remove the doubt. Here are some notes you can expect to find in fall scents:
WOODY NOTES
- Patchouli
- Vetiver
- Cedar
- Agarwood (Oud)
- Oakmoss
WARM NOTES
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Honey
ANIMALIC NOTES
- Musk
- Amber
- Leather
- Ambergris
- Tolu Balsam
Note that there are other note variations and that the list is a basic guideline that you can follow on the Woody, Warm and Animalic rule.
What are fragrance notes and accords?
Simply explained, notes are perfume indigents, and accords are “fantasy” notes made from several other notes to get one distinct accord(note) that couldn’t be recreated otherwise.
Such accords are leather, amber, and marine notes, while notes can be bergamot, rose, and vanilla. But, while it may sound as simple as this, there are some other things to consider as well.
Smelly alcohol-water known as perfumes are made from multiple notes and accords which are made from a mixture of natural and aroma-chemical indigents to form a general scent profile.
These notes and accords are separated into three different classes known as the perfume pyramid:
- Top Notes
- Middle Notes
- Base Notes
Each of the separate pyramid stages is carefully created by perfumes to evaporate accordingly.
For example, top notes such as citruses evaporate faster than for instance, Sandalwood and Agarwood found in the middle or base stage of the perfume.
In modern perfumery, accords are a vital part of creating a harmonious blend of two or more notes into a distinctive smell.
While this process is more complex than it may sound, it’s always good to know how is your perfume composed and when can you expect more natural indigents rather than synthetics.
So, to conclude the fragrance term referred to as “notes” and “accords” are often used as marketing to explain approximately what consumers may expect when smelling a particular perfume.
Read more about this topic here.
Conclusion
With any fragrance on the market, it is important that in the end, you enjoy what you wear no matter the price.
As seen here, perfumes don’t have to cost a ton of money to smell great and this is the case here with my picks for the top 10 best affordable fall fragrances you can wear proudly. Wear what you like, and don’t follow the current trends of only wearing what’s “hot” right now.
Some of the scents never go out of style, and live through the short-term trends.
What are your thoughts about this list? Have you tried any of the mentioned best cheap fall fragrances? Let’s start a conversation and let me know in the comment section below.
In case you are in doubt about whether you should consider buying any fragrance, it’s always good to take a look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can check out if a particular fragrance is worth checking out, and potentially find your signature perfume.
Scent Grail content is free for anyone to use without anything hiding behind the paywall. If you would like to help me do more great articles like this, you can donate via PayPal. Much appreciated.
Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists, and other helpful reviews via the links below:
REVIEWS
- Nasomatto Pardon
- Hermes Terre D’Hermès
- Dior Eau Sauvage Parfum 2017
- Etat Libre D’Orange Fat Electrician
- Lalique Encre Noire A L’Extreme
- Bentley For Men Intense
TOP LISTS
- Best Winter Fragrances For Men
- Best Office Colognes
- Best Signature Scents For Men
- Best Cheap Perfumes For Men
- Best Men’s Perfume Christmas Gifts
- Best Women’s Perfume Christmas Gifts
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
- How To Start A Perfume Collection
- Designer Vs Niche Fragrances
- Fragrance Addiction
- How To Buy Vintage Perfume
- Perfume Shopping Tips
- Perfume Testers Vs. Retail Boxed Fragrances
Until next time, have a great time, and keep smelling like a million bucks!
Best, Marin!
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