If you’ve ever experienced the captivating scent of Victoria’s Secret Scandalous, you understand its unique appeal. Originally released in 2014, this fragrance quickly became a favorite among perfume enthusiasts for its blend of sweet, fruity, and floral notes. With a composition that includes juicy raspberry, delicate peony, and rich praline, Scandalous is a playful yet sensual fragrance ideal for various occasions. Unfortunately, it’s become increasingly difficult to find, leading many to search for similar scents that deliver the same charm.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore high-end alternatives, budget-friendly dupes, and lesser-known fragrances that echo the essence of Scandalous. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this guide aims to help you find your perfect olfactory match.
Before diving into alternatives, it helps to understand the core components of Scandalous:
Top Note: Raspberry – Sweet and juicy, offering a playful, youthful opening.
Heart Note: Peony – A soft, floral heart that adds elegance and femininity.
Base Note: Praline – Rich and warm, creating a gourmand finish.
This trio creates a fragrance that is flirtatious yet mature, suitable for daytime wear or an evening out. The harmony between fruit, florals, and gourmand elements is what sets Scandalous apart.
High-End Alternatives to Scandalous
If you’re looking to indulge in a luxurious fragrance that captures the essence of Scandalous, here are a few premium options worth considering:
Black Opium opens with a bold coffee note that transitions into sweet vanilla and soft white flowers. While darker and more intense than Scandalous, it shares the sweet and seductive undertones that many find appealing. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for something with a little more depth and mystery.
Black Orchid is known for its complex and opulent character. With dark florals, truffle, ylang-ylang, and rich spices, it delivers an intense experience. It lacks the raspberry top note but makes up for it with its sensual, luxurious presence.
This fragrance combines calming lavender with sweet vanilla and soft florals like jasmine. It’s gentle yet sophisticated, offering a balanced blend that echoes the floral sweetness of Scandalous with a more elegant twist.
With notes of plum, iris, and saffron, Decadence is a powerful fragrance that feels glamorous and daring. Its fruity-floral-gourmand combination gives a nod to the playful nature of Scandalous while leaning into a more mature vibe.
Scent Profile: Gourmand, floral, and slightly spicy
Hypnotic Poison combines bitter almond, vanilla, and jasmine to create a mysterious yet sweet aroma. It’s an excellent choice for those drawn to the rich praline base of Scandalous but looking for something with more complexity.
Affordable Dupes and Alternatives
Not everyone wants to splurge on a high-end bottle. Luckily, there are several budget-friendly fragrances that offer a similar olfactory experience.
This fragrance features notes of water lily, apple, and dark chocolate. The blend creates a youthful, romantic scent that parallels the sweet and floral composition of Scandalous.
A newer entry from the same brand, this fragrance has a luscious raspberry top note and a soft floral heart, with a sweet, creamy base. It’s a close relative in scent and spirit to Scandalous.
3. Zara Lily Pad
Scent Profile: Fruity and gourmand
Lily Pad features vibrant fruits and a velvety vanilla backdrop. The presence of praline-like sweetness makes it a solid alternative at a much lower price point.
RiRi delivers a cheerful, tropical twist with fruity top notes and a floral heart. Its warm, sweet base ensures it stays in the same family as Scandalous.
Though a body mist, Berry Kiss offers a lovely fruity and floral blend that can stand in for Scandalous in a pinch. It’s light, airy, and great for layering.
2. Dare To Shine by Oriflame
Scent Profile: Pear, vanilla, and floral
This fragrance starts with a juicy pear note and flows into soft florals with a warm vanilla base. It shares the same playful sweetness that makes Scandalous so beloved.
Tropical and slightly green, this perfume offers a unique take on the fruity-floral theme. It’s not an exact match but will appeal to those looking for something similar yet distinctive.
4. Ralph Lauren Midnight Romance
Scent Profile: Peony, raspberry, and amber
Midnight Romance is one of the closest matches in terms of note composition. It replicates the peony and raspberry found in Scandalous while adding a warm amber finish.
This fragrance is sweet, light, and bubbly. With fruit and floral notes similar to Scandalous, it’s a delightful and affordable option.
Layering Tips to Recreate Scandalous
Can’t find a single fragrance that does the trick? Try layering scents to recreate the magic of Scandalous.
Step 1: Start with a raspberry or fruity mist
Look for products with raspberry as the top note to mimic the opening of Scandalous.
Step 2: Add a floral fragrance
Peony or similar light floral scents will recreate the soft heart of the original.
Step 3: Finish with a gourmand base
Use a fragrance or lotion with praline, vanilla, or tonka bean to provide warmth and depth.
This DIY approach not only gets you closer to the desired scent but allows you to customize your fragrance for different moods or seasons.
How to Choose the Right Alternative for You
Choosing a new fragrance can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help narrow down your options:
Identify Your Favorite Notes: Do you prefer the fruity top, floral heart, or gourmand base of Scandalous? Let that guide your choice.
Consider the Occasion: Some alternatives are better suited for daytime wear, while others shine at night.
Test Before You Buy: If possible, test samples or use a scent strip before purchasing a full-size bottle.
Read Reviews and Descriptions: Look for detailed descriptions that mention sweetness, floral intensity, or lasting power.
Trust Your Instincts: Your fragrance should make you feel confident and happy. Trust your personal reaction above all else.
Final Thoughts
Victoria’s Secret Scandalous may be harder to find, but the spirit of its sweet, fruity, and floral blend lives on in many other fragrances. From luxurious perfumes to affordable dupes, there’s a wide world of options that echo the charm of this beloved scent. Whether you’re drawn to raspberry brightness, peony softness, or praline warmth, there’s something out there that will make you feel just as irresistible.
Use this guide as a starting point on your journey to find a new signature scent. And remember—the perfect fragrance is the one that resonates with you. Explore, experiment, and enjoy the process of discovering your next favorite perfume.
