Boots shoppers ‘fall in love’ with designer perfume under £25

Boots, the health and beauty retailer, has revealed its top-selling women’s fragrance for 2025 – and it might not be what shoppers would expect. The best-selling perfume isn’t a new release, but an iconic scent from the noughties that’s currently on sale for less than £25.

The Versace Woman Eau de Parfum, launched in 2000, was created by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel. Nagel is known for her successful creations such as Narciso Rodriguez for Her and Miss Dior Chérie, as well as 47 fragrances she crafted for Jo Malone London.

According to Boots, the Versace scent was ‘the bestselling feminine fragrance this year’, coinciding with the resurgence of Y2K trends on social media platforms. Usually retailing at £66, the fragrance is now discounted to £24 for a 50ml bottle, making it a perfect Christmas gift or ideal for those in need of a new signature scent, reports the Mirror.

Described as a ‘floral-fruity woody’ scent, the perfume covers a wide spectrum, which could explain its widespread appeal. It features top notes of frangipani blossoms, jasmine and bergamot, a fruitier heart note of raspberry, and finishes with woody notes of amber and musk.

Nevertheless, it’s not the only noughties fragrance that has retained its popularity through the decades.

Britney Spears’ Fantasy, which debuted in 2005, remains a fixture on countless Christmas wishlists (including my mother-in-law’s).

At £17, this scent is celebrated for its fruity and gourmand profile, blending kiwi, red lychee, golden quince, cupcake accord, white chocolate, and musk.

Likewise, Ghost Deep Night – £35 at Superdrug – presents a floral, fruity composition crafted for women. Launched in 2001, it showcases notes of Indian Rose, Night-blooming Cereus, apricot, peach, woody undertones, vanilla, musk, and amber.

At Boots, countless fragrance aficionados and holiday shoppers have praised the budget-friendly Versace perfume for its ‘sophistication’ and value for money.

One customer called it ‘ideal for a daytime fragrance’, noting: “People always ask me what I’m wearing and although I can no longer smell it, others obviously can.”

Another purchaser commented: “Bought them on offer to my friends for Christmas. Once they opened them, I tried a bit on my skin, and I fell in love instantly with the aroma. So I quickly bought another for myself. It is kind of fruity, but with elegance. Everyone loved the fragrance. It lasts average but you do not even need to spray that much on yourself, just a bit.”

Some shoppers have observed that the scent is rather delicate and doesn’t have the longevity of other fragrances.

One buyer commented: “This perfume smells lovely. It’s an ‘Eau de Parfum’, however, it doesn’t last long on the skin. You need to top it up, as the smell wears off very quickly.”

Another shopper recounted their purchase: “I have worn this perfume before and loved it, so when my niece mentioned it as a Christmas suggestion, I decided to buy it for her,” they said. “Boots had it on offer at half price so I decided to buy myself one too. Two happy recipients for the price of one. Lovely perfume that lasts for hours.”

A purchaser with previous experience working on a fragrance counter commended the scent, stating: “For those who suit/like floral scents this is one of my favourite low budget perfumes to wear. I previously worked with perfume for years and this one was reached for by me and my colleagues too many times to count! Brilliant to get a good quality perfume as opposed to an EDT for such a bargain.”