Could this $12 Kmart perfume really rival luxury scents? Shoppers say yes

Perfume shopping used to be a ritual—wandering through department stores, sampling scents on tiny paper strips, and savouring the thrill of finally splashing out on a bottle that would last months.

Now, the fragrance landscape has shifted in ways that few of us expected.

One humble $12 bottle from Kmart has sparked conversations about what luxury really means in scent.

Kmart’s Velvet Vanilla Surprises the Fragrance World

Kmart’s OXX Fragrances Love Letters Velvet Vanilla Eau De Parfum has taken the fragrance world by surprise, wrapping wearers in a rich, comforting blend of vanilla notes finished with smooth, velvety warmth.

It isn’t just any vanilla—it was designed as an accessible alternative to Ariana Grande’s Vanilla Suede, a UK release from August 2024 that remained frustratingly unavailable to Australian shoppers.

While previous Ariana Grande favourites like Cloud and Sweet Like Candy had become staples in local stores, priced between $30 to $60, Vanilla Suede felt out of reach.

Kmart’s solution offered the same sophisticated vanilla experience at a fraction of the cost.

Why Vanilla Works for More Mature Palates

Vanilla has often been dismissed as ‘too sweet’ or ‘childish,’ but a carefully crafted fragrance like Velvet Vanilla shows its complexity.

The base combines vanilla with musk for warmth without cloying sweetness, while creamy sandalwood adds depth and richness.

Bright citrus and bergamot top notes prevent the scent from feeling heavy, creating a balanced perfume that appeals to more mature palates.

For many, vanilla evokes comforting memories—baking with grandchildren, cosy evenings at home, or special occasions—making it perfect for daily wear or intimate encounters.

Application Tips for Best Results

The official directions advised holding the bottle 10-15cm from the body and spraying lightly on skin or clothing, which is particularly important for budget fragrances that can project more strongly when applied too close.

Reviewers noted that Velvet Vanilla sat close to the skin rather than leaving a scent trail, a feature that suited mature wearers seeking sophistication without overwhelming those around them.

More Budget-Friendly Fragrance Options

Velvet Vanilla isn’t Kmart’s only fragrance success.

The retailer also offered a complete Velvet Vanilla Gift Set, beautifully packaged and perfect for gifting.

Other dupes included the Summer Season body mist, mimicking Thank U, Next for just $5, and In The Clouds Eau De Parfum, a budget-friendly version of Ireduced from $12 to $4.

These options made experimenting with different scents accessible without committing to expensive bottles.

Ingredients and Safety Considerations

The ingredient list included alcohol, water, and fragrance compounds like vanillin, along with common fragrance allergens required by law to be disclosed.

Safety warnings emphasised external use only, avoiding eye contact, and discontinuing use if irritation occurred, with advice to consult a healthcare practitioner if necessary.

This transparency compared favourably with some higher-end perfumes that often offer less information about their composition.

The Rise of Fragrance Dupes

The rise of fragrance dupes reflects a broader shift in consumer priorities.

Paying premium prices for marketing and packaging is no longer the only way to access quality scents.

At $12 per bottle, creating a seasonal fragrance wardrobe became entirely feasible, allowing multiple options for different moods or occasions.

The Verdict on Budget Luxury

The popularity of Velvet Vanilla demonstrated that a perfume could feel luxurious without carrying a high price tag.

While it might not match the longevity or complexity of a $200 bottle, it delivered where it mattered most—making wearers smell wonderful without breaking the budget.

This trend signalled a shift towards accessible luxury, emphasising variety and frequency over brand prestige.

Kmart’s fragrance section continues to expand, offering budget-conscious shoppers everything from everyday staples to on-trend finds across skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance.

Visiting during weekday mornings offered the best selection, though popular scents often sold out quickly, as word spread fast when something this good cost so little.

This perfume phenomenon isn’t just about bargains—it’s about challenging assumptions of what makes a fragrance worthwhile and democratising luxury.

Whether rediscovering fragrance after years of a signature scent or exploring new options on a fixed budget, affordable alternatives have opened possibilities for personal expression and enjoyment.

If you enjoyed discovering Kmart’s Velvet Vanilla as an affordable luxury fragrance, you might be interested in another real-life example of a high-end scent being cleverly replicated for less.

This next story explores a perfume dupe that closely mimics a $445 luxury fragrance for just $29.99, showing how value and quality can come together in surprising ways.

It’s a great follow-up for anyone curious about finding more budget-friendly options that still feel indulgent.

Read more: Think $445 is too much for perfume? This $29.99 dupe might just win you over

Have you discovered any surprising fragrance gems during your shopping adventures? Whether it’s a $12 Kmart find or a forgotten favourite from your bathroom cabinet, we’d love to hear about your scent discoveries and the compliments they earned you.