Marks & Spencer has upped its game again with these impressive perfumes

Once synonymous with school uniforms, bras and caterpillar cakes, Marks & Spencer has now become one of the coolest retailers on the high street.

While people might say it’s all down to the improved clothing selection, there’s something else that piques my interest.

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This summer, M&S introduced several new beauty brands to its shelves and expanded its own brand offering, making it one of the best beauty retailers on the high street.

I’m glad they’re now selling some of my favourite products (I’m looking at you, Arkive) and I’m impressed with M&S’s new skincare range, but the new Provenance perfumes take the cake.

The seven scents, ranging from earthy sandalwood to sugary rose, are among the best value for money fragrances I’ve reviewed this year, costing just £16 each.

The line is inspired by nostalgic, comforting memories (think orange groves and distant shores) and has been compared to Jo Malone by beauty fans.

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Each perfume comes in a gift box – which feels far too luxurious for the modest price tag – and contains a regular-sized and a travel-sized bottle.

A few days ago I posted the perfumes on my Instagram story and several friends quickly responded asking where they could buy them themselves.

This is not surprising, as each bottle features tinted glass and a heavy, gemstone-inspired cap.

I have smelled and sprayed each scent and here is why I think they are worth the money.

Origin of Marks & Spencer No.1 Citrus Soleil Eau de Parfum Set

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Origin of Marks & Spencer No. 1 Citrus Soleil Eau de Parfum Set, £16

Citrus Soleil is sweet, sticky and fresh. The scent is like a mouthful of boiled sweets.

The sparkling notes of lemon peel and orange blossom are warming and vibrant, balanced by the enveloping musk.

I spritz this onto my skin before a summer wedding or a sultry spring picnic for an instant hit of sunshine.

Marks & Spencer Origin No. 2 Neroli Blush Eau de Parfum Set

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Marks & Spencer Origin No. 2 Neroli Blush Eau de Parfum Set, £16

Neroli Blush is fresh and floral and smells of fresh wax and powdery pink musk.

The fragrance combines lush notes of jasmine with zesty grapefruit, creating an intense yet elegant aroma.

I would spray this on a soft sweater before sitting in a cafe with a new book.

Why Everyone Loves M&S

Deputy fashion editor Abby McHale told Fabulous why M&S is the store of the moment. She explained:

“M&S has really done a great job this season, there are so many good products to be excited about.

“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’, although that idea has long since disappeared, it is now one of the leading high streets for women’s clothing.

“The handbag range in particular is super strong, with a 170% sales rate against plan, and many more designer dupes at a fraction of the price.

“The brand is also now #1 for style perceptions, up from #3 last year. This is due to a very strong design team that is focused on modernizing the brand, taking into account not only how the pieces look, but also how easy they are to wear.

“Price is also an important factor as you can get a lot of good quality pieces for under £30.

“Having given us a sneak peek at the upcoming collection, there are so many more amazing pieces to keep an eye out for in the coming months.

“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and great accessories, as well as great wardrobe pieces that will last year after year.”

M&S Provenance No.3 Coastal Breeze Eau de Parfum Set

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M&S Origin No. 3 Coastal Breeze Eau de Parfum Set, £16

Coastal Breeze smells like the first breath of morning air.

This EDP has fresh, juicy notes of watermelon and cucumber and is reminiscent of waking up early on the first day of a vacation or a day at the beach before breakfast.

This completely unisex fragrance features seaweed and fresh white musk, a balance between sweet and cool.

I wear this on winter days when sunny weather seems just a few steps away.

M&S Origin No. 4 Under The Palms Eau de Parfum Set

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M&S Origin No. 4 Under the Palms Eau de Parfum Set, £16

Like Coastal Breeze, this EDP evokes holiday memories.

But Under The Palms feels more like sitting under a palm tree with a cocktail in your hand than getting up early.

It reminds me of liberally applied sunscreen and beach club cocktails, with its creamy notes of almond milk and tangy sea salt.

M&S Origin No.5 Aegean Rose Eau de Parfum Set

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M&S Origin No. 5 Aegean Rose Eau de Parfum Set, £16

Just like the first bite of cotton candy, the luxurious Aegean Rose gives you instant energy.

The scent is cheerful and feminine, with a sugary sweet scent, but the creamy, cozy notes provide a grounding undertone.

Normally I’m not a fan of sweet scents, but for this refined, elegant aroma I’ll gladly make an exception.

M&S origin No.6 Sandalwood Haze Eau de Parfum Set

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M&S origin No.6 Sandalwood Haze Eau de Parfum Set, €16

Soft and unassuming, Sandalwood Haze is the perfect scent to layer with.

The pleasant notes of sandalwood are balanced with the spicy scent of red berries, which lingers on the skin longer than I expected.

This scent is Moorish and is a favorite of many people. It works beautifully on its own, but I use it to heighten the intensity of my favorite body mist, Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 48.

M&S origin No.7 Wild Bergamot Eau de Parfum Set

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M&S origin No.7 Wild Bergamot Eau de Parfum Set£16

Intense and earthy, Wild Bergamot is comforting and daring.

The rich notes of juniper berry perfectly complement the tangy, juicy apple, resulting in a scent that is perfect from winter to spring.

Like a power suit, I save this scent for the days when I need a little courage!