There was a time when celebrity fragrances were little more than glorified body sprays, launched with a shiny press tour and destined to gather dust in the discount bin.
But in the past decade, something shifted.
Celebrities started treating fragrance not just as another merchandising opportunity but as a genuine extension of their personal brand and more importantly, their artistic expression.
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Take Rihanna, for example. Her Fenty Eau de Parfum is not only her signature scent, but a fragrance she worked on personally for years, crafting a blend that feels warm, sensual and intimate.
It’s a far cry from the one-size-fits-all sweet florals of the early 2000s.
Likewise, Selena Gomez’s Rare Eau de Parfum is modern, genderless and complex, a scent that says more about confidence and quiet individuality than it does about chasing trends.
Even newer entries, like Sabrina Carpenter’s Sweet Tooth or Guy Sebastian’s IVE, show that the celeb fragrance space is no longer just about mass appeal.
It’s about mood, intention and emotional storytelling.
Of course, not all celebrity scents are created equal. Some genuinely smell like they belong on a luxury perfume counter, while others still smell like high school.
The key is knowing which ones are worth the spritz, and which are best left on the shelf.
In this edit, we’ve hand-picked 10 celebrity fragrances currently available in Australia that not only pass the sniff test, but genuinely deserve a spot on your vanity.
Whether you’re after something decadent and warm, clean and fresh, or playful and nostalgic, there’s a star-powered scent here that’ll surprise you, in the best way.
And yes, some of them clock in under $40.
Consider this your guide to the celebrity fragrances that go beyond the hype, and actually smell expensive.
1. Rihanna: Fenty Eau de Parfum, $265 at Fenty Beauty
This is the scent everyone talks about when they mention ‘what Rihanna smells like’.
Warm, spicy and floral without being too sweet, it blends magnolia, musk, tangerine and Bulgarian rose.
The bottle alone is a showstopper, this is a splurge, but one that feels special.
2 Selena Gomez: Rare Beauty Rare Eau De Parfum, $124 at Sephora
A brand-new release that’s already gaining cult status.
It’s soft, woody, and a bit mysterious, with jasmine, saffron and warm amber notes.
The bottle is refillable, which is rare (pun intended) for a celebrity scent.
3. Billie Eilish: Eilish EDP, $115 at Myer
This is sweet in the best way — think vanilla, soft woods and a touch of musk.
It smells cosy and comforting, like warm skin and soft jumpers.
It’s quietly sexy without trying too hard.
4. Kylie Jenner: Fragrances Cosmic 2.0 Eau de Parfum, $70 at Adore Beauty
A fresh, clean blend with star jasmine, amber and vanilla musk.
This is a more mature move from Kylie, with a sleek bottle and grown-up feel.
Bonus: the 30mL size makes it great for travel.
5. David Beckham: Exquisite Leather Eau de Parfum, $49.99 at Chemist Warehouse
A spicy, masculine scent that works for women too.
Tobacco, cedarwood and leather make it smell way more expensive than it is.
The Beckham range consistently delivers solid, luxe-smelling fragrances at everyday prices.
6. Ariana Grande: Cloud Eau de Parfum Pink, $79.95 at Amazon Australia
The updated pink edition of Ari’s famous Cloud perfume is sweet, creamy and warm — think cotton candy meets whipped vanilla with a splash of lavender.
It’s TikTok-famous for a reason.
7. Guy Sebastian: IVE Eau de Toilette $39.99 at Chemist Warehouse
This Aussie-made surprise hit is fresh, light and wearable.
It’s citrusy with a musky dry-down, making it perfect for every day.
Guy’s fragrance is unexpectedly good — and the price is even better.
8. Britney Spears: Fantasy, $35 at Priceline Pharmacy
This Y2K classic is still going strong — and still smells like sugarplum dreams.
It’s fruity, flirty and nostalgic in all the right ways.
For under $40, it’s a fun throwback you can actually wear.
9. Sabrina Carpenter: Sweet Tooth by Sabrina Carpenter Caramel Dream Body Spray $50 at Amazon Australia
A body spray that smells like a fancy gourmand perfume?
Yes please. This has caramel, marshmallow and vanilla but somehow isn’t sickly.
You’ll want to reapply it all day.
10. Katy Perry: Purr Eau De Parfum Spray By Katy Perry, $29.99 at Amazon Australia
Playful, fruity and a little bit floral, this one feels very early 2010s in the best way.
The cat-shaped bottle is pure fun, and the scent is surprisingly wearable.
Plus, it’s under $30.
