Alright, let’s face it: Bath & Body Works is the go-to for a reason. Their sweet, fruity scents and fun, colorful packaging are practically irresistible. But if you’ve been a loyal fan for a while, you might be feeling a little…over it. Maybe you’re craving something a bit more sophisticated, or maybe you just want to shake things up a bit.
From luxury perfumers to all-natural apothecaries, these stores are the perfect place to start if you’re looking to branch out and try something new. So, grab a snack and get comfy, because we’re about to take you on a journey through the best Bath & Body Works alternatives out there.
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If You Love Bath & Body Works, You’ll Be Obsessed With These Brands
Victoria’s Secret
Okay, so you know them for their bras and panties, but don’t sleep on their scents! We’re talking everything from flirty and fun (think fruity and sweet with names like “Love Spell” and “Pure Seduction”) to sophisticated and warm (think vanilla and musk in “Bare Vanilla” or “Bombshell”).
They’re like the Bath & Body Works of lingerie, but maybe a tad sexier. Plus, their body lotions and mists are perfect for layering and making the scent last all day. If you’re into those classic, crowd-pleasing fragrances, Victoria’s Secret is a safe bet.
The Body Shop
If natural and ethical are your buzzwords, The Body Shop is your haven. Their body butters are the stuff of legend (seriously, they’ll make your skin feel like silk), and their scents are inspired by nature, not a chemistry lab.
Think fresh flowers (British Rose, Moringa), juicy fruits (Mango, Strawberry), and warm spices (Ginger). They’re like Bath & Body Works’ wholesome cousin who only shops at farmers’ markets. Plus, they have a wide range of skincare and haircare products, so you can pamper yourself from head to toe.
Lush
Prepare to have your mind blown. Lush is a wonderland of handmade bath bombs, soaps, and skincare that look almost too pretty to use (almost). Their scents are bold and creative, with everything from lavender lullabies (“Twilight”) to citrusy wake-up calls (“Avobath”).
It’s like Bath & Body Works had a wild, artistic sibling who loves glitter and rainbows. Plus, they’re all about fresh, natural ingredients and fighting animal testing.
Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s is a classic skincare brand that offers high-quality, science-backed products for face, body, and hair. Their products often feature natural ingredients like calendula, avocado, and squalane, and they cater to a wide range of skin types and concerns.
Unlike Bath & Body Works, Kiehl’s focuses more on skincare than fragrance, and they don’t offer clothing.
L’Occitane en Provence
This brand will transport you straight to the lavender fields of France. Their products are infused with botanical extracts and essential oils that smell like a dream vacation (think lavender, verbena, and almond).
They’re a bit more luxurious than Bath & Body Works, but the experience is totally worth it. Their hand creams are also a must-try, perfect for keeping your hands soft and smelling amazing.
Jo Malone London
If you’re into simple yet sophisticated scents, Jo Malone is your go-to. Their fragrances are meant to be layered, so you can create your own signature scent. It’s like Bath & Body Works, but for the perfume connoisseur. Their “Wood Sage & Sea Salt” and “English Pear & Freesia” are cult favorites.
Diptyque
Get ready for some Parisian chic. Diptyque is famous for their candles and home fragrances (Baies, Figuier), but their perfumes are equally stunning (Do Son, Philosykos). They often draw inspiration from art, nature, and travel, so you’ll find scents that are both unique and sophisticated.
Creed
This brand is the epitome of luxury. Their perfumes are made with the finest ingredients and have been worn by royalty for centuries. If you’re looking for a scent that makes you feel like a million bucks, Creed is it.
Their “Aventus” for men and “White amber” for women are iconic. But be warned, these perfumes come with a hefty price tag.
Le Labo
Minimalist vibes and handcrafted scents are what Le Labo is all about. Their fragrances are fresh, unique, and made just for you. Talk about special. They even have a perfume called “Another 13” which is a nod to the iconic “13” scent by Chanel. Their “Santal 33” is also a cult favorite, known for its smoky, leathery scent.
Byredo
Hailing from Sweden, Byredo is known for its cool, edgy scents (Bal d’Afrique, Gypsy Water) and minimalist aesthetic. Their candles and leather goods are also worth checking out. Think of them as the hipster cousin of Bath & Body Works.
If you’re into unique, unexpected fragrances and want to smell like nobody else, Byredo is the way to go.
Malin+Goetz
Got sensitive skin? Malin+Goetz has your back. Their skincare and body care products are gentle yet effective, so you can smell amazing without any irritation.
They’re like the dermatologist-approved version of Bath & Body Works. Their grapefruit cleanser and eucalyptus deodorant are cult favorites.
Aesop
This Australian brand is all about high-quality, botanical ingredients and sleek packaging. Their products feel like a luxurious treat for your skin and senses. If Bath & Body Works was a spa, it would be Aesop.
Their Resurrection Aromatique hand wash and Geranium Leaf body balm are bestsellers. If you’re willing to splurge a little for top-notch ingredients and beautiful packaging, Aesop won’t disappoint.
Frederic Malle
If you’re a fragrance connoisseur, Frederic Malle is a must-try. They collaborate with top perfumers to create scents that are truly one-of-a-kind (Portrait of a Lady, Musc Ravageur). They’re like the art gallery of the fragrance world.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Another Parisian gem, Maison Francis Kurkdjian blends art, culture, and travel into their fragrances (Baccarat Rouge 540, Aqua Universalis). They also have some seriously gorgeous candles.
Tom Ford
Bold, sensual, and totally glamorous. Tom Ford’s fragrances (Black Orchid, Lost Cherry), makeup, and skincare are for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement. It’s like Bath & Body Works for the red carpet.
Kilian Hennessy
This niche perfumery house creates luxurious scents inspired by everything from travel to literature (Good Girl Gone Bad, Moonlight in Heaven). Their refillable bottles are a nice touch, too. They’re like Bath & Body Works, but with a library card.
Tips for Choosing the Right Brand for You
With so many amazing options out there, it can be tough to decide which brand is right for you. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are a few tips to help you find your perfect match:
Know your scent profile
Do you like fresh, floral scents? Warm, spicy ones? Clean, musky ones? Figuring out your preferences will help you narrow down your choices.
Set a budget
These brands range from affordable to high-end, so decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
Read reviews
See what other people are saying about the scents you’re interested in. This can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Sample before you buy
Most brands offer samples or travel sizes of their products, so you can try them out before committing to a full-size bottle.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Fragrance is all about personal preference, so don’t be afraid to try something new! You might just surprise yourself.
Ready to upgrade your self-care game? Take a leap and try one (or a few!) of these brands. Trust us, your nose (and your skin) will thank you!
Have you tried any of these brands? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which ones are your favorites!