If you’re on the hunt for the best River Island perfumes, you’re not alone. As a passionate fragrance collector, I’ve discovered that they offer an impressive range of perfumes that are stylish, affordable and perfect for everyday wear, just like M&S perfumes.
River Island might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of fragrance, but that’s exactly what makes their perfumes such hidden gems. From sweet and floral to bold and musky, the brand offers a diverse range of scents to suit every taste and occasion.
The best River Island perfumes at a glance:
Whether you're getting ready for a night out, a casual brunch, or simply want to smell amazing every day, there's something in their collection that delivers.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best River Island perfumes and dupes (just like the iconic Next perfume dupes) featuring personal favourites that have become staples in my collection, along with a standout scent that was personally recommended by a member of the River Island team.
How we tested the best River Island perfumes
Testing the best River Island perfumes was a fun and thorough process. I started with a blind scent test, letting my nose judge the fragrances without any brand bias. Then, I chose one to wear for 24 hours, applying once and then checking at the end of the day to see how long the fragrance had lasted, making sure it held up well in terms of both scent strength and longevity.
To finish, I experimented with mixing different scents to find the best combinations. After all the testing, I picked the top perfumes based on how well they made me feel and how long they lasted.
The best River Island perfumes
I picked up the River Island Milan Purse Spray and instantly understood this is a fan favourite - it’s quickly become my go-to for nights out and day trips. It’s pocket-size and super handy to throw in my bag, which is a win on its own, but the scent really sealed the deal. It reminded me a little of Chloé Eau de Parfum with that same elegant, feminine feel.
Inspired by Milan, it definitely gives off a sense of effortless style. The top notes of bergamot and peach add a fresh, fruity start, while the hint of violet softens it beautifully. As it settles, the amber and vanilla come through with a warm, comforting finish. It’s sweet, classy, and just modern enough to keep things interesting... I just wish it was bigger as it's only 15ml, but they also do a similar scent called Brown Milan in a 75ml bottle.
| Volume: | 15ml |
| Notes: | Bergamot, peach, violet, amber, vanilla |
| Smells like: | Chloé Eau de Parfum |
Paris By Night is a captivating woody floral fragrance that I absolutely adore. The Jasmine Sambac gives it a bright, floral touch, while the Cashmeran Wood adds a warm, earthy depth that I really love.
The White Amber wraps everything up with a subtle richness, making it feel both elegant and sensual; it’s the perfect fragrance if you want something sophisticated yet enticing. People have compared it to Code by Girogio Armani and Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. However, I found it to be the least lasting of the ones I tried and needed to reapply it multiple times.
| Volume: | 75ml |
| Notes: | Cashmeran wood, jasmine sambac, white amber |
| Smells like: | Armani Code, Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille |
Pistachio is everywhere at the moment (usually in viral chocolate bars), but River Island have jumped on the bandwagon with this Pistachio Perfume. From the first spray, the scent hits with this delicious, almost edible blend of hazelnut and pistachio, made even more interesting by a boozy hint of rum. It's warm, nutty, and oddly cosy. Then, as it settles, a soft floral note comes through - white peony -which adds a bit of sweetness and elegance without going full-on sugary. The result is a kind of creamy, honeyed heart that softens the nuttiness beautifully.
While wearing this, someone told me it reminded them of furniture polish. I know that sounds bad, but weirdly, I got what they meant. There’s a sharp, clean woodiness that peeks through, especially as it dries down. If you enjoy fragrances like Viktor Rolf Bonbon, or woody gourmand scents in general, you’ll probably find it charming rather than off-putting and at £15 for 100ml, it's a bargain!
| Volume: | 100ml |
| Notes: | Pistachio, hazelnut, rum, white peony |
| Smells like: | Viktor & Rolf Bonbon |
River Island Decadent Day Eau De Parfum has been compared to one of my all-time favourites: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and I can see why. It’s one of those scents that feels almost contradictory ,in the best way. It starts off soft and airy, with this clean, pure vibe that’s really delicate. But then, as it settles, something deeper starts to come through. It’s subtle, but there’s this seductive edge that catches you off guard.
The white florals at the heart are gorgeous, not overpowering or powdery, just really elegant and natural, like walking through a blooming garden in spring. Then comes the dry-down: warm, smooth sandalwood and just the right touch of musk.
It’s the kind of perfume I’d wear both during the day and on a night out - clean enough to feel fresh, but with just enough allure to keep people wondering what you’re wearing.
| Volume: | 100ml |
| Notes: | Coffee, vanilla, white flowers |
| Smells like: | Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium |
If you’re looking for a floral fragrance that makes you feel refreshed while giving off a warm scent, River Island's Adore is a beautiful choice. It’s subtle, feminine and just really easy to like - a proper crowd-pleaser.
From the first spray, it gives off this clean, fresh vibe that instantly lifts your mood. Akin to Dior J'adore, It’s not overpowering at all, just light, airy, and effortlessly floral in a way that feels really natural. I’ve had people tell me I smell “like spring” when wearing this fragrance. There’s something genuinely comforting about it - like wrapping yourself in a soft, floral breeze.
| Volume: | 100ml |
| Notes: | Floral |
| Smells like: | Dior J'adore |
What is the best River Island perfume?
Out of the five River Island perfumes and fragrances I've tried, I have to say that the River Island Milan Purse Spray is my favorite. The combination of bergamot and amber, mixed with peach, violet, and vanilla, creates a versatile fragrance that's not too sweet. Plus, its travel-size makes it perfect for a quick spritz wherever you are
Best River Island perfume FAQS
Does River Island perfume last all day?
Not quite, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth trying. While River Island perfumes generally offer a beautiful scent and stylish presentation, they tend to be lighter and may require reapplication throughout the day, but this is a small price to pay when you're getting such a big saving!
They're ideal for casual wear, layering, or moments when you want a fresh burst of fragrance without committing to something too intense.
Is River Island perfume cruelty-free?
River Island’s own-brand perfumes are not officially labelled as cruelty-free, and it hasn't explicitly stated. The company sells other cruelty-free beauty brands, like Revolution and Weleda.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, cinema trips, playing board games and walking her three dogs.