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Aurel: This Unmanned Store Curates Affordable Dupes Of Popular Fragrances From Chanel N°5 To Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia

Aurel: This Unmanned Store Curates Affordable Dupes Of Popular Fragrances From Chanel N°5 To Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia

Beauty Perfume
By Karmen on 29 Jul 2023
Digital Editor

It's the dream to have an heiress-worthy collection of perfumes to choose from. This rich-girl moment might cost a pretty penny with most perfumes, but not with the curated fragrances at Aurel. This local fragrance retailer sources affordable and quality fragrances from different parts of the world including Dubai and France. Almost everything is priced under $50!

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Previously an online-exclusive store, Aurel has unveiled a new unmanned physical store at Centropod @ Changi, a short walk from Eunos MRT.

Aurel storePhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

An introvert's ideal shopping experience, this store lets shoppers try out the fragrances at their own pace and without any pressure from staff. That means a quiet, peaceful and completely private shopping sesh with no (or little) risk of impulse purchases.

In fact, shoppers are encouraged to think it through even beyond their in-store time! The paper testers are specially designed to hold scents for 6 to 7 days. Those who need more time to mull it over can bring the tester cards home and give them a whiff through the week. The fragrances can be purchased online anytime via the Aurel website, Shopee Mall and Lazada Mall.

Here's how it works:
Step 1: Book a 45-minute time slot at least one day in advance.
Step 2: Unlock the door using the unique code sent to you.
Step 3: Test the fragrances and scan the QR code to make your purchase online, then wait for it to be delivered to your doorstep.

Aurel storePhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

Testing a whole bunch of perfumes can seem overwhelming, but thankfully, the fragrances in the store have been thoughtfully displayed in sections from Citrus & Fresh to Floral and Fruity & Sweet. Shoppers can zone in on their preferred scent profiles right away.

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All the fragrances were personally tested by the Aurel team to determine their lasting power in the Singapore climate. Their longevity - along with notes, style and occasion - are conveniently indicated in their labels.

Aurel storePhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

To keep things organised, write down the names of the fragrances that you've tested!

Trying fragrances at the Aurel storePhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

Many of these fragrances have gone viral on TikTok, and they're also great alternatives to iconic fragrances, but at a fraction of the price.

For example, the Jenny Glow Freesia & Pear ($25) is very reminiscent of the universally adored Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia. It has the same elegant and comforting notes of pear, freesia and patchouli, and lasts a solid 5 hours.

Jenny Glow Freesia & Pear EDPPhoto from Aurel

Another one for Jo Malone London is the Jenny Glow Wood & Sage ($25), which is similar to the British brand's Woodsage & Sea Salt cologne.

Those who love that fresh, floral and woody scent of Byredo Blanche can try Careso Clean EDT ($25), while fans of the full-bodied Tom Ford Lost Cherry will love Flavia Cherry Lust ($40) which even comes in a similar blood-red bottle.

Careso Clean EDTPhoto from Aurel

Flavia Cherry Lust EDPPhoto from Aurel

Aurel is located at 80 Changi Rd, #02-27 Centropod @ Changi, Singapore 419715, and is open on weekdays from 11am - 5pm and Saturdays during selected timings. Book your appointment for weekdays online and for Saturday via WhatsApp (9231 8586).

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