Dossier Perfume Review

About Dossier

Dossier offers luxury-like fragrances at inexpensive prices. By forgoing unnecessary fluff—like excessive packaging and designer names—the brand is able to offer a wide range of woody, floral, oriental, and musk fragrances that mimic some of the most iconic perfumes out there.

Founder Daniel Schwartz had grown tired of justifying expensive perfume. After some research, he discovered that the same scents can be crafted using better ingredients for just a fraction of the price.

Indeed, all of Dossier’s scents are packaged in minimal but sleek bottles that get straight to the point. After all, shouldn’t we care more about what our perfume smells like than the package it comes in? Offering nearly 70 fragrances, prices start at just $29, with formulations that are clean and free of toxins and yucky chemicals. 

This San Francisco-based brand is also proudly vegan and cruelty-free. It takes a transparent approach to perfume, letting its customers know exactly what perfume costs to make ($2), where they get their scents from, and everything that’s inside each bottle.

If affordable luxury perfumes sound like something you can get behind, stay tuned as my Dossier perfume review sniffs out the brand and its bestsellers. I’ll cover customer feedback, pros and cons, promotions, and more, to help you decide if its intriguing scents are worth the buy.

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Pros and Cons

Now that you know more about the brand and where it came from, I’ll will go over a list of pros and cons in this Dossier perfume review:

Pros

• Dossier offers affordable fragrances, which can be appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
• Their fragrances are inspired by popular designer scents, allowing consumers to enjoy a similar scent profile without the high price tag.
• Dossier uses high-quality ingredients, ensuring that their fragrances have a long-lasting and complex scent profile.
• They offer a variety of scents, catering to different tastes and preferences.
• Dossier is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and avoiding animal testing.

Cons

• Dossier’s scents may not be as long-lasting as some designer fragrances, requiring consumers to reapply throughout the day.
• Some consumers may prefer the prestige of owning a designer fragrance, rather than a more affordable alternative.
• Dossier’s fragrances may not be as unique as some niche fragrances on the market, lacking a distinct or individual scent profile.

Popular Scents

Dossier offers a variety of fragrances inspired by luxury scents. I’ll cover the bestsellers in greater detail in the following few segments, but here is a quick list of some of their popular scents:

1. Oriental 1: This scent features notes of bergamot, pink pepper, jasmine, and amber.
2. Rose de Mai: This scent features notes of May rose, jasmine, and sandalwood.
3. Citrus Blossom: This scent features notes of orange blossom, bergamot, and lemon.
4. Musc 12: This scent features notes of musk, jasmine, and amber.
5. Blackberry 22: This scent features notes of blackberry, plum, and musk.
6. Fleur 09: This scent features notes of jasmine, neroli, and patchouli.
7. Vanilla 33: This scent features notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and tonka bean.
8. Amber 08: This scent features notes of amber, vanilla, and musk.
9. Dark Gypsy: This scent features notes of rose, oud, and amber.
10. Sunshine: This scent features notes of neroli, bergamot, and orange blossom.

Dossier may have additional scents available, and some scents may be seasonal or limited edition.

What Makes Dossier Different?

There are several factors that make Dossier perfumes different from other fragrances on the market:

• Affordable price: Dossier perfumes are priced at $29 for a 50ml bottle, making them much more accessible than many other high-end fragrances.
• High-quality ingredients: Dossier uses premium ingredients in their fragrances, including natural essential oils and high-quality synthetic fragrances.
• Unique scent combinations: Dossier creates unique scent combinations that are inspired by popular designer fragrances, but with their own twist. This allows them to offer a wide range of scents that are not available from other brands.
• Vegan and cruelty-free: All Dossier fragrances are vegan and cruelty-free, meaning they do not contain any animal products and are not tested on animals.
• Eco-friendly packaging: Dossier uses recyclable and reusable materials in their packaging to reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact.

So, Dossier’s combination of affordability, high-quality ingredients, unique scent combinations, and commitment to ethical and sustainable practices definitely make them a stand-out brand in the fragrance industry.

6 Dossier Bestsellers

The Dossier fragrances are exciting, sensual, and moody, and many other qualities depending on which one you try. Each perfume comes in a minimalistic bottle that lets the fragrance speak for itself.

To introduce you to its collection, my Dossier perfume review will cover some of the company’s top-selling products and discuss the iconic fragrances they were inspired by.

Dossier Woody Sandalwood Review 

Let Dossier’s Woody Sandalwood evoke strolls on the beach and pastel sunsets fading into soft blue afternoon skies as it graces your body. This subtle scent features delicate floral notes with warm earthy undertones.

Though the key ingredient is typically found in tropical areas, Dossier sources Mysore sandalwood from India, where the country’s rich culture is reflected in this perfume’s inspired smell.

Woody Sandalwood is an enticingly classic perfume that you’ll reach for day after day. Its complex notes somehow strike the balance between sharp and exciting with soft and comforting perfectly.

This 50 ml perfume draws inspiration from Santal 33, one of Le Labo Fragrances’ luxury scents. Bring out your sensual side with this meaningful product for $49.

Dossier Woody Sage Review

Woody Sage is a complex fragrance with multiple layers. When you first spritz this perfume on your skin, you’ll notice uplifting notes of zesty grapefruit, followed by succulent sweet fig and seductive amberwood. As it develops, the clary sage emerges. The result is a mix of floral and minty herbs, fine leather, and subtle undertones of calming lavender.

Formulated to mimic the $100 Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, this imaginative fragrance takes wearers on a joyful journey to the ocean shore. It embodies crashing waves and a gentle breeze. The romantic and wistful Woody Sage is $29 (50 ml).

Dossier Woody Hyacinth Review

Inspired by Chance by Chanel, Woody Hyacinth⁴ is all about taking risks. Mingling dainty floral notes like rose and jasmine with exotic pepper and bright lemon, this enchanting perfume is full of personality and spirit.

Classed as one of Dossier’s woody fragrances, you’ll experience arboraceous scents of light oakmoss, green bergamot, and smoky vetiver. It’s the ideal fragrance to wear when taking risks, whether at work or in the bedroom. Feminine and full of bravery, Woody Hyacinth is $29 (50 ml).

Dossier Floral Honeysuckle Review 

The light and sweet Floral Honeysuckle brings to mind the delicate but complex nature of the humble honeybee. Floating gracefully from flower to flower, the honeybee is full of purpose, might, and determination, doing his job to keep nature in balance.

This perfume balances the bright green notes of a lush garden with the happy florals of jasmine, and a tender aroma of honeysuckle. Inspired by Gucci’s Bloom, Floral Honeysuckle is an innately feminine fragrance that brings delight, passion, and harmony. Discover the 50 ml fragrance for $29.

Dossier Floral Grapefruit Review

Grapefruit is an undeniably fresh scent that invigorates the senses and sings a happy tune. Like the emerging sun after a dark night, Floral Grapefruit utilizes the promising aroma of the citrus fruit. To offer complexity, this freshness is complimented by the illuminating floral scents of lilacs, hyacinths, and sweet jasmine.

Underneath these golden tones lays a sticky, deep layer of juicy black currants and raw, sugary pear. After a spritz or two of this floral and zesty perfume, you’ll embody Mother Nature.

This explorative and complex fragrance was inspired by Chanel’s Chance Eau Tendre and is available for $29 (50 ml).

Dossier Oriental Cherry Review 

Sweetness and complexity meld together in this smooth and full-bodied fragrance. Oriental Cherry captures the succulent essence of ripe, red cherries mixed with sharp, sweet almonds.

This intoxicating blend is rounded out by woody Peru balsam. Then, soothing floral notes emerge, transforming this fragrance into a sensual aroma that evokes warm romantic feelings. Undertones of exotic tonka bean, spicy cinnamon, and sweet vanilla finish off this enticing scent.

Perfect for summertime picnics or romantic excursions, this fragrance was inspired by Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry. Add the seductive Oriental Cherry to your collection for $49 (50 ml).

Who Is Dossier For?

Dossier’s perfumes are designed to appeal to a wide range of people and tastes, making them suitable for anyone looking for a new fragrance.

Dossier fragrances are not gender-specific, so they can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. They offer a variety of scents, from floral and fruity to spicy and woody, so there is likely a scent that will appeal to most people.

Overall, Dossier perfumes are a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality, affordable fragrances that are suitable for everyday wear.

Dossier Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

No Dossier Perfume review would be complete without hearing from customers. Below, I’ve gathered testimonials from the company’s website, Reddit, and the Fragrantica forum to fill you in on what users actually think about its fragrances.

On the brand’s website, its best-selling perfumes have each been rated hundreds of times. Collectively, they score an average of 4.6/5 stars. Here’s a look at six diverse scents:

• Ambery Saffron: 4.5/5 stars from 387 ratings
• Oriental Oakmoss: 4.8/5 stars from 365 ratings
• Oriental Cherry: 4.5/5 stars from 246 ratings
• Floral Honeysuckle: 4.6/5 stars from 183 ratings
• Woody Sandalwood: 4.3/ 5 stars from 287 ratings
• Spicy Vanilla: 4.3/5 stars from 91 ratings

Overall, in Dossier perfume reviews, customers love how delightful each scent smells. Some commenters report that they get compliments whenever they wear one of Dossier’s products. Take this example on the Ambery Saffron: 

“WOW, just wow. This perfume smells like heaven. Everyone who has been near me has complimented me on this scent. I smell like a million bucks. I cannot recommend this scent enough. Drop what you’re doing and put this in your cart right now!”

I took a closer peek into Oriental Oakmoss, a scent designed to resemble Coco Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum. As such an iconic scent, I was intrigued to find out how closely Dossier’s replica resembled the original. 

Users agree that this perfume “smells identical” to Coco Mademoiselle, noting its long-staying power and fantastic scent. One describes it as “clean, soft flower, calm and sexy.” So far, it seems like Dossier holds true to its mission of offering luxury-inspired perfumes at an affordable cost.

In a Dossier perfume Reddit thread, there are many users that have some great things to say about the company and its fragrances. One wrote, “I tried one of them a month ago. I use Alien by [Thierry] Mugler usually and I wanted to see if they do what they say on the website. It really had the same smell.” Meanwhile, another Redditor reported fast shipping and that “the return process was simple.”

Perfumes are incredibly personal. Not only do we all have different preferences, but scent mingles with our natural pheromones differently, which is why the same perfume can smell unique on two different people. 

To account for this, Dossier sends a mini sample of each scent with your order, so you can see how it works for you before opening the full-size bottle.

With all things considered, Dossier perfumes come out on top. Hundreds of customers attest to the value, longevity, and scent of each fragrance. Plus, it appears they really do smell like the luxury perfumes they’re modeled after.

Is Dossier Worth It?

Without a doubt, I can conclude this Dossier Perfume review by saying that the brand’s perfumes are worth the buy. They closely mimic pricier alternatives and are made from clean and natural ingredients. There are hundreds of customer testimonials that recommend the brand.

The brand prioritizes transparency, another notable trait. Plus, Dossier donates its gently used perfumes to the Give Back Box. These donations happen because of the company’s awesome return policy that lets you open a bottle, try the perfume, and return it if it doesn’t suit you.

Meanwhile, others reported that the brand is ethical because it doesn’t mark up its prices like luxury brands, thereby making fragrances more accessible. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which side of the argument you fall into.

So, are Dossier perfumes worth it? I think so! If you’re in the market for an affordable, long-lasting fragrance, the brand is definitely worth checking out.

Alternatives

If Dossier isn’t the one for you, there are plenty of fragrance brands on the market that might be a good fit. Check out some of the following suggestions:

• Elizabeth Arden: Elizabeth Arden is one of the most well-known companies in the world. Selling high-end cosmetics, skincare, and of course—fragrances, they’re dedicated to helping women feel beautiful in their own skin. 
• Montale: This French company is known explicitly for using an infected agar tree in their products, which then secretes an aromatic resin. In addition, the eponymous company commits to creating fragrances that satisfy their customers’ needs.
• YSL: Famous for their monogram heel and the iconic chevron bag, YSL’s take on ‘luxurious simplicity’ is also prevalent in their perfume collection. Yep, that’s right, they aren’t just known for producing runway looks. The brand’s array of fragrances range from scents like Mon Paris to Black Opium.

Dossier Promotions & Discounts 

The brand’s perfumes are already sold for fantastic prices—but why not benefit from the other great deals the brand offers? I uncovered the following promotions at the time of this Dossier perfume review:

• 20% off when subscribing to their mailing list
• But 3 perfumes & get 15% off, 4 perfumes & get 18% off, or 5 Perfumes & get 20% off
• Free shipping on orders of 3 perfumes or more

Where to Buy Dossier

You can purchase the brand’s products directly from Dossier.co or Amazon.

FAQ

How long do Dossier perfumes take to ship? 

Dossier only ships its products within the continental US. Once you place your order online, the brand takes about 1-2 business days to process. When shipped out, your item will be delivered anywhere from 2-7 business days. Dossier has two shipping options:

• 1-2 fragrances $9
• 3 or more fragrances free

After your order ships, you will receive a confirmation email with info on your Dossier perfume order status that contains a tracking number. Click on this number to be taken to the carrier’s tracking page where you can follow your parcel’s progress.

What is Dossier’s Return Policy?

New or gently used fragrances can be returned to Dossier within 30 days from when it was delivered. After 30 days, you can no longer return the product. To make a return you can do one of two things:

1. Head to the Returns Page on Dossier’s website and fill out the form
2. Email [email protected]

Your return will be free and Dossier will refund you the entire price of the product (not the shipping if you paid any). The company invites its customers to try out its fragrances risk-free. This means you can open up the bottle and spritz the product on.

The brand used to include 2 ml samples with the 50 ml bottles but it is working on phasing those out. Your perfume may or may not arrive with a sample attached.

If you find the perfume isn’t right for you, send it back. I have to note that the brand can only do this for you once. For example, if you bought five, be sure to try out all five at once.

How to Contact Dossier

I hope you enjoyed this Dossier perfume review. If you have any questions, you can contact the brand directly through:

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Form available on Dossier’s website

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Looking for more fragrances to explore? Check out Elizabeth Arden a company dedicated to helping women feel beautiful in their own skin. Prefer the sample before you buy option? Give Scentbird or Scentbox a try.