13 Awful-Smelling Fragrances

From Lancome to Avon, these women's perfumes left Total Beauty readers itching, gagging and more

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No. 10: Elizabeth Arden M by Mariah Carey Eau de Parfum Spray, $54

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.1*
Why: Readers didn't particularly like the fragrance's "strong burnt marshmallow" smell, which they say was "overwhelmingly sweet, but not in a good way." One reader calls it "the nastiest, cheapest smelling perfume you have ever smelled." Another reader says she "literally gagged" when she breathed it in. A third reader says the scent didn't leave her either "disappointed" or "jumping with joy." But while she enjoyed the "sweet and powdery smell," she says it "doesn't seem to last very long."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

See Next Page: No. 9: Lancome Magnifique Eau de Parfum, $65

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Member Comments

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Thank goodness I don't own any of these but if they smell so bad, how come companies still keep making them? haha

by yeny_flores_tijern Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 08:11PM Report as inappropriate

I completely agree with White Diamonds being on here, but I definitely think that Chanel No. 5 should've been on this list too. I don't understand how people can rave about it when it smells so old lady-ish too.

by LMarie27 Monday, February 6, 2012 at 02:29PM Report as inappropriate

I'm pleased to see that none of my favorites are on this list! And some that I've tested but hated are listed...

by tallredamanda Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 06:49AM Report as inappropriate

Good to know which ones to stay away from!

by sportimonki13 Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 05:41PM Report as inappropriate

The "old lady" critique seems ageist and sexist. "Heavy" would be a better general descriptor, and citing the top and base notes responsible would actually be helpful. Tossing off "old lady" is both unhelpful and offensive.

by krycekov Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 04:09PM Report as inappropriate

thanks for the heads up

by Benahir Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 03:21PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the heads up

by andie Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 09:56PM Report as inappropriate

'Well some of these are too pricey to begin with.

by grass Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 11:34PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know

by kmb1129 Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 07:19PM Report as inappropriate

I know what not to get.

by andyv1217 Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 09:48PM Report as inappropriate

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