I picked up four perfumes on clearance at TJ Maxx, two for her and two for him, and wore them for real. Here’s how they smell, how long they last, and which ones are worth hunting down on Amazon.
Heads up: This post has affiliate links. If you buy through them, Marcy Vanity earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I bought all four perfumes myself. Nobody paid for this review.
Quick note on prices: these were red-tag clearance prices at TJ Maxx, not the normal price. Amazon prices will be different and change often, so tap through to see today’s price.
The quick verdict
| Perfume | Smells like | Lasts | I paid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melina For Women | Floral, sweet, creamy | About 6 hours | $26 | Worth it |
| Bath & Body Works Platinum Diamond Shimmer Mist | Floral, sweet, citrusy + shimmer | About 1 hour | $19 | Fun for nights out |
| Guess Uomo Acqua (him) | Woody, citrus, cucumber | Didn’t time it yet | $14 | Great clearance find |
| Hollister California (him) | Fresh, citrus, aquatic | Under 1 hour | $13.99 | Only on sale |
1. Melina For Women: the budget Pleasures vibe

Smells like: spring flowers. Floral, sweet and creamy. It reminds me of Estée Lauder Pleasures, the classic fresh-floral scent, at a fraction of the price.
How long it lasts: about 6 hours on me. That’s great for a perfume in this price range.
The bottle: a soft pink bottle with a crystal-style cap and a little bow. It looks pretty on a vanity.

Verdict: my favorite of the four. If you love soft, feminine florals, this is the one to grab.
Check today’s price on Melina For Women →
Compare: Estée Lauder Pleasures →
2. Bath & Body Works Platinum Diamond Shimmer Mist

Smells like: floral, sweet and citrusy.
The fun part: it leaves a fine shimmer, so your skin literally sparkles. Pretty on shoulders and collarbones for a night out.
How long it lasts: about 1 hour for the scent. It’s a mist, so that’s normal. Spray it on top of lotion, or reapply.
Verdict: buy it for the sparkle and the mood, not for all-day scent.
Check today’s price on Platinum Shimmer Mist →
3. Guess Uomo Acqua (for him)

Smells like: woody and citrusy, with a fresh cucumber note. Clean and easy to wear.
The bottle: a heavy teal glass bottle that looks more expensive than it was.
Verdict: for $14 on clearance, a great find and an easy gift for him.
Check today’s price on Guess Uomo Acqua →
4. Hollister California (for him)

Smells like: fresh, citrusy and aquatic. A casual, beachy scent, best for informal, everyday wear and warm or coastal weather.
How long it lasts: less than an hour on skin. Spray clothes too if you want it to stick around.
Verdict: nice and fresh, but it fades fast. Worth it at a clearance price, not at full price. Amazon carries several Hollister colognes (like Wave and So Cal); availability of this exact bottle varies.
Shop Hollister colognes on Amazon →
Tips to make any perfume last longer
- Moisturize first. Scent fades fastest on dry skin.
- Spray clothes and hair (or your hairbrush). Fabric holds scent for hours.
- Don’t rub your wrists together.
- Keep a travel atomizer for touch-ups.
Shop travel perfume atomizers on Amazon →
Should you buy perfume at TJ Maxx or Amazon?
TJ Maxx can have great clearance deals, but stock is hit or miss. Amazon is easier when you already know what you want. Buy from the brand’s official store or “Ships from and sold by Amazon” when you can, and check recent reviews.
FAQ
What does Melina For Women smell like?
Floral, sweet and creamy, similar to Estée Lauder Pleasures.
Does the Bath & Body Works Platinum mist have glitter?
Yes, a fine shimmer that makes skin sparkle.
Is Hollister California long-lasting?
Not on me. It faded in under an hour, so it’s best as a casual, fresh scent.
Keep reading
- 5 Vanilla Perfumes on Amazon That Smell Way More Expensive Than They Are
- Gifts for Him Under $25 That Look Way More Expensive
- Fragrance Gifts Under $40 on Amazon: Body Mists, Rollerballs and Perfume Dupes
- How to Smell Expensive on a Budget: 7 Amazon Body Care Bestsellers
- 5 Perfume Dupes That Actually Smell Like the Designer Original
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