The Scent That Got Away: My Search for a Dupe for Stella by Stella McCartney perfume

There are certain scents that leave an imprint on your soul. For me, that scent was Stella by Stella McCartney perfume. A beautifully modern rose fragrance with a fresh yet warm finish—it was love at first sniff.

I first discovered Stella at a well-being workshop. One evening, just before we headed out for a group dinner, my yoga teacher spritzed it on—and I was instantly captivated. The scent was soft yet confident, modern yet romantic. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. When I asked her what it was and she said Stella, I knew I had to have it. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

Some things just speak to your soul—and that perfume spoke to mine.

Sadly, it seems Stella McCartney has decided to discontinue her perfume line, including the original Stella, as part of a shift toward sustainability. While I support the commitment to planet-friendly practices, I can’t help but feel heartbroken—along with many others who counted Stella as their signature scent.

If you’re one of the broken-hearted, you’re not alone. My search for a worthy replacement has become a bit of a mission—and I’ve documented the journey in a series of YouTube videos, each one diving into different dupe possibilities and listener recommendations.

✨ Watch the Series on YouTube:

I’ve tested a variety of perfumes said to be Stella-adjacent—including Montale Intense Roses Musk—and I share my honest thoughts on each one. These videos have turned into a heartfelt conversation between fellow fragrance lovers, united in our hunt for the one.

💌 Let’s Take Action Together

If you’re feeling nostalgic or frustrated by this discontinuation, you can join me and others in writing to Stella McCartney’s customer service at contactus@stellamccartney.com. Maybe—just maybe—if enough of us share how much this perfume meant to us, we can inspire a comeback.

🌹 Are You Still Searching Too?

Have you found a dupe that gets close to that signature Stella scent? If so, please share it in the comments below or on my YouTube videos. Let’s help each other reconnect with that perfect blend of rose, amber, and nostalgia.

Thanks for being part of this journey with me.

With love and perfume passion,

Karen (aka Selfcare Karen)