gateway fragrance
Taken from the world of commercial perfume sales, a gateway fragrance is a perfume or cologne which is inexpensive and often cheap-smelling, which serves to introduce a novice fragrance wearer to the wider world of fine-- and more expensive-- fragrances. The idea is that the "gateway fragrance" will intrigue the wearer into purchasing a more sophisticated, expensive fragrance the next time they shop.
"I bought my teenage sister some Britney Spears CURIOUS for her birthday... Someday she may wear CHANEL No.5, but this will be a good gateway fragrance for her."
"Sure, JEAN NATÉ is inexpensive. But it smells good, and it's a great gateway fragrance."
"Sure, JEAN NATÉ is inexpensive. But it smells good, and it's a great gateway fragrance."