We all love and own at least one fragrance that evokes fond memories, reminiscent of a special experience or person. Whether it reminds you of a loved one or simply provides a sense of comfort and security, these fragrances can lift your spirits even on gloomy days. As an avid collector of vanilla body mists, my favourite fragrance happens to be the Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Fine Fragrance Mist. It reminds me of all the sweet treats my mom would bake during festivals, the smell of scented candles on a winter morning, and the loving warmth of the holiday season.
When I asked my colleagues about fragrances that evoke a sense of nostalgia, I realised how much a scent can mean to a person. From vying for their mother’s luxury perfume to discovering elevated versions of childhood favourites, Nykaa beauty editors had a lot to share about their favourite fragrances. This also made me think about iconic fragrances through the years that represent the proclivities of a generation and are loved by everyone, including celebrities. So, let’s dive right in and explore the nostalgic perfumes our editors love – you never know, you might find a new favourite in the process.
1. Elegant First Love
Nykaa editor Sana, who loves everything purple and can’t get enough of reality TV, says, “It was love at first sight when I came across the Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray. From the cute floral packaging to the fresh and feminine scent, it was a treat for the senses that initially drew me in. I use it to this day and it reminds me of my teenage years.”
Standout Feature: The Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray perfectly balances a pretty, feminine vibe with a classy, sophisticated feel.
2. Claiming The Men’s Club
Our quirky editor and self-appointed games master, Clara, says, “I have always picked men’s perfumes over women’s, as I love musky and woody smells. It’s 2024; it's time we have gender-neutral fragrances! So when I came across the Yardley London Gentleman perfume as a child, I finally understood the hype behind scents and how it's not just about smelling good but also feeling confident. As an adult, I cannot get enough of the Versace Eros Pour Homme Eau De Parfum that exudes a similar intense aroma with complex notes.”
Standout Feature: The Versace Eros Pour Homme Eau De Parfum is a fresh, masculine fragrance that transports you to Italy’s Mediterranean coast.
3. Floral Chic OG
Our sweet SEO ninja, Drishti, says, “This was one of the OG trending perfumes at the time, and owning one as a teenager was almost a right of passage. I love using this to date, as it reminds me of that girlhood bond I shared with my gang during school and college days.”
Standout Feature: The Tommy Hilfiger Girl Eue De Toilette Vaporisateur Spray is an effortlessly chic floral fragrance that is bright and crisp with citrus notes.
4. Luxe Goals Achieved
Gen-Z Nykaa editor Gauravee, who is just getting a hold of adulting, says, “The DIOR J'adore Eau De Parfum was the first-ever luxury item I bought for myself. After saving for months ahead of my graduation, I finally bought it this year – achieving a goal I set when I was just nine years old. Plot twist: I so desperately wanted one because I broke a bottle my mom owned back in the day. Beyond being nostalgic, this scent gives me a sense of achievement.”
Standout Feature: The DIOR J'adore Eau De Parfum features floral notes that are so carefully crafted, it's like a custom-made flower.
5. Fresh And To The Point
Nykaa editor Diya, who exemplifies girl boss, says, “I love fresh and clean fragrances that aren’t overpowering but last throughout the day. The Davidoff Cool Water Wave Eau de Toilette was one of the first perfumes I owned and has become one of my all-time favourites. The top notes are fresh and delicate while the heart and base notes flow into a floral, sultry scent.”
Standout Feature: The Davidoff Cool Water Wave Woman Eau de Toilette Spray lends abundant freshness and is the ideal daytime, formal-wear fragrance.
Iconic Perfumes Loved By Celebs (And Us)
1. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia Eau De Parfum
The Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia Eau De Parfum exudes femininity and is a favourite of celebrities like Miley Cyrus, who once said it reminded her of Dolly Parton. Alia Bhatt also recently revealed it as one of her favourite fragrances to feel fresh and confident.
2. Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau De Toilette
A favourite pick among the likes of Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, and Parineeti Chopra, the Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau De Toilette is a subtle yet bold fragrance. The pink packaging and black bottle are as iconic as the fragrance, which was designed by luxury brand Narciso Rodriguez as a tribute to women.
3. Gucci Bloom Eau De Parfum
Gucci Bloom Eau De Parfum was launched in 2017 and has become one of the most sought-after luxury fragrances. It was developed by Italian fashion designer Alessandro Michele and blended by popular perfumer Alberto Morillas. While several stars have been spotted using this cult scent over the years, Aditi Rao Hydari recently revealed it’s her go-to perfume.
4. DIOR Hypnotic Poison Eau De Parfum
Evoking poison apple from the popular fairytale Snow White i>, the DIOR Hypnotic Poison Eau De Parfum is singer Adele’s favourite. It exudes an intense aroma of vanilla, coupled with jasmine, orange blossom, and tonka bean to create an irresistible fragrance.
5. Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau De Toilette
Bollywood’s beloved Kareena Kapoor loves the Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau De Toilette. The iconic fragrance is as dramatic and lively as the actor herself. It exudes the nostalgic scent of rice powder, which reminds Jean Paul Gaultier of his childhood memories, with orange blossom, vanilla, and aphrodisiac notes of ginger.
FAQs
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What is a nostalgic scent?
Nostalgic scents are those which take you back in time, reminding you of a loved one or a special memory. It’s unique to every person – for some, it could be the fragrance their mother used, while for others, it could be the aroma of wet mud and grass that brings back happy monsoon memories.
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Why is perfume so nostalgic?
Just like you paint a picture from a visual memory, your olfactory senses allow you to create mental images that may evoke an emotional response. As per a study, the human brain relies on the olfactory sense, which is why aromas can make you feel nostalgic.
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Which are the most popular notes in women’s perfume?
Floral and fruity scents are quite popular among women. Sweet-smelling vanilla and cinnamon, as well as musky, woody scents, tend to be liked in women’s perfumes.
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Which is the most seductive perfume?
Perfumes that combine vanilla and musk notes are known to be the most seductive. Floral jasmine and rose scents are also great choices if you desire an intoxicating fragrance, as they are often seen as symbols of love and feminity.
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Which perfumes do most women wear?
Here are some of the bestselling perfumes popular among women in India:
