10 Perfumes Your Grandma Always Talked About That Smell Amazing
If you were to catch a whiff of scents like Jean Nate or Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds today, you'd probably be transported back to memories of your Latina mom or grandma in the '80s or '90s, spritzing and dabbing while getting ready for a night of salsa dancing or just a day at home cooking and spending time with family. But those throwback perfumes don't have to just be a memory. Each is distinctive and special in its own way, and we think that just like the best vintage bags and shoes, they all deserve a moment back on the scene. Keep scrolling to see 10 old-school perfumes that we'll be wearing all season.
Agua de Violetas
What It Smells Like: A mild, old-world violet scent.
The Notes: Violet, bergamot, and spices.
Why You Should Bring It Back: This baby cologne continues to be a favorite among Cuban adults because of its nostalgic aroma. Give it a whirl if you want to smell so fresh and so clean, clean.
Amarige by Givenchy
What It Smells Like: A strong, refreshing floral scent.
The Notes: Floral notes of mimosa, violet, orange flowers, and sweet spices.
Why You Should Bring It Back: This soft fragrance is great for everyday wear, subtle but distinct. You'll be wanting to wear it for decades, just like grandma did.
Amarige by Givenchy ($75)
Jean Nate by Revlon
What It Smells Like: A sweet, light, citrusy scent.
The Notes: Citrus, spice, and floral accords.
Why You Should Bring It Back: This perfume shouldn't just be regulated to grandmothers. It's light, bright, and airy, so it's the perfect scent for a Spring or Summer weekend adventure.
Jean Nate by Revlon ($18)
White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor
What It Smells Like: A clean, fresh garden scent.
The Notes: Aldehydes, bergamot, neroli, orange, and lily.
Why You Should Bring It Back: This perfume smells like sophistication — over two decades later, one splash still has the power to make you feel like its creator, Elizabeth Taylor, for a day.
Opium by Yves Saint Laurent
What It Smells Like: A sensual, seductive, and spicy scent.
The Notes: Exotic florals, mandarin, and coriander.
Why You Should Bring It Back: One of YSL's most popular fragrances is a classic for a reason: it somehow manages to emanate both elegance and sexiness.
Boucheron
What It Smells Like: Spicy vanilla meets citrus.
The Notes: Ylang ylang, tuberose, daffodil, orange blossom, jasmine, tonka bean, and vanilla.
Why You Should Bring It Back: This popular aroma is like a feminist twist on masculine, smelling distinctly deep and strong but also undeniably girlie.
Boucheron Eau de Parfum ($106)
Vanderbilt by Gloria Vanderbilt
What It Smells Like: Sweet candy.
The Notes: Carnation, mimosa, rose, and other spicy oriental florals.
Why You Should Bring It Back: You'll get tons of compliments for this gentle, powdery, and sugary scent — you might even hear that you smell deliciously like a candy store!
Shalimar by Guerlain
What It Smells Like: Smoky and sultry, with a hint of citrus.
The Notes: Lemon, bergamot, jasmine, rose, tonka bean, vanilla, iris, and gray amber.
Why You Should Bring It Back: It's unique and can easily become your signature. Plus, you might find that this one tends to linger and last longer than many other perfumes!
Shalimar by Guerlain ($135)
Charlie by Revlon
What It Smells Like: A dainty, flowery scent.
The Notes: Lemon blossom with hyacinth and peach.
Why You Should Bring It Back: It's the kind of delightful, long-lasting scent that will feel like a pick-me-up in the middle of a long day.
Giorgio by Giorgio Beverly Hills
What It Smells Like: Like the '80s.
The Notes: Bergamot, mandarin, jasmine, rose, carnation, orris, sandalwood, and amber.
Why You Should Bring It Back: Everyone was obsessed with all things Giorgio in the '80s, and this intense, distinctive throwback will feel both contemporary and vintage.