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 [1] 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.
Agustin Reyes Royal Violets [4] ($7)
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 [5] ($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 [6] ($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.
White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor [7] ($68)
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.
Opium by Yves Saint Laurent [8] ($92)
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 [9] ($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!
Vanderbilt by Gloria Vanderbilt [10] ($17)
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 [11] ($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.
Revlon Women's Charlie Blue by Revlon Eau de Toilette [12] ($9)
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.
Giorgio by Giorgio Beverly Hills [13] ($30)