Ready to be taken back in time? These perfumes will certainly do the trick – no time-machine needed. So prepare yourselves for the best history lesson of your life…
1925: Guerlain Shalimar for her
Meet the perfume that changed lives. With its powdery notes of iris, jasmine and rose, Guerlain Shalimar sent the women of the mid-1920s into a floral frenzy and the men into a spell (possibly due to the creamy note of vanilla at its base). And while all this was happening, The Great Gatsby was published, now regarded as a classic. Well, time travel back to 2017, and Shalimar is still as fascinating on first sniff. Yes, it’s a firm favourite.
1977: YSL Opium for her
What do you get when you mix mandarin, carnations and amber? A warm, oriental fragrance that makes women smell mysteriously sexy. But it wasn’t all plain sailing for Opium. A controversial fragrance at its launch, Opium was almost withdrawn because of its name. But prayers were answered, and to this day it’s remained one of the most popular fragrances.
1988: Davidoff Cool Water for him
Welcome to the 80s, a time when disco pants and shoulder pads were totally normal (and we’re kind of psyched they’re back in fashion). And did you know that the first fully digital camera was launched in 1988? Cool, eh? Well, possibly even cooler was the birth of Davidoff Cool Water, which smelt like the ocean, thanks to the peppermint, lavender and musk. EVERY guy wanted this weapon of masculinity.
1995: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male for him
This is the year that Disney’s Pocahontas came out and Michael Jackson released Earth Song. More importantly, it’s the year Jean Paul Gaultier gave us the gift of Le Male, a sensual blend of cinnamon, mint and orange blossom, in a bottle shaped like a naked man.
2000: Ralph Lauren Ralph for her
The millennium brought with it joyful celebrations, The London Eye and, oh, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston tying the knot (how times have changed). And to mark the turn of the century, Ralph Lauren launched Ralph, an eau de toilette with notes of magnolia, freesia and mandarin. Gorge!
2012: Lancôme La Vie Est Belle for her
Many people believed the world would end in 2012. Instead, it was the year of the London Summer Olympics, Skyfall and Gangnam Style (flashback much?). And when Julia Roberts became the face of Lancôme La Vie Est Belle, our whole world changed. We just had to smell the pear, praline and vanilla to fall hopelessly in love. Hearts all round.
2016: Diesel Bad for him
Possibly one of the biggest launches last year, Diesel Bad will remind you of 2016 at its best. Had an adventurous year? Well, the daring notes of tobacco, lime and caviar will have you time-travelling straight away. And, yes, we know 2016 wasn’t that long ago, but who doesn’t love to reminisce?
