In the vibrant ’80s, being stylish extended beyond our trendy Z. Cavs and Jordache jeans; it was equally about our signature scents. The fragrances we wore were as much a reflection of our individuality and flair as our teased hair and chosen Trapper Keeper designs. We eagerly flipped through magazines, ripping out scent samples to test on our wrists, all in the quest for the scent that would truly express who we were. At the mall, we’d spend hours at perfume counters, spritzing ourselves and our friends, enveloped in clouds of captivating aromas.
We quickly learned that eau de toilette was distinct from perfume, marking us as savvy fragrance enthusiasts. The bold perfumes of the ’80s left a lasting impression, embodying fun, allure, and the promise of romantic encounters. We believed that the right scent would attract a boy as dreamy as our crushes. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable fragrances from that unforgettable decade:
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Exclamation
The bottle shaped like an exclamation mark was as playful as the scent itself. Wearing Exclamation made us feel bold and spirited, perfectly mirroring our vibrant personalities. The ads featured a young actress named Jess who danced and flirted with charm. Just like Jess, we wore Exclamation to “make a statement without uttering a single word.” -
Opium
This fragrance often came from our mothers’ collection when we ran low on our own. Opium exuded an air of mystique, with its hints of mandarin and jasmine making us feel exotic. A memorable 1986 commercial with supermodel Linda showcased the glamorous allure we craved. -
Electric Youth
Inspired by Debbie Gibson’s hit song, Electric Youth encapsulated the essence of youthfulness. It symbolized the thrill of adolescence, and its playful bottle—featuring a pink spring—was just as fun. For those of us loyal to Tiffany, wearing anything associated with her rival was simply not an option. -
Obsession
This fragrance captured the intensity of teenage love. With its moody, musky scent, Obsession was the embodiment of passion. Directed by the famed David Lynch, the ads featured scenes inspired by literary greats. The allure of Obsession became even more potent when we caught a whiff of it on boys as they passed by in the hallways. -
Benetton Colors
The Benetton brand was known for its commitment to diversity, and their fragrance Colors was a must-have. The advertising campaigns highlighted unity amidst differences, and wearing this perfume made us feel part of a transforming world. -
Designer Imposters Body Spray
These budget-friendly alternatives to high-end fragrances were lifesavers for our wallets. While they didn’t perfectly replicate the originals, they certainly helped us feel fresh. Brands like Ninja and Confess let us sport scents like Opium and Obsession without breaking the bank, allowing us to save for essential items like acid-washed jeans. -
Jovan Musk
With its wild and primal scent, Jovan Musk ignited our budding curiosity about romance. The 1987 commercial posed the question “What is sexy?” and confidently answered itself. The sensuality of Jovan Musk made us long for hidden desires, hinting at the complexities of attraction we were just beginning to explore. -
Love’s Baby Soft
This fragrance was reminiscent of our childhood, boasting a soft and powdery aroma. Its marketing targeted us directly, featuring relatable teens who shared our everyday challenges and crushes. Love’s was truly “the fragrance for the moment of discovery,” capturing the essence of adolescence.
Regardless of which fragrance marked our ’80s journey, the memories associated with these scents remain vivid. When we catch a glimpse of these classic perfumes today, we might just find ourselves spritzing a little on our wrists, savoring a sweet moment of nostalgia from our youth.
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Summary: The 1980s were defined by iconic fragrances that expressed individuality and captured the essence of youth. From playful scents like Electric Youth to the bold allure of Obsession, these perfumes are intertwined with memories of adolescence and self-discovery.