With how closely link our memory is to our sense of smell, getting a whiff of the scents we've worn through the years can make anyone incredibly nostalgic.
Ahead, we run down some of the most memorable scents from the past two decades, from your childhood spritzes to your possible current go-to's:
1. Baby Bench Cologne
Even if you weren't technically a baby when these dropped, you probably had a bottle (or three) of these mild colognes on your dresser. They're the perfect fresh-off-the-shower scents, and I myself owned every size of Bubble Gum throughout my tween years. I'm sure I'm not the oly one who still gets a pang of nostalgia every time I catch a whiff of it in Bench's stores.
Try: Baby Bench Cologne, P92 for 200ml, available online
2. Angel's Breath Cologne
Everyone who was sentient in the '90s would recognize the scent of Angel's Breath anywhere. The light, slightly powdery cologne was a hit across all ages then, but if you're feeling a little nostalgic, you can still pick up a bottle or two online and off.
Try: Angel's Breath Eau de Cologne, price unavalable, Landmark
3. Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mists
Balikbayan boxes from our relatives in the US would always have bottles upon bottles of these body sprays from Victoria's Secret, and I'm sure the same goes for a lot of people. They had all these unique (back then, at least) and wearable fruity and floral scents in giant bottles that take forever to finish, which I think became a huge part of their appeal.
Try: Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mists, $18, available online
4. Clinique Happy
I remember stealing spritzes of my mom's Clinique Happy when I was a pre-teen because I found its bright fruity notes so appealing. It also made me feel more of adult than I actually was without being one. It's no wonder it's still popular today, because who doesn't want to smell like fresh sunshine?
Try: Clinique Happy Perfume Spray, P2600, available online
5. DKNY Be Delicious
It may be strikingly fruity and distinctly scented of green apples, but that's what made Be Delicious well, delicious. Its refreshing notes and impressive lasting power made it a great entry-level bottle for anyone who only used to wear cologne, yours truly included. Though it's been discontinued, it'll always remain in my scent memory bank.
6. Marc Jacobs Daisy
This perfume needs no introduction. Its flower-topped bottle alone is iconic, but it's Daisy's feminine blend of violet and white florals that earned it its place as a classic. Brides love it, and if you didn't own the original, you likely have tried some of its fragrance flankers like Daisy Dream and Daisy Love.
Try: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Parfum, price unavailable, Department Stores
7. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
Light Blue is one of the scents that even if you've never owned it, you've definitely smelled it on someone before. The fresh burst of citrus notes makes it such a no-brainer day time scent that people still swear by today. It's so wearable that it would be the safest gift for someone you don't know that well.
Try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau De Toilette, P4850, available online
8. Calvin Klein CK One
Along the same lines of classic bright citruses is CK One, a lemony, green fragrance that you'd want to reach for whenever you need to smell good for 95% of the population. With how popular this bottle was, I think that's a good estimate.
Try: Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette P4998, available on Lazada
9. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea
Green Tea was launched in the late '90s, but it stood the test of time for being its own category of zesty, mood-boosting green that's still elegant. After all, it was composed by Francis Kurkdjian, who spearheads one of the most sought after luxury fragrance brands for the past decade.
Try: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray, P4000, available on Lazada
10. Chanel Chance Eau Tendre
Despite the long list of classics in Chanel's scent library, Chance remains a steady best-seller for its effortless sophistication. The favorite of Filipinas? Its Eau Tendre flanker, a floral-fruity perfume that'll make you smell like royalty basking in the sun.
Try: Chanel Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum Spray, P9950, Rustan's Makati
