The ’80s were a time of vibrant fashion and unforgettable scents. Back then, looking stylish in our acid-washed jeans wasn’t enough; we also needed to smell amazing. The right fragrance told the world just as much about us as our choice of neon leg warmers or slap bracelets. With our favorite magazines in hand, we’d tear out scent samples and dab them on our wrists, trying to discover the fragrance that would make us feel like the coolest kids in the mall.
We knew our way around the perfume counter and could distinguish between eau de toilette and perfume like pros. The scents of the ’80s were bold, and we adored them. The commercials promised excitement, glamour, and dreamy boys. We believed that the right fragrance could attract a heartthrob as charming as Johnny Depp. Here’s a look back at some of the most beloved fragrances that defined our youth:
- Exclamation!
This playful black and white bottle, shaped like an exclamation point, was a symbol of fearless fun. Wearing Exclamation! made us feel electric, much like the girl in the commercials who flirtily danced to catchy pop tunes. It was all about making a statement without uttering a single word. - Opium
Often pilfered from our moms’ perfume stash, Opium was the essence of mystery and allure. With notes of mandarin and jasmine, it made us feel exotic and sophisticated. The 1986 ad featuring supermodel Linda Evangelista had us dreaming of smelling just as fabulous. - Electric Youth
Inspired by Debbie Gibson’s hit song, this fragrance captured the essence of youth. It represented the vibrant energy we felt during our teenage years. The bottle, complete with a playful pink spring, made it just as fun to wear. However, if you were Team Tiffany, you’d never dream of putting this on! - Obsession
The commercials for this scent were intense, hinting at the all-consuming crushes we experienced in our teens. With its sultry, musky aroma, Obsession was the perfect companion for our most dramatic moments. Directed by the legendary David Lynch, the ads featured literary references and left us swooning over boys who wore it. - Benetton Colors
When Benetton launched Colors, it was a match made in fashion heaven. The ads celebrated diversity and unity, and wearing it made us feel proud of our individuality. Colors represented the changing world around us, and we were thrilled to be a part of it. - Designer Imposters Body Spray
For those times when our budgets didn’t allow for the real deal, these affordable knockoffs came to the rescue. While they might not have captured the original scents perfectly, they were lifesavers for broke teens trying to keep up with the trends. After all, we needed to save room in our wallets for more acid-washed denim! - Jovan Musk
This fragrance was wild and untamed, with a deep musky scent that stirred our budding desires. The 1987 commercial posed the question, “What is sexy?” and we were all ears. The answer, of course, was embodied by the captivating visuals crafted by Adrian Lyne, a master of steamy storytelling. - Love’s Baby Soft
With its soft, powdery fragrance, Love’s Baby Soft was the scent of our childhood. Its ads featured relatable teens rather than glamorous models, making us feel like it was made just for us. This fragrance perfectly captured the essence of adolescent discovery and delightful crushes.
No matter which fragrance we favored, each one brings back a flood of nostalgia. Walking past a perfume counter today might just inspire us to spritz a little on our wrists, igniting sweet memories of our youth.
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Summary
The ’80s were not just about fashion; they were also about iconic fragrances that defined our teenage years. From Exclamation! to Love’s Baby Soft, each scent carried a special memory and a hint of nostalgia.