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The 1980s were loud and flashy. The decade gave rise to great pop culture, including Madonna, Hip-Hop, MTV, mix tapes, and the Walkman. It also witnessed notable fashion trends like shoulder pads, sneakers, acid jeans, and the punk hairstyle.
The 80s were also about money, power, and excess — and the 80s fragrances reflected this aptly. They were not only big, exotic, bold, daring, and profoundly pungent but also incredibly glamorous and classy.
Keep reading as we unpack the 1980s perfumes that rocked the world.
What are the Best 80s Perfumes?
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What's Unique About Old Perfumes From the 80s
As already mentioned, the 80s perfumes were not timid. It was easy to smell these incredible fragrances the moment someone walked into a room, as they were pretty intense. It probably didn’t help that users often drenched themselves in the scents. They also had a strong sillage, lingering long after someone left.
The scents comprised floral bouquets and larger-than-life oriental spice bombs. These powerful perfumes had a great zest for life; they were reckless, defiant, and a means of showing off. They were worn with power suits and accompanied by hairspray and cigarettes.
It was during the 80s that a few pop stars began creating their own designer fragrances. Many people envied the movie star lifestyle, and wearing these fragrances made them feel like superstars.
Many perfume houses have reformulated their 80s perfumes, making the current formulations smell slightly different. Fortunately, you can still get your hands on a few fragrances that can bring back the decade’s glitz and glam.
How To Choose the Best Popular Perfumes of the 80s
When choosing the best perfume of the 80s, you need to experience the 3 scent levels for each fragrance to determine the right fragrance for you. What does this mean?
Perfume comprises 3 levels of scent; top notes, heart (middle) notes, and base notes.
- Top note: This is the first scent level. It’s the initial impression you get upon opening the perfume bottle.
- Heart note: This level follows next. It gets revealed 10-15 minutes after you apply the perfume. Heart notes last about 3-4 hours and represent the genuine, central smell of the fragrance.
- Base note: This is the last scent level. It provides the fragrance with warmth and permanence.
Ultimately, perfume choice is a personal decision. Therefore, even after analyzing your choices based on the concentration, fragrance notes, and perfume type, follow your heart.
Here are helpful tips on choosing your preferred scent:
- Narrow down your choices by first determining the type of scent you prefer, then the strength. Parfum has the highest concentration and is also the priciest. Next comes eau de toilette and eau de cologne.
- Avoid smelling the perfumes straight from the bottle – the strong alcohol smell will overwhelm you. Instead, spritz the scent on your wrist and smell it from here.
You can prolong the lifespan of your scent by layering it with an accompanying shower gel and body lotion.
How We Test the Best Perfumes of the 80s
To compile this list of the best popular perfumes in the 80s, we tested different vintage scents from the era using a specific criterion. The key parameters used were scent quality, projection (sillage), longevity, versatility, and price-quality relationship. We also picked fragrances for both genders.
In-Depth 80s Perfume Reviews
Coco By Chanel For Women
Coco By Chanel For Women Review
Chanel’s Coco is an oriental spicy fragrance that perfectly captures the 1980s essence. Designed for the classic, elegant, yet bold woman, it was launched in 1984 and has not lost its classy essence to date.
Coco was introduced at a time when women used signature scents like Opium as adornments or bold style accessories. Oriental fragrances were trending; intense, opulent scents for the disco era. Coco was breathtakingly beautiful, more elegant, and had legendary staying power.
This warm scent comprises a rich blend of clover, coriander, and rose. The fragrance opening features a citrusy Mandarin orange and proceeds to reveal a heart of jasmine with traces of orange blossom. The captivating and harmonious fusion ends in a sweet, spicy drydown starring sandalwood and Tonka bean.
One unique thing about this provocative fragrance is that it’s like two scents wrapped up in one. You get a completely different scent experience when you sniff the perfume up close and when you smell the sillage.
The best time to wear this 80s classic is in the evening, during winter and autumn, or for special occasions. The stunning fragrance will leave you feeling sensual, feminine, and classy.
Top Notes: Rose, Peach, Coriander, Mandarin orange, Lasmine
Middle Notes: Cloves, Clover, Orange Blossom, Mimosa
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Labdanum, Civet, Amber, Opoponax
What we liked
- Classic and Elegant
- An all-time favorite
- Lasts the entire day
Giorgio Beverly Hills For Women
Giorgio Beverly Hills For Women Review
Calvin Klein’s award-winning Obsession (available on Amazon.com) blasted into the fragrance scene in 1985, revolutionizing the perfume world with its intensely seductive oriental accords. This is an irresistibly attractive scent, and anyone calling themself an 80s perfume enthusiast needs to experience its provocative amber-spicy scent. And, as with all things Calvin Klein, it’s a timeless classic.
Powerful, passionate, intense, addictive — take your pick — but any of these words aptly describe Obsession. Some say it falls between love and madness. This “80s in a bottle” fragrance symbolized the decade’s sexuality, glamour, and over-the-top lifestyle, earning a scandalous reputation due to its provocative advertising.
Brimming with rich spices, warm amber, sensual musk, and smoky incense, the striking fragrance also features fruity florals and vanilla. At the top are green bergamot and mandarin accords. The heart reveals a blend of jasmine, orange blossom, and exotic spices, while the end wraps up with warm incense and ambery musk.
Top Notes: Mandarin, , Bergamot, , Vanilla
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Exotic Spices, Orange Blossom
Base Notes: Amber, Oakmoss, Musk
What we liked
- Outstanding sillage
- Unforgettable scent
- Stunningly sexy
Calvin Klein Obsession For Women EDP
Calvin Klein Obsession For Women EDP Review
Estee Lauder Beautiful (available on Amazon.com) is a timeless fragrance. A true masterpiece, the lush, floral scent is deeply romantic and makes you feel ultra-feminine. It was launched in the mid-1980s as a light bouquet comprising a thousand blooms, fresh citrus top notes, and a warm woodsy base.
This aptly named floral bomb was the perfume of the 80s, and every girl wore it. While it was heady and sported beast mode sillage, it trailed down to a lovely, soft drydown.
Beautiful reminds one of a sweet floral bouquet. The perfume’s dewy fruit opening is sweet and crisp with traces of sparkly aldehydes, while the base is dark and mossy, expertly balancing the sweetness.
This phenomenal perfume is super appealing, so don’t be surprised if you get many compliments whenever you wear it. Highly versatile, you can wear it anywhere. And you only need a few quick spritzes since it’s super potent.
Top Notes: Mandarin, Bergamot, Vanilla
Middle Notes: Jasmine, , Exotic Spices, Orange Blossom, Orange Blossom
Base Notes: Amber, Oakmoss, Musk
What we liked
- Addictive
- Sexy and provocative
- A timeless classic
Estee Lauder Beautiful
Estee Lauder Beautiful Review
Estee Lauder Beautiful (available on Amazon.com) is a timeless fragrance. A true masterpiece, the lush, floral scent is deeply romantic and makes you feel ultra-feminine. It was launched in the mid-1980s as a light bouquet comprising a thousand blooms, fresh citrus top notes, and a warm woodsy base.
This aptly named floral bomb was the perfume of the 80s, and every girl wore it. While it was heady and sported beast mode sillage, it trailed down to a lovely, soft drydown.
Beautiful reminds one of a sweet floral bouquet. The perfume’s dewy fruit opening is sweet and crisp with traces of sparkly aldehydes, while the base is dark and mossy, expertly balancing the sweetness.
This phenomenal perfume is super appealing, so don’t be surprised if you get many compliments whenever you wear it. Highly versatile, you can wear it anywhere. And you only need a few quick spritzes since it’s super potent.
Top Notes: Rose, Lily, Galbanum, Black currant, Cassia, Fruity notes, Bergamot, Mandarin orange, Lemon
Middle Notes: Tuberose, Carnation, Jasmine, Marigold, Mimosa, Chamomile, Narcissus, Freesia, Sage, Ylang-ylang, Pink violet, Geranium, Lily-of-the-Valley, Lilac, Orange Blossom
Base Notes: Amber, Sandalwood, Musk, Vetiver, Cedar, Vanilla
What we liked
- Makes an excellent gift
- Lasting scent
- Smells beautiful
Yves Saint Laurent Paris
Yves Saint Laurent Paris Review
Yves Saint Laurent loved Paris plus its romantic, elegant, vibrant, ironic, simple, yet charming residents. In tribute, he created this woody-floral fragrance (with the help of perfumer Sophia Grojsman) in 1983 and named it Paris, a must-have fragrance (available on Amazon.com).
Paris EDP was a vintage, heady, floral, rosy, and subtly woodsy scent. It was also gloriously flamboyant and super seductive – definitely Parisian.
The perfume is a blend of roses, mimosas, and violets, kicking off with bergamot and candied violet top notes. Closely following these is a heart of rose and iris, finishing with sandalwood, geranium, and musky amber in a deep, spicy, woody undertone.
The opening is slightly sharp, but the scent soon blossoms into a powdery aroma, losing its initial sting. The trail hints at incense, with the romantic fragrance morphing into something more sultry and mysterious.
This fragrance boasts an intense village and above-average longevity. Intense and somewhat heavy, it’s ideal for both dressy or formal wear.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Rose, orange blossom, Geranium, Mimosa, Hyacinth, Green notes, Nasturtium, Hawthorn, Cassia
Middle Notes: Rose, Lily, Lime Blossom, Jasmine, Violet, Ylang-ylang, Lily-of-the-valley, Orris root
Base Notes: Iris, Amber, Cedar, Musk, Oakmoss, Heliotrope, Sandalwood
What we liked
- Great for summer/spring
- An expertly blended powdery floral
- Feminine, sophisticated, and highly appealing
Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche for Men
Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche for Men Review
Drakkar Noir (available on Amazon.com) was introduced in 1982. It soon became a global sensation, clinching FiFi’s best men’s fragrance award 3 years later. A household name in the early 80s and 90s, this bestselling aromatic fougere was the work of Pierre Wargnye.
Drakkar Noir has a soft, sweet, herbal aroma and smells terrific. The fragrance boasts a pleasantly comforting lavender opening with herbs and a delicious drydown. The initial whiff is dry and spicy, with a heavy mint presence and citrusy bergamot lurking in the background. As the rich scent evolves, you can pick out the jasmine, resin, and moss from the rest of the aromatic flavors.
This signature cologne comes in an opaque bottle, helping to preserve its provocative scent in pristine condition.
Top Notes: Lavender, Rosemary, Basil, Bergamot, Artemisia, Lemon Verbena, Mint
Middle Notes: Coriander, Juniper, Jasmine, Carnation, Cinnamon, Wormwood, Angelica
Base Notes: Leather, Cedar, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber, Fir, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Pine tree needles, Resins
What we liked
- A remarkably masculine fragrance
- Great price
- Classic 80s fragrance
Davidoff Cool Water
Davidoff Cool Water Review
Davidoff launched this iconic great-smelling male cologne (available on Amazon.com) in 1988, but it is still an immensely popular fragrance that remains cool to wear. Its fragrant notes won over the hearts of men worldwide, becoming the cologne of choice for chilled-out, sophisticated males.
This is an aromatic aquatic fragrance. It is simple, clean, fresh, sharp, and ultra-masculine – a perfect scent for your cologne collection.
Cool Water has moderate sillage, projection, and decent longevity (5-6 hours). It’s a great daytime scent you can also wear to the gym. This fantastic old-school scent is suitable for mature men (over 25 years of age).
So, consider Cool Water if you are looking for a vintage, everyday cologne with a fresh, manly, clean shower vibe. For best results, wear it over summer and spring.
The fragrance is available at an affordable price.
Top Notes: Sea water, Mint, Lavender, Rosemary, Green notes, Coriander, Calone
Middle Notes: Sandalwood, Jasmine, Neroli, Geranium
Base Notes: Musk, Cedar, Tobacco, Oakmoss, Ambergris
What we liked
- A classic cologne
- Timeless scent with a great aroma
- Great value for money
Fahrenheit By Christian Dior For Men
Fahrenheit By Christian Dior For Men Review
Dior Farenheight was a 1988 release. This legendary perfume is one of the top best-sellers worldwide and comes in a brownish-red and gold bottle, symbolizing stability and maturity. Delicate yet powerful, this deliciously rich, dark, spicy formulation is designed for a mature man.
Fahrenheit is an aromatic fougere fragrance formulated using an original floral accord heavily infused with violet. The opening is citrusy and sweet, gradually dissolving into a beautifully enchanting middle with delicate violet, cedar, and jasmine accords and finishing with ambery-musky notes. You can smell the leather notes (some users call it a gas/petrol smell), but violets reign.
This well-blended scent is inviting and opulent, while the intense sillage and outstanding projection endure for hours. Fahrenheit is particularly suited to cooler weather or evening wear. This ultra-versatile scent can be your go-to fragrance if you like them bold and robust.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Lavender, Cedar, Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Chamomile, Nutmeg Flower, Hawthorn
Middle Notes: Nutmeg, Jasmine, Lily of the valley, Honeysuckle, Carnation, Sandalwood, Violet Wood, Cedar
Base Notes: Leather, Amber, Tonka Bean, Musk, Vetiver, Patchouli
What we liked
- Has the aroma of a magic potion
- Passionate and mysterious
- Incredible sillage and projection
Final Thoughts
Old is gold, they say, and that’s true of fragrances. While most vintage scents have undergone reformulations (which affects overall performance) and smell quite different from the originals, you can still find some true gems.
For those in the know, searching for a vintage scent is as exciting as getting your hands on the genuine product. If you haven’t yet, try out one or two of these epic fragrance brands, and you’ll get to understand what the 80s perfume hype is all about.
