I asked nine beauty editors to reveal the nostalgic fragrances that influenced them.

      If you requested me to outline my life, I could likely do it solely through fragrances. It may sound cliché to claim that I've had a fascination with scents for as long as I can recall, especially since smell plays such an essential role in many of our memories, but it is indeed the case. Long before I understood what a fragrance note was or could distinguish neroli from jasmine, I was unknowingly cataloging aromas and the emotions they evoked. Some of my earliest memories are tied to scents: the fresh, comforting aroma of the carpets in my great-granddad's apartment; the savory, salty scent of a stew simmering at my grandmother's house on a Sunday morning; the residue of my mum’s perfume in my bedroom as she kissed me goodnight before heading out for a rare evening out. Even the sweet, powdery fragrance of my sisters’ hair is somehow preserved in my mind. Reflecting on this, it's probably not surprising that my fragrance obsession developed later on. While many of my peers were preoccupied with boys during our early teenage years, I was dedicated to exploring scents. The early 2000s were a particularly wonderful time for beauty enthusiasts, and I spent countless hours spritzing, sampling, and saving my pocket money for the defining fragrances of that era. Glow by JLo, Ralph by Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui Sui Dreams, and DKNY Be Delicious were more than just perfumes; they were encapsulated chapters of my teenage years, cherished for years. Even now, a single spray of any of those can instantly transport me back to a specific moment. That’s the enchantment of fragrance. More than any photograph or playlist, a nostalgic scent possesses a remarkable ability to unlock memories we thought we had forgotten. It can invoke reminders not just of places and people, but also of who we were at that time in our lives. A perfume can reconnect us with versions of ourselves that may feel distant now. This is why I was intrigued to discover whether other beauty editors shared similar feelings. What fragrances bring them back? And, perhaps more importantly, do those cherished scents remain significant years or even decades later?

      The Best Nostalgic Perfumes

      1. Dior J'adore

      “To me, J'adore represents the essence of home. The soft, silky, soapy blend of jasmine and ylang-ylang will always take me back to my teenage years by the south coast. My first bottle was purchased during a family vacation in Barcelona. It marked my initial experience with luxury fragrance, and I cherished that 100ml bottle until I left for university. I wore it consistently for five years, and even now, whenever I pass someone wearing J'adore, I feel a rush of nostalgia. It has a fresh scent while still exuding luxury. It’s gentle on the senses yet attention-grabbing. It’s perfectly wearable but feels special with every application. While we’ve seen different versions of J'adore come and go, including the latest J'adore L'Or, a bolder, richer take on the classic, it's the original eau de parfum that captivates me every time,” shares beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.

      2. Marc Jacobs Daisy

      "Daisy by Marc Jacobs was among the first perfumes I owned, so whenever I encounter a new version, nostalgia washes over me. The light, bright, floral fragrance always felt sparkling on my skin, and I remember saving it for only the most meaningful events. However, I made sure to keep the bottle on my bedside table to admire its ornate lid. Nowadays, I tend to lean toward Daisy Wild, a newer, fruitier interpretation of the iconic fragrance, featuring notes of banana blossom and jasmine,” states deputy beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.

      3. Calvin Klein Eternity for Women

      “My mother firmly believed in reserving special items for special occasions, while I’m quite the opposite and often use them whenever I can. Growing up in the '90s, I recall that she kept a bottle of Eternity hidden away in the airing cupboard for moments she considered significant. When she wasn’t around, I’d sneak over and take a few whiffs. It wasn't until I began choosing fragrances myself that I realized how iconic and timeless Eternity is. It has a fresh yet musky quality, reminiscent of slipping into a cozy cashmere sweater after a bubble-filled bath. For me, it feels like being wrapped in a warm hug from a loved one. On the skin, it has an intimate charm thanks to its subtly sweet white rose, enveloping amber, and creamy sandalwood. It's so classic that I still wear it today and frequently recommend it to friends seeking a lightly floral and clean scent that isn’t overpowering. I’d argue it’s the original 'clean-girl' fragrance! Unlike my mother, though, I could never hold back; I enjoy spritzing it generously,” explains Refinery29 beauty director, Jacqueline Kilikita.

      4. Britney Spears Fantasy

      “I can't quite