Ah, the 80s. Leg warmers, puffball skirts, neon colours, and of course, incredible fragrances. Many of the most popular perfumes from the 80s can still be purchased today.
Are you a 20-something looking for a retro fragrance to stand out from the crowd, or a little older and want to take a trip down memory lane and relive your youth? Here are 11 stunning perfumes to fall in love with the 1980s all over again.
- Most Popular Perfumes From The 80s
- 1. Dior Poison Eau de Toilette
- 2. Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum
- 3. Guerlain Samsara Eau de Parfum
- 4. Calvin Klein Obsession Eau de Parfum
- 5. Estée Lauder Knowing Eau de Parfum
- 6. Elizabeth Arden Red Door Eau de Toilette
- 7. Carolina Herrera Eau de Parfum
- 8. Tiffany Eau de Parfum
- 9. Elizabeth Taylor Passion Eau de Toilette
- 10. Moschino by Moschino Eau de Toilette
- 11. Cartier Must De Cartier Eau de Toilette
- All-Time Best Perfume Of The 80s
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
Most Popular Perfumes From The 80s
The most popular perfumes from the 80s can add some sparkle to any fragrance collection. Here are 11 of the best 80s perfumes to consider.
1. Dior Poison Eau de Toilette
Review
Dior Poison Eau de Toilette was released back in 1985 and is an exquisite fruity floral fragrance packed with spices and the warmth of amber.
Rich plum and the white floral note of tuberose collide with an eclectic mix of spices, berries and honey. Smiket incense is the icing on the cake, cranking up the mystery dial to 11.
Ideal for autumn/winter and even sping, this is one fragrance worth getting dressed up for. Jump to my full review of Dior Poison Eau de Toilette
Top Notes:
Orange Blossom, Plum, Coriander, Black Pepper, Star Anise, Pimento, Mace, Rosewood
Mid Notes:
Tuberose, Rose, Carnation, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Lily-Of-The-Valley, Labdanum, Berries, Cinnamon, Orange, Honey
Base Notes:
Amber, Sandalwood, Cedar, Vetiver, Vanilla, Heliotrope, Opoponax, Musk
Price & Reviews
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2. Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum
Review
Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum is another classic fragrance from the 80s. Launched in 1984, this warm and spicy fragrance oozes class and has lost none of its wow-factor.
Stunning rose is dusted with spices such as cloves and coriander and further warmed by amber and sandalwood. Tonka bean and rich resin provide a spicy/sweet vibe.
This 80’s classic is best suited for autumn/winter evening wear will last all evening with one application. Jump to my full review of Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Mandarin orange, Peach, Rose, Coriander, Jasmine
Mid Notes:
Cloves, Mimosa, Clover, Orange blossom
Base Notes:
Labdanum, Amber, Civet, Vanilla, Tonka bean, Sandalwood, Opoponax
Price & Reviews
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3. Guerlain Samsara Eau de Parfum
Review
Released in 1989, Guerlain Samsara Eau de Parfum is a dazzling fusion of exotic flowers and sensual woods wrapped in a glamorous blanket of powdery notes.
Exotic ylang-ylang and powdery iris are expertly blended with sensual woods, vanilla, and rich amber for a strikingly confident and feminine fragrance experience.
This sublime autumn/winter 1980s evening wear fragrance is chic and utterly seductive. Jump to my full review of Guerlain Samsara Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Green Notes, Peach, Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot, Lemon
Mid Notes:
Iris, Violet, Orris Root, Jasmine, Rose, Narcissus
Base Notes:
Iris, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Amber, Musk, Vanilla
Price & Reviews
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4. Calvin Klein Obsession Eau de Parfum
Review
Calvin Klein Obsession Eau de Parfum exploded onto perfume counters everywhere in 1985. This provocative amber/spicy fragrance is a must for any 80s fragrance lover.
Rich spices, warming amber, smokey incense and sensual musk are lifted by sweet vanilla and fruity/floral hints. Take a trip back in time with this attention-seeking 80’s classic.
Despite its warmth, I personally wear this fragrance in any season (evening only in summer) as it just feels so good on your skin. Jump to my full review of Calvin Klein Obsession Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Lemon, Bergamot, Peach, Vanilla, Mandarin Orange, Green Notes, Basil.
Mid Notes:
Spices, Coriander, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Cedar, Rose, Oakmoss
Base Notes:
Amber, Musk, Civit, Vanilla, Vetiver, Incense
Price & Reviews
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5. Estée Lauder Knowing Eau de Parfum
Review
Estée Lauder Knowing Eau de Parfum remains one of my all time favourite Chypre Floral fragrances. Released in 1989, it’s an earthy/musky delight with nose-tingling sparkly edges.
Sparkling aldehydes and earthy patchouli combine with oakmoss and bitter mimosa for a whimsical Chypre Floral. Rose also emerges and is darkened by civet and spicy notes. Naughty.
This autumn/winter fragrance is ideal for daytime and evening wear and lasts well into the evening. Jump to my full review of Estée Lauder Knowing Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Rose, Tuberose, Mimosa, Plum, Pittosporum, Aldehydes
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Patchouli, Orange Flower
Base Notes:
Oakmoss, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Amber
Price & Reviews
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6. Elizabeth Arden Red Door Eau de Toilette
Review
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Eau de Parfum is a feel-good, sweet floral fragrance packed with luxurious flowers, resin and spices released in 1989.
Carnation, rose, ylang-ylang and tuberose all jostle for your attention. Soothing honey, woods and resin add complexity and depth. Maker a bold statement with this vintage vibe scent.
Perfect for any season and situation, it projects like a nuclear bomb, but in a good way. Jump to my full review of Elizabeth Arden Red Door Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Lily-of-the-Valley, Freesia, Wild Violet
Mid Notes:
Rose, Moroccan Orange Flower, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes:
Honey, Oakmoss, Sandalwood
Price & Reviews
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7. Carolina Herrera Eau de Parfum
Review
Released in 1988, Carolina Hererra Eau de Parfum is a contemporary white floral fragrance with fresh green notes and woody edges.
Fragrance tuberose and sweet jasmine merge with buttery ylang-ylang and peach. Green notes add a sublime freshness, and civet brings a touch of mystery; wow!
Ideal for any season and every occasion, this stunning 80s fragrance should not be overlooked as it’s so incredibly feminine and elegant. Jump to my full review of Carolina Hererra Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Apricot, Orange Blossom, Green Notes, Bergamot, Brazilian Rosewood
Mid Notes:
Honeysuckle, Tuberose, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Lily-of-the-Valley, Narcissus
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Civet, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Cedar
Price & Reviews
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8. Tiffany Eau de Parfum
Review
Tiffany Eau de Parfum is a devastatingly elegant floral fragrance with woody nuances launched by the iconic brand in 1987.
A bouquet of Taif rose, exotic ylang-ylang, and powdery iris create a symphony of floral notes deepened by sandalwood, vetiver, amber and hints of berries. 1980s luxury and opulence in a bottle.
This classic 80s fragrance works for any season, although I feel it leans more towards formal wear (or at least smart/casual). Jump to my full review of Tiffany Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Blackcurrant, Mandarin Orange
Mid Notes:
Ylang-Ylang, Rose, Orange Flower, Iris, Jasmine, Violet Leaf, Lily-Of-The-Valley
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber, Vanille,
Price & Reviews
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9. Elizabeth Taylor Passion Eau de Toilette
Elizabeth Taylor Passion Eau de Toilette is a heady mix of woods, spices, exotic flowers and a touch of the animal. Released in 1988, I would say this is the most vampish 80’s fragrance available.
Leather, moss and spices emerge from a haze of smoky incense and civet. Tuberose and gardenia do their best to bloom, but this sultry 80s fragrance remains incredibly seductive.
Only for night-owls, this sublime nocturnal fragrance is ideal for the colder seasons of autumn/winter. Jump to my full review of Elizabeth Taylor Passion Eau de Toilette.
Top Notes:
Coriander, Artemisia, Gardenia, Bergamot, Aldehydes, Lily Of The Valley, Ylang-Ylang
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Tuberose, Honey, Patchouli, Spices, Sandalwood, Heliotrope, Orris, Cedar, Rose
Base Notes:
Leather, Vanilla, Civet, Musk, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Cedar, Moss, Coconut
Price & Reviews
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10. Moschino by Moschino Eau de Toilette
Review
Moschino By Moschino Eau de Toilette is an aromatic spicy amber fragrance that was launched in 1987. Brimming with vintage 80’s chic, come visit the decade all over again.
The spicy/green scent of galbanum is elevated by warming amber and spicy/sweet nutmeg. Carnation and marigold soon emerge and work wonders with earthy patchouli and sandalwood.
Only for night-owls, this sublime nocturnal fragrance is ideal for the colder seasons of autumn/winter. Jump to my full review of Moschino By Moschino Eau de Toilette.
Top Notes:
Galbanum, Marigold, Freesia, Honeysuckle, Plum
Mid Notes:
Nutmeg, Carnation, Gardenia, Pepper, Ylang-Ylang, Rose
Base Notes:
Amber, Musk, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Patchouli
Price & Reviews
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11. Cartier Must De Cartier Eau de Toilette
Review
Must De Cartier Eau de Toilette feels way ahead of its time. Released in 1981, this intoxicating blend of rich amber and woody tones is lifted by a contrasting sweetness.
Warm amber and spicy/green galbanum are the stars of the show here. Sweet vanilla adds femininity whilst woody notes and leather bring bucketloads of luxury and refinement.
Another nocturnal 80’s fragrance. Wrap yourself in this cosy scent for autumn/winter and even creeping into spring. Jump to my full review of Must De Cartier Eau de Toilette.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, Pineapple, Mandarin, Galbanum, Peach, Bergamot, Brazilian Rosewood, Lemon
Mid Notes:
Carnation, Leather, Narcissus, Musk, Orchid, Orris Root, Jasmine, Vetiver, Neroli, Ylang-Ylang, Rose
Base Notes:
Amber, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Vetiver, Civet
Price & Reviews
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All-Time Best Perfume Of The 80s
The best smelling perfume of the 80s has to be Elizabeth Taylor Passion Eau de Toilette. Its vampish mix of leather, moss and spices blend with smoky incense and civet. Tuberose and gardenia add a splash of flowers but never overpowers. Awesome.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 11 popular perfumes from the 80s. From classic names such as Dior and Chanel to groundbreaking scents from Calvin Klein and Moschino, there is an 80s perfume to suit every girl for any occasion.
Also read: 8 Bold Cacharel Perfumes for the Modern Woman
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
How could you leave out the amazingly soapy white flower ’80s powerhouse Giorgio Beverly Hills? I luxuriated in that as a teenager and felt quite grown up and sophisticated wearing it. Way too heavy for a teenager, but I loved the way it made me feel mature. While definitely dated, it’s still easily found, a testament to its floral aldehyde allure.