As far as decades go, few were as iconic as the 1980s – a.k.a the era where ‘less is more’ went out the window, and in came crimped hair, acid-washed jeans and shoulder pads. With tides changing in areas such as fashion, music and technology, fragrance couldn’t miss out on all the fun! The 1980s welcomed a new wave of daring and decadent scents that were equally as head-turning as the clothes they were spritzed on. So, fancy paying homage to the hottest scents of the time? Well, here’s our top ‘80s perfumes and colognes.
Popular perfumes of the ‘80s
Obsession by Calvin Klein
In true 80s style,Obsession by Calvin Klein is bold, brave and bodacious (a.k.a. the perfect accessory for a head-to-toe neon ensemble). Blending an opulent floral bouquet, a sensual mix of spices, and a grounding hit of incense and musk, it’s easy to see why this 1980s perfume was considered smokin’ hot on all accounts.
If you didn’t think perfumes could be extroverted, you haven’t smelt the captivating allure of Poison by Dior. With sumptuously sweet notes of plum, wild berries and honey melting into a seductive amber and musk base, there’s no wondering why this sensual scent has had pulses racing since its ‘80s debut.
We think you’ll agree that Chanel get it right, every. single. time. In short, Coco by Chanel oozes luxury. One spritz and you’ll embark on a truly exquisite olfactory experience, journeying through warm, spicy and seductive notes that’ll leave a trail of mystery, long after you’ve left the room. This scent is a shining example of 1980s perfumes that’ll never go out of style.
Created by Pablo Picasso’s daughter, it’s hardly surprising that this 1980s perfume is nothing short of a masterpiece.Paloma Picasso intoxicates the senses with floral fervour before slowing to a drawn-out close with a harmony of earthy notes like sandalwood, musk and oakmoss. Daring for the time, but timeless by today’s standards.
While synth-pop might have been all the rage in this decade, the elegance of Giorgio by Giorgia Beverley Hillswas not without its fanbase. Featuring a gloriously floral hit that cascades into a warm and sensual base, this ‘80s perfume is the perfect scent to spritz on balmy summer nights.
Back in the 80s, people often referred to male scents as cologne. But did you know there’s actually a technical difference in how cologne is made. It uses a lower concentration of oils and is a great little ‘pick me up’ during the day. These days we tend to use ‘perfume’ and ‘fragrance’ in place of cologne which pack more of a punch. Here’s our top five men’s ‘cologne’ from the 1980s.
Now that ‘80s fragrances are having a revival, allow us to introduce you to Polo from Ralph Lauren. Landing on the shelves in 1978, this popular scent rose to fame in the ‘80s and was the ultimate symbol of masculinity. Whether spritzed onto a bare chest or on a freshly pressed tuxedo, this scent was every man’s secret weapon.
Just as refreshing today as it was when it burst onto the fragrance foray, Cool Water by Davidoff is the definition of a mood-boosting scent. At first, notes of seawater, mint and coriander transport the senses to sunnier shores, before a sprinkling of rich, musky notes dial up the heat to ensure a trail of seduction is left behind.
Homme by JOOP!was an extremely popular cologne in the ‘80s, and for good reason! Its roaring success can be attributed to the unexpected honey top note that tickles the senses before the masculine tonka bean and tobacco dry down takes hold. It’s energising enough to power you through the a.m., but also sensual enough to command attention in the p.m.
Not all ‘80s perfumes need to be a knockout to the senses, some iconic scents from this decade gave a masterclass in sophistication, case in point – Versace L’Homme. You’ll be hit with a medley of citrus top notes that set the scene for this invigorating ‘80s scent. To add masculinity and a sense of intrigue, in comes jasmine, amber and oakmoss for an unforgettable finish.
Crisp, cool, and oh-so confident, Eternity for Menby Calvin Klein is the definition of a head-turning ‘80s scent. Expect fresh green botanicals, sage and sandalwood to refresh the senses, and then some. This is distinctively masculine scent is designed for a confident man that can hold his own – no matter which decade.
Rosa is a creative copywriter who has been writing about luxury beauty, fragrance and her personal interest, sustainable fashion, for over two years. When she’s not hunting in her local charity shops for vintage homeware, she’s testing out the latest beauty trends. Her favourite perfume? Chance by CHANEL.
Top 10 80’s Perfumes
As far as decades go, few were as iconic as the 1980s – a.k.a the era where ‘less is more’ went out the window, and in came crimped hair, acid-washed jeans and shoulder pads. With tides changing in areas such as fashion, music and technology, fragrance couldn’t miss out on all the fun! The 1980s welcomed a new wave of daring and decadent scents that were equally as head-turning as the clothes they were spritzed on. So, fancy paying homage to the hottest scents of the time? Well, here’s our top ‘80s perfumes and colognes.
Popular perfumes of the ‘80s
Obsession by Calvin Klein
In true 80s style, Obsession by Calvin Klein is bold, brave and bodacious (a.k.a. the perfect accessory for a head-to-toe neon ensemble). Blending an opulent floral bouquet, a sensual mix of spices, and a grounding hit of incense and musk, it’s easy to see why this 1980s perfume was considered smokin’ hot on all accounts.
Calvin Klein
Obsession
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – £34.99
Poison by Dior
If you didn’t think perfumes could be extroverted, you haven’t smelt the captivating allure of Poison by Dior. With sumptuously sweet notes of plum, wild berries and honey melting into a seductive amber and musk base, there’s no wondering why this sensual scent has had pulses racing since its ‘80s debut.
DIOR
Poison
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – £82.00
DIOR
Poison
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £114.00
Coco by Chanel
We think you’ll agree that Chanel get it right, every. single. time. In short, Coco by Chanel oozes luxury. One spritz and you’ll embark on a truly exquisite olfactory experience, journeying through warm, spicy and seductive notes that’ll leave a trail of mystery, long after you’ve left the room. This scent is a shining example of 1980s perfumes that’ll never go out of style.
CHANEL
COCO
Eau de Parfum Spray
35ML – £71.00
CHANEL
COCO
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – £99.00
Paloma Picasso
Created by Pablo Picasso’s daughter, it’s hardly surprising that this 1980s perfume is nothing short of a masterpiece. Paloma Picasso intoxicates the senses with floral fervour before slowing to a drawn-out close with a harmony of earthy notes like sandalwood, musk and oakmoss. Daring for the time, but timeless by today’s standards.
Paloma Picasso
Paloma Picasso
Eau de Parfum for her
30ML – £23.00
Paloma Picasso
Paloma Picasso
Eau de Parfum for her
50ML – £32.50
Giorgio by Giorgia Beverly Hills
While synth-pop might have been all the rage in this decade, the elegance of Giorgio by Giorgia Beverley Hills was not without its fanbase. Featuring a gloriously floral hit that cascades into a warm and sensual base, this ‘80s perfume is the perfect scent to spritz on balmy summer nights.
Giorgio Beverly Hills
Giorgio
Eau de Toilette Spray
90ML – £21.50
Popular ‘80s Perfume For Men
Back in the 80s, people often referred to male scents as cologne. But did you know there’s actually a technical difference in how cologne is made. It uses a lower concentration of oils and is a great little ‘pick me up’ during the day. These days we tend to use ‘perfume’ and ‘fragrance’ in place of cologne which pack more of a punch. Here’s our top five men’s ‘cologne’ from the 1980s.
Polo by Ralph Lauren
Now that ‘80s fragrances are having a revival, allow us to introduce you to Polo from Ralph Lauren. Landing on the shelves in 1978, this popular scent rose to fame in the ‘80s and was the ultimate symbol of masculinity. Whether spritzed onto a bare chest or on a freshly pressed tuxedo, this scent was every man’s secret weapon.
Ralph Lauren
Polo
UNKNOWN for him
59ML – £58.00
Cool Water Man by Davidoff
Just as refreshing today as it was when it burst onto the fragrance foray, Cool Water by Davidoff is the definition of a mood-boosting scent. At first, notes of seawater, mint and coriander transport the senses to sunnier shores, before a sprinkling of rich, musky notes dial up the heat to ensure a trail of seduction is left behind.
Davidoff
Cool Water Man
Eau de Toilette Spray
125ML – £39.99
Homme by JOOP!
Homme by JOOP! was an extremely popular cologne in the ‘80s, and for good reason! Its roaring success can be attributed to the unexpected honey top note that tickles the senses before the masculine tonka bean and tobacco dry down takes hold. It’s energising enough to power you through the a.m., but also sensual enough to command attention in the p.m.
Joop!
Homme
Eau de Toilette Spray
200ML – £88.00
L’Homme by Versace
Not all ‘80s perfumes need to be a knockout to the senses, some iconic scents from this decade gave a masterclass in sophistication, case in point – Versace L’Homme. You’ll be hit with a medley of citrus top notes that set the scene for this invigorating ‘80s scent. To add masculinity and a sense of intrigue, in comes jasmine, amber and oakmoss for an unforgettable finish.
Versace
L'Homme
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £29.99
Eternity For Men by Calvin Klein
Crisp, cool, and oh-so confident, Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein is the definition of a head-turning ‘80s scent. Expect fresh green botanicals, sage and sandalwood to refresh the senses, and then some. This is distinctively masculine scent is designed for a confident man that can hold his own – no matter which decade.
Calvin Klein
Eternity For Men
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £43.99
Want to fast forward to the next decade?
Check out the 90s perfumes that are still making waves!
About Rosa Morell
Copywriter
Rosa is a creative copywriter who has been writing about luxury beauty, fragrance and her personal interest, sustainable fashion, for over two years. When she’s not hunting in her local charity shops for vintage homeware, she’s testing out the latest beauty trends. Her favourite perfume? Chance by CHANEL.
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