With how closely linked our memory is to our sense of smell, getting a whiff of the scents we've worn through the years can make anyone incredibly nostalgic.
Ahead, we run down some of the most memorable scents from the past two decades, from your childhood spritzes to your possible current scent of choice
Baby Bench Cologne (P92/200ml)
Even if you weren't technically a baby when these dropped, you probably had a bottle (or three) of Baby Bench Cologne on your dresser. They're the perfect fresh-off-the-shower scents—we're sure we're not the only ones who still get a pang of nostalgia every time we catch a whiff of it in Bench's stores!
Available online.
Angel's Breath Cologne
Everyone who was sentient in the '90s would recognize the scent of Angel's Breath anywhere. The light, slightly powdery cologne was a hit across all ages then, but if you're feeling a little nostalgic, you can still pick up a bottle or two online and off.
Available at Landmark.
Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mists (U.S. $18, roughly P870)
Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mists have long been a balikbayan-box favorite. They had all these unique (back then, at least) and wearable fruity and floral scents in giant bottles that take forever to finish, which became a huge part of their appeal.
Available online.
Clinique Happy (P2,000)
Clinique Happy appealed to adults and the younger set alike for its bright fruity notes. It's no wonder it's still popular today, because who doesn't want to smell like fresh sunshine?
Available online.
DKNY Be Delicious (discontinued)
It may be strikingly fruity and distinctly scented of green apples, but that's what made Be Delicious well, delicious. Its refreshing notes and impressive lasting power made it a great entry-level bottle for anyone who only used to wear cologne. It's been discontinued, but remains in the scent memory bank of its many fans.
Marc Jacobs Daisy (price available upon request)
Marc Jacobs Daisy needs no introduction. Its flower-topped bottle alone is easily recognizable, but it's Daisy's feminine blend of violet and white florals that earned it its place as a classic. Brides love it, and if you didn't own the original, you likely have tried some of its fragrance flankers like Daisy Dream and Daisy Love.
Available at department stores.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue (P4,850)
Light Blue is one of those scents where even if you've never owned it, you've definitely smelled it on someone else before. The fresh burst of citrus notes makes it such a no-brainer day time scent that people still swear by today. It's so wearable that it would be the safest gift for someone you don't know that well.
Available online.
Calvin Klein CK One (P4,998)
Along the same lines of classic bright citruses is CK One, a lemony, green fragrance that you'd want to reach for whenever you need to smell good for 95% of the population. It was one of the first fragrances to be marketed as "unisex", which is why it also makes a great gift!
Available on Lazada.
Elizabeth Arden Green Tea (P4,000)
Green Tea was launched in the late '90s, but it stood the test of time for being its own category of zesty, mood-boosting green that's still elegant. After all, it was composed by Francis Kurkdjian, who spearheads one of the most sought-after luxury fragrance brands for the past decade.
Available on Lazada.
this strange new world.