What's That Smell? Even More '90s Perfumes We Love!
Courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier
Something still smells like Teen Spirit in here.
Who could forget classic '90s perfumes like the original Gucci Rush, Clinique Happy, or Bath and Body Works' impressive fragrance lineup?
Originally, we were drawn to Gucci Rush for its sultry blend of peach, vanilla, and patchouli. Clinique's Happy was introduced to us in free-with-purchase sample bottles that convinced us to save our allowance for the full-size bottle. Finally, the extensive library of scents at Bath and Body Works could match our temper more accurately than a color-changing mood ring.
However, the options don't stop there! There are more than 20 fragrances from the '90s that'll ignite nostalgia and make you smell amazing.
Keep reading to learn our favorites.
The Best '90s Perfumes to Add to Your Fragrance Cabinet
Clinique Happy
Courtesy of Clinique
In 1995, about 15 years before Pharrell's "Happy" hit the airwaves, Clinique's Happy fragrance arrived on store shelves. The energetic mandarin, grapefruit, lily, and freesia notes acted as an instant pick-me-up — which was much-needed after our first viewing of Titanic.
Gucci Rush
Courtesy of Gucci
Seriously, could this bottle get any cooler? Gucci Rush was housed in a box-shaped flacon and was streamlined enough to fit in the pocket of our Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper. Plus, we just couldn't resist the sexy gardenia, freesia, and vanilla blend.
Related: Bella Hadid Has Been Dressing Like '90s NSYNC and We Honestly Can't Unsee It
Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mists
Courtesy of Bath and Body Works
Three bottles of Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mists in Sheer Freesia, Cucumber Melon, and Juniper BreezeWhile a few Bath and Body Works spritzers from the '90s have passed on to the great fragrance beyond (R.I.P. Plumeria and Sun-Ripened Raspberry!), staples like Cucumber Melon are still available today.
The Spice Girls Impulse Body Spray
Courtesy of Impulse
It didn't matter which of the fab five you identified with most; this aptly spicy blend of pink pepper, tangerine, and vanilla flattered elegant Posh, adventurous Scary, and innocent Baby types alike.
Demeter Dirt
Courtesy of Demeter
This no-nonsense fragrance smells exactly like wet soil after the rain and serves as the perfect grunge-inspired touch to an oversized flannel.
Coty Vanilla Fields
Courtesy of Coty
When we felt like classing it up, we'd reach for Coty's Vanilla Fields, which tempered the dominant vanilla note with musk, amber, and a slight jasmine twist.
Coty Exclamation
Courtesy of Coty
Although Coty launched Exclamation in 1988, the gourmand mixture of vanilla, peach, and apricot proved to be a hit among '90s babies all the same.
Related: Dua Lipa's Latest Look Is Dripping in '90s Glamour
Love's Baby Soft
Courtesy of Love's
Another oldie but goodie: Love's Baby Soft. The fragrance launched in 1974 and continued to be a staple for decades, thanks to its light-as-air blend of lavender, rose, and vanilla against a musk base.
Dune by Christian Dior
Courtesy of Christian Dior
Before Dior launched J'Adore in 1999, the summery amber, peony, and sandalwood notes in Dune earned the fragrance a permanent spot on our vanities during the earlier part of the decade.
Lancôme POÊME
Courtesy of Lancôme
Our mothers were fans of this Lancôme POÊME fragrance. It combined the scents of the Blue Himalayan Poppy flower, the Desert Datura flower, and vanilla.
The Body Shop White Musk
Next to the iconic spritzers by Gap and Bath and Body Works, The Body Shop's White Musk was a sure staple among '90s mall mavens. We loved its heady musk elements, which were combined with floral notes like jasmine, lily, iris, and rose.
Related: The Best '90s Trends That Are Here to Stay
Davidoff Cool Water for Women
Courtesy of Davidoff
This aquatic blend launched back in '96 and is as refreshing as a dip in the pool with its notes of pineapple, lotus, and ocean air.
Juice Bar Fragrances
Courtesy of Juice Bar
Our favorite candies took on fragrance form with Juice Bar's sugary scents-namely the Gummi Bear and Cotton Candy versions, which made regular rotations in our Caboodles.
Calvin Klein Ck One
Courtesy of Calvin Klein
It's impossible to talk about '90s fragrances without mentioning this unisex staple, which features notes of bergamot, violet, nutmeg, and musk. If it was good enough for Kate Moss, it's good enough for us.
Related: 22 '90s Outfits That Are Still Worth Copying in 2023
Victoria's Secret Pear Glace
Courtesy of Victoria's Secret
A predecessor to the now-infamous Love Spell scent, Pear Glace proved to be just as iconic, blending fruity notes like sugared pear and casaba melon.
Tommy Girl
Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger
A must-have spritzer for cool girls everywhere, Tommy Girl mixes notes of lemon, honeysuckle, and lily with a heady sandalwood base.
Curve by Liz Claiborne
Courtesy of Liz Claiborne
We've been spraying on Curve since '96 and haven't looked back! The floral mix of peony, yellow freesia, and lily of the valley is so sparkling it almost challenges our roll-on body glitter.
Candie's For Her by Liz Claiborne
Courtesy of Liz Claiborne
This late '90s gem Candie's For Her fragrance has us loving the sexy mix of amber, mandarin, and peach. This was definitely the scent all the cool girls were wearing in high school.
Angel by Thierry Mugler
Courtesy of Thierry Mugler
Thierry Mugler's Angel is one of those scents you can call out just by catching a passing whiff, thanks to its prominent gourmand notes like honey, vanilla, caramel, and chocolate.
Related: The 8 Best '90s Makeup Looks to Recreate
Calgon Turquoise Seas
Courtesy of Calgon Turquoise
Just when we thought this iconic ocean scent was no more, Calgon said "As if!" and relaunched it, along with a hydrating body cream to boot!
Beverly Hills 90210
The only thing that was on our wrists more often than a lime green scrunchie? The 90210 fragrance, of course! The mix of white flowers and green apples was seductive enough to catch the attention of Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestley) and flattered both confident Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth) and shy Donna Martin (Tori Spelling) types alike.
Gap Heaven, Grass, and Dream
Courtesy of Gap
The holy trinity of throwback scents: Gap Heaven, Grass, and Dream — which our cool older sisters wore. We favored the airy elements in Heaven and Dream.
Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers
Courtesy of Elizabeth Arden
Confession time: We've taken this energetic floral from Elizabeth Arden from our mother's vanities more often than she realized. After all, it was the perfect complement to the printed sunflower dress we'd pair with combat boots!
Related: 12 'Clueless' Outfits We'd Totally Wear Today
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
Courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier
Weeks of saving our allowance finally paid off when Jean Paul Gaultier's Classique officially became our first "big girl" fragrance. We loved its notes of sweet orange blossom, ginger, and vanilla scent.
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