We all have that one fragrance that transports us back in time with a single spritz. It can remind you of a loved one, a special occasion or a once-in-a-lifetime moment instantly. How wonderful is that? Whether you were gifted with your most nostalgic scent or saved up until you could buy it yourself, we’re sure that it has played (or still plays) a major role in your life.
We definitely have our favourites, so we thought we’d create our own list. It was tough choosing only five classic scents, but here are our picks… In no particular order, let’s have a round of applause for:
Dior Poison Eau De Toilette
Most known for: Its dark, mysterious bottle that resembles a poisonous fruit (think Snow White), along with its intoxicating, one-of-a-kind scent.
Note breakdown: Wild berries, sandalwood, orange blossom, jasmine, musk, coriander, vanilla, cinnamon, vetiver, cedar, pepper, rosewood, rose, plum, heliotrope, rose de mai absolute, cistus labdanum and opopanax.
Why it made our list: This icon celebrates her 40th in 2025 and was a benchmark in the fragrance world in the 1980s. Since her conception, we’ve had the honour of experiencing several additions to the Poison family, namely Tendre Poison, Hypnotic Poison, Pure Poison and Poison Girl.
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Eau De Toilette
Most known for: This EDT is modeled on the Red Door Spa and Salon, which was founded by Elizabeth Arden in 1910. It’s a bold statement that symbolises luxury and glamour and was created in 1989.
Note breakdown: Lily of the valley, wild violets, freesia, red roses, ylang ylang, jasmine, oakmoss, sandalwood, Moroccan orange flower and honey.
Why it made our list: Although the Red Door bottle has gone through some changes over the years, this is the most recent one (which we love). It’s also a fab choice for a signature scent.
Clinique Happy Perfume Spray
Most known for: Its uplifting, joyful, fruity floral scent and simplistic bottle design. It was created in 1997.
Note breakdown: Orange, blood grapefruit, Indian mandarin, bergamot, apple, plum, lily-of-the-valley, freesia, orchid, rose, mimosa, magnolia, musk and amber.
Why it made our list: Clinique’s Happy is still the brand’s best-selling fragrance since launching in the 1990s. We’re not sure if it’s the name or the perfectly concocted notes, but this scent brings every customer sheer happiness with each spritz.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau De Toilette
Most known for: The marketing campaign! Models Bianca Balti and David Gandy frolicking in the turquoise Italian waters was enough to make us buy a bottle (or two).
Note breakdown: Sicilian lemon, apple, cedar, bamboo, bellflower, jasmine, white rose, amber and musk.
Why it made our list: Interestingly enough, the female version (pictured above) was launched in 2001, before the men’s in 2007. We love everything about the bottle, especially the cool blue lid. And the scent? Well, it epitomises summer and is so easy to wear.
Gucci Rush Eau De Toilette For Her
Most known for: The iconic square red bottle and red-hot marketing campaign. It was launched in 1999.
Note breakdown: Bergamot, peony, gardenia, violet, vanilla, jasmine and patchouli.
Why it made our list: We feel like this scent was a farewell to the nineties and an exciting introduction to the noughties. A spritz or two of Gucci Rush was the finishing touch to your outfit before heading out the door. If you know, you know.
