Fragrances have the incredible power to bring back memories you didn’t even know existed.
On a recent visit to my parent’s house, I was in my childhood bedroom and discovered my old perfume collection. I picked up a bottle of the Gwen Stefani Harajuku Lovers perfume and managed to spray the remaining drops onto my wrist. I instantly remembered the time I tumbled down the stairs after making eye contact with my crush. Ah, memories.
All it takes is a familiar scent to unleash a trip of nostalgia that will have you falling through your memories.
In honour of that feeling, here are 8 coming-of-age fragrances that will transport you back to your middle school days. Smells like teen spirit.
1. Curious by Britney Spears
You probably felt a little bit promiscuous as you spritzed this on your wrists. It wasn’t for everyday use, but you definitely reached for it before the school dance. Was there anything romantic as slow dancing to “Stairway to Heaven”? Curious by Britney Spears, $18, amazon.ca
2. Calgon Body Mist
Whether you wore Cotton Candy, Marshmellow, or Hawaiian Ginger, you probably kept this spray in your gym bag. These scents were so strong that they could mask the fact that you didn’t wash your gym shorts all semester. Oops! Calgon Body Mist, $7, walmart.ca
3. Love Spell by Victoria’s Secret
You bought this perfume the same day that you picked out your first thong. Your boobs started to grow over the summer, and you also saw a part of American Pie, so you were basically ready to start dating. Victoria Secret Love Spell Fragrance Mist, $18, victoriasecret.com
4. Malaia by Hollister
Fitting in can be hard, but it definitely made it a little bit easier if you smelled like a cloud of Hollister. Wearers of this perfume probably suffered from migraines, but it was totally worth it. Hollister Malaia Perfume, $40, hollisterco.ca
5. Daisy by Marc Jacobs
Your mom bought you this for your birthday because the packaging looked playful, and sounded pretty innocent. You might still wear it from time to time, but it will always make you think of your first kiss behind the portable. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette, $96, sephora.ca
6. Sweet Pea by Bath & Body Works
You got the Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea travel set as a Secret Santa present. You used the body wash, the body lotion, the body spray and the hand sanitizer. You had the travel size, the regular size and stocked up in bulk. Long live Sweat Pea. Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea Travel Size Fragrance Mist, $6, bathandbodyworks.com
7. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture
You had the velour tracksuit, the over-sized charm bracelets, and of course the Viva La Juicy perfume. Your favourite shows were The Simple Life and The Hills and “Unwritten” was your ringtone. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum, $84, thebay.com
8. Princess by Vera Wang
You got this perfume without ever smelling it just because the bottle was so pretty. You had no idea who Vera Wang was, but it didn’t matter. You never ended up wearing it because it made you smell like your grandma. Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette, $94, ulta.com
What fragrance did you wear in middle school? Let us know in the comment section. For more HOLR Magazine follow us on social media: @holrmagazine