These bestselling, throwback perfumes have the power to evoke happier times when you need them most (like now?)
Looking for a last minute beauty gift, but can’t decide between a palette, a new hair tool or a perfume? Well consider this - a bottle of perfume can deliver a whole lot more than a spritz of freshness, think of it as a liquid essence that grants the wearer the power to time travel. Yes really!
“Scents evoke more emotional memories than other memory cues, with studies showing that people remember 35% of what they smell, but only 5% of what they see,” reveals Fashion Psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell. "Scents hold a unique power to instantly transport us back to times of intimacy or joy, like time capsules they can momentarily awaken emotions deep within our conscience."
It's this psychological power to connect us to a time, place and emotion that makes perfume a great gift, particularly if it captures the scent of a shared memory with the loved one you are gifting. And right now it maybe the closest way to connect up close in these socially-distanced times!
And it appears this psychological, mood-lifting effect is one we've craved all year with Clearpay, the leading buy now pay later service, revealing perfume was one of their most searched beauty terms of 2020.
It's an indicator that we've turned to perfume as an act of self care and a wearable reminder of happier times, during this year of ups and downs says Bell. "Traumatic events can cause us to engage in nostalgia where we transport ourselves to fonder times. A phenomenon known as the Proustian Memory Effect.
"Tuning into our senses can be incredibly grounding and ultimately improve our mental wellbeing. It can be challenging to detach from past and future demands, but being surrounded by pleasant sights, sounds, tastes or smells can make a significant difference when trying to create a moment of peace and relaxation."
Interestingly, the top five, best-selling, throw back perfumes on Clearpay all feature either the vibrant, uplifting floral notes of jasmine, the hypnotic intensity of patchouli, the restorative calming scent of vanilla, and/or orange citrus notes that are known to boost production of your happy hormone serotonin and also reduce levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine. "Look for these ingredients in the heart and base notes of a perfume as they tend to linger throughout the day and have a greater impact on our mood," says Bell.
Scroll to see these top five nostalgic fragrances. We bet at least one will hit the happy memory jackpot and make the perfect gift or self gift, to see out this year in sensory bliss.
Classique Xmas Collector, £89, Jean Paul Gaultier
This iconic scent gets a mood boosting, festive makeover in a red corset and glittery snow shaker pack, but inside its the juice we know and love, laden with orange blossom, rose and vanilla.
L'Interdit Eau De Parfum, £73.50, Givenchy
This bold, confident scent entwines all the mood floral boosters - jasmine, patchouli and orange blossom in a super chic spritz.
She Eau de Parfum, £52, Emporio Armani
A powdery floriental, it hints at the scent of skin drawing you back to intimate memories conjured with a cloud of heliotrope, pear, musk and vanilla notes.
Rush Eau De Toilette, £40.20, Gucci
A seductive blend of citrus bergamot up top, that warms down to a jasmine heart and patchouli base. Where does this alluring scent take you?
Eternity, £48.91, Calvin Klein
Such us is the legacy of romantic scent blockbuster Eternity, it's likely to conjure memories before you even spritz the dreamy blend of citrus bergamot, soft florals and creamy sandalwood notes.
