Many iconic 90s trends have seen a massive resurgence lately, from low-rise jeans to thin eyebrows, and now, it seems that classic 90s fragrances are also making a comeback.
Maria Mukaranda, beauty editor at Cosmetify, reveals that classics like Diesel Plus Plus (first launched in 1997) are flying off the shelves, with over 3,000 units sold this year alone on their website.
Additionally, Boss Bottled, a staple of the late 90s, is now the third best-selling fragrance at Cosmetify. But what’s behind this nostalgia boom in the perfume industry?
Maria shared her expertise on why these scents are back at the forefront of popularity, as well as some predictions about future perfume trends.
Why are 90s perfumes back in demand?
“The 90s are shaping so much of what we see today. Fashion, makeup, skincare—it was only a matter of time before fragrances from this era came back too.
Maria also attributes part of the comeback to a shift in attitudes.
“We’re moving away from the influencer-driven, overly-polished aesthetic. People want to embrace fun, experimental styles again, and 90s perfumes are perfect for that.
“They embody the carefree, slightly rebellious essence of that time period.”
Why do these scents still appeal today?
“These perfumes hold the ability to bring back memories for those who lived through the 90s and give others a taste of a time they missed.
“There’s also an element of simplicity in 90s fragrances—many of them were bold yet uncomplicated, a contrast to many perfumes that exist today, which are on the overwhelming side.”
Maria additionally notes how modern consumers are swapping out opulent scents for ones that are more fun.
“In the last few years, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more relaxed approach to beauty and fashion. This attitude has extended into the fragrance world, and it’s likely to continue shaping various other industries.”
What 90s perfumes should you add to your collection?
“The perfumes you’ll want to incorporate into your routine will depend on the sort of notes you enjoy the most.
“If you enjoy fruity and sweet notes, a fragrance like Tommy Girl is a great choice, with top notes of white floral and citrus. Alternatively, if you prefer woody or oriental tones, you can’t go wrong with Mugler’s Angel or Jean Paul Gualtier’s Classique.
“These scents were groundbreaking at the time and remain iconic to this day.”
What’s next for the perfume industry?
“Gender-neutral beauty products are becoming the norm, and fragrances will follow suit. We’ll see more minimalist, clean scents that don’t conform to traditional gender boundaries.”
Eco-friendly ingredients and packaging are becoming increasingly important to consumers. Therefore, we’ll likely see this trend make its way into the perfume industry with things such as refillable bottles, and sustainable materials.”
