When it comes to the triggering of nostalgia, no sense comes even remotely close to the evocative powers possessed by the sense of smell. In this blog post, the team here at Scentsational wants to look at why smell is as powerful a sense as it is. We are also going to look at some of the most coveted discontinued perfumes, scents and fragrances, and the situations in which you might find yourself wanting to try one out.
Why Do Familiar Smells Trigger Such Vivid Memories And Emotions?
First, though, it’s worth just exploring why exactly smell is such a strong sense, from a memory point of view. Just why is that the faintest whiff of a smell can transport us instantly back to our early childhood, for instance? It’s because odours make their way through the brain’s limbic system – the regions associated with and responsible for regulating human memory and emotion. Now then, onto the discontinued perfumes…
The Classics
- Zino Davidoff | Davidoff
Let’s start with a stonewall classic, why don’t we? This heavily woody aroma was meant to shout “man” loud and from the rooftops. It’s bold, punchy and fresh. Perfect, in other words, for the gentleman who wants to make a statement in their day to day life.
- Bvlgari Extreme | Bvlgari
Entering the stage a few years after the offering from Davidoff, Bvlgari’s Extreme was a citrus-y serenade for all the senses. Giving a great scent for a long time, this fun fragrance also offers up notes of green tea and bergamot. A man’s scent if ever there was one!
- Y | Yves Saint Laurent
There’s classic, and then there’s classic. Y by Yves Saint Laurent was first launched all the way back in 1964. A floral perfume with notes of honeysuckle, hyacinth and oakmoss, Y evokes all the glitz and glamour of the 1960s, go-go boots and all. With a good longevity, but without being overpowering, it’s worth getting your hands on a bottle, if you’re able!
- Polo Sport Women | Ralph Lauren
This rare beauty was launched in 1997, after the success of its masculine counterpart Polo Sport. Fresh and aquatic in its notes, this EDT gives off melon, water mint and cedarwood in its bouquet. If you’re a fan of crisp, sharp scents, then this is the bottle for you.
Occasions To Wear Discontinued Perfumes
You might be wondering, though, why bother with using discontinued perfumes? Why not plump for a more recent alternative, instead? Well, there are several reasons, including…
In Memory Of A Loved One
For some people, these might seem a bit morbid, but for many others, one of the greatest tributes to a lost friend or family member is wearing an EDT reminiscent of them. We’ve already touched on just how evocative smell is, and so what better way to truly remember someone than by wearing their fragrance?
To Rekindle Old Passions
Whoever you are, the chances are when you go out on a date, you spruce up a bit with some perfume or aftershave. It’s one of the occasions where even people that don’t normally bother think they probably ought to. The effort we put in for love and romance, hey? But what if you’ve been with your partner for a few years, or decades perhaps?
In truth, many people find that anniversaries become tricky affairs to navigate, even tiresome, dare we say? The pressure to do something special can be overwhelming, on both sides, to do even bigger and better things, every year. Sometimes, however, a throwback is the best thing there is. Wearing that fragrance, the one you wore on a first (probably awkward) date is a sure-fire way of finding that simple spark of chemistry from the early days. A spark that can often get lost in the mundanity and tedium of everyday life!
To Stand Out From The Crowd
There are lots of fantastic perfumes and aftershaves out there, nowadays. And whilst some of them are unquestionably fantastic, others are, well, less so. It’s a market bursting at the seams, currently, and many of the modern offerings end up smelling artificial and mass-produced (usually because they are!). With older fragrances, however, you’ll often find that there’s an individuality to them and a depth of quality which modern alternatives simply can’t compete with!
Self-Confidence
Why do we wear any fragrance? Because we like it, because it makes us feel good inside. Whether it’s a hard to find old perfume, or something more modern, the reasoning behind our wearing of them never changes.
Key Pointers When Going Vintage
Of course, looking to purchase a now-discontinued perfume doesn’t come without its own risks, the main one being the threat of it having ‘turned’. So, look at the colour – discoloured perfume is usually a guarantee that a scent is past its best. Another obvious, perhaps the most obvious, way in which to tell is to test your fragrance.
If you’re able to get a sample before you commit to purchasing a whole bottle, then you’re less likely to waste your money. Try also to find out how the perfume you’re purchasing has been stored, previously? Sharp changes in temperature and humidity can have a drastic effect on the condition of the perfume, whereas a well-maintained bottle is much more likely to keep to its original condition.
Contact Us
So, if you’d like to find out more about discontinued perfumes (or perfumes currently still in circulation!) then get in touch! Contact Scentsational today on 020 7193 7816 or by using our online contact form.