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What smells or scents are evocative to you?

56 replies

ItWasnaMeGuv · 01/09/2026 07:56

Yesterday was our wedding anniversary and my DH bought me a perfume he knew was very special to me. In the 80's when I got my first pay packet I spent some of the money on a bottle of Oscar de la Renta. Near where I was working was a posh perfume shop which I would visit and try on different perfumes. I loved the Oscar scent and was thrilled to buy a bottle for myself. Previous to that "Charlie" was my perfume of choice.

Anyway many decades later I was complaining to DH that I could no longer find it, and it was a wonderful surprise that he sourced it online for me. I tried it on and ahhh, I was right back on Dale Street where I worked and in Liverpool of the 80's, complete with long permed hair. Lovely Grin. I'm in my 60's now but was thinking about how memories can be triggered by a scent.

My question is, what are your scents or smells that trigger memories, may be good or bad.

OP posts:
HouseHouseHouse7 · 02/09/2026 22:56

“Captivation” by Impulse. I wish they still made it. Reminds me of going out and about with friends and my first boyfriend aged 15.

My grandmother’s perfume, Opium by YSL.

Butter on Marie biscuits - that smell reminds me of my other grandmother’s kitchen.

Christmas decorations.

Cotopaxi · 02/09/2026 23:13

Aydel · 02/09/2026 19:15

M & S Christmas scented candle in Frankincense and Myrrh smells exactly like the box we kept the Christmas decorations in when I was a child.

Ooh, I'm going to have to test that one then! (I'm the tinsel-sniffer from upthread).

Rituelec · 02/09/2026 23:15

Loved reading these.

I often crave the smell of Milton. Takes me back to maternity ward. I'd also love to smell one of my newborns again.

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maddiemookins16mum · 05/09/2026 21:59

I bought some Panache perfume last year - every time I squirt it I’m transported back to 1984.

FreddysFingers · 05/09/2026 22:02

HouseHouseHouse7 · 02/09/2026 22:56

“Captivation” by Impulse. I wish they still made it. Reminds me of going out and about with friends and my first boyfriend aged 15.

My grandmother’s perfume, Opium by YSL.

Butter on Marie biscuits - that smell reminds me of my other grandmother’s kitchen.

Christmas decorations.

OMG I forgot about Impulse! 🥰 I loved Free Spirit, o2, Vanilla Kisses, and Zen was BEAUTIFUL, really fresh and cucumbery- memories ❤️❤️

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