Katrina Rosales
The 1970s were a time of liberation and exploration for young people, and this was reflected in the fragrances of the time. From the sound of it, the 1970s smelled like a heady mix of cigarette smoke, hairspray, lip gloss, shampoo, and coffee. But what were the iconic perfumes of the time? Well, if you were alive then, you might remember the distinct smell of perfumes like Aliage by Estee Lauder, with its blend of oakmoss, nutmeg, rose, and woods, or the delicate floral fragrance of Anais Anais, which remained popular through the 80s. Other memorable scents from the 70s include Wild Strawberry with its red berry and white floral notes, and the glamorous, mysterious Opium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1970 |
| Color | Red |
| Fragrance | Wild strawberry, strawberry incense, baby powder, jasmine, citrus, rose, woods, oakmoss, nutmeg, vanilla, musk, floral, citrus, and leather |
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What You'll Learn
Strawberry and red berry perfumes
The 1970s saw the launch of many iconic perfumes, including Skinny Dip Wild Strawberry, a fun and fruity fragrance for women with notes of red berries, strawberry, white florals, and aldehydes. Another popular fragrance family from the '70s was Opium, which was well-loved into the '80s.
Today, strawberry and red berry perfumes continue to be popular. For example, Valentina by Valentino combines strawberry with truffle for an elegant and sexy scent. Burberry's Her Elixir de Parfum opens with dark red berries and jasmine, settling into a musky, vanilla-laced base. Yves Saint Laurent's Mon Paris Eau de Parfum features top notes of raspberry, strawberry, orange, and tangerine, with a base of white musk.
Other strawberry perfumes include Coach Love, which combines wild strawberry with red velvet rose and warm cedarwood, and Flash by Jimmy Choo, which mixes strawberry with pink pepper and tangerine. For a light, breezy scent, try Splash Rain Eau de Toilette by Marc Jacobs. If you're looking for something a little more affordable, the Phlur Strawberry Letter Eau de Parfum is a great option.
While strawberry and red berry perfumes can be playful and romantic, some can also be exuberant and classy. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture combines wild berries, strawberry, honeysuckle, amber, caramel, and vanilla for a scent that's both bossy and sassy.
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Floral fragrances
The 1970s were a time of bold fashion choices and self-expression, and fragrances were no exception. Floral fragrances were particularly popular, with a range of options available for both men and women.
For women, Charlie Blue by Revlon was a popular choice. This woody floral fragrance combined sharp notes of citrus and peach with a floral heart of carnation and rose, and a base of musk, vanilla, and cedar. Anais Anais by Cacharel was another favourite, offering an intense, sensual, and romantic scent with notes of hyacinth, black currant, and honeysuckle, followed by soft florals and a base of vetiver, patchouli, and musk.
For men, Polo Green by Ralph Lauren was a go-to fragrance. This natural and refined scent featured gentle notes of lavender, contrasted with bold, spicy basil and cumin, and softened by floral and woody notes. The result was a versatile fragrance suitable for both vintage and modern styles.
Other popular floral fragrances of the 1970s included Tatiana by Diane von Furstenberg, which was loved for its elegant and sophisticated scent, and Heaven Scent by Helena Rubinstein, which captured the essence of the decade for many. Avon's Honeysuckle was another floral fragrance that gained popularity, with its sweet and enchanting scent.
The 70s were also a time when lemon fragrances were all the rage, with many women opting for fresh and citrusy scents. These included the aptly named Lemon Fragrances, as well as Bonne, a fragrance that captured the essence of "the big outdoors" with its fresh and unapologetic bouquet.
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Cigarette smoke
The 1970s had a distinct set of fragrances, from perfumes to hairsprays, and, of course, cigarette smoke. The latter was seemingly everywhere, as was the scent of the popular hairspray, Aqua Net.
In the 1970s, smoking was a common and accepted social activity. It was not uncommon to see people smoking in public places, including offices, restaurants, and even hospitals. Cigarette smoke was so pervasive that it is often remembered as one of the defining scents of the decade.
The smell of cigarette smoke is often linked to memories and can evoke a sense of nostalgia for those who experienced the 1970s. For some, it may bring back memories of a stylish, glamorous era, while for others, it may be a reminder of the freedom and liberation of youth.
While the scent of cigarette smoke may evoke fond memories for some, it is important to remember that it is also a reminder of the health risks associated with smoking. The dangers of second-hand smoke were not widely known or recognised in the 1970s, and as a result, many people were unknowingly exposed to the harmful effects of cigarette smoke.
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Leather
In the 1970s, leather was a notable fragrance, with "English Leather" being a popular scent for men. It was described as musky and floral, with a bright citrus twist. This fragrance captured the essence of the decade, which was characterised by a mix of musky and floral scents. The scent of leather was also associated with items such as chairs, car interiors, and toys, which contributed to the overall olfactory experience of the time.
Today, leather remains a popular fragrance note, with many modern interpretations and updates. It continues to evoke feelings of nostalgia and refinement, capturing the essence of artisanal leather goods in a contemporary way.
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Citrus and jasmine perfumes
One of the most iconic perfumes of the 1970s, Aliage by Estee Lauder, is a perfect example of a citrus and jasmine fragrance. It was sold as a sport spray, offering a light yet deep character with rich, woody, and earthy notes. The initial burst of citrus and jasmine gave it a sunny, cheerful personality, while the blend of oakmoss, nutmeg, rose, and woods added a mature sophistication. This fragrance captures the spirit of liberation and exploration that defined the youth of the 1970s.
Another notable fragrance from the 1970s is Dior's Diorella, a beautiful floral perfume with a light and elegant touch. Diorella combined citrus accords with florals and musk, creating a sophisticated and mature scent, perhaps reminiscent of a rich aunt in the 1970s.
These perfumes showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of citrus and jasmine fragrances, which have evolved from the iconic perfumes of the 1970s to the innovative creations of today.
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