Getty
There’s something nostalgic about thinking back to what our makeup bags or bathroom benches looked like growing up. Whether it feels more recent like the celebrity-endorsed lip products, and the rise of ‘Sephora kids’ or it’s a little further back where Lip Smackers and Herbal Essences were your daily non-negotiables, both feel nostalgic and personal — like a mini time capsule into what your tweenhood looked, felt and even smelt like.
Now with the internet currently deep in the ‘golden age’ throwbacks from our 2016 selves, nostalgic looks are back on our feeds with it being only natural to look even further back for our Millennial friends. Whether you cringe or simply reminisce, the trip down memory lane is welcomed.
Before BeautyTok routines, there was an era of beauty obsession defined by icons such as The Body Shop Mango Body Butter, Lancôme Juicy Tubes and the ultimate party combination of Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse and Conair Quick Braid. Together, they paint a picture of peak 2000s energy — an era that felt innocent and playful, very different from today’s skincare-first aesthetic. One product that wraps that feeling up into a sweet memory is Fantasy by Britney Spears.
When perfume felt grown up
For a lot of people, Fantasy wasn’t just a perfume — it was a rite of passage. It was the kind of fragrance you might get as a birthday gift, spot in an older sibling’s room, or use sparingly because you wanted it to last as long as possible. Wearing it felt grown up in a way that lip gloss and body spray didn’t – very “I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman” energy.
First released at the end of 2005, it was just the start of the celebrity fragrance era. The sparkly pink bottle turned into a status symbol in school bags and bedside tables alike, filling the air with its familiar sweet scent and a dose of ‘coolness’.
For the Girlfriend team, those memories are still surprisingly vivid:
“Fantasy was the first addition I ever made to my fragrance wardrobe, setting a sky-high standard from the get-go. Britney cemented herself as a sweet-toothed trailblazer through the truly inspired decision to use ‘cupcakes’ as a central note, and my 2026 perfume palate appreciates it every bit as much as my teenage self did. ” — Delaney
“The lychee and musk notes instantly take me back to my teens — I can literally picture the exact moments this was sprayed. My best friend had Fantasy and I had Curious, and we’d always spritz our sweet perfumes before heading out to a ‘gathering’. I can still see the pink sparkly bottle sitting on her dresser.” — Aimee
“I can still remember exactly where I bought my first bottle of Fantasy — in a market in Queensland. So, it might not have been real, but spritzing the fragrance again as an adult takes me right back to those sun-soaked days at the start of high school. And don’t even get me started on the colourful swirling box (that lived pride of place on my shelves).” — Emma
Why nostalgic beauty hits different
Part of what makes nostalgic beauty so powerful is how strongly it’s tied to memory — and perfume especially has a way of transporting you straight back to a specific moment in time. A single spray can bring back entire eras; from the outfits you wore to the music you listened to and the way you got ready before heading out.
Now, nearly two decades after it first launched, Fantasy is finding a new audience alongside the resurgence of Y2K beauty trends, while still holding a special place for those who remember it from the first time around. And with multiple versions of the fragrance now part of the collection, there’s something both familiar and new to discover.
Because while trends always come back around, some beauty icons never really leave — they just wait for their next moment.
Find your Fantasy here:
Britney Spears fragrances capture playful glamour and irresistible confidence. From sweet, fruity notes to sensual florals, each scent reflects Britney’s iconic pop spirit. Discover perfumes that celebrate individuality, fun, and feminine allure—perfect for everyday sparkle or unforgettable nights out. Shine bright with every spritz.
Related stories
Bumpy blemish-prone skin? This duo has your back…
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Remembering Liam Payne: Special Tribute Issue
On sale now
