Y2K Perfumes Making a Comeback (Britney Spears, VS Bombshell & More)

The early 2000s are officially back—and not just in perfume. From low-rise jeans to butterfly clips, the Y2K aesthetic has taken over TikTok, music videos, and now... the perfume world. If you’ve recently caught a whiff of something nostalgic—like Britney Spears Fantasy or Victoria’s Secret Bombshell—you’re not imagining it. The sweet, fruity, flirty scents of the Y2K era are having a full-blown renaissance.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into the iconic Y2K perfumes making a comeback, why Gen Z and millennials alike can’t get enough of them, and how these fragrances still hold their place in today’s world of niche and “clean girl” perfumes.

???? Why Are Y2K Perfumes Trending Again?

Let’s face it: the 2000s were bold. Y2K perfumes didn’t shy away from sweetness, shimmer, or sass. They were designed to turn heads, feel flirty, and make a statement.

Here’s why they’re making a comeback:

• Nostalgia marketing is booming. People want to reconnect with carefree vibes.

• Younger generations are discovering them on TikTok.

• Pop culture icons like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are back in the spotlight.

• Affordability: Many Y2K scents are budget-friendly and accessible at drugstores or online retailers.

???? The Most Iconic Y2K Perfumes (Still Smelling Sweet Today)

Let’s explore the top Y2K perfumes that have never really left—and are now hotter than ever.

1. Britney Spears Fantasy (2005)

• Notes: Kiwi, white chocolate, cupcake, jasmine, musk

• Vibe: Sparkly cupcakes and pop-star dreams

Fantasy is the queen bee of celebrity fragrances. With its hot pink bottle and glittery vibe, it screams 2000s pop culture. It’s sweet, unapologetically feminine, and layered with gourmand deliciousness. The perfume top note of kiwi is juicy and playful, followed by a heart of cupcake and jasmine.

Why it's back:
Fantasy went viral on TikTok for being an “OG baddie scent.” Plus, it’s still super affordable—usually under $30.

2. Victoria’s Secret Bombshell (2010)

• Notes: Passionfruit, grapefruit, peony, vanilla orchid, musk

• Vibe: Sexy, confident, beachy glam

Technically a 2010 scent, Bombshell’s DNA is pure Y2K energy—flirty, fruity, and full of sparkle. It became synonymous with the Victoria’s Secret Angels era, and the white musk and fruity florals still hold strong in today’s clean-but-sexy perfume world.

Why it’s back:
It's fresh, versatile, and ideal for layering. Women's fragrance oils often try to replicate this iconic scent.

3. Paris Hilton for Women (2005)

• Notes: Apple, peach, mimosa, freesia, ylang-ylang, musk

• Vibe: Pink limos, sidekicks, and paparazzi flashbulbs

Paris Hilton’s original perfume is a surprisingly sophisticated fruity-floral. The combination of apple, floral notes, and a creamy musk dry-down gives it staying power. It has that “I'm the main character” confidence, and smells like it belongs on a velour tracksuit.

Why it's back:
Paris is in her comeback era, and so is this scent. Plus, it’s timelessly wearable.

4. Ralph by Ralph Lauren (2000)

• Notes: Apple leaf, mandarin, magnolia, freesia, musk

• Vibe: Abercrombie girl, beach volleyball, summer love

This Eau de Toilette (EDT) is perfect for warm weather, with its fresh citrus and floral blend. It feels clean, cool, and casually luxurious—like a girl-next-door with a designer handbag.

Why it's back:
Light perfumes with crisp fruit notes are trending again thanks to the “clean girl aesthetic.”

5. JLo Glow (2002)

• Notes: Neroli, orange blossom, grapefruit, rose, sandalwood, amber

• Vibe: Dance rehearsals, dewy skin, and body shimmer

This was one of the first celeb scents to go big. Glow is soapy, musky, and fresh with a slightly powdery edge. The base includes sandalwood essential oil, adding a warm, skin-like vibe.

Why it’s back:
Skin-scent perfumes are in—and Glow basically invented that genre. Plus, oud and musk pair beautifully for layering it with deeper modern scents.

6. Curious by Britney Spears (2004)

• Notes: Magnolia, pear, lotus, vanilla, musk

• Vibe: Bubble baths and first crushes

Curious is the intro-to-perfume fragrance for so many millennials. It’s soft, flirty, and clean with just enough sweetness to feel youthful.

Why it’s back:
TikTok’s perfume nostalgia trend has everyone reminiscing about their first spritz of Curious.

7. DKNY Be Delicious (2004)

• Notes: Green apple, cucumber, grapefruit, magnolia, sandalwood

• Vibe: NYC girls, crop tops, and iced lattes

Bright, juicy, and tart—this scent was bold and refreshing in the sea of overly sweet Y2K scents. It’s aged surprisingly well and still sells strong.

Why it’s back:
Fresh, fruity perfumes are in again, and the crisp apple note makes this a timeless standout.

8. Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfiger (1996 but went big in early 2000s)

• Notes: Camellia, apple blossom, mandarin, honeysuckle, cedar

• Vibe: Y2K preppy princess with a rebellious side

Floral yet citrusy, fresh yet comforting—Tommy Girl is the ultimate “cool-girl” Y2K perfume. It’s vibrant and has amazing sillage for an Eau de Cologne (EDC).

Why it’s back:
Its tomboy-meets-glam blend works perfectly with today’s genderless fragrance trend.

???? Y2K-Inspired Modern Perfumes

Can’t find the OG? These newer releases are inspired by Y2K but updated for modern noses.

These blends often combine perfume notes like sugar, musk, and florals in a cleaner, more refined way—but the spirit of the early 2000s remains.

???? TikTok Loves These Y2K Scents

PerfumeTok is obsessed with all things nostalgic, and Y2K perfumes are no exception. Here’s what creators are saying:

• @perfumesbyjane says: “Fantasy is the original ‘baddie’ scent. I always get compliments!”

• @genzfragrances on JLo Glow: “This is the clean girl aesthetic before it had a name. I layer it with a vanilla body oil and it's perfect.”

• @scentednostalgia on VS Bombshell: “Nothing says hot girl summer like this. It’s like confidence in a bottle.”

???? How to Make Y2K Scents Work in 2025

Love Y2K perfumes but want a more grown-up twist? Try these tips:

1. Layer for Depth

Layer sweet or fruity scents with something woodier or spicier like oud and musk or sandalwood essential oil to create more dimension.

2. Update the Application

Spray on pulse points like wrists, collarbones, and back of knees for longevity. Add a bit to your hairbrush or scarf to create a scent trail.

3. Use with Women’s Fragrance Oils

Roll-on oils can give lasting power and smooth out synthetic top notes.

???? Where to Shop Y2K Perfumes

• FragranceNet and FragranceX: Great for discounted classics

• Walmart & Target: Surprisingly good selection of Britney, Paris, and JLo

• eBay & Mercari: For discontinued Y2K faves like Hilary Duff With Love

• Amazon: Quick shipping, just watch out for fakes—check reviews

✨ Final Thoughts: Scent is the Ultimate Time Machine

Whether you were a teen in the early 2000s or just discovered these sweet gems through TikTok, Y2K perfumes offer a kind of confidence, fun, and femininity we could all use more of. They’re sugary, flirty, a little bit loud—and totally iconic.

So go ahead, dig out that pink bottle of Fantasy or spritz on Bombshell before your next night out. Smell like a main character. Smell like 2005.

Because the best part of Y2K being back? We get to enjoy it with way better eyebrows.