YOU SMELL GOOD

Elixirs that hark back to powerful perfumes of the '80s are gaining popularity. Here's what you need to know.

- Balvinder Sandhu

When you think of the 1980s, what usually comes to mind are big hair, leg warmers and shoulder pads. Another thing that was popular in that decade: perfumes that were powerful, bold and intoxicating - think Opium from Yves Saint Laurent or Dior's Poison.

Now, this trend is back, in the form of elixirs. According to Aura Prestige, a distributor of beauty products in Southeast Asia, elixirs are highly concentrated perfume compositions designed to be long-lasting. Their richness and depth make them perfect for those seeking an intense, statement-making fragrance – those who want their scent to linger and last throughout the day.

Elixirs are more concentrated than Eau de Parfums (EDP), with richer compositions. While EDPs provide a balanced fragrance, elixirs are crafted for greater intensity, extended longevity and a deeper olfactory experience.

Dan Terry, founder of Oo La Lab, which organises perfume workshops and events in Singapore, describes elixirs as "the pinnacle of fragrance intensity". Their highly concentrated formulas are designed to make a bold statement, delivering a richer, longer-lasting experience.