Babe and Tribe Perfume 2015

Above are two seemingly retro fragrances that are steeped within their own sensory legacy. Would it surprise you to learn that I am not familar with either? One launched before I was born and the other when I was still in nappies, I don't think I'll get to play the too young to recall card much longer but in this instance I truly am.  After a little research I have learned that both were big, if not bestsellers in their day and Tribe was the teenage scent of the 90's - an elder relative confessed to owning a bottle and did become a little nostalgic in regards to the heedy aroma.

Babe Perfume (yep no eau, I'm not sure if that is a good or a bad thing in regards to this scent) launched in 1976 and was discontinued in 1992, it en-massed worldwide sales of over $50 million and won several awards. Babe is fairly floral yet oddly, musky at the same time - it is quite mature and dare I say it quite heavy on the alcohol content (it almost smells like vodka before it dries down). Apparently the scent is created using 118 different essences which include (but are not limited too - there's a saying I never thought I'd wrangle into a blog post!): raspberry, bergamot, jasmine, hyacinth, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, honey, rose, orris root, carnation, citrus, coriander, oak moss, amber, vetiver, musk and celery seed. Like I said it is not for me but perhaps something that my Grandmother would like? It definitely makes a statement, let's leave it there shall we?

The best way I can describe Tribe Perfume is strong - imagine the girl version of Lynx/Axe body spray and over enthusiastic youthful usage and you are half way there. It takes no prisoners (the bottle design kind of hints that this is a strong fragrance, wouldn't you agree?) and again makes a comeback this year. Tribe perfume was first launched in 1991 and became the official sponsor of the Take That tour in 1992, it was discontinued in 1997. It somewhat reminds me of Charlie, So! and all those early 90's fragrances, our older cousins and siblings so proudly sported. Tribe is listed as oriental floral with notes (again they are in abundance) of mandarin, orange, raspberry, peach, apple, bergamot, lemon, jasmine, lily of the valley, rose and many more. Personally I'd describe it to be an overwhelming, robust floral.

Now I'll confess neither scent is quite to my taste, they are a little dated and most likely were retired for that very reason. On the other had who doesn't enjoy a little trip down memory lane? If yourself or a loved one use to wear either Babe or Tribe it may make a lovely gift or even gesture, if just for a chuckle.

Weirdly I have rather enjoyed trying out scents that were once popular and now seldom spoke about. You can't help but wonder why some fragrances last the test ot time and others, well not so much. I guess we will just have to wait and see what fragrances will be re-launched in twenty or so years, I'm not going to pretend for one moment that I wouldn't welcome back the revival of the Impulse Spice Girls Body Sprays - the bizarre and somewhat sassy scent of my childhood. Please say others recall them too?

You can purchase Tribe Perfume here for £24.99/30ml - link and Babe Perfume £24.99/50ml - link.

This post contains press samples.