In a surprising twist for the beauty industry, high street giant Boots has announced its number one bestselling feminine fragrance for the coming year. The top spot hasn't been claimed by a shiny new launch, but by a beloved icon from the early 2000s, now available for less than £25.
The Surprising Return of a Millennium Scent
Versace Woman Eau de Parfum, which first launched in the year 2000, has been crowned Boots' top-selling feminine fragrance for 2025. The retailer links its remarkable resurgence directly to the booming popularity of Y2K nostalgia across social media platforms. Originally crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel – the nose behind hits like Narciso Rodriguez for Her and numerous Jo Malone London creations – the scent is experiencing a major renaissance.
Typically priced at £66 for a 50ml bottle, the perfume is currently on a dramatic offer, reduced to just £24. This significant price cut positions it as an ideal and accessible luxury gift for the festive season or a new signature everyday scent for shoppers.
What Makes Versace Woman So Popular?
The fragrance is described as a floral-fruity woody composition, a versatile blend that appeals to a wide audience. It opens with top notes of frangipani blossoms, jasmine, and bergamot. The heart reveals a fruitier character with raspberry, before drying down to a warm, woody base of amber and musk.
Boots customers have been quick to praise the scent online, highlighting its elegance and value. One reviewer called it "perfect for a daytime scent," noting that people frequently ask what perfume they are wearing. Another customer, who previously worked on a fragrance counter, endorsed it as a favourite low-budget, high-quality option among industry professionals.
Other Noughties Scents Still in Vogue
Versace Woman is not the only early-2000s fragrance enjoying enduring popularity. Britney Spears' Fantasy, released in 2005, remains a staple on Christmas lists and is currently priced around £17. Its fruity and gourmand notes of kiwi, cupcake accord, and white chocolate continue to captivate.
Similarly, Ghost Deep Night, launched in 2001, maintains a loyal following. This floral-fruity scent, featuring Indian Rose, apricot, and vanilla, is now available at Superdrug for approximately £35. The sustained appeal of these scents underscores a broader trend of nostalgia within the beauty market.
While most reviews are glowing, some wearers have noted that the Versace scent can be subtle and may require reapplication throughout the day. However, many others contradict this, asserting the fragrance lasts for hours on the skin.
The combination of iconic status, a compelling discount, and the powerful wave of Y2K trend revival has proven irresistible to British shoppers. This announcement from Boots solidifies that in the world of perfume, sometimes the classics, especially those with a nostalgic pull and a bargain price tag, truly are the bestsellers.
