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Hello and welcome! Please understand that this website is not affiliated with Guerlain in any way, it is only a reference site for collectors and those who have enjoyed the classic fragrances of days gone by. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
The main objective of this website is to chronicle the 200+ year old history of the Guerlain fragrances and showcase the bottles and advertising used throughout the years. Let this site be your source for information on antique and vintage Guerlain perfumes. Another goal of this website is to show the present owners of the Guerlain company how much we miss many of the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back these fragrances!
I invite you to leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the fragrance, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or on what occasion, what it smelled like to you, how it made you feel, any specific memories, what it reminded you of, maybe a relative wore it, or you remembered seeing the bottle on their vanity table), who knows, perhaps someone from the current Guerlain brand might see it.
If you have any questions, please send all images of your bottle and pertinent information directly to me at cleopatrasboudoir@gmail.com. I will try to assist you the best I can.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
POST-CHRISTMAS PERFUME SALE!!!
POST-CHRISTMAS PERFUME SALE!!! Save 20% off ANY purchase with coupon code AFTERXMAS2013, expires 1/31/14.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Chypre by Guerlain c1844
Guerlain's decision to name their 1844 fragrance "Chypre" is rooted in the deep historical and cultural significance of the term. "Chypre," the French word for Cyprus, refers to the Mediterranean island long associated with aromatic materials and ancient perfumery traditions. Since antiquity, Cyprus was famed for its natural materials, including resins, florals, and herbs, used in perfumery and incense. By the 19th century, the term "Chypre" came to define a fragrance style that combined citrus, floral, and woody notes with a distinct mossy, earthy undertone. For Guerlain, selecting the name "Chypre" was a nod to this rich heritage and a way to evoke the exotic allure of the Mediterranean—a blend of sophistication, nature, and timelessness.
The word "Chypre" itself conjures images of sun-drenched landscapes, rolling hills filled with cypress trees, and the salty breeze of the Mediterranean Sea. It evokes an air of exotic mystery, transporting the wearer to distant lands and a bygone era of ancient beauty and sensuality. The name suggests a scent that is earthy, grounded, and yet filled with light and freshness—a juxtaposition of nature's richness and breezy elegance. Emotions of nostalgia, refinement, and an understated but powerful allure might be brought to the surface when thinking of "Chypre." In scent, the word would translate to a complex blend of bright citrus, softened by a heart of floral opulence, all wrapped in a base of oakmoss, amber, and woods—a harmony of freshness and depth.
During the 19th century, both men and women would have responded to a fragrance named "Chypre" with admiration and a sense of connection to ancient history. For men, it may have evoked strength and nature, rooted in the earthiness of moss and wood. For women, the floral and citrus elements would have spoken to grace and femininity, balanced with a deeper, more complex undertone. In an era of Romanticism, with an emphasis on nature, beauty, and personal expression, Chypre would have resonated as a sophisticated choice for those looking to evoke both mystery and elegance. The nobility and the growing middle class, seeking to associate themselves with luxury and refinement, would have gravitated towards such a name.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Ebay Find! Mitsouko in Borne Flacon c1931-1960s
Ebay Find! Mitsouko in Borne Flacon c1931-1960s.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291034977534?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Flacon Borne (Boundary Stone) c1931- 1960s
Made by Pochet et du Courval to house extraits of Shalimar, Mitsouko, Jicky, L'Heure Bleue, Sillage and others.
World War II Version, all clear glass, without cobalt blue band.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291034977534?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
photo from ebay seller bucarest17
Flacon Borne (Boundary Stone) c1931- 1960s
Made by Pochet et du Courval to house extraits of Shalimar, Mitsouko, Jicky, L'Heure Bleue, Sillage and others.
- 82cc/82ml/2.7 oz - 10,5cm/4.13" (1931), ground blue glass truncated stopper in the shape of a French policeman's cap
World War II Version, all clear glass, without cobalt blue band.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Brillantine
Brillantine (brilliantine) was a grease used to groom the hair. It could be crystallized and sold in boxes like the one shown below or liquid form and housed in glass bottles.
"Brillantine" - (1920) rectangular box made up of molded colorless glass pressed for holding the solidifed hair oil, base decorated with draperies, brass lid embossed with baroque décor reminiscent of the eighteenth century. Titled. (Small chips) d: 5 x 8 cm. Photo by drouot.
Lait de Perles
Lait de Perles (Pearl Milk) was a skin bleach containing water, holding in suspension about equal parts of zinc oxide, magnesic carbonate, and powdered talc, perfumed with otto of roses.
The bottle below is known as the "flat bottle with ringed neck" and held various products such as Teintre de Quina, Teintre de Pyrethre, Eau de Vie de Gaiac, Eau des Fumeurs, Teintre de Myrrhe, Veritable Tresor de la Bouche, Lait de Perles , Blanc Patti, Creme de Lys, Blanc Rachel, and Blanc de Perles.
photo from Museu del Perfum
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Baume de la Ferté c1830
Baume de la Ferté was created around 1830 as an emollient balm to be used by nursing mothers and wet nurses to relieve their dried, cracked and sore nipples from breastfeeding. It contained tannins left over from Bordeaux wine production, benzoin, beeswax & almond oil. This moisturizing balm was also used to soothe chapped lips as well. The earliest pot lids are marked with the 15 ru de la Paix address (1840-1914), then in 1914, it was marked with the 68 Champs Elysees address.
The earliest pots were made up of stamped tin. The later pots were made up of galalith I believe. Newer formulas are housed in plastic tubes.
The earliest pots were made up of stamped tin. The later pots were made up of galalith I believe. Newer formulas are housed in plastic tubes.
c2010
c2013
Eau Lustrale
Eau Lustrale, a liquid hair groom which would clean it, degrease it but also give it it a lustrous shine.
It was made up of Castor oil (deodorized), strongest alcohol (deodorized), cantharides powder, oil of bergamot and otto of roses. To soften the hair, and prevent baldness.
It was made sometime before 1853 and continued to be sold into the 1960s.
Eau Lustrale was available in the following sizes and prices in 1941:
It was made up of Castor oil (deodorized), strongest alcohol (deodorized), cantharides powder, oil of bergamot and otto of roses. To soften the hair, and prevent baldness.
It was made sometime before 1853 and continued to be sold into the 1960s.
Eau Lustrale was available in the following sizes and prices in 1941:
- 4 oz $1.00
- 8 oz $3.25
- Pt. $6.60
- Qt. $12.75
Harper's Bazaar, 1935:
"There are a couple of Guerlain things that will make your trip to the hairdresser's far more pleasant. The first, Eau Lustral, which is used after the shampoo, is delightful as a setting lotion. It is as light and thin as water, and dries quickly."
Eau Lustrale bottle c1845. Rectangular, 6 1/4", graduated top, no panels, O.P., olive green, side: "GUERLAIN" side: "EAU LUSTRALE", manufactured by Pochet et du Courval . Photo from Hair Raising Stories.
c1914, emerald green bottle, cork top, manufactured by Pochet et du Courval, photo from museu del perfum.
c1931 emerald green bottle, black bakelite cap, manufactured by Pochet et du Courval. Photo from delcampe.
c1930-1950. Green glass bottle, black bakelite screwcap. Photo from ebay seller chiquita_tuli
Backside of bottle, c1950. Photo from ebay seller chiquita_tuli
Mini bottle of Eau Lustrale. Photo by www.ventesuroffres.com
c1960s. Photo from delcampe
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Ebay Find! Candide Effluve in Lyre Flacon
Ebay Find! Candide Effluve in Lyre Flacon
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VERY-RARE-CANDIDE-EFFLUVE-GUERLAIN-FLACON-BACCARAT-LYRE-SEALED-/181253487244?pt=fragrance&hash=item2a338cba8c
Candide Effluve: Created by Jacques Guerlain in 1921 but only launched the following year; in USA by 1924, it was intended to connote the innocent touch of a Virgin or young woman.
So what does it smell like? Notes include bergamot, lemon, ylang-ylang, lilac, muguet, styrax, hyacinth, lilac, orris, rose, amber, jasmine, iris, angelica, patchouli, vetiver, benzoin, tonka bean, heliotrope, thyme and vanilla.
The perfume was presented in a ‘Lyre’ bottle and the Flacon Brun Fume, made by Baccarat, starting in 1933.
Discontinued, date unknown, still being sold in 1946.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VERY-RARE-CANDIDE-EFFLUVE-GUERLAIN-FLACON-BACCARAT-LYRE-SEALED-/181253487244?pt=fragrance&hash=item2a338cba8c
Candide Effluve: Created by Jacques Guerlain in 1921 but only launched the following year; in USA by 1924, it was intended to connote the innocent touch of a Virgin or young woman.
So what does it smell like? Notes include bergamot, lemon, ylang-ylang, lilac, muguet, styrax, hyacinth, lilac, orris, rose, amber, jasmine, iris, angelica, patchouli, vetiver, benzoin, tonka bean, heliotrope, thyme and vanilla.
The perfume was presented in a ‘Lyre’ bottle and the Flacon Brun Fume, made by Baccarat, starting in 1933.
Discontinued, date unknown, still being sold in 1946.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Weird Shalimar Bottle - Fake Seal - Alert!!
Ok, so on ebay this week I found this vintage bottle of Shalimar, so it is sealed ....but...it is not a genuine Guerlain seal, nor is the thread that is wrapped around it correct. Guerlain never used red wax seals imprinted with Asian language characters. Also Guerlain's Shalimar extrait bottles are always sealed with baudruchage that has a small gold metal seal with the "G" for Guerlain attached and a fluffy tassel which was brushed out by hand by the "dames du table".
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Shalimar-by-Guerlain-1-2-oz-Made-in-France-with-threads-and-hang-tag-/321241591829?pt=fragrance&hash=item4acb7db015
I have no idea whether the contents in this bottle are even authentic Shalimar. I do not like the idea of the FAKE seal on the bottle either, this really pisses me off.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Shalimar-by-Guerlain-1-2-oz-Made-in-France-with-threads-and-hang-tag-/321241591829?pt=fragrance&hash=item4acb7db015
I have no idea whether the contents in this bottle are even authentic Shalimar. I do not like the idea of the FAKE seal on the bottle either, this really pisses me off.
Emily X has posted that the red seal belongs to Revlon's Xia Xiang perfume bottles. Here is a photo of one of the Xia Xiang bottles with it's red seal intact:
Thanks Emily X!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Ebay Find! Une Rose in Quadrilobe Flacon
Ebay Find! Une Rose in Quadrilobe Flacon
So what does it smell like? It was a rose soliflore.
Presented in the quadrilobe flacon (parfum), the Capsule flacon, and the Amphore facon (parfum).
Discontinued, date unknown, still being sold in the1950s-1960s.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Ebay Find! Guerlain Sachet with Dali In Venice Record
Ebay Find! Guerlain Sachet with Dali In Venice Record
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DALI-IN-VENICE-CONFALONIERI-w-GUERLAIN-SACHET-RARE-LONDON-OSA-1105-FFSS-/221306437675?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item3386e4402b
Read more about this item here:
http://guerlainperfumes.blogspot.com/2013/07/guerlains-scented-flannel.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DALI-IN-VENICE-CONFALONIERI-w-GUERLAIN-SACHET-RARE-LONDON-OSA-1105-FFSS-/221306437675?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item3386e4402b
Read more about this item here:
http://guerlainperfumes.blogspot.com/2013/07/guerlains-scented-flannel.html
Altered Glass Perfume Bottles
Occasionally one might come across an unusual colored perfume bottle. One might be inclined to think that this might have been a special limited edition or even perhaps a prototype. More than likely, the bottles have been artificially induced via radiation (sometimes done with the aid of a microwave or industrial good sterilizer). This would cause some glass to be a deep shade of purple or amber. from what I have read online, this appears to devalue a bottle, but some people collect these flacons for their aesthetic beauty rather than their investment value.
In the case of these Guerlain flacons, they have been intentionally artificially induced to an amber shade and older bottles are also artificially altered into the purple shade.
Please do not purchase these bottles in the hopes that it is "rare" or a "limited edition".
Ebay seller (clancy_kid) is irradiating old bottles hoping to get higher prices for these very common bottles.
In the case of these Guerlain flacons, they have been intentionally artificially induced to an amber shade and older bottles are also artificially altered into the purple shade.
Please do not purchase these bottles in the hopes that it is "rare" or a "limited edition".
the same ebay seller (iluvjax) is irradiating old bottles hoping to get higher prices for these very common bottles.
Irradiated Carre flacon, with wrong stopper.
Ebay Find! Vintage Jicky in Lanterne Flacon
Ebay Find! Vintage Jicky in Lanterne Flacon. This bottle was used from 1935-1943 only. A very rare presentation comes with its equally rare presentation box.
30ml/1 oz Flacon. Approximately 15ml of parfum extrait remain in this cobalt blue lantern bottle. The bottle stands 7.3cm/2.87". This size was reserved for export.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Ebay Find! Chamade Sucrier de Madame
Ebay Find! Chamade Sucrier de Madame
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guerlain-Chamade-Perfume-Bottle-Holder-Display-rare-has-some-left-1-5-in-bottle-/321233228706?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4acafe13a2
Le Sucrier de Madame c1980 - 2008?
Le Sucrier de Madame (Madam's Sugar Shaker/Muffineer) was made for express usage in the Guerlain boutiques to demonstrate the eau de toilettes. Sometimes they were often given as "rewards" to those who spent an exorbitant amount of money in the French boutiques.
The cases are of gilded brass and the domed tops are intricately pierced in a filigree pattern featuring the Guerlain G logo, hearkening back to the ornate muffineers of the 19th century. The bottle was designed by jeweler Robert Gossen.
Each bottle holds 200ml/6.7 oz of eau de toilette or 2.8 oz Parfum. I have seen these marked Chamade, Shalimar, Parure, Nahema, Chant D'Aromes, Chamade, Apres l'Ondee, Mitsouko, L'Heure Bleue, Vol de Nuit, Samsara and Jicky. Others are not marked with a name. Each case held a bottle that when emptied, a new refill could be recharged into the case.
In 2008, a Guerlain SA told a member of beaute-test.com that the manufacturer of the Sucrier flacons had just passed away and the flacons would be discontinued as he was the sole manufacturer. Whether not this is true, please let me know.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guerlain-Chamade-Perfume-Bottle-Holder-Display-rare-has-some-left-1-5-in-bottle-/321233228706?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4acafe13a2
Le Sucrier de Madame c1980 - 2008?
Le Sucrier de Madame (Madam's Sugar Shaker/Muffineer) was made for express usage in the Guerlain boutiques to demonstrate the eau de toilettes. Sometimes they were often given as "rewards" to those who spent an exorbitant amount of money in the French boutiques.
The cases are of gilded brass and the domed tops are intricately pierced in a filigree pattern featuring the Guerlain G logo, hearkening back to the ornate muffineers of the 19th century. The bottle was designed by jeweler Robert Gossen.
Each bottle holds 200ml/6.7 oz of eau de toilette or 2.8 oz Parfum. I have seen these marked Chamade, Shalimar, Parure, Nahema, Chant D'Aromes, Chamade, Apres l'Ondee, Mitsouko, L'Heure Bleue, Vol de Nuit, Samsara and Jicky. Others are not marked with a name. Each case held a bottle that when emptied, a new refill could be recharged into the case.
In 2008, a Guerlain SA told a member of beaute-test.com that the manufacturer of the Sucrier flacons had just passed away and the flacons would be discontinued as he was the sole manufacturer. Whether not this is true, please let me know.
Ebay Find! L'Heure Bleue in Borne Flacon c1940s
Ebay Find! L'Heure Bleue in Borne Flacon c1940s
This is a bottle of Guerlain Paris France L'Heure Bleue no.623. Comes in a glass bottle that measures about 4 1/4" tall with stopper and 3" wide. Bottle is over 3/4 full. This is a 2.7 oz bottle.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Guerlain-Extrait-LHeure-Bleue-No-623-in-glass-Bottle-2-oz-/181244256597?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a32ffe155
Flacon Borne (Boundary Stone) c1931- 1960s
Made by Pochet et du Courval to house extraits of Shalimar, Mitsouko, Jicky, L'Heure Bleue, Sillage and others.
This is a bottle of Guerlain Paris France L'Heure Bleue no.623. Comes in a glass bottle that measures about 4 1/4" tall with stopper and 3" wide. Bottle is over 3/4 full. This is a 2.7 oz bottle.
This is a vintage bottle that comes with the original box, still has the string tied around the stopper, box has been opened.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Guerlain-Extrait-LHeure-Bleue-No-623-in-glass-Bottle-2-oz-/181244256597?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a32ffe155
Flacon Borne (Boundary Stone) c1931- 1960s
Made by Pochet et du Courval to house extraits of Shalimar, Mitsouko, Jicky, L'Heure Bleue, Sillage and others.
- 82cc/82ml/2.7 oz - 10,5cm/4.13" (1931), ground blue glass truncated stopper in the shape of a French policeman's cap
- World War II Version, all clear glass, without cobalt blue band.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Ebay Find! Baccarat Lyre Flacon
Ebay Find! Baccarat Lyre Flacon, later hand painted.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dramatic-Baccarat-Hand-Painted-Enamel-Art-Deco-French-Commercial-Perfume-Bottle-/380748416865?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a65fc761
Flacon Lyre c1921-1959
Flacon created by Baccarat to house Candide Efflueve, A Travers Champs and Guerlinade. Also produced by Pochet et du Courval in a very small quantity for export to the USA. Baccarat flacon #475.
Baccarat:
Pochet & the Courval:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dramatic-Baccarat-Hand-Painted-Enamel-Art-Deco-French-Commercial-Perfume-Bottle-/380748416865?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a65fc761
photo by ebay seller decodaysgoneby
Flacon Lyre c1921-1959
Flacon created by Baccarat to house Candide Efflueve, A Travers Champs and Guerlinade. Also produced by Pochet et du Courval in a very small quantity for export to the USA. Baccarat flacon #475.
Baccarat:
- 80cc/80ml/2.7 oz - 12.9cm/5.08" (1921-1959)
- 125cc/125ml/4.2 oz - 14.7cm/5.79" (1921-1959)
- 250cc/250ml/8.4 oz - 18.7cm/7.36" (1921-1959)
- 500cc/500ml/16.9 oz - 23.5cm/9.25" (1921-1952)
- 1 liter/1000ml - 29cm/11.42" (1921-1952)
Pochet & the Courval:
- 30cc/30ml/1 oz (1924) produced very limited quantities to the USA
Ebay Find! L'Heure Blue with Silver Fountain Label c1926
Ebay Find! L'Heure Blue with Silver Fountain Label c1926
Super rare find!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Superb-Baccarat-French-Art-Deco-Commerical-Perfume-Bottle-GUERLAIN-LHeure-Bleue-/380748402450?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a65f8f12
The Silver Fountain labels represent the fountains at the 1925 Art Deco Expo in Paris, they were used in 1928 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Guerlain. The perfumes were boxed in a blue and silver box and the perfumes were presented in a clear glass bottle called the "petit beurre" or little butter pat..
Super rare find!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Superb-Baccarat-French-Art-Deco-Commerical-Perfume-Bottle-GUERLAIN-LHeure-Bleue-/380748402450?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a65f8f12
The Silver Fountain labels represent the fountains at the 1925 Art Deco Expo in Paris, they were used in 1928 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Guerlain. The perfumes were boxed in a blue and silver box and the perfumes were presented in a clear glass bottle called the "petit beurre" or little butter pat..
Flacon Petit Beurre (Little Butter Pat) c1916 - ?
Baccarat:
Baccarat:
- 40cc/40ml/1.35 oz - 7.7cm/3.03" (limited edition of only 500 in 1916)
- 80cc/80ml/2.7 oz - (limited edition of only 500 in 1916)
Pochet et du Courval:
- 20ml/0.676 oz - 5.5cm/2.17" (1929)
These were used for the following perfumes:
- L'Heure Bleue
- Mitsouko
- Rue de la Paix
- Candide Effluve
- A Travers Champs
- Fol Arome
- Quand Vient L'Ete
- Kadine
- Guerlinade
- Une Rose
- Pour Troubler
- Vague Souvenir
- Champs Elysees
Labels:
100 anniversary,
1920s,
anniversary edition,
bottle,
ebay,
extrait,
flacon,
guerlain,
l'heure bleue,
limited edition,
parfum,
perfume,
petite beurre flacon,
rare,
silver fountain label
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Eau de Cologne Jeune Age c1953
Eau de Cologne Jeune Age: launched in 1953. Created by Jacques Guerlain.
What does it smell like? I have no published notes on this composition.
What does it smell like? I have no published notes on this composition.
Guerlain Journees Particulieurs Video
Our friend Monsieur Guerlain shared the link for this video http://vimeo.com/76552991
I do not understand French, so I don't know what is being said, but the images are beautiful.
I do not understand French, so I don't know what is being said, but the images are beautiful.
La Pyrommee - Guerlain's First Kohl Eyeliner
The more daring woman may have lined her eyes with La Pyrommee, an Arabian styled kohl powder for the eyes kept inside an ivory tube decorated with an eye motif. Advertising of the era told a story that Pierre-Francois-Pascal Guerlain learned the secret formula from an Armenian Pasha who gave it to the ladies of his harem.
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