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.

Looking to Buy Vintage Fragrances?

Friday, September 6, 2013

Ebay Find! Rare Shalimar No. 90 Quadrilobe Flacon!

 A Shalimar "No. 90" quadrilobe flacon! Probably from the 1930s-1940s. Stands: 2 1/2" tall.


photo by ebay seller shumakka



Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Champs Elysees Too Much? by Guerlain c2000

Champs Elysees Too Much? by Guerlain: launched in 2000.


Shiny Cherry Blossom by Guerlain c2005

Shiny Cherry Blossom by Guerlain: launched in 2005. Limited edition from the Asian-oriented Cherry Blossom fragrance collection released each spring.


Samsara Shine by Guerlain c2001

Samsara Shine by Guerlain: launched in 2001. It was created by Jean-Paul Guerlain as a flanker to the highly successful Samsara perfume, also by Guerlain. It is a lighter and sprarkling version of Samsara, meant to be worn in the warmer months of spring and summer.



Place Rouge by Guerlain c2013

Place Rouge by Guerlain: launched in 2013. Created by Thierry Wasser. Limited edition released commemorating the 120th anniversary of the Russian department store Glavnyi Universalnyi Magazin (GUM) located in Moscow's Red Square. The perfume's name is named after it's location, Place Rouge (Red Square).


Colours of Love by Guerlain c2005

Colours of Love by Guerlain: launched in 2005. This is a fragrance of romance, love, and zest for life, created for flirty young girls.



Ebay find! Apres L'Ondee by Guerlain

Ebay find!

Apres L'Ondee by Guerlain early 1980s, limited edition extrait in Louis XVI bottle. I can't make out the batch numbers on the base of the bottle, perhaps the seller can enlighten us.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-GUERLAIN-Apres-Londee-Perfume-SEALED-and-BOXED-/271268016139?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f28d5700b

photo by ebay seller voldenuit2

The same seller has another Apres L'Ondee, also in the Louis XVI flacon, dates after 1983.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-GUERLAIN-Apres-Londee-Perfume-SEALED-and-BOXED-/271267967589?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f28d4b265

photos by ebay seller voldenuit2

Ebay Find! Candide Effluve by Guerlain

Ebay Find!

Candide Effluve by Guerlain in the quadrilobe flacon (Baccarat signed), it holds 80ml/2 2/3 oz parfum extrait.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-GUERLAIN-Candide-Effluve-BACCARAT-perfume-bottle-SEALED-BOXEX-/271267998521?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f28d52b39

photos by ebay seller voldenuit2

Lilas by Guerlain c1875

Guerlain's Lilas, introduced in 1839, carries a name that immediately evokes the delicate and romantic imagery of lilac blossoms. The word "Lilas" is French for "lilac," a term that captures the essence of this fragrant flower renowned for its sweet, soft scent and vibrant colors. By choosing this name, Guerlain conjured images of lush lilac bushes in full bloom, infusing their fragrance with a sense of both natural beauty and elegance.

In scent, Lilas would be interpreted as embodying the light, airy qualities of lilac flowers. The perfume likely features a blend of sweet and floral notes, with the lilac providing a soft, powdery, and slightly green aroma that is both refreshing and subtly intoxicating. This would translate into a fragrance that feels both gentle and uplifting, capturing the essence of springtime in a bottle and evoking a sense of tranquility and grace.

For women of the early 19th century, a perfume named Lilas would have held significant appeal. This period, marked by a burgeoning appreciation for floral scents and an increasing desire for refined, sophisticated fragrances, would have found Lilas to be a symbol of grace and elegance. The lilac’s association with purity and delicate beauty made it an ideal choice for a fragrance intended to complement a woman’s elegance and femininity. Women who chose Lilas would have been seen as embracing a fragrance that was both stylish and gentle, reflecting the romantic ideals and aesthetic values of the time.

The 1839 launch of Lilas occurred during an era when perfumery was becoming more sophisticated and the demand for high-quality, complex fragrances was rising. The early 19th century saw a shift towards more elaborate and nuanced scents, with floral notes gaining prominence. Guerlain’s Lilas tapped into this trend, offering a fragrance that was both modern and timeless. The perfume not only catered to the tastes of its contemporary audience but also helped to define the future direction of luxury fragrances, establishing a precedent for floral scents in the years to come.



Shalimar Limited Edition Gift Set c1999

Shalimar Limited Edition Gift Set c1999

Included the following:

  • 5ml Eau de Toilette Splash
  • 5ml Beautifying Hair Gel Spray



Photo by ebay seller menack123

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Vintage Shalimar Gift Set c1970s

Vintage Shalimar Gift Set c1970s. Includes: 1.6 oz Eau de Cologne in Montre flacon and 3 oz Film Spray (moisturizing lotion). Presented in a lilac flocked box with a plastic sleeve to protect the box.

photos by ebay seller oakhill-sales


Ebay Find! Kriss by Guerlain

On Ebay now....Kriss by Guerlain


The price is outrageous and not likely to sell for that amount, but it is a nice example in its original presentation box.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPER-RARE-1942-KRISS-GUERLAIN-PERFUME-UNOPENED-ORIGINAL-BOX-CANT-BUY-ANYWHERE-/221276372368?pt=AU_Fragrances&hash=item3385197d90

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Pot a Flannels - Used at Guerlain Boutiques

Pot à Flanelles, these were gold toned canisters which held cotton balls used to sample parfum extraits at the Guerlain boutiques. As you can see in the photo below, the bases are the same shape as the Sucrier de Madame tester bottles, but have a lid with a disk shaped finial instead of a spray mechanism. The finial is emblazoned with the Guerlain double G monogram. The pot a flannel was engraved with the name of the parfum  that would sit next to the canister.

These were not offered to the general public and are extremely rare to find when offered for sale. A nice piece to add to your Guerlain collection.



photo by ebay seller duhautmarais



photo by couteau bergarie


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Shalimar Soap

Shalimar's soap was packaged in various different boxes over the years.

c1967 design. Catalog No. 639. 3.5oz toilet soap. Photo by ebay seller n00bjesus



c1983 design. Catalog No. 749. 75gr toilet soap. Photo by ebay seller n00bjesus



c1983 design. Catalog No. 58. 75gr toilet soap. Photo by ebay seller n00bjesus


Monday, August 19, 2013

Coriolan c1998

Coriolan: launched in 1998. It is dedicated to the man full of contrast: to Coriolanus, a legendary Roman general who was said to be powerful and strong, pride and confident, barer of nobility, braveness and love. Coriolanus has inspired Shakespeare, Plutarch and Beethoven. He was the man who accomplished all of his goals, not because of his glory, but because of a woman he loved. The character of this great man inspired Jean-Paul Guerlain to make this fragrance; to celebrate freedom of the spirit and love with carnal pleasures and seduction.


Ebay Find! Vintage Nahema

Vintage Nahema on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130967514374?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649



Batch code YC 4GD 1. Dates from 1988-1993.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Guerlain Atomizer for the Hair c1930s

Vaporisateur Pour la Coiffeuse (Spray for the Hairdresser) c1937 - 1965

Round, squat shaped bottle originally used for demonstration to be used by a hairdresser or beauty advisor, it was created to hold perfumes, lotion vegetale, brilliantine or stilboide fluid to spray onto the hair.
  • Small size - 4.8cm/1.89" 
  • Large size - 6.5cm/2.56"











Pola Negri, c1930s, holding a Guerlain atomizer (spraying her coiffure with brilliantine).




Madame,

Pour que votre vaporisateur fonctionne régulièrement nos nous permettons de vous recommander les quelques soins suivants:

#1. Ne jamais faire voyager le vaporisateur s'il n'est pas muni de son dispositif de bouchage.

#2. Avant de remplir votre vaporisateur vide, rincez-le avec un peu d'alcool ou d'Eau de Cologne à plus de 90%. Après ce rinçage mettre un peu d'Eau de Cologne fraiche dans l'appareil et vaporiser ce produit une dizaine de fois.

#3. En ce qui concerne le vaporisateur de voyage seul, débouchez régulièrement le petit orifice d'aération réservé dans le bouchon sous la tige de la poire, à l'aide du fil ci-inclus.

Madam, 

To ensure your atomizer works regularly, permit us to recommend the following care tips:

# 1. Never travel if the spray is not provided with its sealing device.

# 2. Before filling your empty spray bottle, rinse it with a little alcohol or cologne with more than 90% alcohol content . After this, rinse, the put some fresh cologne in the unit and spray this a dozen times.

# 3. Regarding the travel spray alone, regularly unclog the reserved small vent hole in the cap under the stem of the atomizer bulb with the yarn contained herein.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Vintage 1930s Guerlain Verveine Savon Pour le Bain

Vintage 1930s Guerlain Verveine Savon Pour le Bain. Box of perfumed soap. It has never been used and still has it's original packaging. It measures 4" across and 4" high. It is heavy weighing approximately 1 1/4 lbs.

This reminds me of the Vega presentation box, it has that same Art Deco feel to it.




Sunday, August 11, 2013

Ebay Find! Shalimar Poudre C'Est Moi

On ebay this week....rare, vintage Shalimar Poudre C'Est Moi, the face powder shade is Ambre Fonce (as seen on the base).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1925-GUERLAIN-POUDRE-CEST-MOI-POWDER-AND-BOX-/231031729339?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35ca906cbb

Shalimar Body Lotion and Creams Thru The Years


Shalimar's body lotions and creams have come in various bottles over the years, Check out this guide to help date your products.



Guerlain's Creme Hydratante (body creme) was introduced in 1959, a lanolin based moisturizer, lightly scented with their best selling perfumes, and meant to be lavished all over the body, particularly on arms and legs. Still sold around 1967.


Shalimar Film Spray Body Lotion was a scented, pink, light moisturizing body lotion in spray form created in 1966 and sold until 1975.


6.8 oz Perfumed Body Lotion. Used from 1983-1995. Photo by ebay seller princessstore57

6.9 oz Perfumed Body Creme. Used from 1984-1995. Photo by ebay seller facesecrets.


6.8 oz Silky Body Lotion (Perfumed Body Lotion). Used from c1995-1999. Also can be found in a 3.4 oz size. Photo from ebay seller 2nd.hand.daisy

7 oz Silky Body Creme. Used from 1995-1999.



Sensual Silky Veil (Body Celebration Perfumed Body Lotion) . Used from 1999 til 2008.

7 oz Supreme Body Cream. Used from 1995 to present.



3.4 oz Silky Body Veil, perfumed body lotion, often will say "sample" or "not for individual sale" on the bottle as it was often sold in a gift set along with perfume. Used from 1999-2008.




6.8 oz Sensational Body Lotion. Used from 2008 to present.



Saturday, August 10, 2013

Talc Parfume

1940 Guerlain Talc Parfume Coque D'Or powder box, beige paper, sepia graphic of a bathing scene signed J. Cantel, sealed contents. Diam. 3 3/4 in. Photo by Perfume Bottles Auction.


Vintage talc, or dusting powder. It is made by Guerlain Parfumeur. The scent is Mitsouko. The interior is full and sealed. The powder has never been opened, the seal has not been broken,and the puff has never been used. The container is made of tortoise shell, or bakelite, and made in France. The net weight is 8 ounces.

Flacon Opaline c1951 - ?

R. Noirot handpainted opaline flacon decorated with enameled butterflies, it is meant to resemble the mid 19th century French opaline cologne bottles so popular in the Victorian era. It has a gilded bronze knob on the lid. The bottle held various standard Guerlain perfumes such as L'Heure Bleue, Mitsouko, Vol de Nuit, Jicky, Ode, Shalimar and it was also seen without any specific perfume name in the cartouche on the front of the bottle. A powder jar was also created. I believe that these were produced before the 1950s prior to R. Noirot's involvement.

Bottles:
  • 11.5cm/4.53"
  • 15.5cm/6.1"
  • 18.5cm/7.28"
Powder Jar:
  • 11.5cm tall - diameter 12cm

No one was exactly sure who made this opaline glass bottle, most attribute it to the work of Baccarat and I was previously inclined to believe that it was either Baccarat or Portieux Vallerysthal because both have a history of making opaline crystal bottles. However, after seeing one of Noirot's other handpainted opaline pieces in the same vein as the Guerlain pieces, it was decided that a company named Cristal et Bronze manufactured the pieces for Guerlain as well as other pieces decorated by R. Noirot.

Cristal et Bronze was created in 1937 by a Parisian antique dealer, Cristal et Bronze, located in the medieval village of Château-Landon, manufactures its bathroom fittings and accessories in the purest traditions of French craftsmanship. Luxury hotels, yachts, private homes… interior architects and designers from the five continents appeal to the Cristal et Bronze universe, both for the traditional collections as well as for the more contemporary styles.


Cristal Et Bronze
19 Avenue Friedland
75008 Paris
France

Vol de Nuit, opaline flacon. Photo by Tajan





Guerlain Packaging: Zig Zag Boxes

Starting in 1967 Guerlain packaged their fragrances, cosmetics and skincare products in black and white boxes imprinted with a zig zag like pattern. In the center of these boxes was a raised golden seal with the name of the fragrance or product in the center. This design was used until 1983, when a new design appeared.

used from 1967 til 1983.


advertisement from 1969.


Instead of the black and white boxes, these boxes now were different colors for different fragrances and the zig zags were now either black or gold, depending on the color of the boxes. This design was used up until 2008, when the boxes were then made up of a muted gold color with no zig zags.

used from 1983 til 2008.




used from 2008 to present

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Jicky by Guerlain Powder Box c1950s

Very rare powder box "talc parfume" design for Jicky by Guerlain dating from the 1950s. This lattice design imitating limed wood was popular on the presentation boxes for Coque D'Or, Dawamesk and Kriss. This powder box was covered in tissue paper instead of cellophane, quite unusual and early.

The "dot" design was used on perfume boxes from the 1950s til it was replaced by the zig zag design from 1967.


photos by ebay seller pennyanny

Box design similar to the Visage Nuee (face powder) box shown in this 1952 ad:


same design used on this Jicky perfume box, photo by ebay seller grannys_shanty724