Eau Aromatique de Montpellier c1840

Eau Aromatique de Montpellier by Guerlain, launched in 1840, carries a name steeped in history and meaning. The phrase "Eau Aromatique de Montpellier" is French, translating to "Aromatic Water of Montpellier." This name would have immediately evoked images of the renowned city of Montpellier, a center of botanical and medicinal knowledge in France. Known for its esteemed medical school and rich tradition of herbalism, Montpellier was synonymous with the study and use of aromatic plants and healing herbs. The name "Eau Aromatique" itself suggests a blend of fragrant, plant-based essences, highlighting the natural and therapeutic qualities that would have been highly valued in the 19th century.

The name "Eau Aromatique de Montpellier" would have conjured up visions of verdant fields and meticulously cultivated gardens, where the air was thick with the scents of lavender, rosemary, and other Mediterranean herbs. This imagery would have stirred feelings of well-being, tranquility, and a connection to nature. In terms of scent, "Eau Aromatique de Montpellier" likely embodied a fresh, herbaceous fragrance, perhaps with notes of citrus or lavender, reminiscent of the aromatic plants that Montpellier was famous for.

Women of the time would have been drawn to a perfume named "Eau Aromatique de Montpellier" for its association with health, purity, and the natural world. The early 19th century was a period when societal values emphasized refinement, elegance, and a return to nature, reflecting the influence of Romanticism. Perfumes were often seen as more than just personal adornment; they were believed to have health benefits and were an important part of a woman's toilette. "Eau Aromatique de Montpellier" would have been perceived as a sophisticated and wholesome choice, appealing to women who desired a fragrance that was both fashionable and aligned with the era's ideals of natural beauty and well-being.

The 1840s were marked by a blend of progress and tradition. While industrialization was transforming cities and ways of life, there was also a strong undercurrent of Romanticism, which emphasized a deep appreciation for nature, history, and individual emotion. A fragrance like "Eau Aromatique de Montpellier" would have resonated with these cultural themes, offering a bridge between the modern world and the timeless appeal of nature. The choice of such a name by Guerlain not only reflected the company's innovative spirit but also its deep understanding of the cultural currents of the time, appealing to the desires and sensibilities of contemporary women.

Extrait de Gaultheria c1843

Extrait de Gaultheria: launched in 1843.

So what does it smell like? Oil of wintergreen, true (Gualtheria procum- bens) — This is a plant of North America, known as the tea-berry or partridge-berry. 

• Top notes: wintergreen, cassie
• Middle notes: lavender, orange blossom, rose
• Base notes: ambergris, vetiver

Extrait de Gualtheria. Photo by Yoka, from a Guerlain exhibit.

Flacon Mauresque (Moorish) c1910 - ?

Flacon Mauresque (Moorish) c1910 - ?

Bottle created by Pochet et du Courval for various perfumes. Beautifully enameled decoration. Based on a 17th century Persian or Moorish perfume flacon in the Guerlain family collection. This flacon was also used for other Guerlain perfumes. Specifically tailored for custom perfume. Guests can choose perfume bottle shape, stopper shape, decoration and color of flowers.

• 250cc/250ml/8.4 oz - 22.5cm/8.86"

Arabian Cologne, photo by Yoka, bottle was from a Guerlain exhibit.

Young Princess by Guerlain c1892

"Young Princess" by Guerlain, launched in 1892, was created to honor Marie de Bourbon, daughter of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. Guerlain’s choice of the name "Young Princess" carries a sense of innocence, youth, and regal elegance. The name itself is in English, which would have conveyed a sense of sophistication and accessibility to an international audience at a time when royal associations were highly esteemed. The words "Young Princess" evoke images of grace, purity, and an air of budding aristocracy, reflecting the tender age and royal stature of the perfume's namesake.

In terms of scent, "Young Princess" was described as a light fragrance, likely crafted to capture the essence of youthfulness and simplicity. It would have been interpreted as fresh, delicate, and ethereal, much like a gentle floral breeze. A fragrance with such a name would have carried soft floral notes, perhaps with hints of rose, lily of the valley, or jasmine, evoking the blooming beauty of a young royal. The term suggests innocence yet sophistication, a scent designed for a young woman of refinement and class, embodying both her freshness and potential future grandeur.

Women of the late 19th century, particularly those in higher society, would have been drawn to a perfume named "Young Princess", seeing it as a symbol of elegance and femininity. During this period, perfume played a crucial role in personal expression and social status. A perfume with royal connections like this one would have been regarded as aspirational, signaling refinement and taste. Wearing a fragrance tied to a royal figure like Marie de Bourbon would have allowed women to feel closer to aristocratic ideals and part of a world of luxury and grace.

Flacon Lalique

Flacon Lalique c1925-1963

Bottle created by Lalique to hold extraits of Bouquet de Faunes and Jasmin. The maiden’s face on the front of the bottle was taken from the entrance to the Guerlain boutique at 68 Avenue Champs-Elysées, Paris, France.

This bottle was catalogued by Lalique as "Vasque Louis XVI".

• 80ml/2.7 oz - 9.7cm/3.82" (1925-1963) 
• 125ml/4.2 oz - 11cm/4.33" (1925-1958) 
• 250ml/8.4 oz - 13.5cm/5,.31" (1925-1960) 
• 1925-1940: 1st version with waves just below neck 
• 1940-1963: 2nd flat version without waves, marked "Made in France" on the foot

Original presentation box, made up of leather. Photo by Drouot.

See how the baudruchage cords are threaded through the stopper and wrapped around the neck. Photos by Chanelle at parfumo

Atomizer, photo by Bonhams.

Photo showing the stopper and the label. Photo by mona lisa

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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

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

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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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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