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?

Monday, September 9, 2013

Shalimar Eau de Toilettes


Shalimar has been presented in various eau de toilette bottles over the years, ranging from splash bottles to sprays. Shalimar Toilet Water debuted in 1925 in a splash bottle, succeeded by the Toilet Water Spray (Eau de Toilette around 1959) . This guide will help you identify and date your bottles.

You may still be able to find the following:

  • Eau de Toilette Spray 2.5 fl oz
  • Eau de Toilette Spray 1.7fl oz
  • Eau de Toilette Gold Bee Bottle 16.9fl oz
  • Eau de Toilette Gold Bee Bottle 33.8fl oz
  • Eau de Toilette White Bee Bottle 16.9fl oz
  • Habit De Fete Eau de Toilette Spray Refill 3.1fl oz
  • Shalimar Light Eau de Toilette Spray 2.5fl oz


Flacon Goutte (Teardrop Bottle) c1923-2001

Bottle created by Pochet et du Courval to hold eaux de toilette only. Bottle also made by different manufacturers over the years. Created as the standard Eau de Toilette presentation. The frosted glass stopper is made of two cockle shells; the label depicts two dolphins known as ‘Etiquette Dauphin’.

Different manufacturers:
  • 50cc/50ml/1.7 oz - 8 to 9cm/3.15" to 3.54" (1973) replaced by 50ml - 8.9 cm (1983-1988)
  • 100cc/100ml/3.4 oz - 12 to 13cm/4.72" to 5.12" (1938) replaced by 100ml - 12.5 cm (1983-1994)
  • 250cc/250ml/8.4 oz - 16 to 17cm/6.3" to 6.69" (1923) replaced by 250ml - 16.8 cm (1983-1995)
  • 500cc/500ml/16.9 oz - 20 to 21cm/7.87" to 8.27" (1923-2001)
  • 1 liter - 25 to 26cm/9.84" to 10.24" (1923-1999)

Stoppers:
  • 1923-1973: ground glass
  • 1973-1980: glass with plastic dowel
  • 1980-1987: gilded glass with screw on plastic dowel
  • 1987-2002: glass with plastic dowel

Labels:
  • 1923-1979: newsprint dolphin label
  • 1980-1987: Black and gold oval label
  • 1987-2001: no label, silkscreened serigraphy on bottle instead








Eau de Toilette Travel Bottle with Atomizer c1960s-1970s



This particular bottle dates to 1967, based on the date on the box. The bottle was used for demonstration purposes so that customers could test the fragrance. It was not meant for resale.




Delft Style Refillable Atomizers c1968


The 1960s also saw a different type of bottle for Shalimar eau de toilette, this was a cylindrical metal bottle which housed a 3fl oz glass spray vial which could be replaced with a new refill when finished. The metal bottle was enameled with blue and white Oriental designs. This copyrighted design was launched in 1968. Other scents were packaged in similar looking enameled cases.


Flacon Louis XVI c1977-1983


Flacon created by Pochet et du Courval to hold extraits of Apres L'Ondee, Muguet, Mouchoir de Monsieur, Violette a deux Sous, Le Bon Vieux Temps, Ai Loe and others. Flacon has also been used for special limited editions for export such as Chamade, Shalimar, Mitsouko, Vetiver, L'Heure Bleue, Apres L'Ondee, Jicky.



Shalimar Eau de Toilette, circa 1977-1983. Photo from worthpoint


Limited Edition Eau de Toilette c1984

Limited edition 1 oz eau de toilette spray. This bottle was also used for a limited edition eau de cologne in the same year.


photo by ebay seller luxuryluver



Gold Refillable Atomizers c1981-1989


In the 1980s, gold purse sprays were available for all scents and the original Shalimar bottle got a modern makeover and now came with a plastic cap and spray nozzle. The original bottle continued to be made, but for the Parfum only. In 1981, a limited edition gold tone cylindrical bottle was offered with a glass spray bottle, which could be replaced with a new refill when finished.These gold bottles hosted all Guerlain eau de toilette fragrances at one point between 1981 and 1989.


Eau de Toilette Spray Flacon c1966-1983

This spray bottle design was also used for the Film Spray (light moisturizing lotion in spray form), launched in 1966 . Notice the box design on the 1983 version.





















c1983. Shalimar Eau De Toilette Atomizer 1.7 oz. Photo by ebay seller ezlisting.



Shalimar Eau de Toilette c1980-1983


Shalimar Eau de Toilette c1980s. Peach colored box with an embossed zig zag pattern and gilded frame surrounded the perfume name and information. This is an unusual presentation and is not commonly seen up for sale.






Footless Chauve Souris c1995-2000

The footless Chauve Souris bottle was first used for Shalimar eau de toilette in 1995 and later was used for its eau de cologne as well. The eau de toilette had a blue cap/stopper and the later versions of the eau de cologne had a frosted white cap/stopper.






Habit de Fete Refillable Atomizers c1997- present


As the millennium approached, Guerlain wanted a fresh, modern look for some of its bottles, and introduced the Habit de Fete limited edition bottles in 1997. These bottles are an updated version of it's classic refillable styles, but come in three different sizes. The bottles are a thick gold tone studded with silvery dots. Refills for these bottles can be found at the Guerlain counters or purchased online.


Shalimar Habit de Fete. 3.1 oz Eau de Toilette. Photo from ebay seller jackperfume


c1998 Anniversary Edition


This special bottle had a clear crystal stopper instead of the usual blue, and the bottle was filled with Eau de Parfum splash. It came in two sizes, 1 oz and 2 oz. It also came in a 4.2 oz Eau de Toilette splash. The box is a flocked midnight blue color.




c2000 Shalimar Edition Limitee Inverse


For this limited edition,Guerlain decided to have the bottle itself made up of a sapphire blue crystal and the stopper clear crystal, instead of the reverse.This was a 30ml size eau de parfum splash for 350 francs. It was also available in eau de toilette in the 125ml size for 500 francs.



Chauve Souris Eau de Toilette c2000-2010

This is a variation on the famous Chauve Souris flacon. This flacon was replaced in 2010 by the edition by Jade Jagger.





c2003 Shalimar Eau Legere Parfumee


2003-- Shalimar Eau Legere Parfumee, also known as Shalimar Light Fragrance, introduced in 2003, it skips the musky accord and goes from the cool lemon top into a warm vanilla heart. It was created by Mathilde Laurent, a young in-house Guerlain perfumer.






c2004 Shalimar Eau Legere Parfumee


In 2004, Jean Paul Guerlain slightly changed the composition and color of the perfume. It is lighter as the name suggests and less complex than the original Shalimar. Shalimar Eau Legere Parfumee was discontinued and replaced by Eau de Shalimar in 2008.



c2008 Eau de Shalimar


Eau de Shalimar by Guerlain is a oriental vanilla fragrance for women. Eau de Shalimar is a new fragrance and it was introduced in 2008. Top notes are orange, bergamot and lime; middle notes are rose and jasmine; base notes are vanilla, iris and resin. But according to Guerlain's own information, it's only a repackaging of the successful Shalimar Eau Légère Parfumée, composed by Mathilde Laurent in 2003. Jean-Paul Guerlain reworked it slightly in 2004 and the fragrance was then attributed to him.






c2009 Fleur de Shalimar Flacons


Fleur de Shalimar 75ml eau de parfum and Eau de Shalimar Fleur 75ml eau de toilette, are two limited edition bottles for collectors. Guerlain explains that the perfumes were "created to celebrate the most bewitching and sensual note of the classic fragrance: vanilla blossom. Protective of its own rarity, it only blossoms for a few hours at sunrise. In awe of this quiet, intimate moment with vanilla flowers Guerlain set out to capture a second of eternity, etching its blossoms on the Shalimar bottle for two limited editions. The vanilla blossom on the voluptuous neck of the bottle underscores the perfume’s intensity, then appears in a precious, radiant hallmark - first in midnight blue on the glass of the bottle, then in gold on the packaging which shields its mysterious blossoming from observation".Only the bottles are different, the fragrance is unchanged.




c2010 Shalimar Edition Charms


Shalimar Edition Charms 75ml eau de parfum and Eau de Shalimar Edition Charms 75ml eau de toilette are two limited edition collector's flacons holding the usual juices. "The desire to experience sensuality, femininity, mystery...to succumb to SHALIMAR ÉDITION CHARMS, whose bottle decorated with Oriental motifs, evokes the splendours of India. Slender arabesques unfurl their delicate volutes over the bottle and box. They are inspired by the motifs on the rings worn by Indian women on every occasion, along with the embroidery admired on the shimmering colours of ceremonial saris. A blue silk thread is wound around the neck of the bottle, holding the famous golden "signet" engraved with the double G."




Sunday, September 8, 2013

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



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.