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?

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

This Weeks Guerlain Rarities on Ebay

LOOKING TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION? HERE ARE THE LATEST GUERLAIN RARITIES I FOUND ON EBAY THIS WEEK! ENJOY!

Guerlain Heritage Case from 2008.  For its 180th anniversary in 2008 Guerlain issued a luxurious leather coffret called the Guerlain Heritage Case containing a collection of 18 of the house's fragrances best representing its perfume history since 1828. Only 205 copies were made. The labels on the bottles are inspired by historic Guerlain labels from the Art Deco period.  This has the authentication papers and is numbered at 186/205.

"A precious and elegant leather showcase that opens to reveal 18 iconic fragrances. From Eau de Cologne Impériale, composed for Empress Eugénie in 1853, to Guerlain's newest scent, Cruel Gardénia, created in 2008. This case is a vision of elegance, a symbol of rare and refined luxury and a prestigious gift to celebrate a unique fragrance heritage."


The Guerlain collectors set includes 18 of the best fragrances released by the firm since its founding, including: 
1853 Eau de Cologne Imperiale. 
1889 Jicky. 
1912 L’Heure Bleue. 
1919 Mitsouko. 
1925 Shalimar. 
1959 Vetiver. 
1965 Habit Rouge. 
1979 Nahema. 
1989 Samsara. 
2003 L’Instant de Guerlain. 
2004 L’Instant de Guerlain pour Homme. 
2005 Rose Barbare. 
2005 Angelique Noire. 
2005 Cuir Beluga. 
2006 Bois d’Armenie. 
2006 Insolence. 
2007 Iris Ganache. 
2008 Cruel Gardenia.


Click here to see the auction



Lavande Parfum in Quadrilobe flacon in it's original box. c1920. 
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a classic fougere or chypre fragrance with a strong lavender note. 
Top notes: lemon, bergamot 
Middle notes: lavender, galbanum 
Base notes: labdanum, amber, sandalwood, oakmoss and vetiver

Click here to see the auction



A Travers Champs Parfum in Quadrilobe Flacon. c1940s. 
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a powdery floral amber fragrance for women based on flowers of the fields. 
Top notes: lily of the valley, violet, bergamot, petitgrain 
Middle notes: rose, orris, carnation, ylang ylang, sandalwood, clove, patchouli, benzoin 
Base notes: orris, vanilla, suede 



Click here to see the auction


Bouquet de Faunes Lalique Flacon c1920s.


Click here to see the auction


Limited Edition Muguet 1999, Guerlain 75 ml Eau de Toilette. 
So what does it smell like? It is a crisp green floral fragrance with a dominant fresh lily of the valley note.
Top notes: lemon, bergamot, lily of the valley
Middle notes: jasmine, Turkish rose, lily and carnation
Base notes: patchouli, oakmoss, leather, sandalwood


Click here to see the auction


Apres l'Ondee 30ml Parfum in Louis XVI flacon.
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a powdery floral fragrance for women with spicy and musk notes.
Top notes: rosemary, hawthorn, bergamot, lavender,
Middle notes:  jasmine, lily, orchid, orange blossom, violet, bouvardia
Base notes: orris and Tonkin musk

Click here to see the auction


Mouchoir de Monsieur in Quadrilobe flacon with wartime label.  


Click here to see the auction


Parure Eau de Cologne mini Bottle. c1970s.


Click here to see the auction


Elixir de Guerlain Antiseptic Dentifrice, mouthwash in 1 litre bee bottle...unusual...


Click here to see the auction


L'Heure Bleue 2/3 oz Parfum in Bouchon Coeur flacon. Sealed in original packaging, nice price!



Click here to see the auction


Mitsouko 7.5ml Parfum in Enameled Canister, from 1991. Quite rare!

Click here to see the auction

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Flacon Carré Plat Ruspini c1830

Ruspini's Elixir for the Teeth and Gums by Guerlain: launched about 1880. It was housed in the  The elixir was supposedly a cure for toothaches.

Glass bottle held a mouthwash originally created by surgeon dentist to King George IV, the Chevalier Ruspini.






Sunday, July 26, 2015

Magnum Import Perfume Bottles

The Magnum Import Company was an importer from New York who repackaged French perfumes for sale to the American market during the early 1920s.

You can find Magnum bottles with name of Caron, Guerlain, Coty, Grenoville, Rosine, D'Orsay, Roger et Gallet, Houbigant, Dedon

Magnum was wholly independent from these companies.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Vintage 1960s Counter Top Lucite Perfume Tester Rack

The display case is made of black and clear lucite. It measures 9" across,  2 3/4" high and 2 1/2" deep.




 It holds six perfume bottles, each 2 1/2" high. The back of the case is removable to gain access to the bottles. The bottles are glass with long glass daubers. The black screw on tops are black plastic. The white paper labels have the name of the fragrance and "TEST SAMPLE  NOT TO BE SOLD". Also on the label is the red Marly horse logo.

Two of the bottles contain Mitsouko, created in 1919. The others are: Chant d'Aromes (1962), L'Heure Bleue (1912), Vol de Nuit (1933) and Shalimar (1925).

Photos by ebay seller thingsnstrings

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

L'Heure Bleue Lotion Vegetale in Bee Bottle

Here is a rarity, L'Heure Bleue Lotion Vegetale in a bee bottle. Bottle stands 7.87" which means this is a 500cc/500 ml/16.9 oz size.

First used in  1947, the stopper, which the seller says is frozen in place, leads me to believe that it is ground glass and not covered with plastimeri.


Monday, July 13, 2015

Guerlain's Advice for Ladies c1902

Country Life, 1902:
"M. Guerlain who is an authority on all matters relating the uses and abuses of scents says that it is the greatest to imagine that sachet powder perfumes. According to him, the only pleasant way of perfuming "laces, linen and ladies" is with an extract and a vaporiser; nothing else is of any real use. It is also a mistake to adopt one perfume alone, for it is essential not only to vary one's perfume with the seasons, but for every occasion. We do not wear the same dress in the evening as in the morning, in a motor-car, or in the saddle, and a moment's reflection will show that the scent that is agreeable in the open air can be offensive at a dinner-table. If we once study this question, as it should be studied by all women of refined taste, we shall find that we cannot do better than follow the Parisienne, who never favours what are called extracts of flowers - carnation, lilac, mignonette, etc. She has learnt that the majority of these scents are made from petroleum or terpinol, and have nothing in common with the names they bear. Let us follow her in her selection for spring. She chooses "Tsao Ko" or "Zicky" [sic] for her perfume for her morning ride in the Bois "Fleur Qui Meurt" for a dinner party, and "Jardin de Mon Curé" for the Opera. If you are passing through the Rue de la Paix, call in at Guerlain's and judge how exquisite is her taste." 

Saturday, July 11, 2015

La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette c2012

La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette by Guerlain: launched in 2012.

From Guerlain:
"I am absolutely essential and utterly irresistible. I am the chic and very glamorous perfumed creation by Guerlain. My fragrance is a fresh and swirling floral lace, embroidered with sparkling fruity notes. My glass showcase is the legendary "heart-shaped" bottle, which has been boldly reinterpreted with a modern touch. Its crystalline transparency, tinged with a delicate, powdery pink, reveals a silhouette of my sophisticated little strapless dress, ready to dance! 


Saturday, June 27, 2015

Guerlilas by Guerlain c1930

Guerlilas, launched by Guerlain in 1930 and created by Jean-Jacques Guerlain, carries a name that elegantly blends the company's signature with a botanical reference. The name "Guerlilas" is a portmanteau of "Guerlain" and "lilas," the French word for lilac. Pronounced "Gwer-lee-lah," the name evokes an image of both the esteemed Guerlain house and the delicate, enchanting lilac flower.

The word "Guerlilas" conjures images of a lush garden in full bloom, where the air is perfumed with the sweet, powdery aroma of lilacs. The name suggests a fragrance that harmoniously integrates Guerlain’s refined artistry with the soft, floral beauty of lilacs. Lilacs are known for their delicate, yet intoxicating scent, often evoking feelings of romance and nostalgia. This sense of refined elegance and gentle charm would have appealed greatly to women of the time, offering a scent that was both sophisticated and evocative.

Guerlilas is classified as a floral fragrance for women, with its predominant lilac notes layered over the signature Guerlinade accord. The fragrance opens with a fresh and floral burst of lilac, an ingredient known for its light and airy aroma that immediately transports the wearer to a serene garden. The lilac notes are complemented by the Guerlinade accord, which provides a rich, warm foundation that enhances the delicate floral scent with a touch of sensuality and depth. This combination creates a perfume that is both uplifting and comforting, with the lilac notes capturing the essence of spring and renewal.

During the early 20th century, lilacs were cherished in perfumery for their enchanting and subtle fragrance, often used to evoke a sense of floral purity and elegance. Guerlain would have sourced lilacs from various regions known for their cultivation, such as France, where the flower was prized for its high-quality blooms. The inclusion of lilac in Guerlilas not only reflects the era's preference for light and airy floral scents but also highlights Guerlain’s commitment to capturing nature's beauty in their creations.

In the context of the 1930s, a decade marked by both artistic innovation and a longing for elegance amidst the backdrop of global economic challenges, Guerlilas would have provided women with a touch of sophistication and floral grace. The perfume's delicate lilac notes would have resonated with the desire for refinement and beauty, offering a fragrant escape into a world of floral splendor and timeless elegance.




Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Shalimar Presentation Box with Cosmetics c1925



"Shalimar" - (1925) Very rare and important rectangular poplar wood box wrapped in emerald green morocco leather, decorated with gilded arabesques, used to protect a Baccarat crystal sample vial of "Shalimar", a powder box of  "Poudre C'est Moi" and a Bakelite "Rouge d'Enfer" lipstick case with trimmings. Interior satin lined box. D: 18, 5 x 28, 5cm.


Sunday, June 14, 2015

Ma Petite Robe Noire c2012

For Christmas 2012, Guerlain launched a pretty little trio of options for La Petite Robe Noire, which was freshly reworked that year. Three alternative “little black dresses” are featured on limited-edition bottles, named "Ma Petite Robe Noire."

You were able to choose which of the three dresses matched your or your gift recipient’s taste and have the bottle calligraphed with your name, initials or a secret message.








Friday, June 5, 2015

Agates Face Powder c1973

Before Guerlain released it's iconic Meteorites face powder pearls in 1987, they had introduced a precursor called Agates in 1973. The powder was so named for its beautiful box, which was inspired by Marie Antoinette's box covered in agates.


The box style was later used for the Meteorites packaging in 1987.





A very rare gold and pietra dura 'Steinkabinett', complete with secret compartment and explanatory booklet, Christian Gottlieb Stiehl, Dresden, circa 1770.  Of utmost rarity and 18th century scientific interest is the Steinkabinett by Christian Gottlieb Stiehl (1708-1792) – the lid of this ingeniously inlaid ‘Zellenmosaik’ hardstone box opens to reveal what resembles a stained glass window, and the original booklet contained in its secret compartment in the base lists all the stone specimens used for the carefully arranged hardstone surface of this precious masterpiece. 




Monday, June 1, 2015

ON EBAY!!! Candide Effluve 2007 Reissue in Brun Flume Flacon

ON EBAY!!! Candide Effluve 2007 Reissue in Brun Flume Flacon



Click here to see the auction



Candide Effluve was reissued in in 2007 as a limited edition in its historical bottle, the Brun Fume Baccarat crystal bottle. There are only 97 numbered bottles, which had a single production run in 1933, which were brought from the archives. The number engraved on each bottle is also rare and original. The bottle is housed inside of a velvet lined, lacquered presentation box. The reissue retailed for $2,600.

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral oriental fragrance for women.
  • Top notes: bergamot, lemon, ylang-ylang, lilac, angelica, thyme
  • Middle notes: muguet, styrax, hyacinth, rose, jasmine, iris, heliotrope , myrrh
  • Base notes: amber, sandalwood, leather, orris, patchouli, vetiver, benzoin, tonka bean and vanilla.

Mon Exclusif c2015

Mon Exclusif by Guerlain: launched in 2015. Created by Thierry Wasser.

To make a customized fragrance more accessible to those without unlimited purse strings, Guerlain has introduced Mon Exclusif, a fragrance that you can rename yourself.




Friday, May 8, 2015

Friday, April 24, 2015

Guerlain Teas


La Petite Robe Noire Black Tea - Nature & Gastronomy

Black tea character from the highlands of India, whose strength is softened by the greedy presence of red fruits.Black tea from India, slightly spicy and fruity - red berries and raspberry pieces. High in caffeine which stimulates and promotes concentration, it should drink tea La Petite Robe Noire until mid afternoon. It can also be consumed cold.



Shalimar Black and Green Tea Blend - Intensity and voluptuousness

This tea evokes the first Oriental perfume. Subtle mix of flowers and sensual woody amber accents, Shalimar has become forever the essence of love and radiant femininity.A subtle blend of green tea and black teas from China and Sri Lanka to vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, lavender and natural aroma of bergamot. Shalimar tea is rich in caffeine, known for giving energy and boost concentration.


Orchidee Imperiale Black Tea - Presence and grade

Symbol of femininity in Asia, the orchid is known for its extraordinary longevity virtues in Imperial Orchid. On a base of black tea, adding orchid aroma was made possible through a complex process that requires perfect control of the dosage to achieve create balance. The flavoring of tea is an art in itself. Chinese black tea with orchid aromas. The subtle and perfect combination of tea and flower. The Imperial Orchid tea is rich in caffeine known to give energy and boost concentration.



L'Heure Bleue Oolong Tea - Serenity and delight

Oolong Taïawan, Ding Dong, which means "ice mist of heights," refers to the name of Dong Ding mountain where the tea is grown. Tea L'Heure Bleue, with pretty leaves rolled, is consumed at sunset. The pretty leaves rolled Dong Ding Oolong from Taiwan, evoke delicious aromas of chestnut, honey and hints of white flowers.



Nerolia Bianca White Tea - Spontaneity and delicacy

This Bai Mudan - which means "white peony" - consists of the buds of the first two leaves of tea plants. A delicate white tea plunging into the cool Nerolia Bianca, spontaneous and joyful fragrance built around bitter orange. The flavors of the Chinese white tea from the Fujian region, harvested once a year in spring, evoke a zesty notes of wet willow, honey and flowers. This exceptional tea is dried naturally after being trated by hand. Its color reminds its silvery leaves and white downy buds. Nerolia Bianca is a tea cleansing and very refreshing.


Liu Green Tea - Femininity and subtlety

Grown in the Fujian region, this collection offers scented green tea buds gently with jasmine flowers harvested in July. A subtle tea in the image of Liu, a flowery and voluptuous fragrance hymn to femininity and true love. Chinese green tea scented with jasmine flowers. Jasmine is known for its digestive properties, soothing and calming.




Muguet c2015 Limited Edition Flacon

Muguet by Guerlain: launched in 2015. A yearly tradition for the first of May, Guerlain releases a very special limited edition Flacon to hold their beloved springtime scent Muguet. This year, a beautiful flacon is conceived in delicate blanc de chine Limoges porcelain. A separate simply designed glass flacon holds 75ml of the ethereal liquid imprisoning the souls of millions of lilies of the valley and a small gilded funnel is conveniently packaged alongside the flacons to make decanting an easy chore.




Shalimar Cologne (Eau de Toilette) c2015

Shalimar Cologne by Guerlain: launched in 2015. Created by Thierry Wasser. Although it is titled "Shalimar Cologne", it is in reality an eau de toilette.



Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Tacoma Gracilis c1886

Tacoma Gracilis by Guerlain: launched around 1886. Tacoma Gracilis, also known as Tecoma Gracilis, is a tropical creeper with large yellow flowers and small leaves. This variety clings to stone walls and is a hardy plant and grows very sturdily. Tecoma rosea, with pale pink flowers, is one of the hardiest of all Tecomas, and has pretty shiny leaves.




Thursday, April 16, 2015

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

No. 25 c2002

No. 25 by Guerlain: launched in 2002 as part of the Les Parisiennes line.

This is the perfume Terracotta Voile D'Ete. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain and Mathilde Laurent. Discontinued by 2001.

  • 1999 Terracotta Voile D'Ete (discontinued)
  • 2002 No. 25 (discontinued)
  • 2005 Quand Vient l'Été 


Thursday, April 9, 2015

Iris Ganache c2007

Iris Ganache by Guerlain: launched in 2007. Created by Thierry Wasser as part of the L'Art et la Matiere collection.


Friday, March 27, 2015

Idylle Duet c2011

Idylle Duet by Guerlain: launched in 2011. Created by Thierry Wasser. The inspiration came from Les Nuits d'Ete, an 1841 work by Hector Berlioz .The duet in question is the marriage of rose and patchouli.