Mais Oui by Bourjois: launched in 1939. Mais Oui, pronounced MA-WEE, which means “certainly," or “but yes!" in French.
It was available in parfum, eau parfumee (eau de cologne/toilet water), solid cologne stick, dusting powder, rouge, lipstick and face powder.
So what does it smell like? It was classified as a floral aldehydic perfume, similar to Chanel no. 5 but heavier and woodier. It made use of Synarome's Animalis base.
The New Yorker, 1942:
The New Yorker, 1943:
It was available in parfum, eau parfumee (eau de cologne/toilet water), solid cologne stick, dusting powder, rouge, lipstick and face powder.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It was classified as a floral aldehydic perfume, similar to Chanel no. 5 but heavier and woodier. It made use of Synarome's Animalis base.
- Top notes: aldehydes, fruity notes of peach and plum
- Middle notes: clover, jasmine
- Base notes: musk, birch tar, sandalwood, leather, civet, ambergris, castoreum, costus, tonka
The New Yorker, 1942:
"Bourjois: The new Courage, for carnation-lovers, and Mais Oui, still a favorite among women who like gaiety with their sex appeal."
The New Yorker, 1943:
"Mais Oui, a good, carefree, rollicking scent."
Bottles:
The perfume was originally housed in a frosted glass flacon by Verreries Brosse. Around 1947, a clear, unfrosted version of this bottle was introduced. The purse flacon was made up of clear glass and was topped off with a blue plastic screw cap adorned with a tassel. the mini perfume was a replica of the standard size parfum bottle but instead of a glass stopper, it was made up of a fan shaped blue plastic.
Eau Parfumee bottle, circa 1940.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Mais Oui was still being sold in 1950. I am unsure when it was discontinued. The bottles can be found from time to time, but they are usually empty.
Note: Please understand that this website is not affiliated with the Bourjois company in any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the Bourjois fragrances.
The goal of this website is to show the present owners of the Bourjois company how much we miss the discontinued classics such as Mais Oui and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back the original formula of the perfume!
Please leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the perfume, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or what occasion, any specific memories), who knows, perhaps someone from the company might see it.
I tried both the perfume and the perfumed water. Both are characterized by a strong smell of civet, already perceptible in the top notes. It is definitely similar to Chanel 5 eau de cologne, but much more animalic. The perfume has a good persistence, while the perfumed water fades quickly.
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