Santalia by Roger et Gallet c 1955

Santalia was launched in 1955 by Roger et Gallet. Most people might remember it better as a  hair oil. It was very popular in India.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was a feminine scent which I describe as a woody citrus.

• Top notes: lavender, lime, aldehydes, mandarin orange, bergamot, Italian lemon
• Middle notes: anise, tarragon, caraway, orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine
• Base notes: patchouli, cinnamon, tonka, oakmoss, basil, Russian leather, Mysore sandalwood and Bourbon vetiver

I have no official notes so I will use a vintage perfume nip and tell you what I can detect. First there is a burst of aldehydes, tuberose and mandarin orange, then a pungent shot of lemon and bergamot all layered over sandalwood and vetiver, finishing with a base of smoky Russian leather.

Bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Santalia was relaunched in 1979.It is very similar to the Roger et Gallet women's fragrance Santal which was launched in 1978. Santalia has more emphasis on the citrus and leather notes. Both are discontinued.