Perfume Nips and Perfume Typers

Perfume nips, small plastene or glass vials, were a charming and practical way to experience luxury fragrances in sample-sized amounts. These miniature vials, often containing just enough perfume for a few uses, were designed for on-the-go convenience, offering women a way to try new scents or carry their favorites without the need for bulky bottles. The elegance of perfume nips was in their simplicity—by breaking off the end of the vial, the perfume could be applied directly to the skin, or delicately dabbed onto a handkerchief for a more refined and subtle scent experience.

The most notable companies in the production of perfume nips were Nipola Products Company and Nips, Inc., who popularized this form of fragrance sampling. These companies recognized that perfume nips not only served as a practical solution for women but also acted as a brilliant marketing tool for perfume houses. By offering their fragrances in these small, portable vials, brands could entice customers to try perfumes they might otherwise have overlooked. The convenience of nips made them widely accessible and collectible, contributing to their lasting appeal in the perfume industry.

Their delicate design and ease of use made perfume nips a beloved accessory during the mid-20th century, combining functionality with a sense of glamour. Today, they remain an iconic piece of perfume history, a nostalgic nod to a time when even the smallest details in fragrance were crafted with elegance.

NIPOLA PRODUCTS CO

The Nipola Products Co., founded in 1925 by Arthur T. Sinykin in St. Paul, Minnesota, quickly gained notoriety for its unique role in the perfume industry. While it established itself as a reputable company producing and repackaging perfumes, there have been rumors that the company may have originally served as a front for bootlegging during Prohibition. Though it's unclear whether these claims hold any truth, the Nipola Company nonetheless became famous for its innovative approach to fragrance marketing and distribution.

Nipola specialized in repackaging renowned imported perfumes of the era, making luxury fragrances more accessible to a wider audience. In addition to this, they created their own signature fragrances, which became popular in their own right. Among these were Pagan Princess, Swee-Tone, and Ramona—each crafted with the company’s distinctive touch. However, it was the launch of their most famous perfume, Lucky Lindy, the Essence of Luck, that truly set Nipola apart. This fragrance, registered with the U.S. Patent Office in 1927, was created in honor of the American aviation hero Charles Lindbergh, celebrating his historic transatlantic flight that same year. The perfume was a tribute to Lindbergh’s daring spirit and the country’s admiration for his bravery, marking a cultural moment through the power of scent.

The success of Lucky Lindy and the company's creative marketing strategies helped solidify Nipola’s reputation, both for its own original fragrances and for making high-end perfumes more accessible. Despite any murky rumors about its origins, Nipola stands out as a significant player in American perfume history, its legacy remembered for blending innovation, accessibility, and a touch of intrigue.

NIPS, INC

Perfume nips, small vials designed to hold tiny amounts of fragrance, became a popular way for consumers to sample perfumes affordably. These miniature vials were often packaged together in convenient sets, originally sold in small cardboard cylinders that later evolved into sleek, transparent lucite boxes. The packaging itself was as much a part of the appeal as the product inside, offering a charming, collectible presentation that reflected the glamour of the era.

Each individual nip, whether made of plastene or glass, was available for just 10 cents, making high-quality perfumes more accessible to the general public. These small, breakable vials allowed users to experience luxurious scents without committing to a full bottle, giving them a taste of elegance at a modest price. The ends of the nips could be easily snapped off, allowing the fragrance to be applied sparingly to the skin or a handkerchief—ideal for the woman on the go or for freshening up discreetly throughout the day.

In addition to the famed Nipola Products Company, Nips, Inc. of New York was another key manufacturer of these tiny perfume samples. Nips, Inc. began selling their vials in 1921, making them one of the first companies to capitalize on the growing demand for portable and affordable fragrance options. Their innovative packaging and affordable pricing helped cement the popularity of perfume nips as a practical yet glamorous accessory, perfect for a society that was becoming increasingly mobile and fashion-conscious.

Decoding the Color Codes:

Nips, Inc. became well-known for distributing tiny ampules filled with rebottled French perfume extracts, making it easy for consumers to experience luxurious scents in a compact format. Initially, these vials were crafted from glass, but as production evolved, the company transitioned to using plastene, which offered a lighter and more durable alternative. Each ampule was designed with practicality in mind, allowing fragrance enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of perfumes without the need for a full-sized bottle.

To help customers identify the scents contained within these small vials, Nips, Inc. employed a clever color-coding system. Each ampule was marked with colored labels or had the ends painted in shades that corresponded to a booklet detailing the fragrances. This system was not only functional but also visually appealing, adding an element of excitement to the sampling experience. In cases where two colors were used, one end of the nip would display one shade while the other end would show a contrasting color. For example, a nip with light green on one end and white on the other indicated the scent of Fleurs de Rocaille by Caron, providing a straightforward reference for consumers eager to explore different fragrances.

As perfume preferences evolved over the years, Nips, Inc. adapted their color-coding to reflect changing trends in scent popularity. This responsiveness ensured that their offerings remained relevant and appealing to a dynamic market. The thoughtful combination of practical packaging, clear identification, and a diverse array of fragrances made Nips, Inc. a prominent player in the perfume sampling market, providing an accessible gateway for consumers to discover and indulge in the world of fine fragrances.

I have a small booklet that lists the following:

• Light green: Bellodgia by Caron
• Dark lavender & white: Cancan by Caron  
• Yellow & white: Chanel Gardenia
• Purple and white: Chanel No. 5
• Yellow: Emeraude by Coty
• Orange: Evening in Paris by Bourjois
• Light green & white: Fleurs de Rocaille by Caron
• Light brown and white: L'Aimant by Coty
• Navy blue and white: L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain
• Royal blue: L'Origan by Coty
• Light blue: My Sin by Lanvin
• Dark green and white: Nuit de Noel by Caron
• Orchid: Orchidee Bleue by Corday
• Medium green: Paris by Coty
• Medium blue: Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant
• Dark brown: Shalimar by Guerlain
• Orange and white: Springtime in Paris by Bourjois
• Coral: Toujours Moi by Corday

The intricate world of perfume nips, particularly those distributed by Nips, Inc., was not only a testament to the artistry of fragrance but also a vivid canvas of color coding, allowing enthusiasts to easily navigate an array of exquisite scents. Each hue reflected the personality of the fragrance it housed, making the act of selecting a scent a visually engaging experience.

Light green signified Bellodgia by Caron, a fragrance known for its rich floral bouquet, evoking the delicate beauty of blooming flowers in spring. The soft hue not only captured the essence of the scent but also suggested freshness and vitality, appealing to those who cherish a gentle yet captivating fragrance.

In contrast, the dark lavender and white combination represented Cancan by Caron, a perfume that exuded elegance and vivacity, reminiscent of the spirited dance it was named after. This color pairing suggested a romantic and playful essence, perfect for the adventurous woman who sought to make a statement.

The yellow and white of Chanel Gardenia brought forth visions of bright sunshine and floral gardens, embodying the warm, creamy scent that encapsulated the elegance of gardenias in full bloom. This cheerful color combination reflected the joyful and uplifting nature of the fragrance, making it a timeless choice for those who appreciate classic floral notes.

Chanel No. 5, with its purple and white design, indicated sophistication and allure. This iconic fragrance is known for its complex and multifaceted character, which resonates with the deep richness of the purple hue, inviting wearers to embrace their inner femininity and elegance.

Meanwhile, the yellow vial of Emeraude by Coty stood for opulence and warmth, mirroring the fragrance's blend of floral and oriental notes that create a sense of mystery and seduction. The vibrant color signified the allure and timeless appeal of this beloved scent.

In the realm of evening glamour, the orange of Evening in Paris by Bourjois suggested the enchanting allure of twilight. This lively hue resonated with the fragrance's sensual and romantic essence, perfect for making an impression on special occasions.

For the delicate floral notes of Fleurs de Rocaille by Caron, the light green and white combination reflected a fresh, ethereal quality, evoking the beauty of a garden in bloom, where each flower is a testament to nature’s artistry.

The light brown and white of L'Aimant by Coty captured the warmth of amber and soft florals, suggesting a fragrance that embraces comfort and nostalgia, ideal for those who seek a classic scent that wraps them in familiarity.

L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain, distinguished by its navy blue and white, epitomized the mystery of twilight hours. This deep blue hue hinted at the fragrance’s complex floral and oriental notes, which together create a hauntingly beautiful and romantic scent experience.

The royal blue of L'Origan by Coty conveyed a sense of luxury and elegance, reflecting the bold and captivating nature of this fragrance that has stood the test of time, appealing to those who wish to make a statement.

A softer touch was represented by the light blue of My Sin by Lanvin, a fragrance celebrated for its romantic and tender nature. This color evoked a sense of calm and serenity, drawing in those who appreciate delicate and subtle floral notes.

The dark green and white of Nuit de Noel by Caron represented the allure of night, embodying the fragrance's rich, spicy character that captures the essence of a mysterious evening. This color pairing suggested depth and sophistication, appealing to the enigmatic woman.

In a bold, eye-catching hue, the orchid color of Orchidee Bleue by Corday signified an exotic and floral scent that invites curiosity and exploration, much like the flower itself.

The medium green of Paris by Coty symbolized a classic freshness, evoking the lush gardens and romantic ambiance of the city, making it a perfect choice for those longing for the essence of love and beauty.

A charming choice, the medium blue of Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant captured the essence of blooming florals, embodying the fragrance’s complexity with its harmonious blend of various flower notes, creating an olfactory bouquet of elegance.

The deep, earthy dark brown representing Shalimar by Guerlain spoke to the rich and sensual nature of this legendary scent, known for its alluring blend of vanilla and amber that creates a warm, enveloping embrace.

Finally, the orange and white combination of Springtime in Paris by Bourjois and the coral of Toujours Moi by Corday both evoke lively, youthful scents. These fragrances are a celebration of life and spontaneity, perfect for the modern woman who wishes to express her vibrant personality through her choice of fragrance.

Together, these color-coded nips created a delightful and diverse palette of scents, each one inviting the wearer to explore a unique journey through fragrance and emotion.

Harper's Bazaar produced a perfume packet filled with bottlettes (these perfumes were rebottled by Nips, Inc.) Here are the perfumes from their packet and their color codes:

• White: Bois des Iles by Chanel
• Light yellow: Directoire by Charles of the Ritz
• Lavender: My Love by Elizabeth Arden
• Bright green: Arpege by Lanvin
• Purple: Tabu by Dana
• Coral: Beau Belle by Bourjois
• Light blue: Nosegay by Dorothy Gray
• Shocking pink: Shocking by Schiaparelli
• Chartreuse green: Indiscret by Lucien Lelong
• Gilt: Golden Shadows by Parfum Evyan
• Dark green: L'Origan by Coty
• Luggage tan: Tweed by Lentheric
• Bright yellow: Rallet No. 1 by Marie Earle
• Bright red: Danger by Ciro
• Shell pink: Miss Dior by Christian Dior
• Silver: Apropos by Anjou
• Orange: Shalimar by Guerlain
• Royal blue: Five O'Clock by Gourielli
• Bronze: Intoxication by D'Orsay
• Black: Midnight by Tussy
• Turquoise: Moment Supreme by Jean Patou
• Dark red: Command Performance by Helena Rubinstein

Nips, Inc used beautiful expressions to describe the perfumes that they were selling in this little ampules. A booklet accompanied the ampules and also gave advice on where to apply perfume and how to use perfume. The examples below were found in an early 1930s Nips booklet.

• Bellodgia: The sublime fragrance of the carnation flower.
• Cancan: A mysteriously enticing perfume.
• Chanel Gardenia: Reproduced flower-fresh...provocative of romance as moonlight and distant music.
• Chanel No. 5: One of the smartest of the famous Chanel perfumes..sophisticated yet feminine and appealing.
• Emeraude: Emerald richness and brilliance expressed in fragrance.
• Evening in Paris: The Perfume of Romance, expressing the glamour and mystery of Paris at night.
• Fleurs de Rocaille: Rock Garden, a supreme fragrance of fresh spring flowers
• L’Aimant: The Magnet, for great moments..modern interpretation of the Ancients “love philtre”. 
• L’Heure Bleue: Blue Hour, quiet and magical twilight hour..a perfume worthy of the most formal occasion.
• L’Origan: Elegant, worldly and sophisticated..with its enticing, provocative charm.
• My Sin: For informal wear…and perfect for those who prefer to remain softy feminine in the evenings.
• Nuit de Noel: Xmas Nite, world famous perfume, vivid, enthralling and brilliant.
• Orchidee Bleue: Blue Orchid, a gaily wicked fragrance, flirtatious but coy.
• Paris: Fascinating “double note”, its flower fresh charm develops as you wear it.
• Quelques Fleurs: Universally loved bouquet of Elysian flowers equal to any occasion. 
• Shalimar: A rich blend of exotic scents combining the lure, charm and mystery of the East. 
• Springtime in Paris: Light, sparkling fragrance of fresh spring flowers..smart with daytime costumes.
• Toujours Moi: Always Me, a perfume that whispers with lasting fragrance.

Advice on where to put perfumes, and perfume in general, plus the insistence that rench perfumes are the best to be worn...

• Women of discrimination use genuine French perfumes.
• Among your best friends are your soothing invigorating quality perfumes.
• Apply perfume to your person…never to clothing.
• A dash on brush or comb imparts a delicate fragrance.
• Change of mood, activity or climate...change of perfume
• A perfumed fluff of cotton pinned on lingerie gently diffuses the selected odor.
• On the tips of ears and on the neck...delightful.
• Perfumed hair...put a few drops in the last rinse
• On the fingertips and wrists…memory of your handclap will linger.
• A bit on the lips...helps keep the lipstick smooth and set.
• Bring your artificial flowers to life with quality perfumes.
• On furs...oriental type perfumes are more flattering than floral odors.
• The perfume you love best is the one that expresses yourself.
• On your eyebrows.
• In your stationary and handkerchief boxes.
• Quality perfumes are like rare gems.
• Like fine old wines, your quality perfumes comfort of stimulate as you may desire
• Good taste attracts and holds the worlds good-will.
• You are judged by your perfumes
• Genuine French perfumes are lasting perfumes

Many nips would be found in perfume vending machines during the 1920s-1970s and while available at 25 cents each, others cost up to $5.00. Advertisers of the era used these tiny samples to promote their businesses too as giveaways.

PERFUME TYPERS

The concept of "typers" revolutionized the way individuals explored and experienced fragrance. These innovative groups, comprising 40 to over 60 perfumes, were ingeniously packaged in compact, hard plastic cases that were later marketed as cigarette cases. This dual-purpose design not only provided a practical way to store multiple samples but also added an air of sophistication to the perfume sampling process. Each personal perfume typer was designed to facilitate the journey of scent discovery, appealing to both seasoned fragrance enthusiasts and newcomers alike. These typers would be given out or sold through magazines like McCall's or HOME.

Within each typer, a meticulously crafted 32-page booklet titled "Your PERFUME GUIDE" accompanied the samples, serving as a valuable resource for those eager to understand the world of fragrances. This guide provided insightful information on “The Power of Perfume,” emphasizing how scent can influence emotions, memories, and personal identity. It offered practical advice on “How To Use Perfume,” detailing application techniques and the best practices for making a fragrance last throughout the day. Additionally, it included a section on “How To Type Yourself For Perfume,” encouraging users to delve into their scent preferences and select a fragrance that resonates with their personality.

The typers categorized perfumes into seven distinct types, each corresponding to a specific container within the set. Each container held five “nips” of the most popular scents from that category, providing a curated sampling experience. This classification system simplified the overwhelming array of fragrances available and guided users toward discovering scents that suited their individual tastes. The seven types included the Fruity Blend, characterized by vibrant and refreshing fruit notes; the Spicy Bouquet, known for its warm and invigorating spices; and the Oriental Blend, which exuded richness and sensuality.

The Single Floral type focused on singular, pure floral notes, while the Floral Bouquet type offered a harmonious blend of various flowers. The Forest Blend captured the essence of the great outdoors, invoking woody and earthy scents, and finally, the Modern Blend represented contemporary fragrances that combined innovative elements for a fresh appeal.

According to the booklet, the recommended approach was to sample each of the seven types, allowing individuals to explore and identify which fragrances resonated most deeply with them. By encouraging experimentation and personalization, these typers empowered users to embrace their unique olfactory preferences, transforming the process of selecting a perfume into a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Seven Basic Types were each included with a Perfume Typer.

• Single Florals: These perfumes have a predominant note of the fragrance of one flower, such as rose, violet, lily of the valley, gardenia.

• Floral Bouquets: As the name suggests, these are a blend of floral scents and may range from delicate, light to rich, heady fragrances.

• Oriental Blends: These are the exotic perfumes with warm undertones of musk, amber and civet. They vary between predominant floral scents and rich resinous overtones.

• Modern Blends: Since the basic characteristic of these perfumes is not to be found in nature but was discovered in a test tube, there is no fragrance quite like them. They are clear, cool, sophisticated. (These are the aldehydic fragrances)

• Forest Blends: Also called woody or mossy, these fragrances are often characterized by notes of sandalwood, rosewood or cedar, or by grassy or ferny notes. (These are the chypre and fougere type fragrances)

• Spicy Bouquets: These perfumes are characterized by the pungent overtones of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices. They may also have spicy floral notes, such as carnation or geranium.

• Fruity Blends: The distinctive fragrance of these perfumes may be a fresh, airy citrus note or a warm peach like scent. (These are mainly citrus based scents)

The booklet says that the nips in these type capsules are the most popular brand of that type, but that they are un-labeled so that you won't be influenced by "price" or "the experience of others".

Then, there are 30 NIPS Bottlettes in the "Bonus Box" that are printed with their "well-known names". Now that you have determined which type of perfume "favors" you, you can look in the perfume index and see which perfumes and their names, are your type. The bonus box has a variety of types so you can test the name brands.

The kit includes 65 nips total- they are slender Plastene tubes that you break the ends off of to release the scent. There is an extra sheet "How To Use Nips". The 30 bonus nips are in their own plastic snap lidded box. That box goes inside another plastic snap-lidded box that also contains the seven capsules of nips and the booklet. That box is inside a cardboard 2 part "gift" type box with a piece of tissue and the nip instruction sheet. The only information about the maker of this kit is on page one which reads "Your PERFUME GUIDE For additional copies send 25 cents to Perfume Typer, Box 630, Mount Vernon, N.Y. Printed in U.S.A."


Here is a list I have compiled of perfumes that were included in the Nips and perfume typers:

• Amber - Charbert
• Aphrodisia - Faberge
• Arpege - Lanvin
• Ballerina - Marie Earle
• Beau Belle - Bourjois
• Beau Catcher -Suzanne
• Bellodgia - Caron
• Black Satin - Angelique
• Blue Carnation - Roger et Gallet
• Blue Grass - Elizabeth Arden
• Breathless - Charbert
• Bright Secret - Tussy
• Cabochard - de Gres
• Can Can - Caron
• Carnation - Mary Chess
• Chanel No 5 - Chanel
• Chypre - Coty
• Climax - Blanchard
• Cocktail Dry - Jean Patou
• Coeur Joie - Ricci
• Colony - Jean Patou
• Command Performance - Helena Rubinstein
• Confetti - Lentheric
• Confidante - de Monel
• Conflict - Blanchard
• Connosieur - Lanier
• Consent- Charbert
• Contraband - Tussy
• Cotilion- Avon
• Crepe de Chine - F. Millot
• Crown Jewel - Prince Matchabelli
• Cub - Le Galion
• Danger - Ciro
• Dans la Nuit - Worth
• Dark Brilliance - Lentheric
• Debutante - Daggett & Ramsdell
• Demi- Jour - Houbigant
• Desert Flower - Shulton
• Devastating - Anjou
• Diorama - Christian Dior
• Directoire - Charles of the Ritz
• Discovery - Moneau
• Divine - D’Orsay
• Djer Kiss - Kerkoff
• Dogwood - Roger et Gallet
• Dona Sol - Renoir
• Doux Jasmin - Ciro
• Duchess of York - Prince Matchabelli
• Early American Old Spice- Shulton
• Eau de Fleurs - de Léonid Lescinskis 
• Ecusson - Jean d’Albret
• Electrique - Max Factor
• Elizabethan - Mary Chess
• Emeraude - Coty
• Emir - Dana
• En Avion - Caron
• Enchanting Menace - Evyan
• Encore - Beauty Counselor
• Endearing - Bourjois
• Envoy - Lanier
• Epice - Patricia
• Escapade- Shulton
• Esperanto - Lanier
• Etoile Filante - Henri Bendel
• Evening Capers - Donat
• Evening in Paris - Bourjois
• Evening Star - Blanchard
• Fabulous - Charbert
• Fantastique - D’Orsay
• Farnesiana - Caron
• Femme - Marcel Rochas
• Femme du Jour - Parfums Corday
• Figurine - Dorothy Gray
• Fille d’Eve - Nina Ricci
• Five O’clock - Helena Rubinstein
• Flair - Yardley
• Fleurs d’Amour - Roger et Gallet
• Fleur de Feu - Guerlain
• Fleurs de Rocaille - Caron
• Fleur Sauvage - Germaine Monteil
• Folie de Minuit - Lanier
• Gardenia - Chanel
• Gardenia - Mary Chess
• Gardenia- Patricia Murphy
• Golden Chance - Harriet Hubbard Ayer
• Golden Shadows - Evyan
• Gold Promise - Avon
• Gold Satin by Angelique
• Green Orchid - Patricia Murphy
• High Heels - Tilford
• Indiscret - Lucien Lelong
• Intoxication - D'Orsay
• Jealousy - Blanchard
• L’Aimant - Coty
• La Rosa - Patricia Murphy
• L’Heure Bleue - Guerlain
• Le Parfum Ideal - Houbigant
• L’Origan - Coty
• Magie Noire - Lancome
• Midnight -Tussy
• Midnight Mist - Tussy
• Miracle - Lentheric
• My Sin - Lanvin
• Narcisse Noir - Caron
• No. 3 - Tilford
• Nuit de Noel - Caron
• Orcidee Bleue - Parfums Corday
• Orchis de Nuit - Garlands
• Palomar - Lanier
• Paris - Coty
• Private Affair - Lenel
• Quelques Fleurs - Houbigant
• Regina Rose - Patricia Murphy
• Repartee - Lentheric
• Roman Holiday - Bourjois
• Secret of Suzanne - Suzanne
• Shalimar - Guerlain
• Shanghai - Lentheric
• Sharelle - House of Hampton
• Shining Hour - Jacqueline Cochran
• Shocking - Schiaparelli
• Silent Night - Countess Maritza
• Silhouette - Lanier
• Sonata - Countess Maritza
• Sortilege - Le Galion
• Strategy - Mary Chess
• Tapestry - Mary Chess
• Tweed - Lentheric
• Virtuoso- Lanier
• White Lilac - Mary Chess
• White Magnolia - Helena Rubinstein
• White Mist - Countess Maritza
• White Shoulders - Evyan
• Yram - Mary Chess