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Welcome to my unique perfume blog! Here, you'll find detailed, encyclopedic entries about perfumes and companies, complete with facts and photos for easy research. This site is not affiliated with any perfume companies; it's a reference source for collectors and enthusiasts who cherish classic fragrances. My goal is to highlight beloved, discontinued classics and show current brand owners the demand for their revival. Your input is invaluable! Please share why you liked a fragrance, describe its scent, the time period you wore it, any memorable occasions, or what it reminded you of. Did a relative wear it, or did you like the bottle design? Your stories might catch the attention of brand representatives. I regularly update posts with new information and corrections. Your contributions help keep my entries accurate and comprehensive. Please comment and share any additional information you have. Together, we can keep the legacy of classic perfumes alive!

Friday, November 21, 2014

Havoc by Mary Quant c1974

Here are some questions from readers that I thought you might enjoy.

Q. "I have a bottle of Havoc perfume that I have been holding on to for any years. I often pop off the top and take in that lovely scent that I so loved back in high school! It evokes such great memories!! I would love to wear that wonderful scent once again. Is it possible to find or duplicate the scent I long for? Please let me know so I can stop searching. My daughter is in London presently and I am thinking of sending her to the Mary Quant shop. Please tell me if this search is futile. Thanks in advance for your efforts!"




A. Havoc by Mary Quant was released in 1974. Havoc is classified as a floral woody aldehydic scent, slightly metallic smelling. It starts off with an aldehydic, green flowery top, followed by a radiant rosy floral heart, resting on a sensual and feminine woody base.
  • Top notes: aldehydes, leafy green note, bergamot, coriander
  • Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, geranium, lily of the valley, honey, orris, tuberose
  • Base notes: sandalwood, tonka, cedar, oakmoss, musk, vetiver, amber


Havoc was created by Guy Robert and manufactured for Mary Quant Cosmetics, LTD by Max Factor which was later sold to Proctor and Gamble. To the dismay by its loyal fans, Havoc was discontinued in the USA in 1994 and recently Proctor and Gamble discontinued the entire Max Factor line in the USA. Some women had turned to similarly scented perfumes such as Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent, Calandre by Paco Rabanne and Chanel No. 19.

In the 1970s, it was available in two sizes: 1/2 oz and 1 oz spray cologne and eau de toilette in silver canisters. In the 1980s, it was available in 3.4 oz spray perfume in silver canisters.

The "Original" scent Havoc is now made and distributed in the USA by Evyan/Timeless Perfumes for its Liquid Chic Collection. I believe that the new reformulated version of Havoc has a creme brulee/caramel scent that may have not been a part of the original composition.



Q. "Hello, I am a Havoc/Mary Quant fan. I have purchased the original, small canister a few years back, and now the newer canister. I see there is a Havoc/Gold. I have never heard of this. Is this the real deal?"

A. Havoc Gold is a flanker scent, which means it is like a sequel to the original Havoc perfume. Havoc Gold is a chypre scent and has notes of: amber, musk, sandalwood, oakmoss, bergamot, labdanum, aldehydes and an unknown floral blend. This too is available in a spray canister, but instead of the silver color of the original Havoc, it is golden in color to reflect it's name.

To read more about Mary Quant perfumes and cosmetics, click this link.




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