Lynette Perfumes Inc.

Lynette Perfumes Inc. was a company in the fragrance industry. They specialized in creating and selling a range of perfumes, colognes, and related products. Their offerings included luxury scents and everyday fragrances. It's likely they emphasized quality ingredients, unique blends, and elegant packaging to appeal to their target market.

Lynette Perfumes Inc.

In 1946, The Midwestern Druggist reported that "Five Day Labs Buys Lynette. Five Day Laboratories, a division of Associated Products, Inc., has purchased Lynette Perfumes, Inc., manufacturer of Blue Sapphire and Spellbound Perfumes. The sales organizations of the two concerns will be merged into a national sales staff of 25 under direction of JR DeSaxe, general manager of Five Day Labs."

In 1947 the company was housed at 29 S. La Salle St., Chicago 3.

The trade name Lynette Perfumes Inc. was sold to Lander Co. Inc of New York in 1967.

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The perfumes of Lynette:

1943 - Blue Sapphire

1943 - Spellbound

1943 - Fantasia

1943 - Shangrila

1943 - Spice Bouquet

1943 - Apple Blossom

1943 - Manito

1943 - Venez Encore

1944 - Notorious

1945 - Hampshire

1945 - Conspiracy

1945 - Lynmark (Men's fragrance)

Blue Sapphire:

Blue Sapphire by Lynette, launched in 1944, carries a name rich in symbolism and allure. The blue sapphire has long been associated with nobility, wisdom, and divine favor. In ancient traditions, it was believed to protect its wearer from harm and bring spiritual insight. The deep, velvety blue of the sapphire evokes a sense of mystery, depth, and elegance—qualities that would have appealed to women seeking sophistication and luxury in their perfume. The name "Blue Sapphire" suggests not only beauty and rarity but also a certain timelessness, much like a fine jewel passed down through generations. The choice of this name for a fragrance may have been intended to capture the same sense of prestige, refinement, and enduring appeal that the gemstone embodies.

The mid-1940s was a time of immense global transformation. World War II was still ongoing when Blue Sapphire was introduced, and the world was on the brink of profound change. The war effort had shaped fashion and consumer goods, with rationing affecting materials used in clothing and luxury items. Women’s fashion in this era was defined by structured silhouettes, padded shoulders, and knee-length skirts—practical yet stylish ensembles reflecting wartime efficiency. However, as the war drew to a close, there was a longing for beauty, femininity, and a return to glamour. Perfume played a crucial role in this transition, allowing women to feel elegant and indulge in small luxuries even during difficult times. The name "Blue Sapphire" would have evoked a sense of escapism, offering a touch of opulence in a period of austerity.

As an aldehydic floral fragrance, Blue Sapphire aligned with the prevailing trends of the time. Aldehydic florals, popularized by the groundbreaking Chanel No. 5 in the 1920s, had become a hallmark of refined femininity. These compositions often combined effervescent aldehydes with rich floral heart notes like jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang, creating a luminous, almost ethereal quality. While not necessarily unique in its classification, Blue Sapphire likely appealed to women seeking a classic, elegant scent—one that felt sophisticated yet comforting in uncertain times. Given the symbolism of the sapphire, the fragrance may have featured cool, powdery aldehydes combined with velvety florals and perhaps hints of spice or woody notes to evoke the depth and richness of the gemstone itself.

The choice of blue sapphire as inspiration for a perfume is fitting, as the gemstone is renowned for its rarity, brilliance, and association with royalty. Blue sapphires have been prized throughout history, often set in the crowns and jewelry of kings and queens. Their deep, celestial blue has been linked to notions of truth, sincerity, and faithfulness—qualities that could have resonated with women during the 1940s, when resilience and hope were paramount. A perfume bearing this name would have promised an air of sophistication and elegance, a fragrant talisman of grace and strength in a rapidly changing world.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Blue Sapphire is classified as an aldehydic floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: aldehydes, green notes, fruit notes, Persian saffron
• Middle notes: French carnation, Grasse rose, Manila ylang ylang, Grasse jasmine, spices, Provencal honey, Tuscan violet, Indian tuberose, Tuberose orange blossom
• Base notes: ambergris, musk, Mysore sandalwood, Haitian vetiver, Tyrolean oakmoss, Mexican vanilla, Siamese benzoin

 

Scent Profile:

Blue Sapphire unfolds with a luminous, effervescent opening, where aldehydes shimmer like the first rays of dawn on a faceted gemstone. Their crisp, almost fizzy brightness carries an airy sophistication, lifting the senses with a sparkling clarity that feels both fresh and luxurious. Beneath this aldehydic glow, verdant green notes emerge, cool and dewy, evoking the lushness of leaves kissed by morning mist. Fruity nuances weave through this opening accord, perhaps a whisper of succulent pear or ripe peach, their natural sweetness lending a softness to the radiant top notes. Anchoring this initial burst of light is Persian saffron, a rare and costly spice treasured for its golden threads and exotic depth. Harvested by hand in Iran, the world's premier producer of the finest saffron, it imparts a subtle warmth—an almost honeyed, leathery richness that hints at the opulence to come.

As the fragrance deepens, the heart reveals a floral tapestry of extraordinary richness and complexity. French carnation, with its spicy, clove-like nuance, unfurls its velvety petals, adding a refined piquancy. Grasse rose, cultivated in the perfume capital of the world, blooms with unparalleled elegance—its scent, warm and voluptuous, carries a honeyed, almost raspberry-like sweetness. Manila ylang-ylang, harvested in the Philippines, drapes the composition in an exotic, creamy lushness, its narcotic floralcy both hypnotic and sensual. Grasse jasmine, the gold standard of jasmine absolute, intensifies the heart with its heady, slightly indolic presence, lending an intoxicating depth. Spices thread through the bouquet, their fiery whispers accentuating the florals—perhaps a hint of cinnamon or clove, their warmth caressing the petals like sun on silk. Provencal honey, collected from sun-drenched lavender fields, drizzles a golden sweetness into the composition, its waxy, floral nectar adding a touch of rustic luxury. Tuscan violet emerges as a powdery, cool contrast, its soft, nostalgic aroma reminiscent of crushed petals beneath fingertips. Indian tuberose—luminous and creamy—unfolds in all its intoxicating splendor, its narcotic embrace mingling with the delicate, citrus-kissed nuance of orange blossom, a note that glows with the radiance of a Mediterranean sunrise.

As Blue Sapphire lingers on the skin, the base reveals a sumptuous, enveloping warmth. Ambergris, the most elusive of perfumery treasures, lends its salty, musky depth—an oceanic whisper that seems to glow from within. Musk, soft and sensual, wraps the skin in a sheer, velvety embrace, seamlessly melding with the golden richness of Mysore sandalwood. Unlike other varieties, the sandalwood from Mysore, India, is legendary for its unparalleled smoothness—its creamy, woody depth exudes a sacred, almost meditative warmth. Haitian vetiver brings an earthy, slightly smoky sophistication, its grassy dryness adding structure and refinement. Tyrolean oakmoss, harvested from the pristine alpine forests of Austria, imparts a deep, forested greenness—damp, mysterious, and evocative of ancient woodlands shrouded in mist. Mexican vanilla adds the final touch of indulgence, its dark, resinous sweetness far richer and deeper than the synthetic vanillin often used in modern perfumery. Siamese benzoin, with its balsamic, slightly caramelized warmth, rounds out the composition, leaving behind a lingering, golden glow—an impression of something rare, precious, and eternal.

Blue Sapphire is a fragrance of contrasts—radiant and deep, luminous and mysterious. Like the precious gemstone that inspires it, it is multifaceted, its every note a reflection of refinement, luxury, and enduring beauty.

The New Yorker, 1945:

"Lynette has created for a few fortunate women a solid gold perfume flacon with a crown of leaves encircling a genuine blue sapphire. Jewel box containing flacon and perfume, $250, plus tax. Blue Sapphire Perfume $2 to $17.50.. Toilet Water $2 to $7.50." 

Harper's Bazaar, 1945:

"An exquisite companion piece to one of the world's most enchanting perfumes, Blue Sapphire. The set, $ 2.50, including tax . Flacon as illustrated above, actual size. Design Pat. Pending LYNETTE PERFUMES 741 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK"

Motion Picture Story Magazine, 1947:

"From Lynette, Blue Sapphire Bath Oil and Spellbound Bubbling Bath Crystals ."

Spellbound:

Spellbound by Lynette, launched in 1943, carries a name imbued with enchantment, allure, and mystery. The word "spellbound" suggests a state of deep fascination, as if held captive by an irresistible force—whether it be love, desire, or an intoxicating experience. It evokes imagery of moonlit evenings, whispered secrets, and a world where magic lingers in the air. A perfume bearing this name would promise an almost hypnotic quality, designed to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. Women who wore it might have envisioned themselves as figures of intrigue, their presence lingering in a room like a spell cast upon those around them.

The year 1943 was marked by the ongoing turmoil of World War II. The world was in the midst of great uncertainty, yet there was also resilience, hope, and a longing for beauty amid hardship. Fashion reflected this reality—due to wartime rationing, fabric restrictions led to streamlined silhouettes, with dresses featuring strong shoulders, nipped waists, and practical knee-length skirts. Women embraced an understated elegance, often accentuating their looks with red lips, sculpted hairstyles, and accessories that exuded refinement. Perfume played a significant role in this era, offering an escape from the austerity of daily life. A fragrance named "Spellbound" would have appealed to women seeking romance, mystery, and a touch of glamour in a time of constraint. It suggested an irresistible force—perhaps the magic of love or the thrill of the unknown—offering a brief but intoxicating reprieve from the harsh realities of war.

As a fruity floral fragrance with soapy, spicy undertones, Spellbound likely presented an alluring contrast—fresh and clean, yet rich and sensuous. The fruity notes would have provided a vibrant, mouthwatering sweetness, perhaps evoking ripe peaches or dark plums. The floral heart would have enveloped these fruits in a bouquet of soft, romantic blossoms, their delicate petals lending an air of femininity. The soapy nuance suggests a polished, refined elegance, reminiscent of the luxurious bath powders and fine-milled soaps that were a staple of a well-groomed woman’s vanity. The spicy undertones would have added a layer of warmth and intrigue, a whisper of something unexpected—perhaps the comforting depth of clove or the exotic richness of cinnamon.

In the broader landscape of 1940s perfumery, Spellbound would not have been entirely unconventional. Fruity florals were well within the realm of popular fragrances, particularly those that balanced sweetness with refinement. However, its combination of fruit, floralcy, and spice—tempered by a clean, soapy elegance—would have given it a unique character. While some perfumes of the era leaned heavily into aldehydic florals or deep, chypre compositions, Spellbound likely struck a balance between playfulness and sophistication. It would have felt both familiar and exciting—an enchanting potion designed to mesmerize, much like the name itself suggests.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Spellbound by Lynette is classified as a fruity floral fragrance for women. It has soapy, spicy, fruity touches.

• Top notes: aldehydes, fruity notes, Spanish mint, Sicilian lemon, raspberry, Hawaiian pineapple
• Middle notes: spices, Grasse rose, Grasse jasmine, French carnation
• Base notes: Tyrolean oakmoss, Tibetan musk, ambergris, Mexican vanilla, Indonesian patchouli, Brazilian rosewood, Mysore sandalwood

Scent Profile:

Spellbound opens with a luminous burst, where aldehydes shimmer like morning light filtering through gauzy curtains. Their effervescent, champagne-like sparkle lifts the fragrance into the air, giving it an airy yet sophisticated presence. Beneath this radiant first impression, juicy fruit notes unfold in a mouthwatering cascade. Ripe raspberry, with its tart-sweet vibrancy, mingles with the golden succulence of Hawaiian pineapple, evoking the lush warmth of the tropics. The pineapple, grown in the rich volcanic soil of Hawaii, has an intensity that feels almost sun-kissed—both tangy and nectarous. Spanish mint adds an unexpected coolness, its crisp green edge cutting through the sweetness like a fresh breeze, while Sicilian lemon, known for its bright and slightly floral zest, lends a citrusy sharpness that tingles the senses. This opening is a study in contrasts—sparkling, juicy, and bracingly fresh, yet with an undercurrent of warmth that hints at the richness to come.

As the fragrance deepens, an opulent floral heart blooms, a bouquet of the most coveted flowers in perfumery. Grasse rose, cultivated in the perfume capital of the world, unfurls with its signature honeyed, slightly fruity depth, its velvety petals exuding timeless elegance. This is no simple rose; it is complex, warm, and intoxicating, steeped in centuries of craftsmanship. Grasse jasmine, equally revered, adds a luminous, almost creamy sensuality, its white petals carrying whispers of sun-warmed skin and moonlit gardens. French carnation weaves a touch of spice into the composition—its clove-like bite bringing a fiery elegance that complements the floral sweetness. Spices thread through the heart like fine embroidery, their warmth adding a subtle mystery—perhaps a dusting of cinnamon or the depth of clove, lending an exotic, almost hypnotic quality to the unfolding bouquet. This floral-spice accord is refined yet provocative, balancing classic femininity with an air of intrigue.

As Spellbound settles into its final embrace, a deep and enveloping warmth emerges, rich with rare and precious materials. Tyrolean oakmoss, harvested from the alpine forests of Austria, lends a green, damp earthiness—an echo of moss-covered trees and ancient woodlands, grounding the fragrance with a whisper of the untamed. Tibetan musk, rare and animalic, adds a sensual depth, a soft, almost tactile warmth that lingers like a second skin. Ambergris, a treasure of the sea, exudes its signature salty, slightly sweet radiance, lending a golden glow to the composition. Mexican vanilla unfurls its dark, resinous sweetness—far richer and more complex than synthetic vanillin, it carries a boozy, almost leathery warmth that melts into the skin. Indonesian patchouli, known for its deep, earthy character, adds a smoldering richness, while Brazilian rosewood, with its smooth, slightly floral woodiness, bridges the composition with seamless elegance. Finally, Mysore sandalwood—arguably the finest in the world—wraps everything in a creamy, meditative warmth, its sacred aroma both grounding and ethereal.

Spellbound is a fragrance of dualities—fresh yet warm, playful yet mysterious, clean yet deeply sensual. It captures the magic of its name, weaving together sparkling aldehydes, luscious fruit, romantic florals, and an intoxicatingly rich base into an irresistible spell. Like a whispered incantation, it lingers in the air and on the skin, leaving an unforgettable trail of enchantment.

Mademoiselle, 1945:

"SPELLBOUND PERFUME . Very rare , very precious is this fragrance by Lynette."

Harper's Bazaar, 1945:

"Lynette's newborn perfume, " Spellbound, " is a gladsome thing — a sweet haunting scent with a romantic disposition."

 

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