Ciara by Revlon c1973

Ciara by Revlon: launched in 1973. (pronounced SEE-AHR'-AH). There was one year at Revlon when all the fragrances seemed to have something to do with the name Charles Revson. Ciara (a poetic arrangement of Mr. Revson's initials), then Cerissa (another play on the initials CR).

It was issued in 80% (think of this as regular cologne strength), 100% (think of this as eau de toilette strength) and 200% strength concentrated cologne (think of this as eau de parfum strength, almost as lasting as most modern day perfumes).

Originally the fragrance was billed under "Ciara from Ultima II-Charles Revson".

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an ambery oriental fragrance for women. It starts with a fresh fruity top, followed by an expressive, rich floral heart, resting on a sweet balsamic, warm woodsy base.

• Top notes: Mysore sandalwood, Madagascar vanilla, Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, raspberry, Indonesian patchouli, Virginia cedar and Tunisian neroli
• Middle notes: herbaceous spices, Comoros Island palmarosa, Tuscan orris root, Grasse jasmine absolute, Indian tuberose, Florentine iris, Brazilian palisander rosewood and Nossi-Be ylang-ylang
• Base notes: Omani frankincense, balsam, Sudanese myrrh absolute, raspberry, leather, tonkin musk, Somalian opoponax 

Investor's Reader, Volume 60, 1973:

"Ciara will debut late this month at Bonwit Teller and be in full distribution by Christmas. The name is invented and the scent hints of jasmine and tuberose. The bottles will carry no brand but will simply say "Ciara by Charles Revson", to capitalize on the famous chairman-founder of Revlon. At $45 an ounce for the perfume and $10 for spray cologne, Ciara will be priced at the same level as Norell, the expensive fragrance Revlon introduced five years ago."

Playbill, 1974:

"Ciara, Charles Revson's non-such deep smoky scent that stays put all the livelong day (ask for the 100 Strength)."

CLICK HERE TO FIND CIARA BY REVSON

Bottles and Ancillary Products:

Ciara was originally offered in the following:

• 1/4 oz Parfum
• 1/2 oz Parfum
• 1 oz Parfum
• 1/2 oz Cologne Concentrated Spray
• 1.8 oz 100 Strength Concentrated Cologne Spray
• 2.25 oz 100 Strength Concentrated Cologne Splash
• 2.5 oz 100 Strength Concentrated Cologne Spray
• 1 oz 80 Strength Concentrated Cologne Spray
• 2.25 oz 80 Strength Concentrated Cologne Splash
• 2.5 oz 80 Strength Concentrated Cologne Spray
• 8 oz 50 Strength Cologne Splash
• 8 oz 25 Strength Cologne Splash

1975: 

• 0.13 oz Solid Perfume
• 0.33 oz Concentrated Purse Spray

1976:

• 6 oz Velvet Dusting Powder
• 8 oz Perfumed Body Velvet 
• 8 oz Luxurious Milk Bath
• 0.5 oz Oil of Ciara

1977:

• 4 oz Perfumed Bath Soap Bar

1978:

• 0.38 oz Pulse Point Perfume

In 1981, the 200 Strength Concentrated Cologne and other items were introduced.

• 1.8 oz 200 Strength Concentrated Cologne Spray
• 5.75 oz Luxuriant Perfumed Body Cream
• 6 oz Luxuriant Dusting Powder
• 8 oz  Perfumed Body Velvet

By 1984, more products were added to the Ciara line.

• 11.4 oz Perfumed Body Velvet

In 1984, Revlon introduced the Ciara Aura line of Perfumed Body Sprays and Moisturizing Body Mousse in three versions: Echo of Ciara (the original scent), Spices of Ciara (a heavier, headier scent) and Flowers of Ciara (a lighter scent), as part of the Ultima II collection. 

• 6 oz Body Mousse
• 2.5 oz Body Spray

1987:

• 0.95 oz Perfume Concentrate Spray
• Bath Essence
• Bath Gelee
• Body Creme
• Body Velvet
• Dusting Powder

Fate of the Fragrance:

At some time, Ciara was reformulated and released under the Revlon name, not the Revson name, and some reviewers have mentioned that there is quite a difference between the two. The newer version is quite shrill and doesn't seem as smooth or well blended as its forebear. 

If you haven't tried Ciara but enjoy fragrances such as Bal a Versailles and Cinnabar, then I implore you to spread your wings and pick up a bottle of the vintage, you may just fall in love.