Ciara by Revlon c1973

Ciara by Revlon, introduced in 1973 under the "Ciara from Ultima II – Charles Revson" label, was more than just a fragrance; it was a statement. The name "Ciara" was a poetic tribute to Charles Revson himself, cleverly derived from the initials of his name (C.R.). This choice was part of a branding trend at Revlon, as another fragrance from the era, Cerissa, also played on Revson’s initials. Beyond its corporate significance, the name Ciara has roots in multiple languages. In Irish, it derives from Ciarán or Ciara, meaning "dark-haired" or "black," evoking an air of mystery and sensuality. Pronounced SEE-AHR’-AH, it carries a melodic, almost romantic quality that suggests elegance, warmth, and intrigue. The name conjures images of dusky evenings, candlelit rooms, and the refined allure of a woman who is both sophisticated and enigmatic.

The early 1970s marked a time of social transformation and cultural upheaval. The world was emerging from the bohemian spirit of the late 1960s, with the sexual revolution and women’s liberation movement redefining femininity and power. Fashion reflected this duality—fluid, romantic silhouettes were juxtaposed with sharp tailoring, and bold, glamorous evening wear was paired with natural, carefree hairstyles. The disco era was just around the corner, and sensuality was becoming more overt in fashion, film, and beauty. Fragrance followed suit, moving away from the crisp aldehydic florals of the 1950s and early 1960s, embracing richer, more opulent compositions. Ciara’s launch came at a time when amber-laden, oriental fragrances were gaining popularity, catering to women who wanted their scents to make a statement—intoxicating, warm, and unforgettable.

Women in the 1970s would have related to a perfume called Ciara in several ways. The name, exotic yet accessible, suggested sophistication and modern femininity, qualities that resonated with the independent, self-assured woman of the time. The scent itself, classified as an ambery oriental, was designed to captivate—beginning with a fresh, fruity brightness before unfurling into a lush floral heart. The base, a luxurious blend of warm balsamic resins and woods, was seductive and long-lasting, embodying the sensual confidence of the era. At a time when women were asserting their identities in the workforce, politics, and personal lives, Ciara would have been a fragrance that felt both powerful and intimately personal.

Interpreted in scent, the name Ciara would evoke an enigmatic balance of softness and strength. The initial freshness represents a modern energy, lively yet refined. The rich florals at its core—voluptuous, expressive, and deeply feminine—capture a sense of elegance and grace. Finally, the balsamic, woody base speaks of warmth, depth, and a lingering presence, much like the lasting impact of a woman who leaves an impression long after she’s gone.

Within the landscape of 1970s perfumery, Ciara found itself among the great orientals of the decade. This was the era of Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium (1977), Revlon’s own Charlie (1973), and Estée Lauder’s Cinnabar (1978)—fragrances that were bold, sensual, and deeply resonant with the confident, modern woman. While Ciara followed the trend of rich, ambery orientals, its composition balanced fruitiness, florals, and woods in a way that set it apart. It was not merely another heavy, heady scent; it was layered, nuanced, and versatile. Women who wore Ciara were not just embracing a fragrance—they were wearing an identity, a sense of mystery wrapped in a warm, luxurious embrace.

The Three Strengths of Ciara:

Ciara was unique not only for its rich, ambery oriental composition but also for the way it was offered in multiple concentrations, allowing wearers to tailor their experience based on intensity and longevity. It was issued in three distinct strengths: 80%, 100%, and 200%, each concentration offering a different way to experience the fragrance.

The 80% concentration, equivalent to a traditional cologne strength, provided a lighter application of Ciara’s signature warmth and depth. This version was ideal for those who preferred a more subtle wear, with the scent lingering gently on the skin rather than making a bold statement. At this strength, the top notes of fresh fruitiness were more pronounced, creating a brighter, more effervescent opening. As the fragrance settled, the floral heart was delicate, and the rich base notes remained present but softened, making it a suitable option for daytime wear or those who favored a discreet scent trail.

The 100% concentration, comparable to an eau de toilette, intensified the fragrance’s character, enhancing both projection and longevity. The fruity and floral notes were more vibrant and expressive, while the base of balsamic resins, warm woods, and amber wrapped around the composition with a more pronounced sensuality. At this level, Ciara transformed into a fragrance that could transition seamlessly from day to evening, offering a lasting presence that was noticeable yet refined.

The 200% strength concentrated cologne, akin to an eau de parfum, was where Ciara truly reached its fullest potential. This version was nearly as long-lasting as many modern perfumes, ensuring that the fragrance clung to the skin for hours. Here, the composition was at its most decadent—each note more defined, the floral heart richer, and the base of woods, resins, and amber deepened to a luxurious, enveloping warmth. The oriental character of Ciara was most pronounced in this concentration, exuding opulence and allure. This strength catered to those who sought a fragrance with undeniable presence, making a bold, lasting impression wherever they went.

By offering Ciara in multiple strengths, Revlon ensured that the fragrance could appeal to a wide range of women, from those who preferred a light, fresh touch to those who desired a bold, statement-making scent. This tiered approach also reflected the changing landscape of 1970s perfumery, where women were increasingly seeking fragrances that could match their evolving lifestyles—whether for daily elegance, evening glamour, or ultimate seduction.

Ciara was introduced in late 1973 as a statement of luxury and sophistication, positioned at the high end of the market alongside Revlon's earlier prestige fragrance, Norell. The choice to launch first at Bonwit Teller, a department store renowned for catering to the elite, signified Revlon's intention to market Ciara as an aspirational scent—one that exuded exclusivity and refinement. By omitting the Revlon brand name from the packaging and emphasizing "Ciara by Charles Revson," the fragrance was strategically tied to the personal reputation of the company’s founder, a man synonymous with glamour and innovation in the beauty industry. This decision allowed Ciara to stand apart from Revlon's mass-market offerings, elevating its prestige in the eyes of consumers.

The pricing structure reflected this positioning: $45 per ounce for the perfume was a significant investment at the time, equating it with other luxury scents, while the $10 spray cologne provided a more accessible entry point. This tiered pricing model mirrored that of Norell, demonstrating a continued strategy of competing in the premium fragrance segment. Unlike many mass-market perfumes of the era, Ciara was designed to be rich, tenacious, and bold. Described in Playbill as a "non-such deep smoky scent that stays put all the livelong day," Ciara was formulated with remarkable longevity, particularly in its highly concentrated 100 Strength version. This enduring sillage ensured that the wearer remained enveloped in its opulent warmth for hours, reinforcing its image as a fragrance of lasting impact.

The fragrance itself was a statement of sensuality and depth. With an emphasis on jasmine and tuberose, Ciara aligned with the era’s love of bold, white florals, but its distinctive smoky undertones set it apart from its contemporaries. The use of dark, resinous elements and rich ambery notes grounded the otherwise luminous florals, creating a scent profile that felt both intoxicating and mysterious. It was a fragrance meant for confident women who embraced luxury, presence, and sophistication.

Launched at a time when the fashion world was shifting from the structured elegance of the 1960s into the more liberated, individualistic styles of the 1970s, Ciara’s deep, smoky character reflected the decade’s evolving sense of femininity. Women were moving away from light, ephemeral scents toward more powerful compositions that left a lingering impression. Ciara embodied this transformation, standing as an olfactory signature for the bold, self-assured woman of the time—one who appreciated a fragrance that was as unapologetically luxurious and lasting as she was.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Ciara by Revlon 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 

Scent Profile:

Ciara unfolds like a luxurious tapestry, weaving together the warmth of resins, the opulence of florals, and the richness of exotic woods. From the first breath, the fragrance reveals its complexity, inviting the wearer into a world of deep sensuality and oriental splendor.

The top notes greet the senses with a dazzling interplay of citrus, fruit, and woods. The Calabrian bergamot lends a sparkling brightness, its crisp, slightly floral citrus uplifting the composition. This is complemented by the sharper, sun-drenched tartness of Sicilian lemon, which adds a zesty, invigorating edge. Juxtaposed against these citruses is the succulent richness of raspberry, its juicy sweetness hinting at indulgence, balancing the citrus sharpness with a velvety, almost jam-like depth. 

As the fruits dance on the skin, the noble presence of Mysore sandalwood emerges—this prized variety from India is known for its unparalleled creaminess, exuding a smooth, almost milky woodiness that softens the initial brightness. Meanwhile, Indonesian patchouli unfurls its dark, earthy facets, its camphorous depth adding a grounding, almost mystical quality. The structure is further reinforced by the dry elegance of Virginia cedar, known for its crisp, pencil-shaving-like clarity, and the orange-blossom kissed delicacy of Tunisian neroli, which threads a touch of honeyed floral brightness through the opening. Madagascar vanilla, known for its deep, bourbon-like richness, lingers in the background, its warmth hinting at the luxurious sweetness yet to come.

As the scent unfolds, the heart notes emerge in a heady, floral-spiced cascade. The inclusion of herbaceous spices introduces an aromatic vibrancy—likely cardamom, clove, and nutmeg, adding warmth and depth, enhancing the interplay between the florals and woods. Comoros Island palmarosa, a grassy, rose-scented botanical, lends a dewy freshness, while Tuscan orris root infuses a powdery elegance, its buttery, violet-like richness adding an almost suede-like softness. 

The floral notes take center stage with the intoxicating opulence of Grasse jasmine absolute, its narcotic, slightly indolic nature capturing the sultry warmth of sun-drenched petals. This is further enhanced by Indian tuberose, known for its creamy, carnal intensity, adding an exotic lushness that makes the floral heart all the more decadent. The Florentine iris, revered for its cool, ethereal powderiness, introduces an air of refined sophistication, while Brazilian palisander rosewood contributes a subtly spicy, resinous woodiness. Finally, Nossi-Be ylang-ylang, sourced from the Malagasy island of Nossi-Be, unveils its unmistakable banana-like sweetness and narcotic floral warmth, adding a tropical, almost golden glow to the composition.

As the fragrance dries down, it becomes richer, deeper, and more enigmatic. The base notes envelop the wearer in a sumptuous, resinous embrace. The Omani frankincense, sourced from the legendary Boswellia sacra trees, brings a dry, sacred smokiness—ethereal and meditative, with a crisp pine-like clarity. This is balanced by the dark, balsamic richness of Sudanese myrrh absolute, whose ancient, medicinal warmth intertwines with the golden sweetness of Somalian opoponax, a resin known for its ambery, honeyed depth. 

A second, more luscious wave of raspberry emerges, now steeped in the velvety warmth of leather, evoking a sense of luxurious indulgence. Tonkin musk, once prized for its sensuous, animalic depth, adds a seductive, slightly feral warmth, blending seamlessly with the smooth, resinous character of balsam. Each element in the base intertwines, creating an intoxicating finish that lingers for hours, exuding a trail of mystery, warmth, and elegance.

Ciara is a fragrance that embraces its ambery oriental character fully, a composition that feels as indulgent and timeless as the era in which it was born. Each note is carefully chosen, enhancing the next, creating an experience that is rich, sensual, and undeniably memorable.

CLICK HERE TO FIND CIARA BY REVSON ON EBAY!

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:

Over time, Ciara underwent a reformulation, transitioning from its original release under the Charles Revson name to bearing the Revlon brand. This shift was more than just a change in labeling—it marked a noticeable transformation in the fragrance itself. Many fragrance enthusiasts who have experienced both versions attest to a striking difference between the two. The original Ciara by Charles Revson was renowned for its deep, velvety richness, a perfectly blended composition where each note seamlessly melted into the next. It had a languorous, smoky warmth that felt opulent and indulgent, its ambery, spicy facets balanced with creamy woods and enveloping florals. The vintage version had an undeniable sense of luxury, its smoothness and longevity rivaling other powerhouse fragrances of the era.

In contrast, the reformulated Revlon version is often described as harsher, less refined, and somewhat more linear in its development. The once-seamless interplay between the warm resins, balsams, and floral heart now appears more fragmented, with certain elements becoming sharper or more synthetic in character. The smooth, intoxicating florals of jasmine and tuberose seem thinner, while the balsamic and woody elements—once rich and cushiony—now carry a slightly shrill edge. The smoky sensuality that defined the vintage iteration has been diminished, replaced by a more abrupt and less harmonized structure.

For those who appreciate fragrances with an unabashedly decadent, vintage character, seeking out an older bottle of Ciara is well worth the effort. If you find yourself drawn to fragrances such as Bal à Versailles with its lavish, powdery-oriental mystique, or Cinnabar, with its spicy, ambery warmth, then the vintage Ciara will likely captivate you. Its ability to wrap the wearer in a rich, lingering aura of spiced florals, woods, and sensual animalic warmth is a rarity in modern perfumery. There is something undeniably evocative about the vintage formula—a scent that conjures up candlelit evenings, velvet-draped boudoirs, and the quiet confidence of a woman who knows her presence will be remembered. For those who adore classic orientals with depth and personality, vintage Ciara is a treasure waiting to be rediscovered.