Launched in 1969, Azuree by Estée Lauder arrived at the dawn of a new era, a fragrance that captured the freedom and sophistication of the time. The name itself, Azuree, is derived from the word azure, meaning a deep, clear blue—a word rooted in the Old French "azur" and ultimately from the Persian "lazward," referring to the rich hue of lapis lazuli. Pronounced "az-you-REE", it evokes the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, sunlit coastlines, and an endless summer sky. It is a name that suggests effortless elegance, warmth, and the intoxicating beauty of sea-kissed air.
The late 1960s was a time of transformation, a bridge between the structured femininity of the early decade and the more liberated, bohemian aesthetic that would define the 1970s. Fashion was embracing fluid silhouettes, ethnic prints, natural fabrics, and an increasing sense of ease—a shift that mirrored the cultural changes taking place. Women were embracing travel, independence, and self-expression, and Azuree embodied that spirit. It was a scent designed for a woman who felt at home on the Riviera, strolling through sun-drenched citrus groves, with the scent of salt air and herbs lingering in the breeze.
At a time when aldehydic florals like Chanel No. 5 still reigned supreme, Azuree stood apart. It was not delicate, powdery, or overly sweet. Instead, it was bold, sun-warmed, and distinctly Mediterranean. The top notes of citrus and herbs—Calabrian bergamot, bright lemon, crisp basil, sage, and cool spearmint—created an invigorating, windswept opening, like standing on a sunlit terrace overlooking the sea. But Azuree was not just a breezy cologne—it carried a complexity that unfolded into something deeper and more sensual.
