1930 Article on Importation of Foreign Perfumes

According to a 1930's article in the Tampa Times:

"The practice of bringing back perfumes from Cuba for all your friends is just about a thing of the past now, under the terms of the new (Republican) tariff law. Importations of all foreign manufactured perfumes are forbidden and Tampans returning recently from Havana were permitted to bring in only a single bottle of any one brand, and then only with the seals broken and other evidence of the perfume's source destroyed. Messrs. Chanel, Cot and others -address Paris - will be required to open brand factories in the US to manufacture their famous scents."

Skinny Dip by Leeming c1970

"Be a Skinny Dip Girl! Skinny Dip Makes a Girl Feel Pretty"

Skinny Dip was released in 1970 by Leeming, a division of Pfizer.

Parfumerie Vivaudou

 In this guide I have listed the various perfumes produced by the V. Vivaudou Inc. of New York City.

Established in 1915 by Victor Vivaudou, a French-American. Affiliated with Delettrez, the initial creator of the Vivaudou products. Vivaudou produced low to medium priced range presentations, while Delettrez produced luxury presentations.

Rodin & Merle Norman Perfumes

Rodin Paris was established by Merle Norman (S.A.R.L.) at 9 rue Auber, Paris in 1946. JB Nethercutt was the co-founder along with his aunt, Merle Nethercutt Norman, of Merle Norman Cosmetics.

Nicole Altair Perfumes

Nicole Altair, Inc. of Paris; launched a range of fragrances around 1948 based on the four seasons of the year. Charles Leo Phillippe Altair, Nicole's husband was engaged in perfume manufacturing at Nicole Altair Inc. for 13 years.

Nicole Altair presented two perfume sets: Four Seasons and Two Seasons. The Four Seasons set included all four of the seasons themed perfumes, each set in a lucite rack and fitted with a lucite cover The Two Seasons set included just two perfumes also set in a lucite rack with cover.

Morny Perfumes

Morny was established in 1905 by chemist-perfumer Sidney F. Goss at 110 New Bond Street, London. The company was named after a horse called Mornington ridden by Victorian jockey Tom Cannon.

Gelle Freres

Gelle Freres of Paris France, established in 1826 at 35 rue d'Argout (currently 6 avenue de l'Opera, Paris).by the brothers Augustin & Jean-Baptiste Gelle after purchase (or inheritance) of formulas and shop which previously belonged to Fargeon Jeune, descendant of perfumer Fargeon to Louis XV and Marie Antoinette. Augustin's father in law, Emile Lecaron succeeded him. The company became a major exporter and produced luxurious presentations. They were awarded many prizes and the gold medal in 1878 and 1925.

Antique Victorian Porcelain Backed Vanity Sets

These pretty vanity items were produced during the 1890s and continued for a few more years up until around 1920 or so. The hand mirror and brush were sold along with a comb in most cases. Sets were available to adults as well as children, the children's set being a bit smaller than the adults of course. Masculine sets were offered to men as well.

Esprit de Noel by Houbigant c1968

Esprit de Noel by Houbigant: launched in 1968. “Esprit de Noel” means “spirit of Christmas.” It was available as eau de cologne and as a room essence. You would add a few drops to a light bulb to fragrance your room with a holiday air.


So what does it smell like? Sweet, incensy with a hint of muted florals.

• Top notes: bergamot, orange, cloves, spices
• Heart notes: frankincense, myrrh, pine
• Base notes: resins, balsams, tonka, cedar, amber, musk

Discontinued, date unknown.

photo by ruby lane seller  River Queen

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Kypre by Lancôme c1935

Kypre by Lancôme: launched in 1935. Created by Armand Petitjean. Lancôme launched its first five fragrances in 1935 at the World's Fair in Brussels - Tendre Nuit, Bocages, Conquete, Kypre and Tropiques.