Vintage perfumes and colognes? (product, light, smell, mens)

[hollygolightly]

I just received my splash bottle of Yves Rocher "en avril un soir," which is supposedly very rare and hard to find since it was discontinued. It's pleasant, a floral chypre, but not spectacular.

I am still waiting on the 4711 that I ordered, very inexpensive and can be found easily online, but this is one of the oldest (maybe the oldest?) formulations of colognes.

Anyone have any experience with vintage fragrances? What are your favorites? Or do you prefer more modern scents?

Any Mitsouko or Jicky lovers?

Perfumistas, what do you like or dislike in a fragrance??

[DontH8Me]

I love Lou Lou by Cacharel. I bought my last bottle in a store while shopping in Vienna back in the late 80s. I have found a few items on ebay, thankfully, as Cacharel no longer produces this.

[hollygolightly]

Originally Posted by DontH8Me

I love Lou Lou by Cacharel. I bought my last bottle in a store while shopping in Vienna back in the late 80s. I have found a few items on ebay, thankfully, as Cacharel no longer produces this.

Ebay can be a life-saver for such things!!

Is LouLou your "signature" fragrance, or do you find that it's more seasonal (one that you would wear in the winter, rather than the summer, or vice versa)?

[maja]

Do these "vintage" perfumes maintain their fragrance over time? I was under the impression that they had a "shelf life." What has been your experience? I use to love Tiffany "Spa" - very light and perfect for daytime. I do not like a heavy perfume. Anyhow, they discontinued making it a number of years back. I have been reticent to look for it on e-bay as I wasn't sure if it would retain its original fragrance if it was, indeed, the real McCoy!

[hollygolightly]

Originally Posted by maja

Do these "vintage" perfumes maintain their fragrance over time? I was under the impression that they had a "shelf life." What has been your experience? I use to love Tiffany "Spa" - very light and perfect for daytime. I do not like a heavy perfume. Anyhow, they discontinued making it a number of years back. I have been reticent to look for it on e-bay as I wasn't sure if it would retain its original fragrance if it was, indeed, the real McCoy!

I believe, from what I have read, that they can be maintained over time if stored properly.

Air, light, and heat seem to be the top three enemies, as well as humidity, so I have moved my collection from the bathroom and bedroom upstairs, to the shelves of an armoire downstairs, where it stays cooler and sunlight is shut out.

As far as the "en avril un soir" that I just received, well, to be honest I don't know how it was stored previously, and I purchased it "scent un-sniffed," so to speak. In this case I am not sure whether the fragrance is true to how it ought to smell when new or fresh, since it is neither. Luckily, it wasn't too expensive, but it does appear to be somewhat hard to find, as I didn't see any bottles available on ebay.

I know that hardcore perfume collectors can invest thousands in their collections, and may be as picky about how their bottles are stored as avid wine enthusiasts are!

Here is a link with some tips:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2034426_stor...-properly.html

As far as ebay, I would check out the detailed feedback for that particular perfume seller, and that should help give you some idea as to how authentic and reliable they are.

Here's one that deals with vintage perfumes:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/VINTAGEPARFUM__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Anyone else have any experiences, positive or negative?

[maja]

Originally Posted by hollygolightly

I believe, from what I have read, that they can be maintained over time if stored properly.

Air, light, and heat seem to be the top three enemies, as well as humidity, so I have moved my collection from the bathroom and bedroom upstairs, to the shelves of an armoire downstairs, where it stays cooler and sunlight is shut out.

As far as the "en avril un soir" that I just received, well, to be honest I don't know how it was stored previously, and I purchased it "scent un-sniffed," so to speak. In this case I am not sure whether the fragrance is true to how it ought to smell when new or fresh, since it is neither. Luckily, it wasn't too expensive, but it does appear to be somewhat hard to find, as I didn't see any bottles available on ebay.

I know that hardcore perfume collectors can invest thousands in their collections, and may be as picky about how their bottles are stored as avid wine enthusiasts are!

Here is a link with some tips:

How to Store Perfume Properly | eHow.com

As far as ebay, I would check out the detailed feedback for that particular perfume seller, and that should help give you some idea as to how authentic and reliable they are.

Here's one that deals with vintage perfumes:

eBay Store - VINTAGEPARFUM: Womens Fragrances, Mens Fragrances, Womens Body Products

Anyone else have any experiences, positive or negative?

Thanks. I'll check it out. I use to have a friend who would keep her perfumes in the fridge!

[SunInHair]

Originally Posted by hollygolightly

I believe, from what I have read, that they can be maintained over time if stored properly.

Air, light, and heat seem to be the top three enemies, as well as humidity, so I have moved my collection from the bathroom and bedroom upstairs, to the shelves of an armoire downstairs, where it stays cooler and sunlight is shut out.

As far as the "en avril un soir" that I just received, well, to be honest I don't know how it was stored previously, and I purchased it "scent un-sniffed," so to speak. In this case I am not sure whether the fragrance is true to how it ought to smell when new or fresh, since it is neither. Luckily, it wasn't too expensive, but it does appear to be somewhat hard to find, as I didn't see any bottles available on ebay.
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I just ordered "Halston" from an eBay seller who specializes in fragrance. I was so disappointed! Description said it was new and box wrapped in plastic--no plastic and the fragrance smelled old. Seller said she'd give me a full refund, fortunately. Would like to find a reputable seller for fragrances-=-not necessarily for vintage, however.

I know that hardcore perfume collectors can invest thousands in their collections, and may be as picky about how their bottles are stored as avid wine enthusiasts are!

Here is a link with some tips:

How to Store Perfume Properly | eHow.com

As far as ebay, I would check out the detailed feedback for that particular perfume seller, and that should help give you some idea as to how authentic and reliable they are.

Here's one that deals with vintage perfumes:

eBay Store - VINTAGEPARFUM: Womens Fragrances, Mens Fragrances, Womens Body Products

Anyone else have any experiences, positive or negative?

================================================== ===

I just ordered "Halston" from an eBay seller who specializes in fragrance. I was so disappointed! Description said it was new and box wrapped in plastic--no plastic and the fragrance smelled old. Seller said she'd give me a full refund, fortunately. Would like to find a reputable seller for fragrances-=-not necessarily for vintage, however.

[hollygolightly]

Lots of times on ebay, the sellers can offer their products for a lower price because of some packaging defect, ie. a perfume bottle that is new but missing a cap. For the right price, this will work for some buyers, and the product may be just fine; but it is hit or miss. I could recommend a seller (or two ) but, I could only vouch for my experience with them. The best bet would be to search for Halston sellers, and carefully read their detailed feedback, to get a feel for the reactions of previous buyers of their Halston products. And, always check their refund policy!!

[Ohiogirl81]

I miss the original Ambush. I also liked Love's Musky Jasmine. I've never tried finding either one, and have since moved on to other things.

The only Avon scent I could ever stand was Come Summer. Every five years or so Avon will resurrect it, and I'll buy a bottle or two.

[hollygolightly]

I read that Come Summer was replaced by Sweet Honesty, which really doesn't mean much because replacements are never the same. I always wonder why companies discontinue a favorite!