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French Perfume History, Classics and Body Luxuries

French perfume history goes back centuries. France continues to create some of the most memorable fragrances in the world. Scroll down for the history of perfume, perfume classics and new introductions as well as bath luxuries from Provence. Select your favorite from these holiday gift sets or go directly to Boucheron, Annick Goutal Parfum

French Perfumes

Boucheron 'Ring' Eau de Toilette Spray Boucheron Eau de Parfum Spray B de Boucheron Eau de Parfum
The first perfume created by Boucheron in 1988, this signature fragrance is an enveloping and captivating floral semi-oriental. A Boucheron object d'art, synonymous with quality, opulence and elegance. A great oriental floral, Boucheron opens with sparkling and fruity notes. Its mellow, enveloping signature underscores a voluptuous floral harmony. A sensual, radiant fragrance, made like the finest jewel. A floral-woody scent set with precious, natural ingredients: Australian sandalwood, Chinese osmanthus, pink peppercorns. An undeniably luxurious bottle inspired by the Boucheron 'Exquises Confidences' jewelry collection

 

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 Chloé EDP/2.5oz icon  Diorissimo EDT/3.4oz icon Jeanne Lanvin/3.4oz.
Chloé's newly unveiled signature scent captures the creative, confident individuality of the Chloé woman. A fresh and feminine fragrance with an utterly innate sense of chic Introduced in 1956, the Diorissimo fragrance is heavily based on lily of the valley, Christian Dior's lucky flower, as well as notes of yiang-yiang, amaryllis, boronia and jasmine A delicious fruity floral musk combines pear nectar, white freesia and sandalwood. A beautiful fragrant interpretation of modern sensuality and elegance

 

Joy by Jean Patou Parfum Deluxe Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Parfum Natural Spray Angel by Thierry Mugler Natural Refillable Spray

 

Le Baiser du Dragon EDP/1.6oz Panthere EDP/1.6oz Must de Cartier Spray/1.0oz
A fragrance created for a sensual woman that draws on the force of vetiver. Le Baiser du Dragon opens to the delicate freshness of bitter almond mixed with gentle neroli blossom and gardenia, and sophisticated cedarwood and iris Panthere de Cartier, a tribute to House of Cartier's most cherished animal, is a fragrance for a sophisticated, sensual woman, with rich florals and warm spices. Sparkling citrus top notes: grapefruit, mandarin, orange blossom. Spicy floral middle notes: tuberose, jasmine, gardenia, freesia. Oriental base notes: sandalwood, tonka bean, ladbanum. Bottle is diamond-faceted, with a panther guarding the elixir. Cap is inspired from the Duchess of Windsor's brooch This unexpected, signature scent is just waiting to be discovered. Sensual, green top notes blend with woody essence for a unique Oriental fragrance

 

Must de Cartier EDT/1.6oz Must de Cartier Cream Must de Cartier Shower Gel
This illustrious Oriental perfume has become an emblem, a sensual classic that evokes the mysteries of female seduction. Original and sophisticated, with a fresh green top note of galbanun, floral middle notes of rose, jonquil and jasmine, and sensual bean notes of sandalwood, vanilla, vetiver, musk and tonka bean Must de Cartier Satin Body Cream. Soothing formula leaves skin moisturized and scented with the unexpected notes of Must de Cartier Must de Cartier Smooth Shower Gel. Luxurious formula leaves skin clean and lightly scented the sensual notes of Must de Cartier

Cartier Délices de Cartier and Eau de Cartier

A supremely feminine and precious object of irresistible temptation. This luminous and timeless scent blends delightful fruits with modern floral notes. Eau de Cartier: A gentle yet vibrant scent of fresh amber. This flowery, feminine fragrance possess a blend of violets and lavender musk

Delices EDT/1.6oz Délices de Cartier Lotion Eau de Cartier EDT/3.3oz

Eau de Cartier

The sparkling opulence, the sheer elegance of Eau de Cartier is yours to enjoy in a refreshing shampoo. Experience its bubbling sensuality in a floral blend of violet and lavender leaves with amber, musk, cedar and patchouli notes

Body Lotion Cartier EDT Spray/6.75 oz.

Kilian Perfume

Created by Kilian Hennessy, heir to the Hennessy cognac family.

A Taste of Heaven 1.7 oz. Beyond Love, Prohibited 1.7 oz. Cruel Intentions 1.7 oz.
This luxurious scent includes orange blossom, amber and patchouli. Inspired by Absinth, bittersweet nectar of poets This luxurious scented candle has notes of tuberose, tonkin musk and Egyptian jasmine This luxurious scent has notes of bergamot, rose, vetiver and styrax. Inspired by the warm, enfolding balsamic notes of Oud, a legendary wood said to be worth more than its weight in gold

 

Liaisons Dangereuses 1.7 oz. Love, Don't Be Shy 1.7 oz.
This luxurious scent has notes of Egyptian geranium and cinnamon. Inspired by plum from Damascus, a delicate fruit with a smooth note redolent of an alcove inhabited by languid lovers This luxurious scent is a pure sensual treat with notes of bergamot, honeysuckle and white musk

Annick Goutal Parfum

Annick Goutal fragrances in limited edition bottles hand painted by French artist Caroline Rennequin. Evocative fragrances inspired by every hour of the day and night.


Annick Goutal 'Eau d'Hadrien' Eau de Toilette Spray For Men

Zesty notes of Sicilian lemon and grapefruit mingle with citron and cypree in a vibrant, naturally fresh eau de toilette. A superb, refined fragrance for men. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A006373M

Price: 115


Annick Goutal 'Mandragore' Eau de Toilette

Drawing inspiration from the mandrake, Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen have created a bewitching and mysterious fragrance, within which the feminine and masculine merge together in secret harmony. A wonderful and mysterious plant, the mandrake has inspired numerous legends.In this rare and subtly vibrant perfume, the freshness of bergamot, black pepper, spearmint and star anis oil gives way to a dizzying host of sensual delights. These top notes create an immediate impression of strength and vitality, enhanced by boxwood, ginger and mandrake. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A041373M

Price: 115


Annick Goutal 'Eau d'Hadrien' Body Cream (Nordstrom Exclusive)

An elaborate formula for a body cream which is highly concentrated with the most sought-after fragrance from Annick Goutal, Eau d'Hadrien. Its light texture moisturizes the skin without leaving any greasy effect.Key ingredients: avocado oil, which protects and revitalizes the skin; vitamin A, which improves skin elasticity; and allontoin, which helps skin renewal. Brand: Annick Goutal. Style Name: Annick Goutal 'Eau d'Hadrien' Body Cream (Nordstrom Exclusive). Style Number: 267576. Available In Stores. Manufacturer part number A006880

Price: 95


Annick Goutal 'Un Matin d'Orage' Creme Parfumee pour le Corps

Layer yourself with an opulent white flower fragrance. Un Matin d'Orage, created by perfumers Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen, recreates the luminous scent of rain-drenched white flowers after a storm. Luminous, sensual, extremely feminine, fresh, pure and delicate. Brand: Annick Goutal. Style Name: Annick Goutal 'Un Matin d'Orage' Creme Parfumee pour le Corps. Style Number: 259821. Available In Stores. Manufacturer part number A047083

Price: 95



Annick Goutal 'Eau d'Hadrien' Eau de Parfum Rollerball (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Eau d'Hadrien, the most sought-after fragrance from Annick Goutal. Eau d'Hadrien is a subtle combination of bold citrus notes which evoke the heat of the Mediterranean sun and the coolness of the shade of a lemon tree. New eau de parfum rollerball to take with you at all times. Brand: Annick Goutal. Style Name: Annick Goutal 'Eau d'Hadrien' Eau de Parfum Rollerball (Nordstrom Exclusive). Style Number: 267574. Available In Stores. Manufacturer part number A006216

Price: 39


Annick Goutal 'Petite Cherie' Eau de Toilette Spray

A fruity-floral scent in which vanilla, peach, musk rose and fresh grass recalls purity and boldness. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A014353

Price: 80


Annick Goutal 'Un Matin d'Orage' Eau de Toilette

Un Matin d'Orage, created by perfumers Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen, recreates the luminous scent of rain-drenched white flowers after a storm. An opulent white flower fragrance. Luminous, sensual, extremely feminine, fresh, pure and delicate. Brand: Annick Goutal. Style Name: Annick Goutal 'Un Matin d'Orage' Eau de Toilette. Style Number: 259820. Available In Stores. Manufacturer part number A047361

Price: 220


Annick Goutal 'Gardenia Passion' Eau de Parfum Spray

The seduction of blossoming gardenia blends with the freshness of a garden after a spring shower. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A020273

Price: 160



Annick Goutal 'Petite Cherie' Eau de Parfum (Limited Edition)

Each celadon-green Butterfly bottle of Petite Cherie Eau de Parfum is embellished with a serigraph featuring the collection's iconic gold pears, musk roses and cherubs. Petite Cherie is a fresh combination of fruity and floral ingredients including peach, musk rose, pear, fresh cut grass and vanilla. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A014268

Price: 230


Annick Goutal 'Eau d'Hadrien' Eau de Parfum Spray

The zesty notes of the true Sicilian lemon and grapefruit mingle with the refinement of the citron tree and cypress notes to give a universal fragrance, subtle and refined. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A006273US

Price: 160


Annick Goutal 'Un Matin d'Orage' Eau de Toilette

Un Matin d'Orage, created by perfumers Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen, recreates the luminous scent of rain-drenched white flowers after a storm. Luminous, sensual, extremely feminine, fresh, pure and delicate. Brand: Annick Goutal. Style Name: Annick Goutal 'Un Matin d'Orage' Eau de Toilette. Style Number: 259819. Available In Stores. Manufacturer part number A047353

Price: 80


Annick Goutal 'Petite Cherie' Eau de Toilette Spray

For the 10th anniversary, the classic ribbed bottle is frosted in a soft, celadon green. Petite Cherie is a fresh combination of fruity and floral ingredients including peach, musk rose, pear, fresh-cut grass and vanilla. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A014373

Price: 115



Annick Goutal 'Songes by Annick Goutal' Eau de Toilette Spray

Songes?French for 'dreams'?comes alive in a romantic, sensual fragrance from Annick Goutal. A bouquet bursting with both primitive and delicate notes, surrounded by exotic white florals. Notes of frangipani, absolute of ylang-ylang, absolute of jasmine and absolute of vanilla. Created from the most noble and natural ingredients. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A042353

Price: 115


Annick Goutal 'Eau d'Hadrien' Eau de Toilette Spray

The zesty notes of the true Sicilian lemon and grapefruit mingle with the refinement of the citron tree and cypress notes to give a universal fragrance, subtle and refined. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A006353

Price: 115


Annick Goutal 'Gardenia Passion' Eau de Toilette Spray

The seduction of blossoming gardenia blends with the freshness of a garden after a spring shower. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A020373

Price: 115


Annick Goutal 'Mandragore' Eau de Toilette

Drawing inspiration from the mandrake, Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen have created a bewitching and mysterious fragrance, within which the feminine and masculine merge together in secret harmony. A wonderful and mysterious plant, the mandrake has inspired numerous legends.In this rare and subtly vibrant perfume, the freshness of bergamot, black pepper, spearmint and star anis oil gives way to a dizzying host of sensual delights. These top notes create an immediate impression of strength and vitality, enhanced by boxwood, ginger and mandrake. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A041353

Price: 80



Annick Goutal 'Petite Cherie' Eau de Parfum Spray

A fruity-floral scent in which vanilla, peach, musk rose and fresh grass recalls purity and boldness. Brand: Annick Goutal. Manufacturer part number A014273

Price: 160

Perfume history goes back to the Cleopatra, Rome, Greece and the Far East. Francis I brought back Italian customs of wearing scent (1525) and Catherine de Medici brought her own perfumer to France. In the time of Louis XIV (1638-1715), France entered the competition and vied for control the trade with the East for spices and aromatics. They planted aromatics and under royal protection the French perfume industry was born and nurtured. His personal perfumer made a special scent for him each day. In Grasse, perfume existed since the Middle Ages to cover the odor of leather gloves, and was extended to soap made from olive oil produced there. Soon even wigs were powdered with fragrance. The 18th century popularized potpourri in Sèvres porcelain; eau de cologne (originally scented spirits brought back from Cologne during the Seven Years War); blending for more complex fragrances; and crystal perfume bottles. The industry declined during the French Revolution, but was enhanced by Napoleon both through organic chemistry and his own use of several bottles a day! More details can be found in books: cosmetics, perfume and fashion history.

Perfume Basics: Fragrance consists of essential oils and alcohol. Essential oils carry the true scent and are costly. There are no international "rules" on definitions and required percentage of essential oil, but the concentration is progressively less from parfum (French)/perfume (highest), eau de parfum, eau de toilette, cologne (least), and the prices will reflect this. Body products ("fragrance layering") are good for your skin and make your fragrance last longer. Usually, body creme will be "perfumed" while other products are "fragranced."

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Last Modified: January 28, 2010

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