Perfumes of yesteryear

I remember both my German Granny and my mother using 4711. It was the original Eau de Cologne or (in German ) Koelnisch Wasser = water from Cologne. It was considered "respectable" for ladies of a certain age who would not be so fast as to wear perfume (my German Oma) but was and is very fresh, great for travelling and for hot sunny days. Like Lavender it has suffered from being identified with "old ladies" but on the continent is also popular with older men (younger ones presumably preferring Hugo Boss or whatever) It is still sold by Boots and most chemists, or on Amazon and given its age, has to be one of the classics.
I googled it and came up with the following:
4711 takes its name from the street number of the building in Glockengasse, Cologne where this historic fragrance was created in 1792. The Original Eau de Cologne is formulated from the essential oils of citrus fruits blended with Rosemary, Lavender and Neroli. This unique scent is suited to both sexes and its ultra-fresh citrus notes instantly revive the wearer. 4711 is so light that it actually compliments other fragrances

It probably would be better POGS if you bought some rather than open the lovely historic bottle from your gran and risk it spoiling.

Did anyone on here ever use Flambeau, by Faberge? I was introduced to it around 1976 and loved it, but sadly it`s not been available for a long time now.

I remember my gran using this and I still have half used bottle locked away with some of her things, it must be 60 years old now and is still the same. The bottle has a goldy metal top. Every now and again I have a sniff and it still smells as it did. Uncanny really.

When I was in NZ without any perfume of my own, my sister insisted on spraying me with Opium. I hated it! I wish well-meaning people wouldn't do this sort of thing - assuming that your tastes are the same as theirs!

Do you remeber one by Yardley called "Remember"? It was my teenage favourite, when I first met Theseus....50 odd years ago!

A perfume called "Remember" would be wishful thinking for me these days!

Does anyone remember Styx? I used to feel it gave my teenaged self an air of mystery - the bottle was shaped like a witch's cauldron and it came packaged with some sort of love spell that you could chant to entrance your true love. Totally bonkers!

What a shame I missed that one!

I remember my gran using 4711 also the cologne wipes. My mum wore Tweed and the first perfume I can remember getting was Cachet I would love to smell them all again.

My granny always used 4711 and I remember the solid sicks of it too. She used to rub it on my forehead when I had a headache - don't think it helped much, but it was a nice thought.

Well I feel such a fool. I never thought to look it up. Plus I thought Koelnische Wasser was the name of the inventor. Been in Boots all this time. [dumb fool emoticon].

Well, I am very impressed with my Ebay purchase of Sortilege perfume. It's just arrived, in an unopened box and is the real thing. Must be at least 25 years old, smells gorgeous, and brings back memories of me in my early 20s, carefree and enjoying a great social life with all my pals, dancing in Manchester clubs to Tamla Motown, live rock bands, shopping in trendy boutiques and driving my first mini! All that from a little perfume bottle!

What lovely memories whenim!

Perfumes can do that,

Revlon charley would transport me back to carefree times job I enjoyed and fun dances!

Annemac Tweed that transports me to working as secretary for funny chap and being terminally bored as he was away most time and I had far too little to do!

T liked it then the perfume I mean think still available was made by lentheric.

I too was disappointed when treated myself to Chanel no 5 aged about 19 love it now! The eau de toilette is too weak tho like most perfumes eau de parfumerie lasts lot longer.

O gosh Avon! Anyone remember topaze or somewhere I also remember wishing.
They were nice as I remember hate all avon perfumes now!

Opium is ok for evenings bit like poison can be ott.
Youth dew another one! It could stain clothes! Too strong for day wear.

As a mere man, I have fond memories of the ladies of my youth in the 1950s, who all seemed to like Coty L'aimant... and I recall that Luft Tangee lipstick was all the go - this may have had something to do with the fact that where I had my first job, we did the advertising for it.

Celebgran - when The New Avengers TV series was being made, Jo Lumley's name was to have been 'Charley' - when they realised there was a scent of that name they declined to give it free advertising, and Miss Lumley came up with 'Purdey' - after the well-known world's best shot-gun!

When I was a student, most of us used the Coty perfumes, L'Aimant and Chypre. In my case, sometimes a little demure Lily of the Valley which I think was also by Coty.

Pip1953. I adored Youth Dew. I first used it at the Tottenham Royal dance hall. I used to buy it when ever I could afford it. You can still get it now but it has changed slightly. Every time I get a whiff of it, it brings back so many memories. Mini skirts, tights, shopping at Mary Quant and Kensington High Street. Hair by Vidal.

I loved a pefume called Rainflower; very light. I have never found anything quite like it since. As I've got older I've graduated from Femme to Ambre (L'Occitaine) and Spellbound (Estee Lauder). Their scent lasts on me!

Hello everyone, just read through the thread on perfume, how could I have forgotten so many?? Does anyone remember 'Adagio' by Fiona Sands, I think I bought it from Boots, it was a cream perfume, came in a little pot. I also used to wear 'Memoire cheri' can't remember who it was by, but it had a large-ish purple stone on the cap.......think that might have been the attraction!!!

To all who responded and advised "googling" many thanks and especially to sook who sent me a P.M. I found Mitsouko was very expensive now but found another old favourite Azuree at Amazon. It arrived today and I'm thrilled with it.

To Shysal- last week I found and bought some Blue Grass in my local Superdrug. They had several of the old favourites.

Naunbach it was by Elizabeth Arden may sister used to wear it!

Does anyone remember Aqua manda - v seventies with black and orange packaging. Also Mary quant did some little perfume oils in little black and yellow phials - the smells were gorgeous - wish you could still get them. I had a gift box by her with these perfumes and glitter for eyes etc. it was fab (208) - another story! .....

Thanks celebgran, I remember now. (smile)