Note: Please understand that this website is not affiliated with the Houbigant company in any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the Houbigant fragrances.


The goal of this website is to show the present owners of the Houbigant company how much we miss the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back the perfume!


Please leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the perfume, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or what occasion, any specific memories), who knows, perhaps someone from the company might see it.

Showing posts with label houbigant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label houbigant. Show all posts

Monday, June 10, 2024

Essence Rare by Houbigant c1976

The relaunch of Essence Rare in 1976 amidst the disco era was a fascinating juxtaposition of sensuality, earthiness, and sophistication. Disco culture was marked by its glamorous nightlife, pulsating music, and a liberated sense of self-expression. It was an era where people embraced their sensuality and individuality, often through fashion, music, and fragrances.

The reformulation of Essence Rare by Jean Claude Ellena during this period captured the essence of the times. The fragrance embodied the allure and magnetism of the disco scene, while also paying homage to the earthy, sensual vibes of the 1970s. Chypres, with their mossy, woody, and earthy notes, were particularly popular during this time, exemplified by iconic scents like YSL's Rive Gauche and Paco Rabanne's Calandre.

The relaunch of Essence Rare under the Houbigant name, in collaboration with Mem, was a testament to the brand's commitment to timeless elegance and sophistication. By infusing modern ingredients into the fragrance, it retained its classic appeal while also appealing to contemporary tastes.

Overall, the period when Essence Rare was relaunched in 1976 was a blend of disco glamour, sensual earthiness, and the enduring allure of classic chypres. It was a time of self-expression, liberation, and the celebration of individuality, perfectly encapsulated in the essence of this iconic fragrance.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

En Visite by Houbigant c1923

En Visite by Houbigant: launched in 1923. The fragrance was available in parfum (extract), toilet water, face powder, dusting powder and talcum powder.




Tuesday, April 14, 2015

A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose c1974

A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose by Houbigant: launched in 1974. The name is inspired by a line in Gertrude Stein's famous poem, "Sacred Emily." the feeling is pure romance. Imagine all the velvet textures and sunlit colors of one perfect, full yellow rose.


Friday, March 27, 2015

Indian Summer c1972

Indian Summer by Houbigant: launched in 1972. The fragrance was available in cologne and dusting powder.


It is classified as a green floriental fragrance for women with dry, herbal and spicy facets.
  • Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, narcissus, galbanum
  • Middle notes: carnation, lavender, cinnamon, cloves
  • Base notes: sandalwood, oak moss, vetiver, ambergris, patchouli, musk, vanilla
Discontinued, date unknown.



Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Aperçu by Houbigant c1984

Aperçu by Houbigant: originally launched in 1984. The name means "insight" in French.

In 1984, the powers that be at Houbigant were looking for a name for a new fragrance, two names were chosen, Aperçu and Lutece. At the time, Aperçu was not available for registration and the selection of Lutece was finalized.  A lawsuit ensued as there was a restaurant named Lutece who objected to Houbigant's use of the word Lutece as a fragrance name. However, Houbigant did win the chance to use the name Lutece as a fragrance line. When Aperçu was finally available to be used by Houbigant, it was launched in 2000.





Friday, June 6, 2014

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Demi-Jour c1987

Demi-Jour by Houbigant: launched in 1987. The perfume was a resurrection of Houbigant's 1933 perfume of the same name. I am not sure if the notes are similar though.



Sunday, February 16, 2014

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Fougere Royale 1937 Ads

These advertisements date from a 1937 McKesson's publication.









Monday, July 22, 2013

Honeysuckle by Houbigant c1938

Honeysuckle by Houbigant: launched in 1938.

Available in eau de toilette, eau florale and dusting powder.

So what does it smell like? It is a honeysuckle soliflore perfume.

Discontinued, probably sometime in the late 1940s-early 1950s.

photo by ebay seller damosel

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Fleur Bienaimee by Houbigant c1930

Fleur Bienaimee by Houbigant: launched in 1930, created by Robert Bienaime.





Gardenia Concentre by Houbigant c1935

Gardenia Concentre by Houbigant: launched in 1935. This name was also used by Cheramy, a division of Houbigant.

So what does it smell like? It was a strong, long lasting gardenia scent, with a slight mushroomy odor.

Discontinued, date unknown. Still being sold in 1941.





This same bottle was used for Houbigant's Etude perfume from 1931. Photos by ebay seller vintageglass

The Baccarat crystal bottle rests on a silver plated base and is encased in a box of varnished wood.
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Both the glass stopper, with the engraved Houbigant "H",and the bottle, have an engraved matching number. 
The base of the bottle is also acid-etched "FRANCE".
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The bottle is in superb condition with virtually no flaws that I can find. 
It has a silver metal collar around the stopper opening. 
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The silver metal cap screws onto the collar, over the stopper.
A small paper flower label on one side of the bottle reads: GARDENIA concentre HOUBIGANT.
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The presentation base is metal, with wood on the bottom (& stamped MADE IN FRANCE)
The handmade wood cover is likewise in beautiful condition; highly varnished, with no marks.
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The bottle is 1 3/8" (3.6 cm) square & 3 5/8" (9.4 cm) tall.