Toujours Moi

Awe GEEZUS :-D Okay, as a self confessed vintage fragrance addict, becoming more n more illogical in my spending habits as I find myself now in my 50's coming to grips w/the mortal awareness of the existence of FAR TOO MANY frags to experiment with w/yet SO VERY LITTLE time (left) to try even a fraction of what has ever been produced ..... THIS STUFF is the stuff of dreams ;) I find myself in utter AWE of perfumistas whom pen blogs/articles outlining various perfume outlines such as "100 frags every perfumista ought try" or the "Top xx Frags of all time", etc. I bow to such confidence in being ABLE to create such lists as personally, I just CAN'T :( I love too many, live FOR many, constantly hunting to an obsession those killing my curiosity. I know I am NOT alone & somehow, the world is such a sweet sweet reality knowing I am not w/the knowledge us fragheads JUST MAKE the world a better place to live in .... am I right? *wink* Also confessing to frequently experiencing levels of what can only be guilt in my guilty awareness of my SOLE selfish, somewhat gluttonous collection now reaching almost 3K frags. **sigh** "Father, forgive me" for my excessive indulgence, but I DID CONFESS I AM an addict, eh That being said, knowing I am in good company, there just ARE frags that regardless of whatever am hunting down, when they come across at any price nearing a bargain, its ALWAYS a no-brainer to buy. There just ARE Frags which one simply NEVER HAVE ENOUGH OF, am I right ? Good, oooooold, ultra vintage Corday TouJours Moi is one of those frags for me. Mmmmmmmmmm. Prior to throwing abandon to the wind & securing a small hoard for myself, I'd PANICK whenever stock fell below a full ounce. Tho I love too many to list, I really DO TRY to limit inventory excess nowadays .... EXCEPT for those few frags which fall into the category of "If its a bargain, BUY IT no matter what" knowing I'll drown in them b4 they'd ever go to waste anyways, LOL. Also, I DO have quite a reputation for generosity ;) THIS frag, for me, causes almost knee jerk purchasing, LOL. I luuuuuuuv vintage Orientals, Chypres, Boozy, rich scents. Can't get enough of em. Its a sickness, but I KNOW at any given time of ANY/EVERY day, I likely smell like French ho! And I RELISH IN THAT FACT! I feel as tho others appreciate this tho? I've YET 2b told I've offended another w/my scents & tho I recognize its likely happened, I've never been told, so I'd like to think I'm also appropriate about my illness in consideration of others? I HAVE been told hundreds of times how lovely I smell, so I feel it my "duty" heh heh heh IF you wonder what type of Frag I WOULD place this scent in, I'll share a few others in the group of "BUY IT!" whenever crazy NOT to. They ARE all kind of similar in what I refer to as "boozy, resinous, heady, skanky divinity" bcuz I am NOT good at sharing olfactory experiences and describing notes .... AT ALL? Note: below list contains ONLY the oldest, very vintage, hopefully concentrated forms of pure parfum/extraits: Corday TouJours Molinard Habanita Dana Tabu Dana Bolero Ciro Danger Guerlain L'Heure Bleue Guerlain Shalimar Guerlain Fleur de Feu Guerlain Jicky Caron Nuit de Noel Caron Narcisse Noir Fragonard Bel de Nuit Givenchy L'Interdit Jean Desprez Bal A Versailles Lanvin Crescendo Weil Zibeline ..... okay, SO IF you appreciate the above types of frags, then you'll adore Corday TouJours Moi, guarenteed! On the OTHER hand? Corday Toujours Toi? No, just no! That one was an expensive lesson on assuming similar names from same House = similar scent. *Deep breathe* THIS ONE is perfumery EXCELLENCE in my humble opinion, the likes of which I am NEVER NOT in the mood to wear it. There's another that does "it" for me in similar manner .... but for which I am reluctant to share bcuz as it is, competition for the RARE offering that comes along has gotten insane wherein I've not been able to acquire more than a quarter ounce under $200 in YEARS .... and I check the major selling apps DAILY for it :/ IF my kidneys weren't so crummy w/constant genetically predisposed kidney stones regardless of ALL efforts known to man, one of em woulda been sold LONG AGO just to secure even a lousy full ounce of it. HATE having to conserve the half ounce I have left of my vintage columnar bottle! Because perhaps the Gods will.smile.upon me tho if I share, or in case anybody WANTS one of my crappy kidneys (lol), besides Corday TouJours Moi, I've an uber weak spot for Weil Cassandra There it is! *put a bow on it* :-P 🔴🟠🟡🟢🔵🟣🟤⚪️⚫️ ^ edit Sept 2023 Oh, my 😖❗️ It appears (once again) I seem to have (way) over done it & have purchased (far) too much antique --> very vintage Corday Toujours Moi parfum/extrait ❗️ I'm talking THE ORIGINAL & ultimate version too 😉. Unsure WHAT I have been thinking really .... except that as I initially confessed a couple years ago, if/when I see this particular version & parfum/extrait at any bargain to reasonable price, I IMMEDIATELY jump to "BUY NOW". Sheesh .... and BUY NOW I have *gulp* So, my last assessment of inventory of this specific PARFUM, I've amassed a frankly ridiculous number of oh-so-beautiful crystal flacons of ORIGINAL VERSION Corday Toujours Moi 🥴 HOW ridiculous ❓️ Over 20 😬 on the 1⁄4oz mini bottles with plastic caps, five of the 1⁄2oz crystal flacons w/crystal stoppers, six of the 1oz crystal flacons w/crystal stoppers, three of the GORGEOUS 2oz crystal flacons w/crystal stoppers, and alas, I've even ONE HUGE 8oz crystal flacon w/crystal stopper❗️ For ANYBODY interested, all the above are JUST MY SEALED PIECES too❗️ I've ALSO acquired several unsealed flacons in various sizes. I DID confess my having acquired a "frankly ridiculous" amount, did I not 🤪 ❓️ Ug Anyhoo ❓️ Reason for this edit is: should anybody be seeking to acquire their own gorgeous crystal flacon of AUTHENTIC Corday Toujours Moi parfum/extrait, in its [now antique) ORIGINAL, divine & decadent formulation, in a sealed vessel : untouched and sans human skin oil &/or even oxygen contamination ..... then feel free to medsage me here 🤗 & I can certainly accomodate such desire(s)❗️ EVERY flacon I own is one of two types: ● a genuine antique, qualifying as either a hundred years old or darn close to a hundred years since its manufacture in that these flacons were released in the 1920's to 1930's ~ OR ~ ● extremely vintage and closest to being an antique, manufactured sometime between the 1940's and 1950's. I am (now) able to ascertain from which era these crystal flacons of Corday Toujours Moi (& Toi) were released due to information gleaned from not only a LOT of time & effort invested in research, but also, more importantly, from communications exchanged with an elderly former Parisian sales representative for Corday Parfums - whom formerly held a high position within the organization & whom generously took the time to show ME how to distinguish between the era(s) of manufacture/release of these fabulous flacons 😊 I've decided whilst downsizing my rather enormous antique & vintage fragrance collection, to let go of MOST of these priceless flacons containing their pristine Toujours Moi juice because I'm keeping at LEAST TWO of the larger flacons. That amount will definitely hold ME over dor the rest of MY time here .... as I'm ill & in all probability, have less than (maybe ?) a couple years remaining to enjoy my lovelies (my beloved frags). In fact ? Having sold over 100 of my beauties within the past year, I've STILL a good thousand [or more] remaining to re-home, LOL. So ? IF you're LOOKING FOR a particular antique &/or vintage fragrance (?), shoot me an inquiry 😉. One NEVA KNOWS ..... & I JUST MIGHT HAVE something you're looking for ? I've simply not enuf time of my own to list all I have to sell & don't really care to have a stranger do FOR me. My prices are (very) fair AND I've over 400 GREAT reviews on the one site I've sold on ..... IF interested 😌. Please understand tho, I'm NOT a "vintage frag seller" per se. I'm merely downsizing/letting go of a significant number of frags - from an enormous personal collection numbering a couple thousand - you kno ... to make things a lil easier for my kids 🙄 😬 🥴 Toodles 👋

Some context for this review: My personal review of Corday Toujours Moi is based on two original bottles from my vintage fragrance collection, worn and evaluated side by side over multiple applications. One is a well-preserved early-1950s 2oz Eau de Toilette in the traditional round Corday bottle, and the other is an early-1960s 2.8oz Eau de Cologne Spray housed in the iconic milk-glass unicorn design bottle, produced around the time of Corday’s acquisition by Max Factor. Both bottles are in excellent condition and retain strong, intact juice! Toujours Moi is not a shy perfume. In my mind it belongs right in the world of silk robes, powder puffs, and vanity mirrors; it announces itself with both elegance and confidence! This is vintage boudoir glamour meant to be noticed - feminine, plush, and unapologetically present; with a moderate sillage and a beautifully composed trail. You will definitely be noticed as you enter a room. The opening shows a very brief ‘tarry’ shadow of aged resin (likely styrax). In the 60’s bottle it flashes quickly and never dominates; but in the 50’s bottle it’s much more present and lingers longer than I would prefer. Almost immediately, a powdery orris note emerges, smoothing the transition and lending a cosmetic elegance that defines the fragrance early on. This orris is crucial: it powders the florals and prevents the composition from ever feeling sharp or unruly. Those who don’t love aldehyde openings will be pleased to know there aren’t any in Toujours Moi’s formulation. The heart is seamless, rather than note-by-note. Ylang-ylang provides creamy floral warmth; while benzoin adds a sweet, balsamic softness that feels “yummy” without tipping into gourmand territory. Together with the orris, they form a sweet-spicy, cosmetic accord that feels warm, sensual, and indulgent. As the heart melts into the dry-down, a gentle coumarin (aka Tonka bean) sweetness emerges, adding a soft, creamy warmth that rounds the emerging amber base and enhances the powdery elegance without ever turning gourmand. The result is a fragrance that feels confident, glamorous, and quietly decadent. There’s no patchouli heaviness or smoky darkness here; the creamy amber remains smooth, polished, and distinctly feminine! Toujours Moi feels to me like: • an elegant silk robe falling from soft shoulders • freshly powdered skin under candlelight (I do love my vintage dusting powders) • soft marabou-trimmed heels of the ‘boudoir vixen’ clicking gently across the room Toujours Moi will always be one of my top 10 vintage fragrances, and for good reason! If you decide to try it for yourself I would recommend finding an early Max Factor bottle that is not heavily oxidized; the essence of the fragrance remains just as captivating, without the unpleasant tarry/smoky lingering of aged styrax. It’s a bottle you will want to wear. I would caution against bottles from the 40’s and earlier, as beautiful to look at as they are! I would also caution against bottles made by Dana Perfumes, New Dana Perfumes and Dana Classic Fragrances. By the time Toujours Moi ended up in their hands it lost the earlier magic of Corday (IMO of course).

An absolute devine creation from the past, many many moons ago. This scent taught me so much about the nature of parfume, the patience you have to express when interacting with a new perfume, the chance you have to give it to be able to unfold differently on paper, then skin... with different strong or soft approaches, to watch how it looses its layers into the ether after you experienced them and to leave behind a constantly new creation of different scents. Absolutely magical. I bought the original parfume, 3 different purchases, before Max Factor or Dana was playing around with it. I never tested the EDT, only the Parfum which was created by House of Corday in France!!! When I applied it to my wrist, I nearly fell of the chair. It was way too much and so overwhelmingly screaming at me that I washed it off immediately. The "left-over" on my skin was still harsh (very impressive how it was holding on for its dear life on my wrist). So I gave it a chance and over the next 3-6 hours it morphed into 10 different scents - which really got my attention. I started the next day fresh with neutral wrists and applied just a tiny amount. Still strong as hell but I could cope better. After 30 to 60 minutes my wrist was an unusual flower field (not floral in the common sense) in the middle of an ancient church with a motherly warmth to it that is so welcoming and so relaxing WOW. Having lived with it for 2 weeks now I find myself smelling my wrists in awe on a common base, I get people telling me that I smell magical and mystical, I feel greatly entertained by the many different faces with Parfume offers over time and I just realize that I shouldn't write a review about it cause all my online supplies are in danger now. Mhhhhh..... A really beautiful wonder if you handle it with care, with a less-is-more approach and with a good sniff every hour. Enjoy and credit me if you love it ha. EDIT: I am only referring to the original Toujours Moi which came in the bottle like above. When Maxfactor bough the House of Corday it changed the combination - I didn't test this version. *I am new to the world of scents, I have a good nose, great insides but still learning the right words for it. Stay with me (: *

Toujours Moi - Corday (1923) This rare lucky find seems to lead way for autumn scents season, it's getting real warm and cosy, heavy and ambery here since I applied this on my skin. According to Cleopatra's Boudoir this was inspired by the incense used in Notre Dame at the time, and I guess it explains why so many more people went to church back then, because that is one of the very few reasons that would make me to go there too. This stuff is STRONG. Resinous, a little b×ozy, ambery sweet but not cloying, a little spicy, incensy, floral and has a sensual purr to it. At first try I am reminded of the oriental, resinous beauty of "Bal à Versailles" pure perfume Jean Desprez, with the dark, attractive sensuality of "Tabu" by Dana, but around this there is more, almost christmas-incense, darker florals, a liiiittle bit of fruitiness and more ambery/oriental style warmth to it. Notes (Cleopatra's Boudoir): Top notes: aldehydes, cxgnxc, bergamot, peach, plum, petitgrain, lemon, raspberry, orange blossom, jasmine, almond, thyme Middle notes: geranium, clove, ylang-ylang, nutmeg, lavender, lily of the valley, lilac, heliotrope, rose, frankincense, myrrh, honey, carnation, hay Base notes: cistus labdanum, patchouli, amber, sandalwood, mxsk, vetiver, benzoin, leather, camphor, txbaccx, Tolu balsam, tonka bean, vanilla, oakmoss, cxstorxum CORDAY TOUJOURS MOI 1923

Toujours Moi is such a gorgeous fragrance to me. I own both the Corday version and the Max Factor version. When I was in my last teen year around the early 80's I had the Max Factor version of this in a spray and loved it then. My favorite Toujours Moi was the Max Factor but the Corday is really pretty. I haven't had the Dana version but I want to try it too. My hard lean toward oriental scents started very very young with sniffing up my older sisters Tabu and mom's Emeraude and Faberge. My little Max Factor splash bottle has reduced down to an inky amber colored liquid and smells like boozy vanilla powder with spices, perhaps carnations? I seem to be drawn to the smell of carnations and have been since I was little. This has what some probably call a smoky or leather type vibe in there too. For me Toujours Moi is like a warm caress in a bottle. I agree it feels like having a soothing bath and fully pampered and powdered and wearing your silkiest loungewear. This would be my "fancy" feeling perfume I wear for myself and I'm wearing it today in our mid 70's weather. It's heavenly! Edit: Just one little dab of this vintage TM and I'm in a spicy, vanilla bourbon, powdery dream cloud. When the mood strikes for an embracing snuggly vanilla perfume, vintage Toujours Moi is heaven. Can't stop sniffing my wrist.