Justine

We used this up really fast. I forgot, my father bought this for my sister and I and my mother to share. This had a tobacco smell ever so slight and fruity, yes early years. For some reason we had two bottles floating round our house, and we all loved it. This really was exquisite for its time and the bottles were absolutely wonderful. Really. One felt like one was holding expensive crystal in ones hands. The amount of fragrance in the bottle seemed never ending. The fragrance itself was soft considering the time, but not soft like today's fragrances. This was a show piece where everyone. I mean everyone who came to our home spritzed this on them selves. Everyone used to ask us of what it was? Now I recall. A classic.. So many of today;s fragrances even from well intentioned and traditional houses mimic this one. It;s like E'clat d'Arpege with a sweeter more honeyed tone. I'd say this was the perfect fragrance for today's aficionado's.

I recently snagged a full bottle of this, with the original box, on eBay. It smells similar to my 1990's Chanel no 5 eau de toilette. I haven't tried the modern version of no5 so can't speak for how it has changed. This is slightly more yellow floral and honeyed than no5, quite powdery. The dry down is however different and for me, not as rich as No5. It smells more soapy I think. Having said that, if you like No5 you will probably like this.

My father bought this for his mother in back in 70's. She wore it only on very special days and when I got older, she gave the bottle to me. I still have over half a bottle left and I treasure it. The scent has transformed over time I'm sure, but it is still my choice for very special days. There are these family traditions, you know. The scent is very feminine and strong. When applied I barely notice head notes. Instead this perfume opens its heart very fast, the well balanced flower bouquet lasts and lasts for hours until it transforms into a deep, intimate, sweet civet smell.

I was introduced to this fragrance by my grandmother when she was alive..or rather I found it on her dresser and asked to use it...loved it so much I wore in on my wedding day 35 years ago tomorrow..I still use the same types of perfumes as this...would love to get some more Justine.......Just about to lash out and buy some chanel no. 5 which I havent worn for 29 years... and at present my signaure fragrance is YSL Rive Gauche...but also love paris, aromatics, mor's marshmallow and for everyday Vanderbuilt... there's my secrets.

It's a very delicate and gentle fragrances. It reminds me Eau de Patou or the aldehydes genre, although the aldehydes are not mentioned in the notes. But I am sure they are present. I love the genre and I find it useful in the hot seasons. What a little treasure! The only thing I don't like Is the longevity not good for me.

Oh, you really ought to try Justine.......! Long ago there was a 1969 film starring Anouk Aimee....and she played the eponymous character named Justine....so when I think of Justine, the perfume, I think: shoulder-length, silky brown hair, golden suntan and - from memory - a brocade kaftan.....