Ciara by Revlon (1973)

Ciara, introduced in 1973, was created by Revlon, one of the most influential beauty houses of the twentieth century. Behind the fragrance stood the powerful personality of Charles Revson, the visionary entrepreneur who built Revlon into a global cosmetics empire. Revson was famous for his meticulous control over branding, advertising, and product image. He understood that perfume was not simply a cosmetic—it was an experience shaped by story, glamour, and identity. Ciara was conceived partly as a tribute to him, with its name cleverly derived from a poetic rearrangement of his initials, C.R. During this period at Revlon, several fragrances played on Revson’s name, including Cerissa, another creative interpretation of his initials.

The name “Ciara”, pronounced SEE-AHR-AH, was intentionally elegant and mysterious. Though the spelling resembles the Irish name Ciara—traditionally meaning “dark” or “dark-haired”—in this context the word was essentially an invented name, chosen for its lyrical sound and its subtle reference to Charles Revson. The name has a soft, flowing rhythm that feels both exotic and feminine, conjuring images of sophistication, candlelit evenings, and luxurious dressing tables. It suggests a woman who is refined yet sensual, someone who moves through elegant spaces with quiet confidence. The word itself carries a slightly romantic aura, hinting at warmth, depth, and intrigue rather than brightness or innocence.

When Ciara debuted in 1973, the world of fashion and fragrance was experiencing a period of dramatic change. The early 1970s were a time of creative freedom following the social revolutions of the late 1960s. Fashion embraced flowing silhouettes, natural fabrics, and glamorous eveningwear inspired by both bohemian influences and Hollywood sophistication. Designers such as Halston helped define the era with sleek, fluid gowns and effortless elegance. Women were increasingly independent, exploring new professional and social roles while also embracing personal luxury as a form of self-expression.

Perfumery during this period began moving away from the lighter florals of the 1950s and early 1960s toward richer, warmer oriental compositions. These fragrances were sensual, complex, and long-lasting—perfectly suited to the glamorous nightlife culture emerging in cities like New York and Paris. Within this environment, Ciara was positioned as a prestige fragrance, debuting at the luxury department store Bonwit Teller before expanding into broader distribution later that year. The perfume’s pricing reflected its luxury status: the parfum sold for $45 per ounce, placing it alongside other high-end fragrances such as Norell, which had already established Revlon as a serious competitor in the prestige perfume market.

The fragrance itself reflects the evocative mood suggested by its name. Ciara is classified as an ambery oriental, a style known for warmth, depth, and sensual richness. The scent begins with a fresh, fruity opening, creating an inviting brightness before the perfume deepens into its floral core. At the heart of the composition lies a bouquet of expressive blossoms, with notes of jasmine and tuberose lending a lush, almost intoxicating floral character. These flowers feel opulent and feminine, their creamy sweetness evoking the glamour of evening wear and candlelit gatherings.

As the fragrance settles, it reveals the true signature of Ciara: a sweet balsamic base layered with woods and animalic warmth. Vanilla plays a prominent role, adding softness and comfort while blending with warm woods such as sandalwood, patchouli, and cedarwood. These notes create a deep, velvety foundation that clings beautifully to the skin. Subtle animalic elements further enrich the base, lending a sensual warmth that was highly fashionable in perfumes of the era. The overall effect is rich yet balanced—a fragrance that evolves from bright freshness to enveloping warmth.

For women of the early 1970s, a perfume like Ciara would have felt both luxurious and modern. It captured the spirit of the time: confident femininity combined with indulgent elegance. Wearing Ciara suggested sophistication without excessive formality, making it suitable for both glamorous evenings and everyday moments of personal pleasure. The name itself—smooth, elegant, and slightly mysterious—enhanced this aura, inviting the wearer to inhabit a persona of refined allure.

In the broader context of perfumery during the 1970s, Ciara did not radically break from prevailing trends, but rather embraced them with exceptional polish. The decade saw growing popularity of warm oriental fragrances featuring amber, vanilla, woods, and rich florals. Ciara’s composition aligned perfectly with this movement, offering a fragrance that felt indulgent and contemporary while remaining timeless enough to appeal to a wide audience. Its combination of luxury branding, evocative name, and sensual composition helped it stand alongside the most successful prestige fragrances of its era.

Ultimately, Ciara represents a moment when Revlon sought to merge corporate prestige with personal glamour. By quietly embedding Charles Revson’s initials within the name while presenting the fragrance as a sophisticated, independent identity, the company created a perfume that celebrated both its founder and the evolving elegance of the modern woman.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Ciara is classified as an ambery oriental fragrance for women. It starts with a fresh fruity top, followed by an expressive, rich floral heart, resting on a sweet balsamic, warm woodsy base. "Rich top notes of vanilla, mingle in a sweet bouquet. Touched with wood notes, harmonizing sandalwood, patchouli and cedarwood with a blend of animal-like notes."

• Top notes: Mysore sandalwood, Madagascar vanilla, Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, Tunisian neroli, raspberry, Indonesian patchouli, Virginia cedar  
• Middle notes: herbaceous spices, Comoros Island palmarosa, Tuscan orris root, Grasse jasmine absolute, Indian tuberose, Brazilian palisander rosewood and Nossi-Be ylang-ylang
• Base notes: Omani frankincense, Sudanese myrrh absolute, raspberry, leather, Tonkin musk, Somalian opoponax, ambergris, Siam benzoin, Yugoslavian vetiver, Maltese labdanum, Venezuelan tonka bean, Peru balsam, tolu balsam, Sumatran styrax, Canadian castoreum, Abyssinian civet

Scent Profile:

Ciara is an opulent ambery oriental composition, the kind of fragrance that unfolds slowly on the skin like layers of velvet drapery in a softly lit salon. The perfume opens with a luminous yet unexpectedly creamy brightness: Madagascar vanilla mingles immediately with citrus facets, creating the sensation of warm sweetness rising through a sparkling veil of light. The vanilla from Madagascar—derived from Vanilla planifolia orchids grown in the humid climate of the island’s northeastern regions—is considered the gold standard of vanilla in perfumery. Its aroma is not merely sugary; it carries facets of cocoa, tobacco, and sun-warmed wood. When paired with Calabrian bergamot, the fragrance glitters with green citrus brightness. Bergamot from Calabria, Italy is prized because the coastal microclimate and mineral-rich soil produce a peel oil with exceptional complexity—simultaneously floral, bitter, and sparkling. Beside it, Sicilian lemon adds a sharper, radiant zest, like a flash of sunlight cutting through silk.

The citrus brightness softens into delicate florality with Tunisian neroli, distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. Tunisian neroli oil is treasured for its balanced aroma—fresh and honeyed, yet slightly green—less indolic than some Moroccan varieties and softer than French neroli. Against this floral citrus glow appears a whisper of raspberry, often recreated through aroma molecules such as raspberry ketone, because real raspberries yield little extractable essential oil. Raspberry ketone smells vividly fruity, with facets of berry jam, violet, and a touch of caramel, and it amplifies the sweetness of the vanilla while brightening the citrus notes. 

Surprisingly, the opening also carries woody undertones: Mysore sandalwood, historically harvested in India, contributes a creamy, milky wood aroma unlike any other sandalwood species. True Mysore sandalwood oil contains high levels of alpha- and beta-santalol, molecules responsible for its buttery smoothness and long-lasting warmth. Alongside it, Indonesian patchouli—earthy, dark, and slightly chocolate-like—grounds the brightness. Patchouli from Indonesia is richer and more camphoraceous than Indian varieties, giving Ciara’s opening a faint shadow beneath the sweetness. A touch of Virginia cedarwood adds pencil-shaving dryness and structure, preventing the sweetness from becoming overly syrupy.

As the fragrance settles, the heart blooms into an expressive floral tapestry. Comoros Island palmarosa introduces a green-rosy aroma with citrus nuances due to its high geraniol content. Palmarosa from the Comoros Islands is valued because the island climate produces oil with exceptional purity and floral clarity. This rosiness merges with the powdery elegance of Tuscan orris root, derived from the aged rhizomes of iris plants grown in Tuscany. True orris butter is among the most expensive materials in perfumery because the roots must age for years to develop irones, the molecules responsible for its violet-like, buttery powder scent. In Ciara, orris creates the illusion of luxurious cosmetic powder drifting across the skin.

The floral heart grows more intoxicating with Grasse jasmine absolute, harvested in the legendary perfume region of southern France. Grasse jasmine is famous for its luminous balance of sweetness and animalic warmth; its indoles add a faint sensual depth that makes the flower feel alive and warm. Indian tuberose intensifies this lushness with creamy, narcotic sweetness—its scent reminiscent of white petals soaked in honey and coconut milk. The tuberose’s richness is softened by Nossi-Be ylang-ylang from Madagascar, whose exotic floral aroma combines banana-like fruitiness with creamy spice. Finally, Brazilian palisander rosewood contributes a subtle rosy woodiness due to its natural linalool content, linking the floral bouquet with the woody base that will soon emerge.

The base of Ciara is where the fragrance becomes truly sumptuous and oriental. Omani frankincense, distilled from the resin of Boswellia sacra trees growing in Oman’s desert climate, adds a silvery, citrus-tinged incense note that feels simultaneously sacred and luminous. Sudanese myrrh absolute deepens the resinous character with a darker balsamic sweetness, while Somalian opoponax—sometimes called “sweet myrrh”—introduces a warm, honeyed resin scent with subtle spice. These ancient resins are blended with Siam benzoin from Thailand, whose vanilla-like warmth enhances the sweetness of Madagascar vanilla in the opening. Sumatran styrax adds smoky leather undertones, while Peru balsam and tolu balsam contribute creamy, cinnamon-vanilla richness reminiscent of warm amber.

The base becomes darker and more sensual with animalic elements historically used in classical perfumery. Ambergris, once naturally produced in the digestive system of sperm whales and now largely recreated through molecules such as ambroxide, gives the fragrance a mineral warmth that radiates from the skin. Tonkin musk, originally derived from musk deer but now synthesized through compounds like galaxolide or muscone, contributes a clean yet sensual skin-like warmth that binds the entire composition together. Canadian castoreum, historically extracted from beaver glands but now recreated synthetically, smells like warm leather, smoky fur, and soft tobacco. Abyssinian civet, similarly reproduced through aroma chemicals such as civetone, adds a subtle animalic warmth—an almost human skin note that intensifies the floral heart.

The woody foundation continues with Yugoslavian vetiver, whose roots produce a smoky, earthy oil with hints of green grass and damp soil. Maltese labdanum, a resin obtained from rockrose shrubs growing in Mediterranean climates, contributes the deep amber character—sweet, leathery, and slightly honeyed. Venezuelan tonka bean brings coumarin-rich warmth reminiscent of almond, vanilla, and freshly cut hay. These elements melt into the lingering sweetness of balsams and resins, forming a base that feels both golden and shadowed.

Together, these natural materials and carefully chosen aroma molecules create the illusion of warmth, sweetness, and sensual skin. The synthetics amplify what nature begins: raspberry ketone brightens fruit, ambroxide extends ambergris radiance, and musks soften the entire structure. What emerges is a fragrance that feels richly textured—sparkling citrus and berry sweetness dissolving into lush white flowers, before settling into an enveloping cloud of incense, amber, leather, and warm animalic musk. Ciara ultimately smells like glowing amber silk warmed by skin—luxurious, intimate, and unmistakably of the grand, opulent tradition of classic oriental perfumery.

Bottles and Product Line:

When Ciara debuted in 1973, it arrived with an unusual concept for the time: a fragrance offered in multiple strengths, allowing the wearer to choose how richly the perfume enveloped the skin. The fragrance was originally introduced as “Ciara from Ultima II – Charles Revson,” linking it to the prestige Ultima II cosmetic line created by Charles Revson. The perfume itself was a lush ambery-oriental composition, but its personality shifted noticeably depending on concentration.

The Parfum, offered in ¼ oz, ½ oz, and 1 oz bottles, represented the most luxurious interpretation. In this concentration the fragrance unfolded slowly and intimately. The citrus top notes of bergamot and lemon were barely sparkling whispers, quickly dissolving into the creamy sweetness of vanilla and sandalwood. The floral heart—jasmine, tuberose, and ylang-ylang—felt dense and velvety, while the base of amber, balsams, animalic musks, and incense clung to the skin like warm silk. The Parfum would have smelled deep, plush, and slightly mysterious, emphasizing the resinous base more than the brighter fruit and citrus. It lingered for many hours, radiating softly rather than loudly.

Alongside the Parfum, the fragrance appeared in Concentrated Cologne strengths that were expressed in percentages rather than modern terminology. The 100 Strength Concentrated Cologne—available in 1.8 oz spray, 2.25 oz splash, and 2.5 oz spray—corresponded roughly to what we would consider eau de toilette strength today. In this version the citrus and raspberry top notes were far more noticeable. The fragrance opened brighter and fruitier, with sparkling bergamot and sweet berry notes dancing above the vanilla sweetness. The florals appeared sooner and felt more radiant, while the warm woods and resins settled into a smooth amber background rather than dominating the scent. The 80 Strength Concentrated Cologne—sold in 1 oz spray, 2.25 oz splash, and 2.5 oz spray—was slightly lighter, comparable to a classic cologne concentration. Here the fragrance felt more airy and elegant: the citrus notes shimmered longer, the floral bouquet was clearer and more luminous, and the heavier animalic and resinous elements softened into a gentle, velvety warmth.

Even lighter versions appeared for generous application. The 50 Strength Cologne Splash and 25 Strength Cologne Splash, both offered in 8 oz bottles, were meant to be splashed liberally over the body. These versions smelled fresh and lightly sweet rather than intensely oriental. The citrus, neroli, and raspberry facets were more pronounced, while the deeper balsams and musks appeared as a faint, warm whisper on the skin. They created a subtle aura of softness rather than the enveloping richness of the parfum.

As the fragrance gained popularity, new formats expanded the Ciara experience. In 1975, the line introduced a 0.13 oz Solid Perfume and a 0.33 oz Concentrated Purse Spray. The solid perfume carried a creamy, waxy interpretation of the scent, where the vanilla, sandalwood, and amber facets were especially pronounced, giving it a soft cosmetic warmth. The purse spray allowed women to refresh the fragrance during the day, releasing the brighter citrus-floral aspects each time it was applied.

By 1976, Ciara had grown into a full body-care ritual. Products such as 6 oz Velvet Dusting Powder, 8 oz Perfumed Body Velvet, 8 oz Luxurious Milk Bath, and 0.5 oz Oil of Ciara allowed the scent to be layered. The dusting powder smelled soft, powdery, and slightly floral—its texture amplifying the orris and jasmine notes while muting the heavier animalic base. The Body Velvet and Milk Bath added a creamy interpretation of the fragrance, where vanilla, tonka, and balsams felt especially comforting. The Oil of Ciara intensified the sensual base, emphasizing amber, musk, and resinous warmth.

The line continued to expand with the 4 oz Perfumed Bath Soap Bar in 1977, which produced a lightly scented lather that smelled clean, floral, and gently citrusy. In 1978, a 0.38 oz Pulse Point Perfume was introduced, designed to be dabbed on the wrists and neck where body heat would release the deeper amber and balsamic notes.

A major addition came in 1981 with the introduction of the powerful 200 Strength Concentrated Cologne, available in a 1.8 oz spray. This strength approached what modern perfumery would classify as eau de parfum. The fragrance in this concentration was dramatically richer and longer lasting. The vanilla and amber notes were amplified, the incense and balsams felt darker and smokier, and the animalic musks lingered warmly on the skin for many hours. The same year also introduced indulgent body products including 5.75 oz Luxuriant Perfumed Body Cream, 6 oz Luxuriant Dusting Powder, and 8 oz Perfumed Body Velvet, each emphasizing the creamy vanilla-amber aspect of the scent.

By 1984, the Ciara collection expanded further with an 11.4 oz Perfumed Body Velvet, offering an even more generous moisturizing version of the fragrance. That same year, Revlon introduced the Ciara Aura line as part of the Ultima II collection. This line included 6 oz Body Mousse and 2.5 oz Body Spray in three variations: Echo of Ciara (the original scent), Spices of Ciara (a deeper, more aromatic and spicy interpretation), and Flowers of Ciara (a lighter, more floral version). These variations allowed the original oriental composition to be explored through different facets.

In 1987, the line continued evolving with the introduction of a 0.95 oz Perfume Concentrate Spray, along with bath and body luxuries such as Bath Essence, Bath Gelée, Body Crème, Body Velvet, and Dusting Powder. By this time Ciara had become not just a fragrance but a complete scented wardrobe, allowing the wearer to surround herself with the warm amber, vanilla, floral, and resinous character that defined the perfume.

Across all its strengths and formats, Ciara remained recognizable: a glowing oriental fragrance where sweet vanilla, luminous florals, creamy woods, and warm resins merged into a rich golden aura—sometimes whispering softly as a body splash, and sometimes radiating deeply as a concentrated perfume.

Fate of the Fragrance:

When Ciara was first introduced in 1973 under the luxurious banner “Ciara from Ultima II – Charles Revson,” the fragrance reflected the grand, layered style of 1970s perfumery. During that era, perfumers had access to a wide palette of rich natural resins, animalic materials, and dense balsamic extracts. The result was a fragrance that many vintage collectors describe as smooth, rounded, and voluptuous, with each note melting gradually into the next. Over time, however, the fragrance was reformulated and later released simply under the Revlon name rather than the Revson branding. By that point, the original formula had already begun evolving due to cost pressures, ingredient availability, and regulatory changes. Many enthusiasts who have smelled both versions often remark that the later Revlon-branded Ciara feels sharper, lighter, and less cohesive, lacking the deep, velvety blending that characterized the original Revson-era composition.

The difference becomes even more pronounced in bottles produced after roughly 2010, when modern fragrance regulations dramatically reshaped many classic formulas. These changes are largely due to standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), the global body that establishes safety guidelines for fragrance ingredients used in cosmetics and perfumes. IFRA restrictions are based on toxicological research and are intended to reduce the risk of skin sensitization or allergic reactions. While these rules serve an important safety purpose, they have had a profound impact on vintage perfumes such as Ciara, because many of the materials that gave these fragrances their richness are now restricted, limited in concentration, or effectively prohibited.

Several key ingredients that originally gave Ciara its luxurious depth would be affected by these regulations. Oakmoss-like materials (often present in oriental bases for smoothness and depth) are heavily restricted because they contain allergenic compounds such as atranol. Natural animalic materials—including civet, castoreum, musk, and ambergris—are no longer used in their traditional forms and must be replaced with synthetic equivalents. While modern aroma chemicals such as muscone, civetone, and ambroxide can approximate these scents, they often lack the subtle complexity of the original materials. Balsamic resins such as Peru balsam, tolu balsam, and styrax are also restricted due to sensitization concerns, which means their presence in modern formulas must be drastically reduced. Even citrus oils such as bergamot and lemon can be limited because of naturally occurring phototoxic compounds, requiring the use of specially processed versions that smell slightly different from the original oils.

As a result of these changes, the modern version of Ciara can smell thinner and more angular compared with the earlier formulation. Where the vintage fragrance flowed seamlessly from sparkling citrus to creamy florals and finally into a plush amber base, the newer version often emphasizes brighter top notes and simplified base accords. Without the heavy resins and animalic nuances that once anchored the scent, the fragrance can feel sharper or “shrill,” with the vanilla and woody notes standing out more starkly rather than melting into a warm, resinous haze. The overall impression remains recognizably Ciara, but many longtime fans note that the luxurious softness and smoky sensuality of the original blend are diminished.

For collectors and lovers of classic orientals, the vintage Revson-era Ciara remains the most celebrated version. Its deep amber warmth, creamy sandalwood, balsamic resins, and animalic undertones place it in the same grand tradition as perfumes like Bal à Versailles and Cinnabar—fragrances that revel in opulence and dramatic warmth. If you appreciate the rich, enveloping character of those classics, exploring a vintage bottle of Ciara can feel like stepping into a lost era of perfumery. Spread your wings and seek out an early bottle if you can; many who do discover a fragrance of remarkable depth and elegance, one that captures the glowing, sensual spirit of 1970s oriental perfume design.

Moon Drops by Revlon (1970)

Moon Drops, the fragrance introduced in 1970 by Revlon, grew out of an earlier and very successful skincare concept. The name first appeared in 1953, when Revlon launched Moon-Drops Moisture Balm, a nighttime treatment designed to restore moisture to dry skin while the wearer slept. The cream was described as a silky, flowing formula that “saturates thirsty skin all through the night,” sinking in effortlessly while the body rested. The name itself cleverly evoked the idea of the moon’s gentle light and tiny drops of nourishing moisture, suggesting a beauty ritual performed quietly during the night hours. By the late 1960s, the brand expanded the idea further with the Moon Drops Bath Collection in 1968, transforming the concept from a single night cream into a complete sensory experience centered on relaxation, indulgence, and self-care.

The phrase “Moon Drops” is poetic rather than literal. It combines two simple English words whose imagery is immediately evocative. The moon has long symbolized nighttime, romance, tranquility, and feminine mystery, while drops suggest precious droplets of moisture, perfume, or dew. Together the words conjure an image of soft glowing light and tiny luminous beads of fragrance falling like dew from the night sky. The name implies something gentle and soothing—beauty that unfolds quietly in the evening hours rather than in the bustle of the day. Emotionally, the phrase suggests calmness, romance, and a sense of private luxury. It evokes the peaceful moment at the end of the day when one retreats from the world, perhaps slipping into a warm bath or applying a cream before sleep.

When the Moon Drops fragrance debuted in 1970, it entered a cultural landscape that was rapidly evolving. The late 1960s and early 1970s were marked by dramatic shifts in fashion and lifestyle. This era—often associated with the youth movement and the rise of bohemian or “hippie” culture—favored natural beauty, flowing silhouettes, and a more relaxed attitude toward personal style. Long hair, soft fabrics, and earthy colors dominated fashion, while beauty rituals increasingly emphasized personal wellness and sensory pleasure. Bathing products, scented lotions, and body oils became popular as women embraced fragrance not only as a finishing touch but as part of a broader self-care ritual. Revlon’s expansion of the Moon Drops line into bath and fragrance products fit perfectly within this cultural moment, presenting perfume as part of a soothing, luxurious nightly routine.

For women of the time, a perfume called Moon Drops would likely have felt both romantic and comforting. The name suggested a fragrance that was soft, dreamy, and enveloping rather than dramatic or overpowering. It fit well with the growing desire for scents that felt personal and sensuous—perfumes that lingered gently on skin rather than projecting loudly across a room. In advertising and branding, the concept connected fragrance with the idea of nighttime beauty rituals, when women could indulge in creams, baths, and perfumes designed to nourish both body and mood.

In scent terms, the name Moon Drops translates into a fragrance structure that feels luminous and soothing. Classified as a sweet floral fragrance, it opens with an aldehydic fruity top, where sparkling aldehydes lend a soft effervescence, like the shimmer of moonlight on water. These bright notes blend with fruity accents that add warmth and sweetness, giving the opening a delicate glow. The heart of the fragrance blooms into a rich sweet floral bouquet, offering the soft romantic character implied by the name. Beneath the flowers lies a sensual balsamic base, where warm woods and resins create depth and longevity. This combination of airy brightness and comforting warmth mirrors the imagery suggested by the name: cool moonlight balanced by the cozy serenity of evening.

Within the context of perfumes available around 1970, Moon Drops largely followed prevailing trends rather than radically departing from them. Aldehydic florals with warm woody bases were still popular structures, continuing the influence of classic mid-century perfumes while becoming slightly softer and more approachable. What distinguished Moon Drops was less the formula itself than the concept and lifestyle branding behind it. By linking fragrance with skincare, bathing rituals, and nighttime beauty, Revlon created a product that aligned perfectly with the era’s growing emphasis on relaxation and personal indulgence. In this sense, Moon Drops captured the mood of the early 1970s—romantic, sensual, and quietly luxurious, like a few luminous drops of perfume falling beneath a tranquil night sky.

“Give him something to reach for"

Fragrance Composition: 

So what does it smell like? Moon Drops is classified as a sweet floral fragrance for women.  It starts with an aldehydic fruity top, followed by a sweet floral heart, layered over a sensual balsamic base. Woodsy floral top notes against more persistent deeper undertones.

• Top notes: aldehydes, gardenia, peach, raspberry, bergamot
• Middle notes: lily of the valley, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, carnation, orris, honey, tuberose
• Base notes: sandalwood, musk, cedarwood, moss, styrax, ambergris, benzoin

Scent Profile:

The fragrance Moon Drops, created by Revlon in 1970, unfolds with the luminous softness typical of a sweet floral fragrance built on an aldehydic framework. From the first moment on the skin, the perfume opens with a sparkling, almost moonlit brightness created by aldehydes. These aroma molecules—often varieties such as C-10, C-11, and C-12—have a scent that feels airy and effervescent, reminiscent of chilled champagne bubbles or freshly pressed linen fluttering in cool night air. In perfumery, aldehydes act almost like a beam of light, lifting the other ingredients and giving them diffusion and radiance. In Moon Drops, they illuminate the fruity notes that follow, allowing the composition to feel simultaneously soft and luminous.

Just beneath this shimmering veil appears the creamy sweetness of gardenia, a lush white flower beloved for its velvety richness. True gardenia cannot easily yield a natural essential oil, so perfumers recreate its aroma through an intricate accord combining natural materials with aroma molecules that capture its buttery, jasmine-like softness. This creamy floral tone blends with the velvety fruitiness of peach and raspberry. Peach notes in perfumery are often enhanced through molecules known as lactones—particularly gamma-undecalactone—which recreate the fuzzy sweetness of ripe peach skin.

Raspberry contributes a darker berry nuance, slightly tart yet sugary, often recreated through a blend of fruity aldehydes and ionones that produce the sensation of crushed red fruit. Brightening the opening is bergamot, the prized citrus oil from Calabria in southern Italy. Calabrian bergamot is celebrated for its refined aroma—a balance of lemony freshness, subtle bitterness, and delicate floral sweetness—making it a classic opening note in many elegant perfumes.

As the fragrance begins to bloom, the heart unfolds into a lush floral bouquet. The first impression is the cool freshness of lily of the valley, whose delicate scent cannot be extracted directly from the flower. Instead, perfumers reconstruct its crystalline aroma using molecules such as hydroxycitronellal and related compounds that evoke the scent of dewy white bells in spring. Rose soon follows, bringing velvety sweetness and soft honeyed warmth. The most prized rose oils traditionally come from the fields of Bulgaria and Turkey, where the climate produces petals rich in aromatic compounds such as citronellol and geraniol, which give rose its characteristic floral sweetness.

The bouquet deepens with the intoxicating richness of jasmine, whose absolute—often harvested in Egypt or the perfume capital of Grasse in France—possesses a lush scent that is sweet, fruity, and faintly animalic due to naturally occurring indole molecules. These indoles lend jasmine a seductive warmth that connects the floral heart with the deeper base notes. Ylang-ylang, distilled from blossoms grown in the tropical climates of Madagascar and the Comoros Islands, adds a creamy sweetness with hints of banana and exotic spice. The spicy floral character of carnation appears next, its clove-like warmth created by the natural presence of eugenol within the flower’s scent profile.

Soft powdery nuances emerge through orris, derived from the aged rhizomes of iris plants cultivated primarily in Italy. Orris root is among the most precious materials in perfumery, requiring several years of drying before it develops its fragrance—a cool, velvety scent reminiscent of violet, suede, and antique cosmetics. Honey lends the heart a golden sweetness that feels warm and nectar-like, while tuberose, one of perfumery’s most opulent flowers, adds a creamy, intoxicating richness. Traditionally cultivated in India and Mexico, tuberose releases its fragrance most intensely at night, producing an aroma that is lush, buttery, and faintly green.

As the perfume settles onto the skin, the deeper base begins to reveal itself—warm, balsamic, and gently sensual. Sandalwood, historically the prized Mysore variety from India, provides a creamy, milky woodiness that feels smooth and comforting. Musk, now recreated through synthetic musks rather than animal sources, gives the fragrance a soft skin-like warmth that allows it to linger intimately on the wearer. Cedarwood, distilled from Atlas cedar in Morocco or Virginia cedar in North America, contributes a dry, pencil-shaving woodiness that stabilizes the composition and adds structure.

The classic chypre character of the perfume emerges through moss, likely oakmoss, which historically came from lichens harvested in the forests of the Balkans. Oakmoss provides a deep, cool aroma reminiscent of damp woodland floors and shaded bark. Styrax, a resin derived from trees native to Asia Minor, introduces a smoky balsamic warmth that hints at leather and incense. Ambergris, once found floating in the ocean and now often recreated synthetically, adds a uniquely radiant sweetness—salty, warm, and almost sunlit—that enhances the fragrance’s longevity and diffusion. Finally, benzoin, a resin harvested from trees in Southeast Asia, contributes a rich vanilla-like sweetness with caramel and amber nuances that soften the woods and resins.

As all these elements blend together, Moon Drops leaves an impression of glowing warmth—sparkling aldehydes fading into velvety fruits, then unfolding into lush florals before settling into a soft balsamic embrace. The fragrance moves from brightness to intimacy, like moonlight slowly fading into the comforting warmth of night, creating a scent that feels both romantic and quietly indulgent.

Moon Drops Bath Collection (1968):

In 1968, Revlon expanded its successful Moon Drops skincare concept into a full Moon Drops Bath Collection, transforming the simple act of bathing into a luxurious ritual of relaxation and self-care. Revlon promoted the line as a modern rediscovery of the ancient Roman tradition of therapeutic bathing, where water was believed to restore both body and spirit. The idea was that the bath could become a personal sanctuary—an indulgent escape where warmth, fragrance, and moisture worked together to soothe the skin and calm the mind. The entire collection was packaged in distinctive lime-green containers, a color chosen to evoke freshness, water, and botanical vitality. Most of the products shared the same soft Moon Drops fragrance theme, a gentle floral scent designed to linger subtly on the skin after bathing. Only two items—the Sea-Water Bath Concentrate and the Sulphur Bath Foam—featured distinctive aromas intended to mimic natural spa waters. By 1973, however, the line appears to have been discontinued, as remaining stock was reportedly discounted to half price in order to clear inventory.

The Moon Drops Bath Collection was organized into several thematic groups, beginning with the “Spa Baths.” These products were designed to recreate the restorative atmosphere of mineral springs and seaside resorts within the privacy of one’s home. The Sea-Water Bath Concentrate (16 oz) echoed the invigorating scent of the ocean, turning bathwater into a foamy blue seascape enriched with minerals, soothing salts, and extracts of underwater plants. The experience was intended to mimic the revitalizing sensation of a seaside spa while softening rough areas of the skin such as elbows and heels. Alongside it was the Sulphur Bath Foam, another 16-ounce preparation inspired by the tranquilizing properties of natural hot springs. When added to the tub, the liquid tinted the bathwater yellow and produced a generous foam designed to soften dry skin while recreating the therapeutic atmosphere of a resort spa.

The “Lotion Baths” category focused on nourishment and skin conditioning. The Powdered Milk Bath was a concentrated formula containing real powdered milk, which transformed bathwater into a pale lime-colored froth with a creamy texture. Milk baths have long been associated with beauty rituals dating back to antiquity, and this product promised to leave the skin exceptionally smooth and supple. Complementing it was the Crème Bath Concentrate, a rich sea-blue lotion designed to turn bathwater soft and silky without leaving an oily film. Revlon likened the experience to “sitting in a bottle of moisture balm,” emphasizing the deep moisturizing effect that paralleled the original Moon-Drops skincare treatment.

The collection also included a group called “Naked Fragrance,” which carried the Moon Drops scent directly onto the skin. The Naked Cologne (4 oz) was intended to be splashed on generously, described as the first “full-length fragrance designed to warm to naked skin.” Its character was portrayed as fresh, rain-washed, and lightly lingering, a scent meant to mingle naturally with the warmth of freshly bathed skin. The Eau de Parfum Spray offered a more seductive interpretation of the fragrance, still light but more persistent, clinging softly to skin awakened by the bath. The most concentrated form was the Naked Perfume Oil, a luxurious preparation that could be added to bathwater or applied sparingly to pulse points. Just a few drops were said to perfume the entire body, creating an exceptionally long-lasting aura of scent.

Completing the line were the “Bath Attendants,” products designed to extend the bathing ritual and seal in its benefits. The Bath Oil Soap was a cleansing bar enriched with perfume oils and emollients, pressed into a sea-green cake that gently washed the skin while replenishing its natural oils. The After Bath Moisture Balm echoed the original Moon-Drops night cream, restoring hydration to freshly cleansed skin and leaving it smooth “as country cream.” Finally, the Bath Powder Cake offered a practical twist on traditional body powders: rather than loose powder that might create clouds, it was cleverly compressed into a pale-lime cake, allowing the user to apply the fragrance smoothly and precisely.

Taken together, the Moon Drops Bath Collection represented a sophisticated attempt to turn the everyday bath into a luxurious spa-like ritual, blending fragrance, skincare, and relaxation. Although the line was relatively short-lived, its emphasis on therapeutic bathing, layered fragrance, and indulgent self-care foreshadowed many of the spa-inspired bath products that would become popular decades later.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The fragrance Moon Drops by Revlon appears to have remained in circulation well beyond its original 1970 debut, with evidence suggesting that it continued to be sold into the 1990s. Like many successful mid-century fragrances, it enjoyed a long commercial lifespan as loyal customers continued to seek out the scent years after its introduction. During this later period, the perfume was typically found in simplified packaging and in selected formats rather than the full bath and body range that had accompanied it during its peak popularity in the 1970s. 

Although the exact date of its withdrawal from the market has not been clearly documented, the fragrance was eventually discontinued, bringing an end to one of Revlon’s more distinctive lifestyle fragrance lines. Its long presence on store shelves reflects the enduring appeal of its soft floral character and the nostalgic attachment many consumers developed to the Moon Drops name, which had begun decades earlier as a beloved nighttime moisture balm.

Intimate by Revlon (1955)

When Intimate was introduced in 1955 by Revlon, it reflected both the glamour and the subtle sensuality that defined mid-century American beauty culture. The name “Intimate” comes from English, derived ultimately from the Latin intimus, meaning “innermost” or “closest.” The word suggests private closeness, personal connection, and emotional warmth. Unlike names that evoke distant fantasy or exotic places, “Intimate” speaks directly to human relationships. It implies a fragrance meant to be experienced at close range—something discovered by someone leaning near, a scent that lingers softly on skin rather than announcing itself loudly across a room.

The imagery evoked by the word is deeply romantic and personal. “Intimate” suggests quiet moments shared between two people—a whispered conversation, a lingering embrace, the faint trace of perfume on a scarf or pillow. Emotionally, the word conveys tenderness, allure, and the subtle power of attraction. In the language of fragrance, the name implies a scent that blends naturally with the wearer’s skin, becoming almost indistinguishable from her own warmth. Rather than dramatic spectacle, it suggests a perfume meant to draw someone closer.

The mid-1950s were a particularly intriguing moment for such a concept. The perfume appeared during the post-World War II prosperity of the 1950s, a period often associated with optimism, consumer growth, and the expansion of American popular culture. Fashion celebrated polished femininity—full skirts, fitted waists, elegant gloves, and carefully styled hair. Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly embodied glamour, while beauty advertising increasingly emphasized romance and personal allure. In perfumery, aldehydic florals and elegant chypres remained highly influential, following the legacy of earlier French classics. American cosmetic companies, however, were beginning to compete directly with European perfume houses, producing fragrances that combined European sophistication with bold, modern marketing.

Women of the time would likely have responded to a perfume called Intimate with a mixture of curiosity and fascination. In an era when public discussions of sexuality were often restrained, the word carried a subtle suggestion of romance and private allure. Wearing a perfume with this name allowed a woman to project confidence and sensual femininity while still remaining within the refined boundaries of mid-century elegance. The concept aligned perfectly with the growing idea that fragrance was not only a beauty accessory but also a powerful tool of attraction.

This notion was amplified by Revlon’s striking advertising campaign. The brand embraced a deliberately provocative tone for the time, using taglines such as “The moments he cannot forget…are those Intimate moments with you.” Advertisements often featured glamorous women with languid, bedroom-eyed expressions and captions hinting at secrets and personal motives: “For personal reasons, I can’t explain why I use Intimate… but I do use Intimate, for personal reasons.” Such marketing played with suggestion rather than explicit statement, reinforcing the idea that the perfume’s power lay in subtlety and intrigue. Another advertisement promised that “Even in the dark… he’ll know it’s you.” These messages positioned the fragrance as a private signal between lovers—a scent that communicated attraction without words.

In olfactory terms, the idea of “intimacy” was interpreted through a composition created by the perfumers of International Flavors & Fragrances. Classified as a floral-animalic chypre, the perfume opens with a luminous aldehydic top, giving the fragrance a sparkling brightness that catches attention without becoming overwhelming. Beneath this lies a floral-woody heart, dominated by lush jasmine and accented with elegant woods that lend depth and refinement. The fragrance eventually settles into a warm, mossy base, characteristic of classical chypres, enriched with animalic undertones that create a sensual warmth on the skin. These deeper notes—mosses, woods, and subtle animalic accords—are what give the perfume its lasting, intimate quality, lingering close to the body rather than projecting sharply.

Within the context of the perfumes available in the mid-1950s, Intimate did not radically break with established trends, but it did present them in a distinctly modern American way. Floral aldehydes and chypres were already widely admired structures, particularly in European perfumery, and Revlon’s fragrance clearly drew upon this tradition. What distinguished it was the boldness of its marketing and its emphasis on sensual closeness, which felt daring for its time. By combining a classic perfume structure with provocative advertising and an accessible price point, Revlon created a fragrance that captured the glamour, romance, and subtle rebellion of the mid-century era—an elegant scent designed to be discovered not across a ballroom, but in the quiet closeness of an unforgettable moment.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? The original formula of Intimate is classified as a floral-animalic chypre fragrance for women. It begins with an aldehydic top, followed by a floral woody heart, layered over a warm, sensual, mossy base. Exotic modern blend with exceptionally lasting undertones of jasmine and oriental woods.

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, petitgrain, neroli, rose, gardenia, coriander, lily of the valley
• Middle notes: carnation, ylang ylang, jasmine, orris, patchouli, sandalwood, cedarwood
• Base notes: resins, ambergris, castoreum, civet, vetiver, oakmoss, musk, styrax, benzoin, labdanum, tonka bean, vanilla, Peru balsam

Scent Profile:

The original Intimate fragrance created for Revlon by perfumers at International Flavors & Fragrances unfolds with the elegance typical of a floral-animalic chypre, a structure that balances luminous florals with deep mossy and sensual undertones. From the first moment on the skin, the perfume opens with a brilliant aldehydic sparkle. The aldehydes—aroma molecules such as C-10, C-11, and C-12 commonly used in mid-century perfumery—create an airy, almost effervescent sensation reminiscent of chilled champagne or the crisp scent of freshly ironed linen. They give the fragrance a shimmering lift, allowing the lighter notes to bloom with radiant clarity. Beneath this sparkle lies the fresh citrus elegance of bergamot, traditionally sourced from Calabria in southern Italy, where the unique climate produces fruit with a perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and delicate floral nuance. Alongside it appears petitgrain, distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, which brings a green citrus aroma with hints of wood and herbs. Neroli, obtained from the blossoms of the same orange tree and famously cultivated in Tunisia and Morocco, contributes a luminous floral brightness—sweet, honeyed, and slightly green.

As the opening settles, delicate florals begin to emerge. Rose lends a soft velvety sweetness, while gardenia introduces a creamy white-flower richness reminiscent of tropical petals warmed by sunlight. Gardenia is extremely difficult to extract in natural form, so perfumers recreate its scent using a complex blend of natural materials and synthetic molecules that capture its buttery, jasmine-like fragrance. A touch of coriander seed adds a surprising aromatic spice—cool, citrusy, and faintly peppery—giving the top notes a lively sparkle. Finally, the cool breath of lily of the valley appears. Because the fragile blossoms yield no extractable oil, their scent must be recreated through aroma molecules such as hydroxycitronellal, which beautifully mimic the crisp, dewy freshness of the flower.

The heart of the perfume blooms into a lush floral and woody composition. Carnation introduces a spicy floral tone, its characteristic clove-like warmth derived from the natural presence of eugenol. Ylang-ylang, harvested from tropical blossoms grown in the Comoros or Madagascar, brings a creamy sweetness tinged with banana and exotic spice. At the center lies jasmine, one of the most treasured materials in perfumery. Jasmine absolute from regions such as Grasse in France or Egypt possesses a rich, intoxicating aroma—sweet, fruity, and faintly animalic due to naturally occurring indole molecules. This indolic warmth enhances the sensual character of the fragrance and bridges the floral heart with the deeper base notes.

The bouquet is softened by orris, derived from the aged rhizomes of iris plants cultivated primarily in Italy. Orris root develops its perfume only after years of drying, yielding a precious powdery scent reminiscent of violet, suede, and antique cosmetics. Beneath the flowers, the composition deepens with woods. Patchouli, typically grown in Indonesia, contributes a dark earthy richness with hints of damp soil and chocolate. Sandalwood, historically the prized Mysore variety from India, adds a creamy, milky smoothness that feels warm and comforting. Cedarwood, often distilled from Atlas cedar in Morocco or Virginia cedar in North America, introduces a dry, pencil-shaving woodiness that stabilizes the fragrance and anchors the floral notes.

As the perfume dries down, it reveals the sumptuous chypre base that gives Intimate its lasting sensuality. Warm resins begin to unfold, lending a balsamic depth that feels rich and slightly smoky. Ambergris, historically formed within the digestive system of sperm whales and now often recreated with modern aroma molecules, contributes a unique scent—soft, slightly salty, sweet, and radiant, enhancing the diffusion of the fragrance. Castoreum, traditionally derived from the scent glands of the beaver but now synthesized for ethical reasons, adds a warm leathery nuance that deepens the perfume’s sensual character. Civet, once sourced from the civet cat but also reproduced synthetically today, lends a subtle animalic warmth that intensifies the florals and helps them linger on the skin.

The earthy elegance of vetiver, especially the smoky Haitian variety, adds a dry rooty complexity, while oakmoss, historically harvested from lichens growing on oak trees in Balkan forests, provides the unmistakable signature of a classical chypre—cool, damp, and mossy like a shaded woodland floor. Musk, recreated through modern synthetic musks, envelops the base in a soft skin-like warmth that makes the perfume feel intimately connected to the wearer.

The final notes glow with balsamic sweetness. Styrax contributes a smoky resinous warmth reminiscent of leather and incense, while benzoin, harvested from trees in Southeast Asia, adds a vanilla-like sweetness with hints of caramel and warm amber. Labdanum, obtained from Mediterranean rockrose shrubs, provides a rich ambered note with leathery depth. Tonka bean, sourced from South America, naturally contains the molecule coumarin, which smells like sweet hay and almond. Vanilla, cultivated primarily in Madagascar or Tahiti, brings creamy sweetness enhanced by the aroma molecule vanillin, which intensifies its warmth. Finally, Peru balsam, harvested from trees in El Salvador, contributes a rich aroma reminiscent of vanilla, cinnamon, and caramelized wood.

As all these elements merge, Intimate becomes a velvety veil of scent—sparkling aldehydes fading into lush florals, then settling into a deep, mossy warmth touched with animalic sensuality and balsamic sweetness. The result is a perfume that lingers close to the skin, unfolding gradually with each movement, creating the quiet yet unforgettable aura suggested by its name.

Original Product Line:

Over the years, Intimate by Revlon was offered in a wide range of forms, reflecting the mid-twentieth-century practice of extending a fragrance into a complete perfumed body ritual. At the heart of the line was the Parfum, the most concentrated expression of the scent. Applied sparingly to pulse points, the parfum allowed the fragrance’s aldehydic florals and mossy chypre base to develop slowly and richly on the skin. Alongside it were lighter interpretations such as the Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne, which offered a fresher, more casual way to wear the fragrance throughout the day. In 1963, Revlon also introduced Intimate Spray Mist, an atomized Eau de Toilette version that reflected the growing popularity of spray applications during the early 1960s. The spray format allowed the perfume to be distributed in a fine cloud, creating a soft scented aura around the wearer rather than the more precise application typical of splash bottles.

Like many successful fragrances of the era, Intimate was expanded into a full suite of ancillary bath and body products, allowing devotees to layer the scent from bathing to dressing. These included Solid Perfume, a compact and portable form of the fragrance often carried in a purse for discreet touch-ups. Bathing products such as Foaming Bath Oil, Bath Oil, and Creamy Milk Bath transformed daily bathing into a luxurious scented ritual, releasing the perfume’s aroma into warm water and steam. After bathing, products like Body Lotion helped soften the skin while leaving behind a subtle veil of fragrance.

Finishing touches were provided through traditional perfumed powders. Dusting Powder and Talcum Powder were finely milled, lightly scented powders designed to keep the skin smooth and fresh while imparting a gentle trace of the fragrance. A particularly distinctive product in the line was the Cooling Spray Bath Powder, a refreshing powder formulation that could be sprayed onto the body to provide both fragrance and a light cooling sensation—an example of the inventive cosmetic formats popular in mid-century beauty culture. Together, these varied products allowed women to incorporate Intimate into every stage of their daily routine, creating a layered fragrance effect that lingered softly and continuously throughout the day.

 

1965 ad

In 1965, Revlon refreshed the presentation of Intimate, introducing a series of elegant new containers that reflected the decorative glamour of mid-1960s cosmetic design. The Eau de Toilette Spray Mist line was particularly striking. These atomizers were presented in ornate gold filigree cases, delicate metal frameworks that wrapped around the bottles like lacework, giving them the appearance of miniature jewelry pieces rather than simple perfume containers. Inside these filigree holders were teardrop-shaped glass decanters and, in some cases, a beautifully diamond-faceted glass spray bottle whose cut surfaces caught and reflected light with a sparkling effect. The combination of shimmering gold metalwork and brilliant glass gave the fragrance a luxurious, almost heirloom quality suitable for display on a vanity table.

The more concentrated Parfum was housed in a square glass bottle fitted with a matching glass stopper, a design that emphasized clarity and classic elegance. The clean geometric shape contrasted with the ornate filigree spray bottles, giving the parfum presentation a refined simplicity appropriate for the most precious concentration of the fragrance. Around the same time, Revlon expanded the line with additional scented body products designed to complement the perfume. Among these was Silk of Intimate, a rich frosted lotion intended to leave the skin soft and delicately perfumed, along with Moisture Lotion, Milk Bath, and the distinctive Cooling Spray Powder, each extending the fragrance into different stages of the daily beauty routine. The Dusting Powder, presented with a soft lambswool puff, added a final luxurious finishing touch after bathing.

Another elegant addition to the range was Intimate Perfume Oil, which offered the fragrance in a more concentrated, skin-hugging form. This preparation was presented in a rectangular glass bottle adorned with a gilded square label, the gold detail echoing the filigree motif used in the spray bottles. Altogether, the updated packaging and expanded body line introduced in 1965 transformed Intimate from a single fragrance into a complete beauty collection, reflecting the era’s emphasis on coordinated personal care products and decorative vanity presentations.

In the spring of 1970, Revlon introduced the “Intimate Best Dressed Collection,” a colorful and fashion-forward reinterpretation of the classic fragrance line. The packaging captured the free-spirited aesthetic of the late 1960s and early 1970s, a time when fashion embraced bold patterns, handcrafted textures, and playful decorative details. The boxes were adorned with vibrant floral prints, echoing the flower-powered optimism of the era, and were finished with genuine macramé yarn bows attached to the front. This tactile embellishment gave the presentation a handmade, bohemian character that felt distinctly “hippie chic.” Some versions of the collection also appeared in red and white striped boxes, offering a graphic, mod-inspired alternative to the floral packaging while still maintaining the lively spirit of contemporary fashion.

The collection itself was conceived as a coordinated ensemble of fragrance and bath products, mirroring the language of couture fashion. Among the highlights was The Best Dressed Sprays, a glossy, ready-to-go case containing two portable Intimate sprays: the elegantly shaped Ovalesque Eau de Toilette Spray and the refreshing Cooling Spray Bath Powder. These compact sprays were designed to be easily carried in a handbag, allowing the wearer to refresh her fragrance throughout the day. The Couture Case offered a more elaborate assortment, bringing together Eau de Toilette Spray, Eau de Toilette Perfume Oil, and Eau de Toilette in a presentation meant to evoke a fashionable wardrobe of scent—“the kind of fashion that fits the mood, the mode…everyone’s fancy,” as the promotional materials suggested.
For those seeking a more expansive selection, the Designer Collection served as the grand ensemble of the line. This set combined Intimate Eau de Toilette Spray, Eau de Toilette, Foaming Bath Oil, and two cakes of Intimate guest soaps, creating a complete fragrance ritual from bathing to finishing touches. At the center of the collection remained the fragrance itself in several forms. The Perfume, described as the most precious and richly concentrated expression of Intimate, was produced, bottled, and sealed in France, reinforcing the perfume’s association with traditional European craftsmanship. The Spray Mist, an Eau de Toilette delivered through an atomizer, offered a more lavish and effortless way to apply the scent, creating a fine cloud of fragrance around the wearer.

Additional variations allowed the fragrance to be experienced in subtler ways. Eau de Toilette provided a lighter, more understated interpretation that could be worn generously throughout the day. Powdered versions of the fragrance were also included in the line: Cooling Spray Bath Powder, dispensed from an aerosol to create a soft, cooling veil of fragrance, and Perfumed Dusting Powder, applied generously with its oversized, velvety puff to leave the skin silky and delicately scented. Bath products expanded the ritual further. The Creamy Milk Bath, a delicate pink powder, transformed bathwater into a luxurious froth that softened the skin while releasing the fragrance into the steam. The Foaming Bath Oil, described as a rich golden liquid, combined the soothing qualities of bath oil with abundant scented bubbles, creating a lavish bathing experience.

One of the most distinctive items in the line was the Ovalesque Spray, whose sleek silhouette was promoted as “the shape of tomorrow.” This elegant slimline bottle featured a crystal-like fluted glass body topped with a mock tortoise-shell cap, blending contemporary style with a hint of classic sophistication. It was offered in both a miniature purse size—perfect for slipping into a pocket or handbag—and a larger vanity size intended for use at home. Altogether, the Intimate Best Dressed Collection reflected the playful creativity of early 1970s design, presenting the fragrance not merely as a perfume but as a fashionable accessory that could be worn, layered, and enjoyed in many different forms.

From a 1971 ad:

"REVLON INTIMATE TEAR DROP SPRAY . Intimate, one of the world's great fragrances, is a tender compliment to any woman in this beautiful tear drop spray bottle and exciting gift box.2.25 oz, $3.50"

Fate of the Fragrance:

By 1980, Intimate by Revlon was still available to consumers, demonstrating the remarkable longevity of a fragrance first introduced in the mid-1950s. During this period the perfume was offered in a Natural Atomizer Concentrated Cologne format, reflecting the continued popularity of spray applications and lighter fragrance strengths as consumer tastes evolved. Advertisements described this version as a scent that “reflects the grace and spirit of the Orient,” an expression frequently used in fragrance marketing at the time to evoke warmth, exotic woods, and sensual oriental undertones. The 2-ounce bottle sold for $4.75, promoted as a value compared with its usual $9.25 price, illustrating how the fragrance had transitioned from its earlier prestige positioning into a more accessible product while still retaining the romantic aura associated with the original perfume.

1987 Jean Philippe Version:

At some point after this period, the original Intimate fragrance line was discontinued by Revlon. However, the name did not disappear entirely. In 1987, the house of Jean Philippe revived the Intimate trademark after acquiring the worldwide rights to the name from Revlon. While Jean Philippe obtained the branding and legal rights associated with the fragrance line, the original formula itself remained the property of its creators, preserved as a closely guarded trade secret by the original manufacturers. This distinction is important in perfume history: trademarks and brand names can be sold or transferred, but fragrance formulas are often protected intellectual property. As a result, the revived version could carry the historic name Intimate, yet it was not necessarily identical to the mid-century composition developed decades earlier.

This type of revival is not unusual in the perfume industry. Well-known fragrance names often possess considerable nostalgic value, and companies may reintroduce them to appeal to both longtime admirers and new generations of consumers. In the case of Intimate, the resurrection of the name in 1987 illustrates how a fragrance can live multiple lives—first as a classic mid-century perfume created by Revlon, and later as a revived brand identity under new ownership, even though the exact scent that originally defined it remained part of the guarded heritage of its original creators.

The new reformulated Intimate by Jean Phillipe:

• Top notes: dewberry, mandarin blossom, water lily
• Middle notes: cinnamon, linden flower, tuberose, blue rose
• Base notes: bark, ambergris, musk and incense

Scent Profile:

When the fragrance Intimate was revived in 1987 by Jean Philippe, the new composition presented a noticeably different interpretation from the original mid-century perfume introduced by Revlon. Because the historic formula remained a protected trade secret, the new version was essentially a modern reinterpretation, designed to evoke romantic warmth while aligning with the lighter, fresher fragrance tastes of the late 1980s. Where the original Intimate was a rich floral–animalic chypre built on mosses, resins, and animalic notes, the Jean Philippe version moves in a softer fruity-floral and airy oriental direction, emphasizing luminous fruits, delicate florals, and a smoother ambered base.

The fragrance opens with a fresh, slightly watery sweetness. Dewberry provides the first impression—dark, juicy, and gently tart, like berries gathered from hedgerows in early morning dew. True dewberry extract is rarely used in perfumery; instead, perfumers create the note using carefully blended fruity aroma molecules that reproduce the berry’s balance of sweetness and faint acidity. These molecules add a vibrant, youthful brightness that immediately distinguishes the newer Intimate from its aldehydic predecessor. Alongside it appears mandarin blossom, a delicate floral note derived from the flowers of the mandarin orange tree. Unlike the sharper citrus scent of the fruit peel, the blossom smells soft, sweet, and honeyed, with a subtle citrus sparkle that feels luminous and romantic. Completing the opening is water lily, a note that cannot be extracted naturally from the flower. Perfumers recreate its scent using aquatic and green floral aroma chemicals that evoke cool water, translucent petals, and the faint sweetness of floating blossoms. The result is an airy, almost watery freshness—quite different from the aldehydic brilliance of the original Revlon perfume.

As the fragrance develops, the heart becomes warmer and more floral. Cinnamon introduces a soft, spicy glow that feels comforting and sensual, its warm sweetness recalling powdered cinnamon bark freshly ground. The finest cinnamon oils traditionally come from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), where the bark of the true cinnamon tree yields a smoother and sweeter spice than the sharper cassia varieties grown elsewhere. This warmth is balanced by the gentle honeyed fragrance of linden blossom. Linden trees, common throughout Europe, produce tiny pale flowers whose scent is airy, nectar-like, and faintly green, evoking the smell of warm summer evenings beneath flowering branches.

The floral heart deepens with tuberose, one of perfumery’s most opulent blossoms. Cultivated extensively in India and Mexico, tuberose releases a creamy, intoxicating scent that combines lush white petals with hints of coconut and warm skin. Its presence gives the fragrance a soft sensuality that echoes the seductive spirit of the original Intimate. Alongside it appears “blue rose,” a poetic note rather than a natural botanical extract. Because true blue roses do not exist naturally, this note is recreated through a blend of rose oils and synthetic floral molecules designed to evoke a cool, slightly modern interpretation of rose—fresh, airy, and subtly metallic, suggesting petals tinted with twilight hues.

The fragrance settles into a warm, gently mysterious base. Bark notes introduce a dry woody nuance reminiscent of tree trunks warmed by the sun, suggesting natural forest textures rather than polished woods. Ambergris, historically formed within the digestive system of sperm whales and now recreated through sophisticated aroma molecules, lends the perfume a softly radiant warmth—slightly salty, faintly sweet, and glowing like sunlit skin. This note also enhances the diffusion of the fragrance, allowing it to linger longer on the wearer. Musk, created through modern synthetic musks rather than animal sources, adds a smooth skin-like warmth that makes the scent feel intimate and comforting. Finally, incense provides a delicate smoky resinous note reminiscent of burning frankincense, its balsamic warmth adding depth and a faintly spiritual character to the drydown.

Compared with the original Revlon Intimate, the Jean Philippe reinterpretation feels notably lighter and more contemporary. The 1955 formula relied heavily on aldehydes, classic florals, oakmoss, and powerful animalic materials such as civet and castoreum—ingredients that created a deep, sensual chypre structure. The 1987 version instead leans toward fruitier top notes, translucent florals, and a softer musky amber base, reflecting the fragrance trends of the late twentieth century. While it preserves the theme of warmth and sensuality suggested by the name Intimate, the newer fragrance expresses it in a gentler, more modern style—less dramatic and mossy than the original, but still designed to linger close to the skin in a soft and alluring veil.

The success of Intimate spawned a few flankers: Intimate Musk, Intimate Light, and Intimate Red.