Verveine Savon Pour le Bain c1930

This vintage 1930s Guerlain Verveine Savon Pour le Bain is a remarkable survivor from the golden age of perfumery, exuding the elegance and refinement that defined Guerlain’s presentation during the Art Deco era. The box, still in its original untouched packaging, immediately captures attention with its geometric symmetry and stylized design, reminiscent of the Vega perfume presentation from the same period. Its structure—an octagonal shape measuring 4 inches across and 4 inches high—embodies the architectural precision and modern luxury of 1930s French design.

The exterior features Guerlain’s refined typographic logo and stylized sun motif characteristic of the house’s visual identity of the decade: streamlined, elegant, and balanced between classic sophistication and modern flair. The Art Deco aesthetic—with its clean lines, subtle black accents, and geometric harmonies—perfectly expressed the spirit of interwar Paris, when luxury was defined not only by opulence but by precision and artistry. This particular packaging design, much like Vega’s, was intended to appeal to a cosmopolitan clientele who prized both beauty and modernity in their personal luxuries.

Inside rests the Verveine perfumed soap, its delicate fragrance preserved through time. “Verveine,” or verbena, evokes the scent of crushed green leaves touched by citrus—fresh, slightly lemony, and invigorating. In the 1930s, such scents were prized for their clean and uplifting character, ideal for the bath ritual of an elegant Parisian woman. Guerlain’s formulation would have enriched the traditional soap with fine oils and perfume essence, creating a lavishly creamy lather that left the skin subtly scented and softened. The weight of the soap itself, approximately 1¼ pounds, gives it a satisfying solidity, reflecting the quality craftsmanship and premium materials Guerlain was known for.

Today, this untouched Verveine soap stands as both a collector’s treasure and a small work of art, encapsulating Guerlain’s commitment to refinement and timeless design. It embodies the glamour of 1930s Paris—where every object, even a simple bar of soap, was transformed into an expression of luxury, taste, and the enduring beauty of Guerlain’s heritage.

 

Habit de Fete Flacons 1996

Habit de Fete Flacons, introduced in 1996. Refillable gold tone atomizer cases. The openwork circles allowed one to see the fill line of the fragrances inside.

Sizes:

• 8ml Parfum = "Copyright 1996 Guerlain Paris" engraved on the bottom of the case. Came with a black velveteen pouch. Black presentation box with blue outer box. Stands: 3-5/16" tall
• 50ml Eau de Parfum
• 93ml Eau de Toilette

Held the following perfumes:

• Shalimar (parfum refill discontinued in 2015)
• Champs Elysees
• Mitsouko
• L'Heure Bleue
• Chamade
• Jicky
• Nahema
• Vol de Nuit
• Samsara

 

Sylvia Toledano Le Flacon d'Exception Bee Bottles 2013

In March 2013, the French jewelry designer Sylvia Toledano collaborated with Guerlain to create an exclusive collection that united haute perfumery with the art of adornment. This limited edition series consisted of five jeweled perfume bottles, each transformed into a unique decorative object through the addition of gold chains and hand-set drops of semi-precious stones. Each stone was carefully chosen to harmonize with the character and mood of the fragrance it represented, creating an exquisite fusion of scent, color, and symbolism—a meeting point between fine craftsmanship and sensory expression.

The collection included five celebrated Guerlain perfumes, each interpreted through its gemstone counterpart: L’Instant Magic, veiled in mystery with deep black onyx, symbolizing introspection and sophistication; Nuit d’Amour, adorned with amethyst, evoking sensuality, spiritual calm, and the violet glow of twilight; Chypre Fatal, paired with rose quartz, the stone of love and tenderness, reflecting the perfume’s romantic and beguiling heart; Moscow, accented with vibrant turquoise, echoing the exotic splendor and cultural richness of the Russian capital; and London, dressed in fiery carnelian, a gemstone long associated with confidence, vitality, and modern urban energy.

Each flacon held 250 ml (8.4 oz) of eau de parfum, a generous presentation befitting Guerlain’s tradition of luxury and permanence. The bottles, already elegant in form, were elevated to objets d’art—glimmering chains cascading over the glass, gemstones catching the light like captured drops of color. Toledano’s embellishments gave each piece a distinct identity while maintaining Guerlain’s timeless aesthetic of refinement and restraint.

This limited collection was made available exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman in the United States for a brief period, marking it as one of the most ephemeral and desirable modern Guerlain editions. By August 4, 2013, they had vanished from the retailer’s listings, becoming instant rarities sought by collectors and connoisseurs alike. Though the original retail price remains unrecorded, their scarcity and artistry have made these bottles prized treasures—testament to Guerlain’s continuing tradition of merging olfactory mastery with the decorative arts.

Secret de Bonne Femme Guerlain Face Cream

Secret de Bonne Femme, introduced by Guerlain in 1904, holds a place of distinction in the history of skincare as the first moisturizing cream ever produced by the house—and one of the earliest of its kind in modern cosmetics. For nearly a century, until its discontinuation in 1990, it remained a beloved staple among Guerlain’s clientele, celebrated for its softening, nourishing qualities and for its touch of quiet luxury. The very name, Secret de Bonne Femme—translated from French as "A Good Woman’s Secret"—suggests both intimacy and timeless femininity, a beauty ritual passed down through generations, whispered rather than declared.

The cream was presented in a cobalt blue glass jar, a color historically associated with purity, protection, and refinement. The deep, luminous blue contrasted beautifully with the silver-plated metal cap, which was engraved and titled with classic Guerlain typography—a restrained, elegant design that reflected early 20th-century sensibilities. Measuring 5.5 cm in diameter, the jar was compact and perfectly proportioned for a woman’s vanity table, inviting daily use while embodying the sophistication of a bygone era.

The tactile experience of the jar added to its allure—the smooth, cool weight of the glass, the gleam of polished silver, and the faintly perfumed cream inside. The fragrance, subtle and powdery, likely carried traces of iris or violet, common notes in Guerlain’s skincare of the period. When applied, Secret de Bonne Femme melted into the skin, leaving it soft and delicately scented, embodying the brand’s philosophy that skincare should be as sensorial and pleasurable as perfume.

More than just a beauty product, Secret de Bonne Femme represented a new understanding of self-care at the turn of the century—a time when women began to embrace cosmetics as part of a refined, modern lifestyle. Its long life in Guerlain’s range, lasting nearly ninety years, stands as a testament to its enduring charm and effectiveness. Today, surviving jars—especially with their original blue glass and silver-plated lids intact—are highly prized collectibles, tangible reminders of Guerlain’s pioneering role in the evolution of luxury skincare.

Habit de Fete Flacons 1982-1989

Habit de Fete Flacons 1982-1995

These were rectangular or cylindrical in shape, goldtone metal and feature a pierced basketweave or lattice design, it was introduced in 1982 and used up until 1989, these thin metal cases held refills for eau de toilettes and in 1987, the parfum de toilettes, in 1990 the eau de parfums.

Although there are several styles of these refillable containers, they all fit the same size and shape of refills:

• 8ml/0.25 oz Parfum Refillable Natural Spray Atomizer
• 50ml/1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Refillable Natural Spray Atomizer
• 50ml/1.7 oz Parfum de Toilette Refillable Atomizer
• 93ml/3.14 oz Eau de Toilette Refillable Atomizer

8ml Parfum Refillable Natural Spray

8ml Parfum Refillable Natural Spray

8ml Parfum Natural Spray Refill

8ml Parfum Natural Spray Refill

Shalimar Limited Edition Inverse 1999

In 1999, Guerlain released a limited edition of Shalimar that reimagined the house’s most iconic bottle in an unexpected and luxurious play of color and material. For this edition, the traditional design was given a striking twist: the flacon itself was crafted from deep sapphire blue crystal, while the stopper was rendered in clear crystal—a complete inversion of the classic presentation, where the base is clear and the fan-shaped stopper is tinted blue. The effect was both bold and elegant, the sapphire glass catching light like a precious gem and giving the perfume a regal, almost nocturnal aura.

Unlike earlier crystal editions, this particular bottle was not manufactured by Baccarat, though the craftsmanship remains of remarkable quality. The lines of the flacon retain the graceful proportions and sensual curves originally designed by Raymond Guerlain in 1925, yet the color inversion transforms its mood entirely—where the traditional Shalimar speaks of golden opulence and Oriental warmth, this blue crystal version feels cool, contemplative, and mysterious, as though it were a tribute to the moonlit side of the legendary fragrance.

The presentation box was equally striking. Covered in a flocked midnight blue velvet-like finish, it departed from the lavender hue that had long been associated with Shalimar’s packaging. This deeper tone enhanced the jewel-like presence of the bottle within, creating a unified composition of shadow and brilliance. The contrast of textures—velvet box and crystalline glass—mirrored the sensual contrasts of Shalimar itself: soft yet strong, radiant yet intimate.

Standing 4 inches tall, the bottle bore a clear base label reading “Guerlain Bottle Made in France”, accompanied by a secondary label providing contents and volume details. Two versions were available for purchase: the 30 ml Eau de Parfum splash, which retailed for 350 francs, and the 125 ml Eau de Toilette splash, priced at 500 francs.

This 1999 edition stands as a quiet collector’s treasure—a reinterpretation that honors the house’s tradition of craftsmanship and innovation while casting Shalimar’s timeless allure in a new, sapphire-blue light.

.

In 2000, the 30ml Eau de Parfum was relaunched and called the Shalimar "Gardens of Shalimar" Edition.

La Poudre C'est Moi 1925

La Poudre C’est Moi, introduced by Guerlain in 1925, was more than a cosmetic—it was a statement of refinement, luxury, and a touch of audacity. Its name was inspired by the famous declaration of Louis XIV, the Sun King, who proclaimed “L’état c’est moi, puisque le Roi c’est moi” (“I am the State, since I am the King”). Guerlain cleverly transformed this royal phrase into a playful yet regal title for a face powder that sought to combine beauty, elegance, and French cultural grandeur in a single box.

The powder itself was ultra-fine in texture, a hallmark of Guerlain’s expertise in cosmetic formulation, ensuring a finish that was soft, flattering, and almost imperceptible on the skin. What set it apart, however, was its fragrance. Scented with Shalimar, Guerlain’s legendary oriental perfume launched the same year, La Poudre C’est Moi carried the house’s most celebrated fragrance into the realm of makeup. This fusion of scent and beauty ritual allowed a woman to envelop herself in Shalimar from head to toe, elevating powdering into an olfactory as well as visual experience.

A 1933 advertisement captured the essence of its appeal: “Thrice artful is the Shalimar Powder of Guerlain. The tint for you is so marvellously blended that your skin blooms afresh at its touch … with its texture so soft, so flattering that even in the glare of day the years seem to melt away … and it clings through the hours with a consistency that you will adore. Scented with the fragrance of Shalimar, it is the ultimate touch of elegance in the art of make-up. At all smart shops in six marvellously perfect skin shades.” With this promise, Guerlain positioned the powder as both practical and indulgent—long-lasting, youthful, and imbued with a sensual perfume.

La Poudre C’est Moi was available in six shades, carefully blended to harmonize with different skin tones, reflecting Guerlain’s growing attention to the diversity of women’s complexions. More than just a face powder, it was theatrical in name, luxurious in scent, and refined in finish, embodying the spirit of 1920s glamour while nodding to the grandeur of France’s royal past.

The Famous Powder Box:

La Poudre C’est Moi was as much a visual tribute to luxury as it was a cosmetic innovation. The powder was housed in a cylindrical drum-shaped box, measuring 8.5 cm in diameter, a size that felt generous in the hand yet refined enough to slip gracefully onto a vanity. Unlike ordinary powders of the era that might come in plain tins, Guerlain ensured that this creation carried the same aura of majesty and artistry as its name.

The box was crafted from wrapped cardboard, but its surface was transformed into something far richer through a lavish embossed design in gold and black filigree. The intricate pattern suggested foliage and interlacing motifs in the Louis XIV style, directly evoking the ornamental splendor of the Sun King’s court. With its glimmering gilt elements set against a dramatic black ground, the design mirrored the grandeur of Versailles—an unmistakable nod to the monarch whose declaration inspired the powder’s name.

This careful marriage of utility and artistry made the container more than packaging; it was a keepsake, an object of luxury that reflected Guerlain’s understanding that beauty rituals extended beyond the product itself to the ritual of presentation. Each powder box became a miniature echo of French royal heritage, an ornament that linked daily makeup to a sense of cultural sophistication and timeless glamour.

The Sample Size Box:

photos from ebay seller regalestatescompany

Shalimar Poudre C'Est Moi Compact c1927:

The metal face powder compact was designed by Bernard D'Escayrac (the then Vice President of Guerlain, Inc in New York)

Fate of the Powder:

After decades of absence, La Poudre C’est Moi was brought back to life in Christmas 2006, reimagined not as a simple face powder but as a luxurious finishing and highlighting powder. The relaunch transformed the product into a modern jewel of Guerlain’s heritage line, merging nostalgia with contemporary glamour. The formula itself was infused with violet fragrance, a classic Guerlain signature, lending a delicate, powdery floral veil that evoked femininity and refinement the moment the compact was opened.

This time, the powder was described as a “divine pressed powder” flecked with white sapphire sparkles, designed to catch the light and impart a luminous, ethereal radiance to the skin. Unlike the soft matte powders of the 1920s, the 2006 version celebrated the era’s fascination with shimmer and glow, making it ideal for festive evenings and holiday occasions. At 0.22 grams, the product was petite but indulgent, enhanced by its presentation.

The powder was housed in a glossy red compact, its surface adorned with an intricate gold filigree design, echoing the grandeur of Guerlain’s historical packaging while embracing a bold, modern color palette. The box included a face brush, elevating the product from a cosmetic to a complete luxury experience. Retailing for about $72 USD, it was priced as a premium limited edition—accessible to collectors and beauty lovers eager to own a piece of Guerlain history, yet rare enough to feel exclusive.