The Napoleonic Years 1789 – 1860

The excesses of the Directoire and the Empire were finally over. The flower-like woman of the romantic era was looking for a delicate scent that reflected her personality.

1789 - the smell of gunpowder spread in the wake of the French Revolution. Fragrances were despised. They made a come-back during the Consulate and the Empire. Empress Josephine spent a fortune on exotic scents and Napoleon was addicted to body rubs with eau de Cologne. British hygienists revived the popularity of fragrant baths.

During the romantic era, women lost interest in make-up and strong fragrances. Languorous and pale, they would hold a delicately fragranced handkerchief in their hand.