The 9 Most Popular Perfumes of the 60s

The 9 Most Popular Perfumes of the 60s

The commercial fragrance market boomed in the 1960s. Not only were people buying designer perfumes, but they were also discovering a whole new world of drugstore fragrances.This publication is part of our series of articles on the history of perfume during the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

The Rise of the Television

Interestingly, the latter did not rely on shelf space in brick-and-mortar stores visibility. Instead, print advertising, and even more important, the rise of the television drove their sales alongside word of mouth. To put this into perspective: In 1960, 4 debates between the two presidential candidates (Kennedy & Nixon) were broadcasted across the country, changing the way presidents would campaign. In 1963, televisions surpassed newspapers and because the preferred news source in the US.Coty, Bonne Bell, Houbigant, Max Factor, Prince Matchabelli, Dana, and Jovan were a few of the popular drugstore brands in the 60s, and many of their creations are regarded as classics today. They gained widespread fame for their novelty and affordability at the time.

Gendered Advertisement

It is important to note that all fragrances were considered unisex until the beauty industry began promoting gendered advertisements in the 60s. Even luxury houses like Chanel, Hermes, and Dior began stepping up their marketing campaigns and tried to allure men and women separately. This trend continued all the way until the rise of gender-neutral fragrances in recent years.Musk, patchouli, and sandalwood became perfume staples of this decade, and oriental fragrances became the rage. The younger population wanted to explore what lay beyond their older generations’ beloved elegant perfumes. Musk, in particular, showed up in many drugstore fragrances that were promoted as “you but better” alternatives. Scent enthusiasts even began dabbling in essential oils around this time.1960s fashion and beauty has been reappearing in recent trends for a while now. If you are also nostalgic for the fragrance culture of the 60s, you will love this recollection of the most popular scents of the decade.

Diorissimo by Dior (1956)

Launched in the 50s, the perfume really came into its own once the 60s rolled around. Fresh, green, and lightweight, it captured the “second skin” aspect of musky perfumes very well. With gorgeous florals at the heart, lily-of-the-valley being the most prominent, Diorissimo was perfect for daytime wear. Fresh and luminous like a dewy spring morning, the perfume also includes ylang-ylang, amaryllis, boronia, and jasmine.Christian Dior found lily-of-the valley to be a symbol of hope, happiness and joy. For him, Diorissimo was a revolutionary take on the flower, meant to deviate from the sweet floral perfumes on the market. The fragrance envelopes the wearer softly and sensually.

Aramis by Aramis (1966)

Aramis is still regarded as one of the most iconic men’s colognes ever. This classic continues to be worn by sophisticated men who want to command a room. This traditional concoction of woods, earthy notes, and patchouli smells powerful and masculine, making the wearer feel confident and strong.The top is dominated by fizzy citruses like bergamot, but the sage at the heart adds depth to the blend. At the base, cold and smooth leather creates a harmonious melange with oakmoss. There is no doubt that Aramis has stood the test of time because it does not smell dated even today.

Caleche by Hermes (1961)

Hermes created their very first fragrance for women in the 1960s. Caleche catered to elegant and sophisticated women who wanted their perfumes to make them feel feminine and alluring. The floral aldehydic fragrance was lightweight and fresh but had incredible sillage. Versatile and luxurious, Caleche immediately caught the attention of 60s women.One of the primary selling factors for the fragrance was how it smelled slightly different than the traditional floral aldehydic blends. After opening with bright citruses like bergamot and orange blossom, the fragrance settles into a combination of sensual jasmine and rich ylang-ylang. Cedarwood and oakmoss add depth to the base.

Arpege by Lanvin (1927)

This full-bodied aldehydic floriental was introduced in the late 20s but became highly popular in the 60s. It retained the lightweight, elegant nature of floral scents but infused rich, oriental notes into the mix. Sweet, woody, and bright, Arpege was a daytime staple but could transition seamlessly into the night. While the top was dominated by aldehydes, lily-of-the-valley, honeysuckle, neroli, and bergamot, the heart was a gorgeous blend of jasmine, ylang-ylang, geranium, iris, and rose. Creamy sandalwood, warm amber, clean musk, and earthy patchouli constituted the base. Arpege was reformulated in the 90s and is still worn today.

Musk by Alyssa Ashley (1969)

Staying true to the spirit of the 60s, this fragrance throned musk as its queen and became a runaway success. Musk by Alyssa Ashley celebrated the oriental philosophies of the decade and contained over one hundred of the world’s finest ingredients. The warm and sensual scent is woody and floral, with citruses in the background adding a playful element. The opening was characterized by bergamot, while the heart was composed of ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, and geranium. Musk, tonka bean, and iris at the base make this fragrance undeniably alluring. Alyssa Ashley marketed this perfume as unisex, and it turned out to be the right decision for them.

Brut by Faberge (1968)

This emerald green bottle is recognizable even today. Brut, an undeniable classic, became the signature scent for many men in the tail end of the 60s. The spicy aromatic fragrance, elegant, masculine, and versatile, was a fougere with a citrus opening, floral heart, and woody base.

Monsieur Balmain by Balmain (1964)

This vintage fragrance was highly aromatic and textured. While the opening is zesty and luminous, the fragrance embraces heavy florals in the middle. Finally, its woody, musky base suited the fragrance profile of the 60s and was hence in high demand.

Madame Rochas by Helene Rochas (1960)

A gorgeous floral aldehyde perfume for women, Madame Rochas packed a powerful punch. Featuring a floral extravaganza and an avalanche of woody musk at the base, the complex blend was the epitome of femininity. With aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, and neroli at the top, the fragrance leaned heavily into an exotic blend of jasmine, rose, tuberose, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, violet, and narcissus. The base featured creamy sandalwood, earthy vetiver, and warm musk.

Aqua Manda (1969)

We couldn’t find the original 60s ad, but here’s a colorful 70s ad:

Featuring patchouli as a dominant note, Aqua Manda skyrocketed in popularity after its launch. Unisex, strong, and rich, the fragrance captured the carefree attitude of the 60s. Which of these have you smelled?