Katrina Rosales
Nearness by Avon is a floral-powdery cologne for women and men that was released in 1955 and discontinued in the late '70s or early '80s. The fragrance does not have a large following like other vintage Avon scents. While the notes of the fragrance are unknown, some speculate that it has a strong aldehyde opening with a sweet, animalic rush of civet, vetiver, and opoponax. If you're looking for a similar scent, Regence perfume, introduced after Nearness was dropped from US Avon catalogs, may be a good alternative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Fragrance for women and men |
| Year of release | 1955 |
| Scent | Floral-powdery |
| Notes | Aldehydes, iris, labdanum, civet, vetiver, opoponax |
| Bottle colour | Aqua blue with a blue metallic lid |
| Production status | Discontinued |
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What You'll Learn
Nearness by Avon was a floral-powdery cologne
The cologne's opening note was aldehyde, with a strong, sweet civet coming through seconds after application. The middle notes were iris and labdanum, and the base notes were civet, vetiver, and opoponax. The overall scent has been described as rosey and woody, with a hint of aldehydes. The fragrance has been compared to Chanel 5, with its sweet, animalic rush.
The original label art for the cologne was aquatic-themed, featuring an oyster shell with a pearl nestled inside on a beach. The blue and white colour scheme of the label was reflected in the aqua-blue bottles and jars, which had blue metallic lids. Later bottles featured ornamental, novelty, and seasonal designs.
The fragrance was sold in the US and France, with French ads for the cologne appearing in the late '60s and '70s. It is unclear whether the fragrance is still available for purchase, but some companies specialize in creating scents that are nearly identical to discontinued perfumes.
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The fragrance was released in 1955
The fragrance Nearness by Avon was released in 1955. It was a floral-powdery cologne aimed at women. It was produced until the late 1970s or early 1980s and has since been discontinued.
The original label art for the 1955 fragrance had an aquatic theme. It featured an oyster shell with a pearl nestled inside on a beach, with the water reflecting the word "nearness" in white and dark blue. The bottles and jars were aqua blue with a blue metallic lid. Later bottles featured various ornamental, novelty, and seasonal designs.
The fragrance had a strong opening note of aldehydes, with a middle note of iris and labdanum, and base notes of civet, vetiver, and opoponax. One person who reviewed the fragrance described it as having a "sweet animalic rush".
Nearness by Avon was similar to other fragrances of its time. One reviewer compared it to Regence perfume, wondering if Regence was a "hipper replacement" for Nearness. Another reviewer noted that Nearness might be a "Chanel 5 wannabe", with its rosey/woody/aldehydic scent. Despite these similarities to other fragrances, Nearness did not have the same following as some other older Avon scents, such as Occur!
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It was discontinued in the late 70s/early 80s
The Nearness fragrance by Avon was discontinued in the late 1970s to early 1980s, about two decades after its launch in 1955. While the exact reasons for its discontinuation are unclear, it appears that it lacked the same popularity as other vintage Avon scents like Occur! which may have contributed to its eventual phase-out.
The decision to discontinue a product often involves a range of factors, including sales performance, market trends, and brand strategy. In the case of Nearness, it's possible that its popularity waned over time, leading Avon to allocate resources to newer, more trendy fragrances with stronger consumer demand.
The fragrance industry is known for its dynamic nature, with consumer preferences evolving and new trends emerging. Fragrance companies must adapt their offerings to match these shifting tastes. Nearness, with its floral-powdery scent, may have become less appealing to consumers as fresher, more modern fragrances entered the market.
Additionally, brand strategy plays a role in product discontinuation. Avon, as a company, may have shifted their focus to different fragrance families or target demographics, leaving certain established fragrances like Nearness behind in favour of exploring new avenues and reaching new audiences.
Lastly, the discontinuation of a fragrance can sometimes be attributed to challenges in sourcing specific ingredients or changes in formulation practices. Over time, certain components may become scarce or undergo regulatory changes, impacting a fragrance's production. While this may not have been the case with Nearness, it is a potential factor contributing to the discontinuation of other fragrances.
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Nearness is often likened to Chanel No. 5
Chanel No. 5 is a timeless fragrance, exuding sophistication and elegance. Its complex composition, a blend of aldehydes and florals, creates a mysterious and graceful scent that has become a cultural icon. The perfume's top notes of aldehydes, a chemical compound, add a sparkling effervescence, reminiscent of fresh linen and soap. As the fragrance evolves, its lush floral heart of rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and lily of the valley takes centre stage, embodying femininity and depth. The base notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and vetiver provide a warm, sensual finish, leaving a lasting impression.
The iconic Chanel No. 5 has been described as "the world's most iconic fragrance," with its sleek, minimalist bottle design and captivating scent. Its creation in 1921 by Coco Chanel, in collaboration with perfumer Ernest Beaux, marked a new era in perfumery. The synthetic component aldehyde, first introduced in this fragrance, has become a signature element, offering a unique and recognisable aroma.
Over the years, Chanel No. 5 has been the fragrance of choice for many celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe, who famously wore it to bed. The perfume continues to captivate with its complexity and the emotions it evokes, becoming more than just a scent—it is a symbol of femininity, grace, and timeless elegance.
In comparison, Nearness by Avon, launched in 1955, is often described as having similarities to Chanel No. 5. While it offers a floral-powdery scent, Nearness also incorporates woody notes, creating a unique twist. The initial burst of aldehydes gives way to the sweet scent of civet, resulting in a fragrance that is both captivating and intriguing.
Although different in their compositions, with Chanel No. 5 being more floral-aldehydic and Nearness having a stronger woody presence, the two fragrances share a certain allure. Nearness, with its blend of sweetness and woody notes, creates a similar sense of complexity and depth, making it a captivating alternative to the iconic Chanel No. 5.
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The scent has opening notes of aldehydes and a sweet animalic rush
The fragrance Nearness by Avon is a floral-powdery cologne for women and men, launched in 1955. While it is no longer in production, it is described as having opening notes of aldehydes, which are known for their sharp, piercing quality, giving a tingling sensation when inhaled.
Aldehydes are organic compounds that are the result of partial oxidation and are used in the creation of perfumes, among other things. They are a family of ingredients, with different forms having different effects and notes. They can be metallic, starchy, citrusy, waxy, or soapy, and are often associated with personal care products such as hairspray or soap.
In perfumery, aldehydes are like 'rocket fuel', boosting the initial impact of a fragrance. They can be found in natural materials such as rose, citronella, cinnamon bark, and orange rind, but they are also a family of synthetic chemicals. Chanel No. 5, created in 1921, is believed to be the first aldehyde scent, although this is a myth. The fragrance was created by Chanel's original perfumer, Ernest Beaux, who added almost 1% aldehydes, a much greater quantity than was typical.
In the case of Nearness, the initial strong aldehydes give way to the scent of sweet civet, creating a soft to moderate silage. This combination of aldehydes and sweet animalic notes is what gives Nearness its unique character, making it a classic Avon fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Regence perfume is said to be very similar to Nearness. It is speculated that Regence was a hipper replacement for Nearness.
Nearness by Avon is a floral-powdery fragrance with opening notes of aldehydes, middle notes of iris and labdanum, and base notes of civet, vetiver, and opoponax.
Nearness by Avon was discontinued in the late '70s or early '80s. However, you may be able to find it on resale sites or fragrance revival companies that create similar scents.
