
Evening in Paris, also known as Soir de Paris, is a perfume by Bourjois that was first released in 1928. It was the world's most popular perfume in the 1950s and has been described as having a sweet, floral-powder scent with notes of violet, jasmine, and bergamot. The fragrance is said to be long-lasting and inexpensive, with excellent projection. While some people may find the scent old-fashioned or reminiscent of vintage makeup, others appreciate its unique and classic character.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top notes | Citrusy and spiced bergamot |
| Middle notes | Jasmine, ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, violet, iris, hints of peach and woody cedar |
| Base | Soft, powdery vanilla |
| Overall scent | Syrupy, sweet, floral, fresh, fruity, warm, powdery |
| Similar scents | Chanel No. 5, Guerlain Insolence |
| Year of creation | 1928 |
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What You'll Learn

Evening in Paris: A storied perfume
Evening in Paris, also known as Soir de Paris, is a storied perfume with a rich history. Created by the legendary perfumer Ernest Beaux in 1928, it was the first fragrance for the cosmetics brand Bourjois. The perfume was designed as a "low-cost mainstream" fragrance to take America by storm, and that it did. Its success spread to the United Kingdom and eventually to France.
Evening in Paris became a popular choice for soldiers returning home from the war, and even during wartime rationing, it remained an affordable luxury. With top notes of citrusy and spiced bergamot, middle notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, violet, iris, and hints of peach and woody cedar, it captures the romance of Paris. The base notes are soft and powdery, with a hint of vanilla.
The perfume was discontinued in 1969 but made a comeback in the early 1990s, reformulated with the help of Chanel perfumers Jacques Polge and Francois Demachy. The original Evening in Paris is described as having a rich, warm, floral scent with sweet notes, elegant yet not overly cloying. It is said to be a beautiful, classic, and ageless perfume.
Some people associate the scent with their grandmothers or mothers, bringing back memories of their childhood. For others, it is an enchanting fragrance that evokes the romance of Paris, inspiring secret rendezvous and romantic love songs. It is an affordable scent that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate perfume lovers, both old and new.
Overall, Evening in Paris is a storied perfume with a fascinating history, a dedicated following, and a scent that transports you to another time and place.
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The scent: Floral, fruity, sweet, and powdery
The Evening in Paris perfume is a complex fragrance with a variety of scent notes. It is a sweet, floral-powder combination with hints of fruit and candy-like sweetness. The top notes include citrusy and spiced bergamot, with middle notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, violet, iris, and hints of peach and woody cedar. The base notes are soft and powdery, with vanilla. Overall, the scent is described as warm, floral, sweet, elegant, and fruity.
The perfume has a strong violet opening, with prominent peach notes, and some reviewers note that it resembles Chanel No. 5. The violet scent remains as the perfume dries down, and it is this note that many reviewers pick up on, along with jasmine and iris. The combination of these floral notes with the fruity peach and the powdery base creates a unique, sweet fragrance.
The scent is described as "candylike" and reminiscent of "vintage makeup", with a syrupy quality that is comforting and pleasant. It is a pretty, feminine fragrance with depth and a unique character. The combination of sweet, floral, and fruity notes creates a warm and inviting aroma, while the powdery base adds a soft and elegant finish.
The Evening in Paris perfume is an affordable luxury, with excellent projection. One spray is usually enough, but two is not too much, and the scent lasts well. It is a classic and ageless perfume that has stood the test of time, with a unique and memorable character.
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Its history: Affordable luxury
Evening in Paris perfume has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Created in 1928 by perfumer Ernest Shiftan for the drugstore chain Schieffelin, it became one of the first affordable luxury perfumes widely available to the American market. Prior to its release, fine fragrances were largely associated with European luxury houses and were often expensive and exclusive. Evening in Paris changed the game by offering a high-quality, luxurious fragrance at a fraction of the cost.
The perfume was an instant success and became a symbol of glamour and sophistication. It was marketed as "the fragrance of France," evoking the romance and allure of Paris, the fashion capital of the world. With its elegant packaging and sophisticated aroma, Evening in Paris offered women a touch of affordable luxury and a chance to indulge in the finer things in life. The fragrance became so popular that it was even mentioned in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "Tender is the Night," further adding to its allure and cultural significance.
During the Great Depression, when luxury items were out of reach for many, Evening in Paris remained a affordable treat, providing a sense of escapism and glamour during difficult times. Its success continued into the post-war era, with the perfume becoming a staple on vanity tables across America. The brand also offered a range of ancillary products, such as bath oil and talcum powder, allowing women to layer the scent and create a more enduring fragrance experience.
Evening in Paris played a significant role in shaping the fragrance industry. Its success demonstrated that there was a market for affordable luxury perfumes, and it inspired other companies to follow suit. It also contributed to the democratization of fine fragrances, making them accessible to a wider audience. Today, Evening in Paris remains a testament to the power of affordable luxury and a reminder that indulgence can be accessible to all.
The fragrance has endured as a classic, with its original formula still capturing the essence of Parisian elegance and glamour. Over the years, it has undergone slight modifications to meet changing consumer preferences and regulatory standards, but its core character remains unchanged. Evening in Paris continues to be a beloved fragrance, cherished by those who appreciate its rich history and timeless appeal.
Through its long history, Evening in Paris has left an indelible mark on the world of perfumery, proving that luxury can be accessible to everyone. Its legacy lives on, inspiring new generations to embrace affordable indulgence and experience the magic of Paris in a bottle.
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The bottle: Dark blue, intriguing
The Evening in Paris perfume bottle is an intriguing, deep blue colour, reminiscent of a moonlit night in the romantic City of Lights. Its dark blue hue is a perfect reflection of the scent within, a mysterious and enchanting fragrance that captures the essence of Paris after dark. With its captivating colour, the bottle itself becomes an object of desire, a promise of the magical experience that awaits with each spritz.
The deep blue bottle of Evening in Paris has become an iconic symbol, instantly recognisable to perfume enthusiasts. Its rich colour evokes a sense of luxury and elegance, a promise of the sophisticated scent within. The dark blue glass, almost appearing black in certain lights, adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the perfume, reflecting the complex layers of the fragrance.
The colour blue has long been associated with serenity and calmness, and the Evening in Paris bottle embodies this peaceful aura. The dark shade of blue also adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, a subtle hint at the timeless elegance of the fragrance. The bottle, with its sleek and simple design, allows the captivating colour to take centre stage, drawing you in and inviting you to uncover the secrets of its scent.
The intriguing blue bottle of Evening in Paris serves as a perfect vessel for the magical potion within. Its colour, a reflection of the night sky, sets the stage for the perfume's romantic and enchanting aroma. As you hold the bottle in your hand, you can't help but feel a sense of anticipation, a promise of a captivating olfactory journey that awaits with each spray. The dark blue bottle becomes a talisman, a gateway to the enchanting world of Evening in Paris.
The Evening in Paris bottle, with its dark blue allure, has become an iconic symbol in the world of perfumery. Its colour, a bold and unique choice, sets it apart from the myriad of clear and colourful bottles on the shelves. This intriguing blue bottle, a perfect reflection of the scent's complexity, has become an enduring symbol of the fragrance's timeless appeal, a testament to its enduring popularity.
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Reviews: A unique, pleasant fragrance
Evening in Paris by Bourjois is a unique and pleasant fragrance, with a complex combination of sweet and floral notes. The perfume has a strong violet opening, with prominent peach notes and hints of jasmine, Turkish rose, ylang-ylang, iris, and woody cedar. Some reviewers describe the scent as "beautiful", "classic", and "ageless", while others note that it is "quite fresh" with a candy-like sweetness.
One reviewer describes how the perfume transported them to another time and place, showcasing its unique ability to evoke powerful memories and emotions. The scent is long-lasting and has excellent projection, with just one or two sprays being enough to last throughout the day.
Evening in Paris has a rich history, first launched in 1928 and becoming the most popular perfume in the world in the 1950s. It was discontinued in 1969 but made a comeback in the 1990s, reformulated with the help of Chanel perfumers. The perfume has a special place in the hearts of many, with some reviewers recalling how their mothers or grandmothers wore it.
Despite some mixed reviews, with one describing it as "too sweet" and "overblown", Evening in Paris remains a beloved fragrance that has stood the test of time. Its unique combination of notes creates a pleasant and memorable scent, making it a classic choice for those who appreciate a touch of vintage elegance in their perfume collection.
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Frequently asked questions
Evening in Paris is a sweet, floral-powder fragrance with notes of violet, jasmine, Turkish rose, ylang-ylang, and a hint of peach.
The top note of Evening in Paris is citrusy and spiced bergamot.
The middle notes of Evening in Paris are jasmine, ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, violet, iris, and hints of peach and woody cedar.
The base notes of Evening in Paris are soft, powdery vanilla.
Evening in Paris and Soir de Paris are the same perfume. The fragrance was originally called Evening in Paris when it was released in 1928, but it was later renamed Soir de Paris.











































