
Max Factor's Geminesse, a popular perfume for women, was first released in 1974. Its scent is described as floral-spicy, with notes of thujone, citrus oils, bergamot, gardenia, coriander, jasmine, rose, orris, narcissus, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, castoreum, and vanilla. While the original perfume is no longer available, some people have found that the PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray smells similar, although opinions vary. Some people love the scent and find that it brings back happy memories, while others are disappointed and believe it smells nothing like the original.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Max Factor |
| Year of release | 1974 |
| Fragrance notes | Thujone, citrus oils, bergamot, gardenia, coriander, jasmine, rose, orris, narcissus, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, castoreum, vanilla, violet, heliotrope, leather |
| Reviews | Mixed, with some finding it pleasant and reminiscent of their teenage years, while others describe it as horrible |
| Current availability | Discontinued, but some newer versions or replicas are available from brands like PRISM Parfums |
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What You'll Learn
- Geminesse by Max Factor was a popular perfume for women, released in 1974
- Its notes included thujone, citrus oils, bergamot, jasmine, rose, and vanilla
- The scent is described as floral-spicy with above-average projection and longevity
- The original production was discontinued, but some people have found alternatives
- Reviews of the PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray, an alternative version, are mixed

Geminesse by Max Factor was a popular perfume for women, released in 1974
Geminesse by Max Factor was a popular perfume for women that was released in 1974. The scent featured a unique combination of notes, including thujone (a plant material that smells like menthol), citrus oils, bergamot, gardenia, coriander, jasmine, rose, orris, narcissus, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, castoreum, and vanilla. This diverse blend of fragrances created a complex and intriguing perfume that captivated women in the 1970s.
Over time, the perfume has become a collectible item, sought after by those who appreciate its nostalgic value and unique scent. While it is no longer widely worn as a fragrance, Geminesse retains a dedicated following among perfume enthusiasts and collectors. Its release in the 1970s marked a significant moment in the world of perfumery, with its intricate combination of notes setting it apart from other fragrances of that era.
The scent of vintage Geminesse may differ from the original fragrance released in 1974. Age and storage conditions can alter the chemical composition of a perfume, resulting in a transformation of its aroma over time. This means that modern-day perfume enthusiasts who sample vintage Geminesse may experience a different scent than what was initially intended.
The original Geminesse by Max Factor holds a special place in the history of perfumery. Its release in 1974 represented a bold exploration of diverse fragrances, blending plant-based scents like thujone and citrus oils with floral notes such as jasmine and rose. This complex combination created a signature scent that left an enduring mark on the world of perfumes, influencing future fragrance creations.
Today, collectors and perfume aficionados cherish Geminesse for its historical significance and the unique scent it once exuded. While the fragrance may have evolved over time, its impact on the perfumery world remains, serving as a testament to the artistry and innovation that defined the industry in the 1970s.
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Its notes included thujone, citrus oils, bergamot, jasmine, rose, and vanilla
Thujone is a chemical compound that occurs predominantly in two forms: α-thujone and β-thujone. It is best known for its presence in the spirit of absinthe, though it is only found in trace amounts. Thujone is also a component of several essential oils and is commonly found in plants such as arborvitae, Nootka cypress, some junipers, and various species of Mentha (mint). In perfumery, it likely adds a stimulating and mood-elevating effect to the fragrance.
Citrus oils in perfumes typically refer to essential oils derived from citrus fruits, including lemons, oranges, bergamots, and grapefruits. These oils offer a range of aromas, from sweet to tangy, and are often used to create vibrant and fresh fragrances. For example, bergamot oil, derived from the rinds of the bergamot fruit, has a fresh and citrusy scent with mild spicy and floral undertones. The scent can vary depending on the time of year the fruit was harvested, sometimes leaning more floral, other times more fresh.
Jasmine, a flower commonly associated with India, offers a complex aroma. It can smell like banana or grape juice, or it may have a deep, temple-like, or even decay-like scent. The indole present in jasmine is a double-edged sword—it can smell incredibly sexy or, to sensitive noses, like excreta.
Rose, a classic floral fragrance, is beloved in the world of perfumery for its romantic and elegant qualities. It adds warmth, depth, and complexity to a scent. Rose essential oil, extracted from fragrant rose petals, is often blended with other elements to create nuanced compositions. It is also used in combination with other notes to create various scent profiles, such as fruity, spicy, or woody fragrances.
Vanilla, a well-known aphrodisiac, is a powerful ingredient in perfumes. Its scent is sweet, comforting, and easily recognizable. Vanilla's naturally-present vanillin works to prolong the perception of its scent and flavour, allowing for a more enduring olfactory experience. While natural vanilla is earthy with hints of treacle, synthetic vanillin is also commonly used in perfumery to mimic the real thing.
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The scent is described as floral-spicy with above-average projection and longevity
Max Factor's Geminesse was a popular perfume for women, first released in 1974. The scent is described as floral-spicy with above-average projection and longevity. The original Geminesse included notes of thujone (a plant material that smells like menthol), citrus oils, bergamot, gardenia, coriander, jasmine, rose, orris, narcissus, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, castoreum and vanilla.
One person who sampled vintage Geminesse described the scent as "a wicked leather with a real animalic growl". They also noted that the Prism Parfums release of Geminesse does not smell like the original.
Reviews of the PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray, available on Amazon, are mixed. Some customers claim that the scent is exactly as they remember it, while others are less positive, with one review stating that the perfume is "nasty and horrible".
It seems that the PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray may not be a perfect replication of the original Max Factor Geminesse, but it still evokes happy memories for some customers who wore the perfume in their youth.
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The original production was discontinued, but some people have found alternatives
Max Factor's Geminesse was a popular perfume first released in 1974. Its scent was described as floral-spicy, with notes of thujone (a plant material that smells like menthol), citrus oils, bergamot, gardenia, coriander, jasmine, rose, orris, narcissus, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, castoreum, and vanilla. However, it appears that the original production of Geminesse has been discontinued, leaving many long-time wearers disappointed and in search of alternatives.
Some people have found alternatives to the original Geminesse that bring back happy memories. One such alternative is the PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray, which some reviewers claim smells exactly like they remember Geminesse from their teenage years, while others disagree. One reviewer on Amazon, whose mother wore Geminesse for a long time, expressed disappointment with the PRISM version, describing it as "nasty and horrible" and not at all close to the original scent.
Another reviewer, who wore Geminesse in their 20s, shared a similar sentiment, stating that while the PRISM version did not smell like the original, they were glad to have found it and that it brought back lovely memories. This mixed response to the PRISM Geminesse is echoed by other reviewers, with some finding it pleasant and reminiscent of the original, while others describe it as foul and a far cry from the Geminesse they once loved.
The differences in perception could be due to changes in formulation over time, individual variations in scent perception, or the challenges of replicating vintage fragrances. It's worth noting that scent memories are powerful and deeply personal, so finding an exact replica of a discontinued fragrance can be challenging and often involves some level of trial and error.
While the original Geminesse may no longer be in production, the impact it had on its wearers and their pursuit of alternatives highlights the emotional connection we form with fragrances and the memories they evoke.
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Reviews of the PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray, an alternative version, are mixed
Reviews of the PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray, an alternative version of the original Max Factor Geminesse, are mixed. The original Geminesse was released in 1974 and included notes of thujone, citrus oils, bergamot, gardenia, coriander, jasmine, rose, orris, narcissus, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, castoreum, and vanilla.
Some customers who were familiar with the original scent of Geminesse were disappointed with the PRISM version, finding that it did not smell similar enough. One reviewer noted that while the top note was close, the overall scent was not as crisp and unusual as the original. Another reviewer mentioned that the PRISM Geminesse had a strange smell, a cross between perfume and aftershave, and that it was not even close to their recollection of the original.
However, there were also positive reviews from customers who found the PRISM Geminesse to be a pleasant fragrance. Some reviewers mentioned that the scent brought back lovely memories of their teenage years or their 20s. One reviewer gave it 5 out of 5 stars, saying that it smelled exactly the same as they remembered.
It is worth noting that the PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray is not associated with Max Factor and does not claim to be the original Geminesse. The reviews suggest that those who were familiar with the original Geminesse may not find the PRISM version to be a perfect match, but it may still be a pleasant fragrance for those who are new to the scent or are looking for a nostalgic experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Prism Parfums' Geminesse is said to smell like a combination of violet and leather. Some customers have also likened the scent to that of saddle soap.
The notes of the original Geminesse by Max Factor, released in 1974, included thujone (a plant material that smells like menthol), citrus oils, bergamot, gardenia, coriander, jasmine, rose, orris, narcissus, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, castoreum, and vanilla.
Reviews of the modern version of Geminesse, now by PRISM, are mixed. Some customers claim that the new version smells exactly like they remember the original scent, while others are disappointed and claim that it is not a close enough replica.
PRISM Geminesse EDP Spray is available for purchase on Amazon.





































