Monsavon, Œillet, Oeillet, Carnation, 28 mls. of 1 oz. Flacon, Parfum Extrait, 1928, Paris, France

Monsavon is an iconic French personal care brand that began with its first soap in 1925, later launching perfumes and other beauty products. The brand's history is unique, having been developed successively by two major companies, L'Oréal and Procter & Gamble. Its vintage perfumes, like the 1930s chypre fragrance, are sought after for their classic French craftsmanship, and the brand is known for its association with "milky-softness" and natural ingredients.

This established its identity as a beauty care pioneer. The brand's history is notable for having been managed by two major corporations: first L'Oréal and later by Procter & Gamble.

Monsavon launched various products over the years, including some iconic perfumes that are now considered vintage. One example is a Chypre fragrance from the 1930s, which featured notes of citrus, neroli, orange blossom, ylang-ylang, jasmine, leather, and oakmoss. There were several other successful perfumes, notable its Cuir de Russie and Oeillet or Carnation.


Carnation perfumes were extremely popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s and are quintessentially French! The beautiful flowers were grown extensively for the perfume houses, and even wild ones were collected for the creation of scent.

Dianthus is derived from Greek, meaning di, Zeus and anthos, flower, “the flower of Zeus,” indicating its importance in the religious context of Ancient Greece. In Italy, Bologna in particular, the plant has been associated with Saint Peter and celebrated widely, with a special day at the end of June dedicated to carnation. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the most popular flowers for fragrance gardens. Its probably most interesting usage has been recorded in the late 1600s, when the Countess of Dorset, England, made her own love potion, including carnation, lavender, bay leaf and marjoram. It is rather ironic that the flower of the most licentious of all Greek gods is supposed to have powers to cure wayward lovers. Interesting to note is that carnation signified devotion and loyalty in a variety of traditions, from European to Asian.

Carnation is cultivated in many countries, but carnation absolute is produced only in the south of France. It possesses floral spicy scent with pepper and clove nuance. Carnation is often used in classical fragrances due to its spicy peppery scent that deepens floral notes, and is especially effective combined with rose scent. Unfortunately, today many perfumers consider carnation to be an old fashioned component, as at the moment the fashion dictates fresher fragrances. Yet, carnation is still unavoidable component in oriental fragrances.

Launched in 1928, Œillet opens with a wonderful burst of spicy notes, strong and alive, and then softens down to a gorgeous spicy floral chypre, with hints of patchouli and soft cinnamon and clove.

The top notes are Carnation, Ylang Ylang, Orange Blossom and Bergamot
Middle notes are Jasmine, Cloves, Rose, Violet Leaf, and Cinnamon
Base Notes are Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Cedar

Offered here is an opportunity to buy a charming bottle of this gorgeous carnation fragrance. It is captivating .. and very rare ..