The Napoleonic Years 1789 – 1860
The excesses of the Directoire and the Empire
were finally over. The flower-like woman of the
romantic era was looking for a delicate scent
that reflected her personality.
1789 - the smell of gunpowder
spread in the wake of the French Revolution. Fragrances
were despised. They made a come-back during the
Consulate and the Empire. Empress Josephine spent
a fortune on exotic scents and Napoleon was addicted
to body rubs with eau de Cologne. British hygienists
revived the popularity of fragrant baths.
During the romantic era, women lost interest in
make-up and strong fragrances. Languorous and
pale, they would hold a delicately fragranced
handkerchief in their hand.
| 
