L’Air du Temps is a floral-aldehydic perfume, a timeless classic of elegance and youth. It opens with gardenia and absolute jasmine, leading into a heart of sandalwood from Mysore, irisanthem, absolute carnation, peppered rose, and ylang-ylang.
Described as “vibrant like a wing,” its fragrance is exquisitely fresh and captivating, delivering a romantic and subtly provocative message. Loved instantly by nearly all women, it also enchants men, thanks to its natural, effortless charm. This perfume is so harmonious and versatile that it can be worn in all circumstances, from daytime elegance to evening sophistication.
From the Nina Ricci website -
"L'Air du Temps, the icon fragrance from the Nina Ricci house. The perfect harmony of an enchanting elixir, the symbol of femininity and eternal youth. The emblematic values of L'Air du Temps remain universal: peace, purity, freedom and love. L'Air du Temps is also the air that we breathe, the mood of the moment, the reflection of each era. L'Air du Temps...an unequaled moment of emotion. Fragrance: Floral-Spicy "L'Air du Temps is a little olfactory miracle" - Robert Ricci.
Original Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as an aldehydic floral fragrance for women. Intensely feminine fragrance; a delicate floral blend with spicy overtones. It contains jasmine, sandalwood, gardenia, irisantheme, carnation, spice, rose, ylang ylang, musk and ambergris. It starts with a fresh flowery top, followed by a spicy floral heart, resting on a mild, powdery, feminine base.
- Top notes: alouchi, aldehydes, rose absolute, amylcinnamyl, hexyl cinnamal, Calabrian bergamot, neroli, citral, limonene, citronellol, farnesol, Brazilian rosewood, linalool, peach and French carnation
- Middle notes: sweet pea, lily of the valley, hydroxycitronellal, orchid, Szechuan pepper, rose de Mai absolute, geraniol, violet, alpha-isomethyl ionone, ylang ylang, gardenia, Grasse jasmine absolute, Lyral, orris, lily, Lilial, carnation absolute, Zanzibar clove, isoeugenol, eugenol, amyl cinnamal, Irisantheme, rosemary, avobenzone
- Base notes: benzyl benzoate, ethyl hexyl salicylate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, almond, benzyl salicylate, aloeswood, patchouli from Oceania, benzyl alcohol, Tonkin musk, cedar, Mysore sandalwood, ambergris, Java vetiver, Tyrolean oakmoss, iris, Siamese benzoin, opoponax
The opulent scent of L'Air du Temps is heightened by the usage of a large proportion of benzyl salicylate (15%), and eugenol. These two materials together with ylang ylang and isoeugenol provide the essential carnation character that dominates the perfume throughout its evaporation. The heart of the perfume is a bouquet of floral notes reduced to their simplest components. Terpineol for lilac, styrallyl acetate for gardenia, phenylethyl alcohol for rose, hydroxycitronellal (10%) for lily of the valley, and benzyl acetate and amyl cinnamic aldehydes for jasmine. The top note (14%) is a classic mixture of bergamot and rosewood, together with their naturally occurring ingredients linalool and lilalyl acetate.
The base note also contains the important accord between Irisantheme (10%), vetiveryl acetate, Mysore sandalwood, musk ketone and originally, musk ambrette. These materials together with the carnation make up the immediately recognizable central character of the perfume.
Although the essential character of the perfume is built around ingredients already mentioned, most of its richness and quality comes from the use of jasmine and rose absolutes. By the addition of these two high quality raw materials, many hundreds of individual ingredients are added that envelop and enhance the main structure of the perfume. In L'Air du Temps we have a perfect example of classical simplicity combined with the complexity that comes from the use of fine natural materials. Inclusions of aldehyde C11 undecylcenic brings additional impact, blending perfectly with the styrallyl acetate and acting as a bridge between the top notes and the rest of the perfume. Also added were trace amounts of vanillin, heliotropin and orris. .
L'air du Temps by Nina Ricci is a light floral muguet that is extended and enhanced by bergamot, lemon and orange oils. This light 'springtime' fragrance accord is still very popular today. It must be regarded as one of the most important perfumes ever made. Not only has it enjoyed a great and enduring commercial success for over 70 years, its influence can be seen behind the creation of a number of fragrances that followed in its wake, such as the 1960s masterpiece Fidji.
Scent Profile:
The floral heart blooms gradually, becoming richer and more expressive. Rose absolute appears first—lush, deep, and petal-dense—supported by rose de Mai absolute from Grasse, revered for its complexity and balance of honeyed sweetness and fresh greenery. Grasse jasmine absolute follows, creamy and indolic, with a warm, skin-like sensuality that distinguishes it from sharper jasmine varieties grown elsewhere. Gardenia adds a buttery, almost coconut-like richness, while ylang ylang contributes its tropical creaminess, softly banana-like and radiant. Lily of the valley brings a green, dewy freshness, enhanced by hydroxycitronellal, a synthetic molecule that smells like fresh petals and morning air, extending the delicacy of the natural flower. Sweet pea and orchid add a pastel softness, while violet and alpha-isomethyl ionone introduce a powdery, slightly woody floral nuance reminiscent of lipstick and fine cosmetics.
Spice quietly weaves through the bouquet, giving L’Air du Temps its distinctive emotional warmth. French carnation and carnation absolute release their clove-like, peppery bite, enriched by eugenol and isoeugenol—aroma molecules that smell spicy, warm, and faintly smoky, intensifying the natural carnation’s character. Zanzibar clove deepens this effect with a dark, aromatic heat, while Szechuan pepper adds a subtle tingling brightness rather than overt fire. Irisantheme—a classic accord blending iris and chrysanthemum facets—adds powdery elegance and restraint, reinforced by orris, whose aged rhizomes yield a scent that is buttery, rooty, and softly cosmetic. Geraniol and citronellol lend fresh, rosy clarity, keeping the heart buoyant and alive.
As the fragrance settles, the base becomes tender, enveloping, and quietly sensual. Mysore sandalwood, long considered the most precious sandalwood due to its creamy richness and natural oil content, offers a smooth, milky woodiness unmatched by sharper Australian varieties. Cedar adds structure, while patchouli from Oceania contributes an earthy softness without heaviness. Java vetiver grounds the composition with smoky, grassy depth, and Tyrolean oakmoss provides the classic chypre-like shadow—cool, forested, and slightly mineral. Siamese benzoin and opoponax introduce resinous sweetness, balsamic and incense-like, wrapping the florals in warmth.
Musk and ambergris complete the effect with intimacy and glow. Tonkin musk, historically prized for its soft animal warmth, is echoed and extended by synthetic musks that provide cleanliness, longevity, and diffusion without overpowering the composition. Ambergris adds a saline, skin-warmed radiance, blurring the boundary between perfume and wearer. Almond nuances emerge gently, powdery and comforting, while benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, and benzyl alcohol act as both scent contributors and fixatives, smoothing transitions and anchoring fragile florals. Sun-associated aroma chemicals such as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and ethyl hexyl salicylate subtly reinforce brightness and warmth, lending a soft, luminous finish.
Together, these natural essences and carefully chosen synthetics create the unmistakable character of L’Air du Temps: intensely feminine yet delicate, floral yet gently spiced, airy at first breath and softly powdery as it fades. The synthetic elements do not replace nature here—they illuminate it, extending the life of jasmine, rose, and carnation, polishing their textures, and allowing the fragrance to breathe and evolve. The result is a perfume that feels timeless and tender, like a memory carried on air, forever poised between innocence and quiet sensuality.
Product Line:
In 1972/1973, L'Air du Temps was available in the following formats:
- Parfum Presentations: "Aux Colombes" crystal bottles signed Lalique. Available in various sizes; purse atomizers; perfume atomizers (3 sizes).
- Related Products: Eau de Toilette splashes (4 sizes); atomizers; Eau de Toilette - 4 oz deluxe, - 2 oz refillable; Airomatique Spray.
- Ancillary Products: Perfumed soap; perfumed bath foam; perfumed body cream; perfumed talc.
In 1977/1978, L'Air du Temps was available in the following formats:
- Parfum Presentations: "Aux Colombes" crystal bottles signed Lalique. Available in various sizes; purse atomizers; perfume atomizers
- Related Products: Eau de Toilette splashes (4 sizes); Eau de Toilette atomizers; Eau de Toilette - 4 oz deluxe, - 2 oz refillable; Natural Eau de Toilette spray (2.5 oz)
- Ancillary Products: Perfumed soap; perfumed bath foam; perfumed body cream; perfumed talc; Creamy shower soap
In 1984/1985, L'Air du Temps was available in the following formats:
- Parfum Presentations: "Aux Colombes" crystal bottles signed Lalique (4 sizes); Parfum splash bottles (4 sizes); Luxury parfum purse atomizers, guilloché metal (rechargeable) 7ml; "Spirales" parfum purse atomizers (rechargeable) 13ml; Parfum atomizers (2 sizes)
- Related Products: Eau de Toilette splashes (4 sizes); Large Eau de Toilette atomizer (120ml); Refillable Eau de Toilette atomizer (60ml); Natural Eau de Toilette spray (75ml); Eau de Parfum bottles (200ml and 100ml); Luxury "natural" EDP spray, gilded metal (refillable) 100ml; "Spirales" "natural" EDP spray 75ml
- Ancillary Products: Perfumed soap (100g); Perfumed bath foam (150ml); Luxury perfumed body cream (150ml); Travel-size perfumed body cream, tube (75ml); Luxury perfumed talc (rechargeable) 200g; Travel-size perfumed talc (flexible bottle) 100g; Perfumed foaming bath, flexible bottle (150ml); Cream soap (150ml); Perfumed cream lotion (150ml)
At the pinnacle of the collection were the Extraits (Parfums), offered in crystal bottles signed by Lalique and adorned with the famous doves. Available in four sizes, these bottles represented the most precious and concentrated expression of the fragrance. Alongside the Lalique crystal versions, the extract was also offered in classic glass bottles, again in four sizes, as well as in atomizers in two sizes. For women who traveled or desired discreet luxury, Nina Ricci introduced luxury travel atomizers crafted in guilloché metal. These refillable objects were offered in a 7 ml version, as well as a larger 13 ml “spiral” model, combining portability with decorative artistry.
The Eau de Toilette range emphasized freshness and everyday elegance. It was available as a splash in four different sizes, alongside a generous 120 ml large atomizer for regular use. A 60 ml refillable atomizer provided a more sustainable and portable option, while a 75 ml natural spray offered modern convenience without sacrificing the fragrance’s classic character. This variety allowed women to choose how lightly or generously they wished to wear L’Air du Temps.
For those seeking a deeper yet still versatile expression, the Eau de Parfum was presented in substantial bottles of 200 ml and 100 ml, underlining its role as a wardrobe staple. A refillable 100 ml natural spray added practicality, while the elegant 75 ml natural spray in the signature “spiral” model brought a decorative flourish, echoing the house’s attention to design and detail.
Completing the line was an extensive selection of bath and body accessories, designed to extend the fragrance beyond the skin into a full sensory ritual. These included 100 g perfumed soaps, a luxury perfumed body cream in 150 ml and a 75 ml travel-size tube, and a perfumed lotion-cream in 150 ml. Bathing was elevated with a perfumed foaming bath gel presented in a flexible 150 ml bottle. The ritual continued with a luxury perfumed talc, refillable in a 200 g format and available in a 100 g travel-size flexible bottle, as well as a 150 ml cream soap.
The flacons:
The original bottle used for L'Air du Temps was an oval flacon molded with a starburst pattern made by Lalique, known as the "Soleil" flacon, it had a button shaped crystal stopper..
If your bottle is missing it's label or box, use this handy guide below. All measurements are taken from base to tip of uppermost wing.
Double Dove Bottles:
- 8 oz bottle stands 8" tall
- 3 1/3 oz bottle stands 6" tall
- 2 oz bottle stands 4.25"tall.
- 1 oz bottle stands 4" tall
- 1/2 oz bottle stands 3.5" tall
- 1/4 oz stands 3" tall
Single Dove Bottles:
- 1 oz
- 1/2 oz bottle stands 3.25" tall
- 1/4 oz bottle stands 3" tall
For the Christmas 1984 selling season the Nina Ricci company decided to change the packages of some of the L'Air du Temps products (except the perfume), apparently in an attempt to "modernize" and upgrade the packaging. In this regard new containers were produced for some of the products with gold doves and assorted flora embossed on the glass containers. Other products were wrapped in gold wrapping paper also bearing the imprint of doves and assorted flora, the new packaging was dubbed the "golden theme" by Parfums Nina Ricci.
Parfums Nina Ricci expended a great deal of time, effort, and money promoting this new collection of L'Air du Temps products, and referred to the items repackaged in this promotion as the "Les Colombes d'Or" collection "the golden doves". The name "Les Colombes d'Or," however, was not used in any promotions directed at the consumer, nor is it inscribed on any of the gold packaging used for the collection. Indeed, there is no indication that any consumer has ever seen or heard the term.
Vogue - Volume 146, 1965:
"Dawn of a new day in spray. ..the Airomatique! An original Lalique flacon with a very special atomizer, created in Paris by Marcel Franck. Just a touch of your finger releases a fine mist of L'Air du Temps Eau de Toilette. It's all fragrance. And all in all the most beautiful addition to your boudoir."
The atomizer below was called the "Young Romantic" bottle.
In September 1987, Nina Ricci introduced the L'Air du Temps Eau de Parfum Haute Concentration.
Special Editions:
Over the years, there have been special edition flacons based on the doves bottles.
Lalique Winged Crystal Flacon from 1996, limited edition release.
For the 50th Anniversary of the launch of L'Air du Temps, a slightly different Lalique dove flacon was created, this time, the bottle has its ribs in an alternate position, the bottle rests on a blue glass plinth embossed with stars.
For the 60th anniversary of the fragrance, L'Air du Temps was presented in a black crystal flacon by Lalique known as L'Air du Temps Noel for New Year's Day 2008, this edition was limited to only 480 pieces. A less expensive L'Air du Temps Noel edition was created in black glass and tinted plastic, it held 100ml eau de toilette spray.
Another beautiful special edition bottle is titled L'Air du Temps Cristal d'Or, of crystal, it features gilded accents on the doves wings and ribbed base, it was presented in 2009. It held 15ml of parfum and retailed for 400 euros.
For the 65th anniversary of the perfume's launch, 2013, designer Olivia Putman has designed a limited edition bottle reminiscent of the original parfum flacon. But modernizing it, it now takes a rounder form, a slash of blue and the doves are also reprised in blue instead of the colorless frosted crystal.
These special editions aren't limited to just the parfum extraits, the eau de parfum and eau de toilette bottles have gone thru many changes also. There are limited edition presentations such as the Couture Edition for 1.7 oz eau de toilette, which has yellow green bottle and also playfully features a wreath of real feathers which have been dyed green, that encircle the bottle. This edition is the 2008 anniversary edition in honor of 60th anniversary since launch of fragrance L`Air du Temps in 1948.
A 2010 limited edition 45ml eau de toilette flacon was designed by Philippe Starck. The juice has not changed, only the shape of the flacon. On the occasion of redesign of the bottle, Philippe Starck said the following:
“There is no difference in making a rocket, a hotel, a motorbike, a museum or a fragrance because the actual object is of no importance. What’s important is how it’s going to affect the person who lives in that place or with that object. So for me, a fragrance, and above all, L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci, is a matter of vibration. It’s getting the air to vibrate in a way that suddenly moves us.
I do not like the old perfumes, I do not like the new perfumes, I like the eternal perfumes. And Air du Temps is one. There is always in my work, that I succeed or not, a profound will of timelessness.”Design of L`Air du Temps symbolizes love, peace and freedom. Collaboration between Nina Ricci and Starck pushed these symbols to the first plan again. Kissing pigeons are united to create the whole flacon. Instead of redesigning the characteristic cap, the designer gives new structure and form of a kiss to the whole bottle. The flacon accentuates modern tendencies and is easier for its new owner to carry it around.
The flanker fragrance compositions:
By 1985, L'Air du Temps ranked among the five best-selling fragrance lines in the United States with annual wholesale sales of approximately $40 million. At that time, L'Air du Temps was available in many forms, including the following: perfume; eau de perfume; eau de toilette; lotions; dusting powder; soaps; bath oils; and creams. L'Air du Temps products were available in approximately 3,000 stores and boutiques around the country.
L'Air du Temps has inspired other Nina Ricci flankers such as L'Air du Printemps, L'Eau de Temps, L'Air du Temps Colombes Couleur, and Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps Love Fills.
L'Air du Temps Colombes Couleurs, launched in 2006. Available as 3.4 oz eau de toilette.
- Top notes: Earl Grey tea, lotus, solar accord
- Middle notes: cyclamen, jasmine, lily, lily of the valley
- Base notes: Georgia wood, sandalwood and white musk
L'Air du Temps Love Fills, launched in 2004.
- Top notes: peach, basil, bergamot, lemon,
- Middle notes: peony, carnation, violet, mimosa, freesia, lilac, rose
- Base notes: sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, and musk
L'Air du Printemps, launched in 2009.This reinterpretation of the original juices. It includes aromas of the first perfume, which are refreshed and more powdery in this edition. The perfume is available as 100ml edt,as a limited edition.
- Top notes: Queen rose, cedrat, crystal flower accords
- Middle notes: jasmine, solar accords, frangipani
- Base notes: musk, pear, sandalwood and cedar
L'Eau du Temps, launched in 2007, Developed by Givaudan.It is available in 3.4 oz eau de toilette.
- Top notes: mandarin, orange and bergamot, blackcurrant, peppercorn and coriander
- Middle notes: gardenia, carnation, jasmine, ylang ylang and tuberose.
- Base notes: amber, musk and Georgian wood
L'Air: launched in 2011 as 100ml eau de parfum.. It was announced as an airy and floral edition composed of intertwining notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, magnolia, violet extract and powdery notes. The flacon was created in the spirit of the classic edition and is decorated with pink nuances. Its stopper features kissing doves.
Ancillary Products:
Discover the L'Air du Temps Perfume range:
- 1/4 oz parfum in Lalique crystal flacon
- 1/2 oz parfum in Lalique crystal flacon
- 1 oz oz parfum in Lalique crystal flacon
- 1/4 oz parfum spray
- 1 oz eau de parfum
- 1.7 oz eau de parfum
- 2.5 oz eau de parfum
- 3.4 oz eau de parfum
- 1 oz eau de toilette
- 1.7 oz eau de toilette
- 2.5 oz eau de toilette
- 3.4 oz eau de toilette
- 2.6 oz perfumed candle
- 1.7 oz soap
- 3.3 oz soap
- 3.3 oz deodorant spray
- 3.3 oz shower gel
- 6.6 oz shower gel
- 3.3 oz body lotion
- 6.6 oz body lotion
- 6.8 oz body cream
- 5.2 oz body powder
- 0.2 oz eau de toilette replica mini
- 0.08 oz eau de toilette replica mini
- 0.13 oz eau de parfum roll on
It is also possible to find a beautiful L'Air du Temps powder boxes made up of Lalique crystal. One example was a limited edition that was launched in 1975 and is somewhat hard to find. It is frosted crystal and features a single dove in flight on the lid and measures 5" in diameter.
Other Lalique powder boxes for L'Air du Temps
Powder Jar c1980s
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