Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden c1934

Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden, launched in 1934, is a fragrance steeped in the imagery of nature and the pastoral elegance of the American landscape. The name itself evokes the lush, rolling hills of Kentucky, where Arden’s prized racehorses grazed on the lush, verdant grasses that gave the state its reputation. "Blue Grass" refers to the blue-tinted grass native to Kentucky, known for its vibrant color when the morning dew catches the light. This name encapsulates the essence of the fragrance, transporting the wearer to expansive, open fields where the air is fresh, and the natural world is at its most pristine. The word "Blue Grass" stirs visions of green meadows dotted with wildflowers, open skies stretching to the horizon, and the sweet, earthy scent of freshly mown hay—a scent that feels both invigorating and soothing.

In 1934, the world was emerging from the Great Depression, and the 1930s marked a period of recovery and rebirth. This era, often referred to as the "Interwar Period," saw a shift toward simplicity, elegance, and a longing for fresh, clean air, both literally and figuratively. The Great Depression had left many seeking solace in nature, and Elizabeth Arden capitalized on this desire for purity and a connection to simpler times. The decade also saw the rise of the Art Deco movement, which celebrated bold lines and geometric shapes, yet Blue Grass harkened to a more natural, romantic aesthetic—an homage to the countryside rather than the mechanized world.

Women of the 1930s, particularly in America, would have related to Blue Grass in a way that tied them to both tradition and modernity. With a return to nature becoming an important cultural motif during the 1930s, Blue Grass spoke to the feminine ideals of purity, grace, and simplicity. The fragrance appealed to women who sought to embody elegance in a world that was still recovering from the shock of war and economic collapse. The freshness and natural beauty of Blue Grass gave women an olfactory escape into a world of wide-open spaces, evoking feelings of calm, renewal, and a sense of connection to the earth.

As a green floral fragrance, Blue Grass reflects the trends of the time by tapping into the fresh, botanical accords that were gaining prominence in the 1930s. This was a time when aldehydic florals, with their clean, bright opening notes, were beginning to dominate the perfume world, following the success of Chanel No. 5. However, while other fragrances leaned heavily on opulent florals or abstract aldehydic compositions, Blue Grass distinguished itself by embracing the natural world through its green, fresh notes. The fragrance opens with a dry, aldehydic freshness that immediately evokes the scent of clean, dew-kissed grass, like a walk through a dewy meadow at dawn. The top is crisp, clean, and slightly soapy, offering the unmistakable sense of freshness.

The heart of Blue Grass reveals its precious floral bouquet, blending delicate gardenia, hyacinth, and the fresh, sweet nuances of mock orange and mimosa. The soft, floral qualities of these notes are accented by the subtle bitterness of geranium leaves, giving the fragrance an intriguing edge. The fresh, herbaceous lift of lemongrass is balanced by the green, almost tart brightness of wet grass, which deepens the impression of walking in a garden after a summer rain. This floral heart is rich yet airy, as if inhaling the crisp, invigorating air of a countryside retreat.

The base of Blue Grass adds depth with its soft, powdery undertones, reminiscent of freshly cut hay scattered on a warm afternoon. The fragrance is built around a special Firmenich base called Melysflor, a type of mellis accord. The inclusion of benzyl salicylate and patchouli adds an earthy, slightly spicy warmth, while the clove, derived from eugenol, gives a faint peppery note that complements the green freshness of the fragrance. The lily of the valley note, traditionally created with hydroxycitronellal, imparts a dewy, fresh floral character, enhancing the overall sense of purity. Cinnamon, woody notes, and coumarin, with their warm, almost sweet properties, offer a soft, rounded base that gives the fragrance its long-lasting, comforting foundation.

In the context of other fragrances available at the time, Blue Grass was unique, standing apart from the heavy, opulent florals and the more abstract aldehydic perfumes of the period. While fragrances like Chanel No. 5 and Caron’s Nuit de Noël leaned into sophisticated, complex, and sometimes opulent compositions, Blue Grass appealed to a different sensibility, one grounded in nature and simplicity. It was a fragrance that felt timeless and uncomplicated, aligning with the cultural shift toward a desire for purity, renewal, and connection to the earth.

In conclusion, Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden captures the spirit of the American landscape, combining fresh green notes with a beautiful floral heart and a soft, powdery base that evokes the serenity of nature. It reflects the optimism and renewal of the 1930s, offering women of the time a fragrance that connected them to the natural world and its timeless beauty. With its crisp, green notes and delicate florals, it remains a classic example of how fragrance can evoke a sense of place, mood, and moment in time.

Original Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a green floral fragrance for women. It starts with a dry, fresh aldehydic top, followed by a precious floral heart, resting on a soft, powdery base of cut hay. Gardenia, hyacinth, lemongrass, mock orange and mimosa. With a slight bitterness of geranium leaves and the freshness of wet grass. 

• Top notes: aldehydes, seringa, bergamot, neroli, lemongrass, lavender, lily, geranium, orange, orange blossom
• Middle notes: hay, clove, mimosa, gardenia, laurel (bay leaf), hyacinth, tuberose, jasmine, narcissus, carnation, rose, spices
• Base notes: vetiver, oakmoss, Virginia cedar, benzoin, sandalwood, Tonquin musk, tonka bean

Combat, 1953:

"Gardenia, hyacinth, syringa, and mimosa blend together, creating a fragrance that evokes the essence of spring. There's a subtle bitterness from the geranium leaves, alongside the refreshing crispness of wet grass. This is a scent that speaks of renewal and growth—a breath of spring. Imagine, with your eyes closed, the vivid image of the Kentucky plains unfolding before you. Delicate flowers, their petals soft as they sway in the breeze, scatter across the ground where proud horses graze. Their heads are held high, breathing in the fresh, lively air. The earth is alive with vitality, its sap rising like the blood of youth, strong and pure. Above, the sky is clear and radiant, mirroring the bright aspirations of young dreams."

Combat, 1955:

"Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden, available in both the concentrated extract and the lighter Flower Mist version, is one of the rare perfumes that can endure high heat while maintaining its full intensity. The extract offers its maximum fragrance concentration, while the airy Flower Mist allows for a more subtle, refreshing experience. The scent opens with notes of syringa, hyacinth, and freshly cut hay, accented by the bright zest of lemongrass. A touch of bitterness from geranium and ivy adds depth, evoking the feeling of running freely through wet meadows, where horses, their heads held high, proudly turn away to inhale the crisp, invigorating air."

Scent Profile:

The opening of Blue Grass is a breath of fresh, dewy air—a bright, dry aldehydic rush that feels both crisp and clean. The aldehydes, a shimmering metallic note, immediately capture attention with their cool, soapy freshness, while the soft floral sweetness of syringa (also known as lilac) and the bright, citrusy touch of bergamot swirl in a delicate balance. 

Neroli adds a clean, somewhat bitter floral nuance, while the faintly herbal freshness of lemongrass infuses the composition with a zesty, green undertone that feels invigorating, like morning dew on grass. Lavender introduces a calming, slightly sweet aromatic note that rounds out this first impression with a soft, powdery warmth. The sharp, almost peppery quality of geranium introduces a subtle contrast to the sweetness, adding depth and complexity as the top notes develop.

As the fragrance settles into its heart, the lush, full-bodied florals take center stage. A bouquet of gardenia, its creamy, opulent scent offering richness, mingles with the soft sweetness of mimosa, evoking a sense of sunshine and golden mornings. Hyacinth adds a fresh, green floral twist, like a spring garden in full bloom, while the tropical, heady scent of tuberose introduces a touch of exoticism. 

Jasmine, delicate yet intoxicating, mingles with the deep, honeyed notes of narcissus, creating a sophisticated and complex blend. Rose adds a soft, velvety touch, balancing the brighter notes with its classic elegance, while the subtle spice of carnation adds a hint of warmth and complexity. Laurel (bay leaf), with its slightly resinous, herbal scent, wraps around the floral notes, grounding the composition with its earthy, aromatic presence.

The base of Blue Grass provides a soft, powdery foundation that feels both comforting and enduring. The scent of freshly cut hay evokes the natural, rustic charm of open fields, while oakmoss adds an earthy, green depth, reminiscent of damp woodland floors. The warm, smoky richness of Virginia cedar enhances the woodiness, while vetiver contributes a dry, slightly grassy note that deepens the overall structure. 

The sweet, balsamic scent of benzoin and the rich, creamy texture of sandalwood lend warmth and smoothness, while the animalic, musky note of Tonquin musk gives the fragrance a sensual undertone. Tonka bean, with its sweet, almost almond-like richness, rounds out the base, providing a soft, comforting finish that lingers gently.

At its heart, Blue Grass is built around the Melysflor base, a signature Firmenich creation that anchors the fragrance with its unique blend of benzyl salicylate, patchouli, spicy clove, and the airy sweetness of lily of the valley. The Melysflor accord also incorporates cinnamon, woody notes, and the slightly sweet, coumarin-infused scent of tonka beans, further enhancing the fragrance’s richness and warmth. This base not only ties the composition together but also adds an unexpected depth, giving the fragrance a sense of timeless sophistication. The Melysflor base was also used in Jean Patou’s Moment Supreme, linking Blue Grass to a legacy of elegant, complex perfumes. Together, these ingredients evoke the feeling of an idyllic, sunlit meadow—fresh, green, and full of life.

Product Line:

Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden, launched in 1934, was more than just a perfume—it was an entire sensory experience. The fragrance's success was reflected in the diverse range of products it inspired, each designed to envelop the wearer in the fresh, green, floral elegance of its signature scent. These offerings provided multiple ways for women to incorporate Blue Grass into their daily routines, turning the act of self-care into a ritual that evoked the beauty and simplicity of the natural world.

Perfume (Parfum) – The fragrance itself, as an eau de parfum, was the essence of Blue Grass, capturing the lush, green meadows and delicate flowers in a concentrated form. A few dabs of the perfume would carry the wearer through the day, with the aldehydic freshness of the top notes, the florals of the heart, and the powdery, soft base lingering on the skin. This was the signature product that began it all, allowing women to wear the spirit of the Kentucky countryside wherever they went.

Flower Mist – Light and refreshing, Blue Grass Flower Mist was an after bath friction cologne with cooling properties. Meant to be splashed on liberally over the entire body, it was a perfect way to add a burst of fragrance without overwhelming the senses. The mist was delicate, providing a softer version of the perfume’s green floral composition, perfect for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day. A spritz of this mist was a gentle reminder of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers, an invigorating splash of freshness that could be enjoyed all day long. 

Bath Oil – Blue Grass Bath Oil allowed women to indulge in a luxurious, fragrant soak that enveloped the skin in both moisture and the delicate scent of the perfume. The bath oil created a calming, fragrant atmosphere, turning an everyday ritual into an experience of relaxation and refreshment. The green, floral notes blended with the oils to create a soothing, aromatic environment, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Bath Oil Crystals – These crystals were a way to elevate the bath experience even further. When added to warm water, they dissolved into a fragrant, skin-softening solution that carried the green, floral scent throughout the entire bath. The Blue Grass Bath Oil Crystals not only offered the perfume’s beautiful fragrance but also left the skin feeling nourished and pampered, adding an element of luxury to the bath.

Dusting Powder – Blue Grass Dusting Powder provided a soft, powdery finish to the body, delivering a light dusting of fragrance with every application. The powder would cling delicately to the skin, giving a fresh, soft feel while imparting the signature green floral fragrance. It was an elegant way to layer the scent without it becoming overwhelming, leaving the body subtly fragrant and silky smooth.

Bath Soap – Blue Grass Bath Soap made the act of washing a fragrant indulgence. As the soap lathered, it released the familiar scents of the perfume, filling the bathroom with the soft green and floral notes. The soap's smooth texture ensured that the skin was gently cleansed without losing the fragrance, making each bath or shower a sensory pleasure.

Bath Petals – These charming petals, made from soap, were a whimsical addition to a bath. When sprinkled into the water, they would dissolve slowly, releasing the familiar Blue Grass scent and creating an aromatic atmosphere. The petals were a delicate, indulgent touch, turning the bath into a fragrant, calming retreat, perfect for self-pampering.

Deodorant – Blue Grass Deodorant offered a subtle way to incorporate the fragrance into everyday life. As a deodorant, it provided both freshness and fragrance, allowing the wearer to feel clean and scented all day long. Its soft, green floral notes worked in harmony with the body’s natural scent, keeping the wearer feeling refreshed and confident.

Bath Salts – Blue Grass Bath Salts were another way to infuse the bath with both fragrance and a sense of luxury. The salts, when added to warm water, dissolved to release the signature Blue Grass scent, transforming the bath into a fragrant escape. The minerals in the salts also helped to relax tired muscles, providing a holistic, aromatic experience that revitalized both body and mind.

Pony Guest Soaps – These small, charming soaps were both practical and decorative. Perfect for guest bathrooms, they offered the signature Blue Grass scent in a more compact form. The soaps allowed guests to enjoy the fragrance of the Kentucky meadows while subtly enhancing the overall ambiance of the room.

Sachet Powder – Blue Grass Sachet Powder was a fragrant touch for drawers, closets, or linen cabinets. The powder could be sprinkled into sachets and placed between fabrics, infusing everything with the soft, green, floral scent. It was a way to bring the essence of Blue Grass into the home, filling spaces with a light, clean fragrance that lingered long after use.

Fluffy Milk Bath – The Blue Grass Fluffy Milk Bath added an extra layer of luxury to the bath, turning it into a rich, creamy experience. The milk bath produced a soft, velvety lather, releasing the fragrance of Blue Grass as it enveloped the skin in both moisture and scent. It was the ultimate in pampering, with the milky texture adding a soothing, nourishing element to the fragrant experience.

Hair Spray – Blue Grass Hair Spray was designed to keep the hair in place while adding a subtle veil of fragrance. The spray would lightly coat the hair, leaving it smelling fresh and clean with the signature green floral notes. It was an easy way to ensure that the fragrance lingered even in the hair, making it an invisible accessory to the overall scent experience.

Body Lotion – Blue Grass Body Lotion was an everyday way to keep skin soft, hydrated, and scented. The lotion absorbed quickly, leaving the skin feeling nourished without being greasy. It provided a lasting hint of fragrance, ensuring that the wearer could carry the light, fresh floral scent of Blue Grass with them all day, while the rich formula helped maintain soft, smooth skin.

Skin Tonic – Blue Grass Skin Tonic added an extra layer of refreshment to the skincare routine. Its cooling, hydrating properties were perfect for invigorating the skin, while the scent left the skin delicately fragrant. The tonic could be splashed on the face or body for a quick pick-me-up, providing a burst of freshness and the calming floral notes of Blue Grass.

Moisture Bath (Body Lotion) – This moisturizing body lotion was a richer, more hydrating option, designed to lock in moisture while enveloping the body in the fragrance of Blue Grass. The thick, creamy lotion left the skin soft, smooth, and delicately scented, offering long-lasting hydration and a touch of luxury.

Cameo Face Powder Scented with Blue Grass – The Blue Grass Cameo Face Powder provided a soft, matte finish while subtly scenting the face with the green floral fragrance. The powder would delicately set makeup and provide a polished look, while the gentle fragrance lingered throughout the day, offering a sense of freshness and elegance.

Nail Lacquer Scented with Blue Grass – Blue Grass Nail Lacquer combined beauty and fragrance, adding a light touch of the signature perfume to the nails. The lacquer not only provided a glossy finish but also left a hint of the fresh, green floral scent, adding a subtle layer of elegance to the fingertips.

Together, these products created an immersive Blue Grass experience that extended far beyond the perfume bottle itself, allowing women to enjoy the fragrance throughout their daily routines and in every corner of their homes.

Bottles:

Blue Grass was available in a wide variety of bottles over the years. Here is a quick guide to help you with the vintage ones.

By the 1960s, Blue Grass was available in the following:

• 1/4 oz Parfum
• 1/2 oz Parfum
• 1 oz Parfum
• 2 oz Parfum

Blue Horse Cap Bottle:

The first bottle is what I dub the standard Blue Grass "blue horse cap" flacon, first used in 1936. This square shaped bottle has an inner glass stopper and is has a blue glass overcap molded with horses. The bottle was manufactured in France by Verreries Brosse. Sizes for this bottle range from 5.5 "tall to 2.5" tall.

If your blue horse capped bottle is missing it's label denoting size, use this handy guide below:

• 1/8 oz mini with gilded screwcap (0.124 oz = 3.69ml) stands 1.75 "tall.
• 5/16 oz (0.30 oz = 9ml) bottle stands 2.25 "tall.
• 0.5 oz (15ml) bottle stands 2.75 "tall. (No. 5305)
• 1 3/16 oz (1.18 oz = 35ml) bottle stands 3.25 "tall. (No. 4519)
• 3 9/16 oz (3.5 oz = 105ml) bottle stands 3 "tall.
• 2 1/8 oz (2.09 oz = 62ml) bottle stands 3 7/8 "tall.
• stands 4.75 "tall.

1940s "Blue Grass", standard perfume bottle for Elizabeth Arden, in clear and aqua glass with label, sealed with box. Ht. 3 1/4 in (8 cm). Photo by Rago Arts.

1940s Elizabeth Arden "Blue Grass" mini perfume bottle in clear glass with plastic screw cap, labels, in box. 1 3/4 in. Photo by Perfume Bottles Auction.

Standard Arden Cube Flask:

The clear glass cube flacon was the earliest used by Arden and held many of her perfumes in addition to Blue Grass. It has a matching glass cube stopper and black serigraphy across the bottle. was presented in the standard crystal cube flacons by Elizabeth Arden.

Bottle sizes:

• 2 "tall.
• 3" tall
• 5/16 oz bottle stands 2.25 "tall.

Dumb Bell Bottle:

This is not the official name for this bottle, but it is what it reminds me of. It has a glass inner stopper and a blue satin glass overcap. Nice cylindrical paperboard box with porcelain horse ornament. Size includes 6" tall.

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Special Presentations:

1930s Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass perfume bottle and stopper, clear glass, interior blown horse, sealed, hangtag, box. 2 in.Photo by Perfume Bottles Auction.

The New Yorker - Volume 16, 1940:

"People collect Elizabeth Arden's small bottles of Blue Grass scent with the blown-glass figure of a horse inside ($2.95)"

1930s Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass perfume bottle and stopper in blown glass, three sided, pinched, sealed, label, box. 2 3/4 in. Photo by Perfume Bottles Auction.

1930s Elizabeth Arden “Perfume Pin-Ups” Blue Grass perfume bottle, clear glass, plastic screw-cap, label, box with sachet cushion and three hatpins. Bottle 2 in. Photo by Perfume Bottles Auction.

1940s Elizabeth Arden “Merry Christmas Stocking”, Blue Grass mini perfume bottle, clear glass, screw cap, label, plastic box. 1 3/4 in. Photo by Perfume Bottles Auction.

Esquire, 1942:

"Merry Christmas Stocking filled with Blue Grass Perfume (one dram), 1.75"

1950s Elizabeth Arden "Blue Grass" mini purse perfume bottle in ruby glass with opaque turquoise blown glass stopper (corked glass peg), cellophane label, in box. 3 in. Photo by Perfume Bottles Auction.

1950s "Blue Grass" mini perfume bottle, sealed on card, in original Easter presentation box, Ht. 2 in. Photo by Rago Arts and Auction Center

1960s Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass mini perfume bottle, glass, plastic screw top, labels, plastic box. Mother's Day presentation. 2 1/8 in. Photo by Perfume Bottles Auction.

Blue Grass was housed in very unusual triangular bottles in the 1980s. These appear to have been produced for the Italian market.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Blue Grass was originally launched in 1934, capturing the essence of the American countryside with its fresh, green, floral character. It evoked images of wide open fields, gentle breezes, and the soft, earthy scent of newly cut hay. The fragrance resonated with a sense of purity and natural beauty, symbolizing a life connected to nature. In 1989, Blue Grass was reformulated and relaunched, reflecting the evolving tastes of the time while maintaining its iconic identity. The 1989 relaunch preserved the essence of the original with its fresh, floral-green notes, but it was refined to suit modern sensibilities. The reformulation offered a smoother, more contemporary version, with a softer, more rounded blend of florals and greener elements, ensuring its appeal to both longtime fans and a new generation of fragrance lovers. Despite the changes, the relaunched Blue Grass still carried the nostalgic charm of the original, evoking the same airy lightness and natural elegance that had made it a classic.

Current reformulated bottle.