Un Peu de Bonheur by Elizabeth Arden c1920

Launched around 1920, Un Peu de Bonheur by Elizabeth Arden carries a name that translates from French as "A Little Bit of Happiness." Pronounced "uhn puh duh boh-neur," the name evokes an immediate sense of warmth, joy, and fleeting beauty. The words themselves feel like a soft whisper of optimism, offering a delicate promise of an uplifting, almost ethereal experience. In an era defined by the opulence of the Roaring Twenties and the aftermath of World War I, Un Peu de Bonheur reflects the spirit of renewal and quiet joy. It captures a moment of lightness, offering women a brief respite from the stresses of life, a touch of sweetness in a world that was just beginning to heal from a turbulent period.

The concept of "A Little Bit of Happiness" would have resonated deeply with women of the time, many of whom were embracing newfound freedoms and social roles in the post-war years. For these women, Un Peu de Bonheur symbolized a moment of personal indulgence—a brief escape into the realm of nature’s beauty, captured in a fragrance. The perfume’s floral character, described as embodying the "fragrance of sweet spring flowers," aligns perfectly with the post-war desire for lightness, joy, and simplicity. It suggests an image of blooming gardens, soft petals kissed by sunlight, and the uplifting scent of fresh flowers on a warm spring breeze.

The fragrance itself fits seamlessly into the trends of the time. Spring flower-inspired perfumes were in vogue during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, celebrated for their delicate, natural notes and their ability to evoke the purity and vibrancy of the season. Un Peu de Bonheur was part of a broader movement toward lighter, more innocent floral scents. Like other perfumes of the era, it combined natural floral essences with the evolving use of synthetics. These included eugenol, known for its clove-like scent, and vanillin, which added a creamy sweetness. The perfume’s formula would have been crafted from blended floral bouquets, often enhanced with subtle spices and animalic notes as fixatives, lending the fragrance both elegance and depth.

In terms of its place in the perfume market of the 1920s, Un Peu de Bonheur stood apart from the more complex, often heavy perfumes that defined earlier eras, offering something fresh and uncomplicated. While floral fragrances were not new, Elizabeth Arden’s Un Peu de Bonheur aligned with the growing preference for scents that felt natural, light, and airy. This floral fragrance, with its emphasis on sweetness and simplicity, was not so much a departure from other perfumes of the time as it was a refinement—a response to the post-war desire for more gentle, uplifting experiences.

Ultimately, Un Peu de Bonheur was more than just a perfume—it was an invitation to experience a brief moment of joy, encapsulated in fragrance. It reflected the optimism of the 1920s, a time when women were embracing new possibilities and seeking beauty and happiness in the world around them. As a floral fragrance, it captured the essence of a new season, both literal and metaphorical, bringing the joy of spring flowers into the lives of its wearers.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: lemon, bergamot, linalyl acetate, orange, cassie, rose geranium, benzaldehyde, verbena, neroli, wallflower, honeysuckle
• Middle notes: syringa, hyacinth, lavender, tuberose, rose, orris, ylang ylang, coriander, basil, eugenol, violet, jasmine, orange blossom, jonquil, lilac, lily of the valley
• Base notes: rosemary, civet, musk xylene, vanillin, cedar, sandalwood, coumarin, ambergris, almond, benzoin, turanol

Scent Profile:

In Un Peu de Bonheur, the top notes are an intricate and uplifting blend that welcomes you with a burst of freshness. The sharp citrusy zest of lemon and bergamot immediately captures the senses, their tangy brightness almost like a morning sun breaking through a cool dawn. As this citrus energy evolves, the soft, herbal note of linalyl acetate emerges, lending a light lavender-like sweetness that is smooth and calming. The orange adds a touch of sweetness, bringing an inviting warmth to the air. 

Cassie, with its slightly powdery, mimosa-like scent, introduces a floral dimension that's delicate but inviting. Rose geranium follows closely, offering a rich, rosy-green character with an herbal undertone that is both invigorating and soothing. The subtle complexity of benzaldehyde adds a slightly almond-like sweetness, while the clean, bright scent of verbena infuses the fragrance with a lively, lemony sharpness. 

The touch of neroli introduces a honeyed, floral sweetness, which mingles beautifully with the dry, spicy warmth of wallflower. Finally, the rich and sweet aroma of honeysuckle gives the composition a gentle, comforting depth, making the top notes of Un Peu de Bonheur feel both bright and enveloping.

As the fragrance begins to settle, the heart reveals a stunning floral symphony. Syringa, often likened to lilac, brings a lush, fresh floral aroma, reminiscent of a fragrant spring garden in full bloom. The hyacinth adds a heady sweetness, almost like a burst of springtime, with its green, slightly aquatic undertones. 

Lavender offers a calming, herbaceous contrast with its signature floral, slightly woody scent, creating a peaceful harmony. The tuberose introduces a rich, creamy floral essence, with a sensual and exotic appeal, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication. The presence of rose is soft and romantic, lending a classic floral character that is timeless and elegant. 

Orris, with its powdery, delicate, and slightly woody quality, adds a refined, almost ethereal layer to the fragrance, while ylang ylang infuses a rich, tropical floral note that is sweet, heady, and slightly creamy. Coriander and basil contribute a subtle, herbal spiciness, grounding the floral heart with a touch of complexity. Eugenol enhances the spiciness with its clove-like warmth, while violet introduces a soft, sweet, and slightly woody green scent. 

The jasmine brings a voluptuous, heady sweetness that deepens the floral bouquet, while orange blossom continues the fresh, sweet citrus theme, balancing the heaviness of the richer florals. Jonquil, with its sweet, almost green floral scent, adds a light, dewy quality, while lilac contributes its soft, powdery floral notes, reminiscent of spring. The delicate, fresh scent of lily of the valley finishes the heart with its crisp, clean sweetness, adding a touch of innocence and freshness to the perfume's floral composition.

As the fragrance evolves into the base notes, the scent becomes warmer, deeper, and more sophisticated. The herbal, slightly woody aroma of rosemary creates an invigorating foundation, while the musky, animalic scent of civet gives the fragrance a sensual, almost primal quality. Musk xylene deepens this effect, introducing a subtle, powdery warmth that lingers. 

Vanillin, with its creamy, vanilla-like sweetness, adds a comforting smoothness that balances the floral complexity with a soft, enveloping warmth. The cedar brings a dry, woody element that contrasts with the softness of the florals, while the creamy, smooth texture of sandalwood introduces a rich, velvety warmth. Coumarin, with its sweet, hay-like scent, enhances the fragrance’s depth, lending a powdery sweetness that feels familiar and nostalgic. 

Ambergris provides a rich, marine warmth, grounding the fragrance with a sophisticated and somewhat musky undertone. Almond offers a soft, sweet nuttiness, adding an almost gourmand touch, while benzoin gives a balsamic warmth, adding a resinous richness. Lastly, turanol, a synthetic note, introduces a smooth, sweet, slightly woody scent that wraps the fragrance in a subtle warmth, providing a delicate finish to this complex and beautiful floral composition.

Overall, Un Peu de Bonheur is a fragrance that evolves from a burst of fresh citrus to a rich, multifaceted floral heart, before settling into a warm, comforting base. Each ingredient is carefully blended to create a scent that feels both uplifting and deeply soothing, a fragrance that truly embodies the spirit of "A Little Bit of Happiness."

Bottle:

Un Peu de Bonheur was presented in a beautifully crafted black satin box, lined with peacock green satin, a striking combination that immediately conveyed a sense of luxury and elegance. The dark, rich black satin of the exterior was soft to the touch, evoking a sense of mystery and sophistication, while the interior’s peacock green satin offered a vibrant, opulent contrast, adding an extra layer of refinement. The soft, lustrous fabric seemed to glow under the light, creating an almost theatrical reveal when the box was opened. The color choice was purposeful, evoking the vibrant, jewel-toned feathers of a peacock, known for their beauty and regality. This elaborate packaging not only protected the precious perfume within but also enhanced the experience, making the unboxing feel like the discovery of a hidden treasure.

The bottle itself was just as exquisite, designed to reflect the same artistry and opulence as its presentation. Crafted with clear glass, the bottle was elegant and simple in form, with the opal glass stopper being the focal point. Shaped like a peacock’s tail in full display, the stopper was a work of art in itself, with its elegant, sweeping curves and the soft iridescence of opal glass catching the light in a mesmerizing way. The opalescent finish of the stopper subtly shifted colors, from pale pinks to soft blues and greens, mimicking the striking iridescence of peacock feathers. This design choice was not only symbolic of the perfume’s exotic allure but also emphasized the fragrance’s delicate and refined nature. The bottle, with its stopper, embodied a sense of timeless beauty and luxury, making it a highly coveted item among those who appreciated the art of perfumery.

In 1924, Un Peu de Bonheur retailed for $8.00, which, when adjusted for inflation, would be equivalent to about $145.97 today. This price point placed it in the realm of high-end luxury perfumes of the time, aimed at women seeking something rare and sophisticated. The cost reflected the care and artistry that went into both the fragrance and its packaging, with every detail carefully considered to ensure that the experience of wearing Un Peu de Bonheur was as rich and special as the scent itself. For women of the 1920s, Un Peu de Bonheur would have represented an indulgence, a moment of personal luxury that added an extra touch of glamour and elegance to their lives. It was more than just a perfume—it was a statement of taste, style, and a desire for the finer things in life.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Launched in 1920, Un Peu de Bonheur quickly captured the attention of perfume enthusiasts, offering a distinctive fragrance that blended fresh floral notes with an underlying sophistication. The perfume's name, which translates to "A Little Bit of Happiness," perfectly embodied the spirit of the era, offering a delicate, uplifting scent that brought a sense of joy and lightness to its wearer. Its unique composition and luxurious packaging made it an appealing choice for women looking to indulge in something elegant yet subtle. With its high-end presentation and a scent that evoked both refinement and the pleasures of spring, it was well-suited to the tastes of 1920s society, where the art of perfumery was not just about scent but about the entire experience.

Though Un Peu de Bonheur was launched in 1920, it was officially discontinued some years later, though the exact date of its discontinuation remains unknown. What is known is that it was still being sold in 1924, four years after its debut, indicating that it had made a lasting impact on the perfume market during that time. Its continued availability in 1924 suggests that Un Peu de Bonheur enjoyed a reasonable level of popularity, enough to warrant its presence in the market for several years after its launch. The fragrance's high-quality ingredients, elegant packaging, and distinct floral notes made it a memorable choice among the many other perfumes available at the time, cementing its place in the collective memory of those who encountered it.

Despite its relatively short-lived run, Un Peu de Bonheur remains a fascinating example of the refined, luxurious sensibilities of the early 20th century. While the perfume was discontinued before it could achieve the kind of lasting legacy enjoyed by other iconic fragrances, it continues to capture the imagination of fragrance historians and collectors. The mystery surrounding its exact date of discontinuation only adds to its allure, marking it as one of those elusive treasures from a bygone era. Today, the fragrance is a symbol of the transient beauty of early 20th-century perfumes, evoking the elegance and spirit of a time when scents were more than just perfumes—they were embodiments of luxury and happiness.