Evasion by Bourjois c1970

Launched in 1970 but trademarked as early as 1964, Evasion by Bourjois encapsulated a spirit of escapism, liberation, and fresh femininity. The name "Evasion" (pronounced ay-vah-zhon in French) directly translates to "escape" or "evasion" in English, suggesting a break from the mundane, a flight of fancy, or a retreat to a dreamlike world. It evokes images of freedom—perhaps a spontaneous trip to a sun-drenched seaside, a stroll through a serene forest, or even a journey into the inner world of imagination. By choosing this name, Bourjois offered women not just a perfume but a sensory journey, a fragrant passport to serenity and sophistication.

The word Evasion conveys movement, lightness, and an air of mystery. It suggests a longing for escape, whether physical or emotional, and conjures feelings of liberation and self-discovery. This imagery resonates with vibrant green landscapes, airy skies, or a peaceful retreat far from life's pressures. The name also carries an air of modernity and independence, a perfect match for the ethos of women embracing new roles and opportunities during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The early 1970s marked the end of the Swinging Sixties and the beginning of a new cultural chapter. Women’s liberation movements were gaining traction, and society was shifting toward greater individual freedom and self-expression. Fashion trends reflected these changes, with the structured elegance of the 1960s giving way to more relaxed, bohemian styles. Maxi dresses, bell-bottoms, and natural fabrics became staples, alongside bold, experimental designs that mirrored societal shifts. Perfumes, too, were evolving to reflect this duality of free-spirited modernity and timeless femininity.

For women of the time, Evasion symbolized a fragrant embodiment of their desire for adventure and personal expression. It aligned with their growing independence, offering a sensory escape that was both fresh and feminine. This was a perfume for women who sought beauty in the everyday and wanted to explore life’s possibilities while maintaining an air of refinement.

Classified as an aldehydic woody floral, Evasion embodied a vibrant and multifaceted olfactory experience. It began with a bright, powdery aldehydic top note, reminiscent of the classic perfumes of the past but made modern with a lively green freshness. The heart of the fragrance was a bouquet of radiant, delicate florals, exuding lightness and elegance. Finally, a sensual woody base lent depth and femininity, grounding the fragrance with warmth and sophistication.

The scent itself mirrored the concept of escape—starting with the sparkling promise of new horizons, moving into the comforting yet exhilarating heart of discovery, and finally settling into the warmth of personal connection and fulfillment. The balance of aldehydic freshness, floral radiance, and woody depth made Evasion an ideal choice for the modern woman—fresh, feminine, young, and effortlessly chic.

In the context of 1970s perfumery, Evasion both embraced and reinterpreted existing trends. Aldehydic fragrances had been popularized by classics like Chanel No. 5, but by 1970, lighter, fresher compositions were gaining favor. The combination of aldehydes with green notes and florals gave Evasion a contemporary edge, setting it apart from heavier, opulent fragrances of the past. Its woody base, while sensual, maintained a subtlety that resonated with the era's preference for understated elegance.

Evasion reflected a broader cultural shift toward individuality and natural beauty while retaining the timeless appeal of Bourjois's heritage. It was a fragrance for a woman who cherished her freedom and embraced her femininity, offering a blend of tradition and modernity that felt perfectly in step with its time. By choosing Evasion, Bourjois captured the essence of a transformative era, creating a perfume that was both a product of its time and an enduring statement of grace and sophistication.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an aldehydic woody floral fragrance for women. Fresh, feminine, young, modern. It starts off with a powdery aldehydic and bright green top, followed by a radiant, light floral heart touched with sweetness, resting on a sensual, feminine woody base.

• Top notes: aldehydes, green citrus, wild hyacinth, green note, Reunion geranium, field mushrooms
• Middle notes: honeysuckle, Oriental rose, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, orchid, orris
• Base notes: cypress, Mysore sandalwood, ambergris, musk, hay, oakmoss, vetiver

Scent Profile:

The opening of Evasion is a shimmering burst of aldehydes, crisp and powdery, evoking a sense of clean elegance and light-filled freshness. These aldehydes mingle with the zesty brightness of green citrus, a blend of sharp lemon and juicy lime that sparkles like sunlight glinting off dewdrops. 

The verdant scent of wild hyacinth soon joins, its delicate floral note carrying an earthy, almost watery sweetness. The lush green facets deepen with a raw, natural aroma of crushed leaves, adding a lively, untamed edge. The Reunion geranium lends a crisp, rosy freshness laced with a hint of mint, while the intriguing earthiness of field mushrooms adds an unexpected depth, grounding the effervescent top notes with an organic, damp quality.

As the top notes begin to soften, the floral heart blooms into a radiant bouquet. The honeysuckle is sweet and sunny, like a late-spring garden, while the Oriental rose introduces a richer, velvety opulence. Bulgarian rose enhances this with its lush, full-bodied aroma, a perfect harmony of sweetness and spice. Jasmine lends a creamy, sensual allure, while lily of the valley provides a delicate, green freshness that tempers the richness of the other florals. Orchid adds a soft, exotic nuance, its slightly powdery tone blending seamlessly with the refined elegance of orris, which contributes a powdery, violet-like softness with a hint of earthy warmth.

As the scent dries down, the base notes emerge with a tranquil yet sensual presence. Cypress introduces a fresh, resinous sharpness, balancing the creamy, luxurious warmth of Mysore sandalwood. Ambergris adds a subtle marine salinity and soft animalic undertones, while musk provides a silky, skin-like depth. The sweet, sun-dried aroma of hay intertwines with the earthy, damp richness of oakmoss, creating a grounding, pastoral effect. Vetiver adds its signature smoky, grassy character, tying together the fragrance with an elegant, woody finish that lingers warmly on the skin.

Together, these elements form a composition that feels effortlessly fresh, feminine, and modern—a perfect balance of brightness, softness, and depth, capturing the essence of youthful sophistication and natural beauty.

Product Line:

Evasion was crafted to cater to a variety of preferences, offering its captivating aroma in Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, and scented soap. The Parfum, the most concentrated and luxurious form, delivered an intense and lasting impression, encapsulating the essence of elegance and femininity. It was perfect for special occasions, where its depth and richness could truly shine.

The Eau de Toilette provided a lighter yet enduring version, versatile enough for both day and evening wear, while the Eau de Cologne offered a refreshing and invigorating interpretation of the fragrance, ideal for warmer weather or casual, everyday use. 

The scented soap, a sumptuous addition to the collection, turned bathing into an indulgent ritual. Its rich lather gently cleansed the skin, leaving behind a subtle veil of Evasion’s fresh, floral, and woody notes, ensuring a seamless layering experience for those who cherished this timeless scent. Together, these formats offered a comprehensive olfactory wardrobe, allowing women to experience Evasion in ways that suited their lifestyles and desires.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Launched in 1970, Evasion by Bourjois captured the spirit of its era with a fresh, aldehydic woody floral composition that resonated with modern femininity. Although the exact date of its discontinuation remains unknown, the fragrance continued to be sold well into 1978, maintaining its popularity as a versatile and youthful scent. Its enduring presence in the market reflects its appeal among women who appreciated its sophisticated blend of radiant florals and sensual woody undertones. Evasion offered a timeless allure that bridged the trends of the 1970s, ensuring its place as a beloved classic in the Bourjois fragrance portfolio during its time.

1996 Reformulation & Relaunch:

In 1996, Evasion was reimagined and relaunched to align with the evolving tastes of a new generation, blending its timeless charm with modern perfumery advancements. The reformulation retained the essence of its original aldehydic woody floral character but was updated with contemporary ingredients to appeal to the preferences of the 1990s. The aldehydic brightness was softened to evoke a gentler, more approachable sophistication, while the floral heart was modernized with lighter, more radiant interpretations of jasmine, rose, and lily of the valley. The woody base was made smoother and more refined, with sandalwood and musk taking center stage for a sensual, clean finish. This thoughtful update ensured that Evasion maintained its identity as a fresh, feminine, and elegant fragrance, while also resonating with a new era of women who sought effortless modernity in their perfumes.

Fragrance Composition:

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

• Top notes: aldehydes, lemon, lime, bergamot, mandarin, lilac
• Middle notes: ylang-ylang, violet, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, hyacinth, tuberose, peach, cloves, nutmeg
• Base notes: spices, patchouli, sandalwood, amber, iris, vanilla and musk

Scent Profile:

As you inhale the top notes of Evasion, the first impression is crisp, luminous, and uplifting. The aldehydes hit immediately, their clean, soapy quality bringing a fresh and powdery sensation that envelopes the senses like a gentle breeze. This is quickly followed by the zesty vibrancy of lemon, lime, and mandarin, their citrus notes sparkling and bright, adding a lively, almost effervescent quality. The bergamot adds depth to this citrus explosion, softening the sharpness with a slightly sweet, floral hint. Meanwhile, the lilac introduces a subtle powdery floral note that balances the citrus, evoking a soft, almost nostalgic elegance.

As the fragrance settles, the middle notes emerge with a richness that is both lush and sophisticated. The ylang-ylang, creamy and slightly exotic, mingles with the delicate sweetness of violet, which adds a gentle, petal-like freshness. The Bulgarian rose enters, its deep, velvety layers lending an air of opulence and timeless beauty. 

Jasmine and lily of the valley infuse the heart with their light, airy florals, giving the perfume a sense of freshness that is almost dewy, while the hyacinth adds a green, slightly peppery touch. Tuberose offers its intoxicatingly heady scent, adding a sensual, creamy complexity, while the peach brings a soft, fruity sweetness that adds warmth. Cloves and nutmeg add a spicy depth, their warmth weaving through the florals and giving the composition a subtle, tantalizing edge.

Finally, as the fragrance rests on the skin, the base notes unfold with a grounding sensuality. Spices dance lightly in the background, providing a warm and slightly woody accent. The patchouli, rich and earthy, adds a subtle depth that’s never overwhelming, while the sandalwood’s creamy, smooth woodiness creates a soft, velvety foundation. 

Amber envelops the fragrance in a warm, resinous glow, enhancing the complexity and giving it a touch of mystery. The iris adds an elegant, powdery finish, and the musk softens the entire composition, adding a skin-like warmth that lingers on the senses, creating a sense of refined intimacy. Together, these notes blend into a beautiful, harmonious balance that is both fresh and feminine, evoking the timeless elegance of Evasion.