Spice n' Ice by Bourjois c1956

 Spice 'N Ice by Bourjois, launched in 1956, carried a name as intriguing and vibrant as the era it entered. The name itself—Spice 'N Ice—suggests a compelling contrast: the warmth of spice against the coolness of ice, conjuring a sense of invigorating surprise. It evokes imagery of shimmering heat softened by refreshing coolness, much like a chilled, spiced drink on a sweltering summer day. Bourjois’ choice of this name was both strategic and evocative, appealing to women who craved a fragrance that was lively yet sophisticated, combining the excitement of spice with the crisp freshness implied by ice.

The word Spice 'N Ice stirs up emotions of playful elegance, energy, and contrast. It paints a picture of summer afternoons where sunlight plays off sparkling water and cool breezes bring temporary relief to sultry heat. This juxtaposition might also symbolize the modern woman of the mid-1950s: graceful and refined, yet with a spark of boldness, a woman who embraced tradition but flirted with emerging modernity. Spice 'N Ice offered her a fragrance that could suit this duality, presenting a “shimmering” quality that felt as effervescent as it did sensual.

Launched at the height of the postwar economic boom, Spice 'N Ice emerged during a transformative period. The 1950s are often characterized as a time of optimism, consumerism, and the reinvention of feminine ideals. Fashions were polished and structured: cinched waists, voluminous skirts, and pearls reigned supreme. Yet, there was also a growing sense of freedom and confidence. Women were beginning to embrace perfumes that reflected this evolving lifestyle—ones that were sophisticated but not heavy, playful but not frivolous. Spice 'N Ice, with its spicy shimmer, would have appealed to women as a fragrance that exuded confidence and flair while remaining refreshingly light for the summer months.

The creation of Spice 'N Ice by perfumer Constantin Mikhailovich “Kot” Weriguine shows the craftsmanship behind its composition. Classified as a spicy fragrance, it likely blended invigorating spices with airy, cooling notes to produce a scent that danced between warmth and freshness. This made it unique among the summer colognes of its time. While other fragrances leaned toward florals or citrus for summer wear, Spice 'N Ice introduced a more daring and vibrant alternative, adding a layer of sophistication that stood apart from conventional offerings.

In the context of the 1950s fragrance market, Spice 'N Ice was both of its time and ahead of it. It aligned with the trend for lighter, more wearable perfumes in the postwar period but dared to explore spicier, more dynamic notes that were traditionally reserved for cooler seasons. This bold choice made it distinctive and appealing to women who were looking for something unexpected—an aromatic embodiment of elegance with a twist. For women in the 1950s, Spice 'N Ice wasn’t just a summer scent; it was a statement of individuality and playful confidence, perfectly capturing the essence of its name.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a spicy fragrance for women, meant to be worn during the summer months. Described as "spicy and shimmering."

• Top notes: cardamom, aldehydes, spearmint, peppermint, lemon, lavender 
• Middle notes: nutmeg, cinnamon, jasmine, rose, carnation, iris, hyacinth, clove
• Base notes: oakmoss, vetiver, musk, orris, sandalwood

Scent Profile:

Spice 'N Ice begins with an invigorating burst that immediately lives up to its name—a lively, shimmering interplay of coolness and warmth. At first inhale, the crisp aldehydes sparkle, lifting the composition with their airy, effervescent quality. They provide a fleeting sense of freshness, as though you’ve opened a window to a cool breeze on a summer morning. The cardamom follows, releasing its spicy, green scent—warming yet subtly sweet, offering a piquant sharpness that instantly contrasts the cooler notes. 

Spearmint and peppermint rush in, clean and brisk, tingling the senses like a mint leaf crushed between fingertips. They add a sparkling chill that plays perfectly against the heat of the cardamom. The citrusy bite of lemon brightens the composition, adding a zesty twist that feels as refreshing as iced lemonade on a sun-drenched day. Lavender weaves through the top notes with its herbaceous, subtly floral aroma—calming and grounding, yet adding just a touch of old-world elegance.

As the fragrance settles into its heart, the spices bloom, deepening the composition with their warmth and complexity. Nutmeg unfolds first, its earthy sweetness both comforting and intriguing, while cinnamon lends its characteristic fiery edge, radiating a soft, spiced heat that clings to the senses. Clove follows, dark and slightly medicinal, with a rich pungency that harmonizes beautifully with the lighter, brighter florals. 

Amidst the spice, the bouquet of jasmine, rose, and carnation emerges, adding a velvety, romantic quality. The jasmine brings its narcotic, slightly indolic sweetness, while rose infuses a timeless, soft elegance. Carnation, with its spicy, peppery undertone, mirrors the warmth of the spices, acting as a bridge between the florals and the heart’s heat. Iris and hyacinth lend a powdery sophistication—iris adding its silky, rooty coolness and hyacinth its green, spring-like vibrancy, tempering the spices to keep the fragrance luminous and shimmering.

As the scent dries down, the base notes bring richness and depth, allowing the fragrance to settle into a smooth and velvety finish. Oakmoss anchors the composition with its earthy, slightly damp greenness—a grounding presence that evokes the cool, shaded forest floor. Vetiver adds to this earthiness but with a dry, smoky touch that feels refined and sensual. 

Sandalwood emerges with its creamy, milky warmth, softening the sharper spices and florals with a calming smoothness that feels like skin warmed by the sun. Musk, faintly animalic and clean, adds a lingering softness, wrapping the fragrance in a subtle, sensual embrace. Finally, orris root makes a final appearance, its powdery, slightly sweet elegance adding a vintage sophistication to the fragrance, leaving an impression that is both delicate and enduring.

The overall experience of Spice 'N Ice is an exquisite contrast—a dance of opposites. It begins with sparkling coolness, vibrant and refreshing, and evolves into a warm, spicy heart that feels radiant yet balanced. It shimmers like sunlight on water, cool and invigorating at first, then settles into a velvety, spiced glow, perfectly suited for the summer months. The spices add depth and richness without overwhelming, while the florals and greens keep the fragrance light and airy. In Spice 'N Ice, Bourjois created a scent that captures both vibrancy and elegance, a timeless blend of refreshing coolness and inviting warmth.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Spice 'N Ice by Bourjois was introduced in 1956, a time when perfumery was embracing innovation and the desire to capture the spirit of modern living. Positioned as part of a trio of summer colognes—alongside On the Wind and Frosty Mist—this fragrance distinguished itself with its bold name and intriguing composition. Despite its initial launch in the mid-1950s, Spice 'N Ice remained on the market for at least 15 years, with records showing it was still available for purchase in 1971. This longevity is a testament to its appeal, as it continued to resonate with women seeking a unique fragrance that embodied both the cooling freshness and sultry warmth of summer.

The period of Spice 'N Ice's creation marked the tail end of the post-war era and the beginning of cultural transformation. By the mid-1950s, women were experiencing a renewed sense of freedom and optimism. The elegance of Dior’s “New Look” still reigned in fashion, with its nipped-in waists, full skirts, and feminine silhouettes. At the same time, leisure and recreation became increasingly important as middle-class prosperity grew, encouraging products that complemented a more relaxed, indulgent lifestyle. Colognes, particularly those designed for summer, reflected this shift, offering lightness and versatility for women who sought to be effortlessly stylish and refreshed.

The continued availability of Spice 'N Ice through 1971 speaks to its adaptability during a decade of significant change. The 1960s brought the rise of youth culture, mod fashion, and the beginnings of more liberated societal norms. Women began embracing bolder, more expressive styles, moving away from the reserved formality of earlier decades. Perfumes like Spice 'N Ice, with its juxtaposition of cool, sparkling freshness and sultry spiciness, appealed to the evolving tastes of women who were confident, dynamic, and modern. Its lasting presence in the market suggests it successfully bridged the gap between the refined glamour of the 1950s and the free-spirited energy of the 1960s.

For women who wore it, Spice 'N Ice would have evoked a feeling of vibrancy and sophistication. The name alone—suggestive of contrast, excitement, and intrigue—reflected the duality many women embraced during this time. It was light enough to feel fresh on a summer’s day, yet its spicy undercurrent lent it a sultry, mysterious edge. Whether it was splashed on after a sun-soaked afternoon or applied for an evening out, Spice 'N Ice likely felt versatile, refreshing, and effortlessly chic. As it lingered in stores into the early 1970s, it remained a reminder of a time when modern femininity was being redefined—poised between elegance and independence, tradition and change.