Nina Ricci 1948 EDP

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L'Air du Temps

by Francis Fabron

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Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1948, created by Francis Fabron. L'Air du Temps opens with Spicy Notes, Bergamot, Neroli, and Rosewood, settles into a heart of Iris, Ylang-Ylang, Lily, and Orchid, and dries down to a base of Musk, Cedar, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. Nina Ricci's L'Air du Temps carries a Favourite verdict, a floral-led wear.

This isn't just a perfume; it's a piece of history in a bottle. Despite reformulations, L'Air du Temps remains an iconic, clean, spicy floral with a timeless appeal, even if some find its classic vintage charm "old-fashioned" or a bit too soapy for modern tastes.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Elegant
  • Sophisticated
  • Clean
  • Romantic
£39.95 at Fragrance Click UK 50ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
L'Air du Temps Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall Winter
Also Works:
Summer

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual Formal
Also Works:
Office

Its moderate projection and clean, floral-spicy profile make it versatile for most occasions, excluding sport. The underlying classic elegance lends itself well to formal settings, while its approachable cleanliness works for casual wear, though some find it a bit "too much" for everyday office wear without light application.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Oakmoss Evernia prunastri extract from Oakmoss

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Neroli
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

L'Air du Temps opens with a refined burst of spicy carnation and bright neroli, subtly sweetened by peach and bergamot. The heart blossoms into a rich floral bouquet of rose, delicate iris, and exotic ylang-ylang, creating a soft, powdery clean impression. It settles into a warm, earthy base of sandalwood, oakmoss, and a hint of musk, leaving a lingering, comforting warmth.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with L'Air du Temps Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements L'Air du Temps Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 6 October

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.