Nina Ricci 1948 EDT

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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 Toilette launched in 1948, created by Francis Fabron. L'Air du Temps opens with Bergamot, Neroli, Rosewood, and Rose, settles into a heart of Jasmine, Iris, Violet, and Ylang-Ylang, and dries down to a base of Spicy Notes, Musk, Amber, and Cedar. Nina Ricci's L'Air du Temps carries a Favourite verdict, a floral-led wear.

This isn't just a perfume, it's a historical artefact. L'Air du Temps is a polarising classic, with some loving its 'old-fashioned' charm and others finding it too dated or 'soapy'. It’s a definite try-before-you-buy, unless you're intentionally leaning into that vintage vibe.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Sophisticated
  • Clean
  • Elegant
  • Warm
£21.95 at Fragrance Click UK 30ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
L'Air du Temps Eau de Toilette 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
Also Works:
Summer Winter

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Casual
Also Works:
Office Date Formal

Its moderate sillage and 'clean' character make it suitable for office wear, while its classic elegance also works for dates and casual outings. Some reviewers found it appropriate for special events due to its timeless appeal, though its vintage feel might clash in very modern formal settings. It's too delicate for active sport.

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

  • Geraniol from Rose
  • 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
  • Clove Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil from Clove
  • 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 sparkling burst of aldehydic freshness, quickly giving way to the prominent, peppery spice of carnation alongside delicate rose and neroli. The heart reveals a sophisticated floral bouquet of jasmine, violet, and creamy ylang-ylang, underscored by an earthy iris. The dry-down settles into a warm, powdery embrace of sandalwood, oakmoss, and amber, retaining a clean, subtly spicy character.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 7 October

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