International Perfume Bottle Association - IPBA

26/06/2026

Looking to learn more about the history of perfume and perfume bottles? IPBA senior convention chair, Barbara W. Miller, recommends diving into books like the beautiful “Lalique Perfume Bottles”. Even though it’s out of print, you can still find this definitive reference book today—we even had one available at our booth at the latest IPBA convention.

And the “Etc.” in our booth name referred to (among other things) lots and lots of Estée Lauder perfume compacts and solids in every shape and theme imaginable, one more sparkly and fun than the next.

25/06/2026

https://youtu.be/zZ8C3qrbcoI?si=ywR7zG-vTYkTSaOU

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24/06/2026

In honor of Father’s Day, we’re honoring a true masculine icon…Old Spice! Originally called Early American Old Spice, it was created in 1938 and meant to conjure a rugged masculinity associated with colonial America and romantic ship captains.

They had very little competition in inexpensive men’s fragrances, so sales skyrocketed in the first 2 years. By the 1950’s, they’d dropped “Early American” from the name and were still going strong. Sales dropped in the 70s because young people associated the scent with their grandparents. And in 1990, the company was purchased by Procter & Gamble, which expanded the line to include deodorants, body washes, and more.

The fragrance has become such a staple that it's been referenced countless times in pop culture and probably reminds us all of a certain person, place, or time. And that is the true definition of an icon!

23/06/2026

A journey through the ancestral olfactory cultures of Asia.
Parfums d’Asie brings together centuries of ritual, symbolism, and artistry — from China to India — revealing how fragrance shaped spiritual practices, daily life, and aesthetic traditions.

On view at the Musée International de la Parfumerie (Grasse) from 26 June 2026 to 3 January 2027, this exhibition invites visitors to rediscover perfume as a cultural language, a gesture of beauty, and a bridge between civilizations.

18/06/2026

What is your white whale, your unicorn, your holy grail? The one rare vintage perfume bottle of vanity item that you’re always hunting for? Please share in a comment!

And once you acquire that special piece, your collection will be complete, right?? 😂 Just kidding, we know there’s no such thing!

*Pictured: “Carevelle” by Marcel Guerlain (1927)

16/06/2026

June is one of the most popular months for weddings, so we’re shining a spotlight on a few of the beautiful nuptial-themed pieces in our virtual library 👰‍♀️🤵💐🔔

From top left:
“Bouquet” Bridal Couple Presentation by Melillo Studios (1947)
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Wedding Compact by Stratton (1981)
“Marché Nuptiale” by Marqués de Elorza (1929)
“Bridal Moments” Decanters by Avon (1976-1979)
“Wedding Cake” Solid Perfume by Estée Lauder(2003)

14/06/2026

35th European Perfume Bottle Fair – June 28, 2026

The 35th Salon Européen du Flacon à Parfum will take place on June 28, 2026, in Milly‑la‑Forêt, under the beautiful 15th‑century market hall.
Collectors and perfume enthusiasts will find vintage perfume bottles, miniatures, powder boxes, scented cards, and many other treasures.
A wonderful opportunity to discover rare pieces and meet fellow enthusiasts.

09/06/2026

IPBA welcomes the 12,000th item to our stunning virtual museum!! 🥳 And it just so happens to be an extremely rare bottle that required a bit of detective work…

Cythéréa” is a clear glass, urn-shaped bottle featuring a central frosted panel with a n**e, and a red glass flame stopper. Cythéréa is another name for Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and pleasure. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite was forced by Zeus to marry Hephaestus, the god of fire, which may explain the flame stopper.

The bottle has no company identification, so we looked to the “Made in France” mark and the label’s font and style, which were commonly used by a brand that got its start in Grasse, France, in 1854. When Honoré Payan started his brand, it was mostly essential oils for other perfumers. But in the early 20th century, he started creating his own perfumes. To this day, Honoré Payan creates artisanal French perfumes with a focus on quality.

Our virtual museum is a massive treasure trove for anyone who loves learning about vintage beauty, fragrance history, and the artistry of perfume bottles. If you’d like access, consider becoming an IPBA member for just $65 per year!

04/06/2026

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all our members who are moms, grandmothers, or play any other maternal role in their lives! ❤️

If you didn’t get the gift you wanted, just tag your family members in the comments to let them know you’d like a vintage, motherhood-themed solid perfume like this one from Estée Lauder 😉 It’s an oval, gold-tone solid case with a replica cameo of a mother and child. It features four rhinestones and held “Youth-Dew” fragrance. Gorgeous, isn’t she?

Most of our first experiences with fragrance and cosmetics happened at our mothers’ vanity. So we’d love to know, which scent or vanity item most reminds you of your mom?