Francis FabronThe nose · 14 fragrances · also made Monsieur de Givenchy (1959)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Nina Ricci · Sold as feminine
L'Air du Temps
A crisp morning in Paris after a long winter, where the air is fresh and filled with promise.
Full bottle: Mid-range tier, typically $40–100. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
L'Air du TempsMid-range · $40–100How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 1948 by Francis Fabron, L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci was designed as a symbol of post-WWII optimism. Its name translates to 'the spirit of the times,' capturing the era's hopeful and vibrant energy. The fragrance opens with aldehydes and carnation, creating an immediate sense of brightness and freshness before giving way to a rich floral heart of rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang. The composition is grounded by warm spices, iris, and woody notes like sandalwood and cedar, resulting in a harmonious blend that feels both lasting and contemporary.
Its iconic bottle, featuring two frosted doves (nicknamed 'Les Colombes'), was introduced in 1951 as a peace symbol. Designed by Marc Lalique, this bottle has become one of the most recognized perfume designs in history, with numerous limited-edition variants following suit.
Apply L'Air du Temps to pulse points — wrists, neck, behind the ears. The aldehydic top notes are bright but fade quickly, so it's best to layer on multiple applications throughout the day if you want a lasting presence. It reads well close to skin and subtly fills the air around you.
Fig. 01 — L'Air du Temps, Nina Ricci
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
Live prices aren't shown yet. Each link opens that seller's own search; we may earn a commission.
Not sure it's you?
Five questions, about a minute, no account. You get a shortlist that fits how you actually wear fragrance.
Francis Fabron
The perfumer who scented Audrey HepburnFrancis Fabron was a French perfumer trained at the Givaudan Perfumery School in Paris who began his career as a junior perfumer at Roure Bertrand Fils.
The L'Air line
27 fragrances, compared side by side
Designer Nina Ricci
More from the house · founded 1932 · France
You Might Also Like
Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
With Nina Ricci Signoricci 2
Adds citrus, fresh spicy and green; shares aldehydes and jasmine and 3 more notes.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 28%, disliked or hated by 25%.