Youth Dew

Every few years, I go in search of a new fragrance, spraying scents onto those little cardboard squares provided by department stores.

This year was no different. I kept coming back to a classic, one that I wore in the years after my mother died, one that evoked the best memories of her.

It inspired a re-blog.

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If you recognize this image, then someone in your life was a fan of Estee Lauder’s Youth Dew.

It was a small, purse sized dispenser of the company’s initial offering.

It was my mother’s favorite.

Estee Lauder was founded by Josephine Esther Mentzer Lauter (1908-2004), a lady from Queens, New York. ( I always thought she was French ? )

Before she entered the scene in the early 1950’s, it was said that perfume was meant to be given as a gift, most often from a man, and properly used on Sunday’s, holidays and special occasions.

With the advent of her products, woman were introduced to the concept of fragrance as every day wear.

Her signature fragrance was originally marketed as a bath oil.

Crystal Candle. Youth Dew.

In 1978, the Christmas season just after our mother’s cancer diagnosis, my younger sister and I found this elegant, overpriced crystal candle at Macy’s.

We knew it was a luxury she would never afford herself.

We didn’t even hesitate. She cried when she opened it.

We all did.

Every time I walk near someone wearing that very recognizable perfume, I smile.

For Mom.

Today, November 29th, was her birthday. Smiling still.

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