Epris by Max Factor (1981)

Épris by Max Factor was launched in 1981, during a period when the perfume world was embracing bold, sophisticated, and expressive compositions. The name “Épris” comes from the French word meaning “enamored” or “infatuated,” pronounced "ay-PREE". The choice of this name evokes images of romantic fascination, allure, and emotional intensity, suggesting a fragrance that captures attention and leaves a lingering impression. By selecting a French name, Max Factor reinforced the perfume’s aura of European elegance and timeless sophistication, appealing to women seeking a scent that was both intimate and glamorous.

The early 1980s were a dynamic era defined by glamour, confidence, and self-expression. Fashion emphasized bold silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and a sense of drama, while perfumes of the time increasingly combined floral, oriental, and animalic elements to create complex, long-lasting scents. Women of this period were drawn to fragrances that reflected their independence, sophistication, and sensuality, making a perfume named Épris—evoking the feelings of infatuation and romance—an ideal companion to their lifestyle. In terms of scent, the word “Épris” suggests a composition that is passionate, elegant, and captivating, with emotional depth that resonates on both a personal and social level.

Khara by Max Factor (1976)

Khara by Max Factor, launched in 1976, reflected the shifting tastes of the mid-1970s—when women were looking for fresher, more wearable perfumes that could transition easily from day to evening. The name Khara is intriguing in itself: it is the name of a city in Nepal, a place tied to the mystique of the East, mountains, and faraway horizons. Pronounced "KAH-rah", the word carries a crisp, exotic sound that conjures images of distant landscapes, shimmering temples, and winds scented with spices and blossoms. In this sense, the choice of name positioned the fragrance as a modern interpretation of the “Oriental” theme—yet one that felt lighter, fresher, and more approachable than the heavy, resinous orientals of earlier decades.

The period in which Khara was launched was marked by social change and a new informality in style. The mid-1970s was an era of flowing maxi dresses, natural fabrics, disco glamour, and a rising preference for “clean” or “green” fragrances. Perfumes were beginning to move away from the opulent, dense styles of the 1950s and 1960s, leaning instead toward airy chypres, crisp florals, and fruitier blends that suggested vitality and freedom. For women of the time, a perfume like Khara offered both sophistication and wearability—a fragrance that nodded to exoticism while still feeling modern, sporty, and fashion-forward.