Frankincense and Myrrh by Jovan c1974

Frankincense and Myrrh by Jovan: launched in 1974.


In 1973, the fragrance was still in the works, but probably inspired by the perfume "Holy Smoke" put out by Caswell-Massey, a smoky, incensed floral variation of their famous plant-based Musk Oil. The Caswell-Massey scent is a complex floral musk with notes of frankincense, nagamotha, Moroccan rose, oakmoss, bergamot, sandalwood, orris butter and myrrh.  

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an oriental fragrance for women. It starts out with an aldehydic top, followed by a sweet and spicy floral heart, resting on a warm, balsamic base.

• Top notes: aldehydes, raspberry, bergamot, rosewood
• Middle notes: lily of the valley, jasmine, honey, rose, orris, carnation
• Base notes: sandalwood, cinnamon, benzoin, frankincense, myrrh, oakmoss, musk

Star-News, 1974:

"Jovan introduces Frankincense and Myrrh. Now you can make your own history. With one of the most beautiful fragrances of all time. A union of two of the most precious, aromatic oils in the history of the world. Frankincense and Myrrh. Try this sensuous fragrance and stimulated age-old passions. In him. Frankincense and Myrrh by Jovan. In perfume and cologne spray mist. Anoint thyself. And may thy cup runneth over."

Cue Magazine, 1974:

"The most classic scents of all, at least as far as Christmas is concerned, are frankincense and myrrh, and Jovan offers them together. One-third ounce of the potent, musky perfume is $6, as is a two-ounce cologne spray."

McCalls, 1974:

"If you want to feel like the Queen of Sheba, Jovan's Frankincense and Myrrh should do the trick If you're playing it cool, Max Factor's Gemmesse is a more subtle but no less heady blend of delicate florals with sensuous chypre and patchouli."

New Woman, 1974:

"Frankincense & Myrrh Oil in 1/3 oz Perfume, $6.00 and 2 oz Cologne Spray Mist. $6.00 Jovan, Inc."

Mademoiselle, 1975:

"Evyan's Most Precious Cologne . . . Jovan's Frankincense and Myrrh . . . Coty's Sweet Earth Rare Flower Fragrance in Mimosa . . Eau de Guerlain . . . Prince Matchabelli's Cachet Cologne Spray ... or Revlon's Charlie Concentrate Perfume." 

Good Housekeeping, 1977:

"Mink & Pearls, Musk Oil, VSP, Frankincense and Myrrh, Madame Jovan and Sex Appeal, all by Jovan, come in tiny bottles (1/3-ounce perfumes) you can carry in the smallest purse."

Vogue, 1978:

"Frankincense and myrrh come already mixed— via Jovan's mysterious Frankincense & Myrrh Perfume."

K.T. Maclay's Total beauty catalog, 1978:

"FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH (pronounced FRANK-INCENSE and MURR) by Jovan, $5-$10. The Wise Men brought frankincense and myrrh (two of the most precious aromatic oils in the history of the world) as gifts for the baby Jesus."

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.