Part of the reason that these compacts last so well is the attention to detail in production. After a mould is made (by submerging in rubber, then curing and having molten metal poured through) it’s plated in three separate steps. Castings are dipped in copper, nickel and rhodium to give it durability and gloss. Crystal detailing and enameling are the last things to happen – by hand (or maybe now there is a different process) – before going to a drying room to set and finally being filled with fragrance.

Estee Lauder Compact Fragrance Part 3

This one is called ‘Marvellous Melon’ and is from 1996.

Estee Lauder Compact Fragrance Part 3

I love the crystals set in the clasp and the raised seeds. It’s still so vibrant and looks new from the outside.

Estee Lauder Compact Fragrance Part 3

Like all the others, the solid fragrance has discoloured. In this case, it’s White Linen and apart from an initial smell of old cupboards, it’s held pretty well and is still distinctive as White Linen. I’ve seen this on Etsy for $100. Fruit ‘wedges’ were quite a popular theme for the 90’s editions – grapefruit and lime are a couple I can think of.

Estee Lauder Compact Fragrance Part 3

Dreamy Dessert, from 2000, replicates strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and strawberries on top – more or less the same as the cake we had over Easter!

Estee Lauder Compact Fragrance Part 3

The fragrance on the inside was Dazzling Silver which I don’t remember at all.

Estee Lauder Compact Fragrance Part 3

It’s completely empty so no chance for me to find out how it smelled – and it’s one of the ones that has lost value. At the time, the price was $70 but I’ve seen it listed for less than $50. In the cabinet that I keep these in (which Mr BBB brought all the way home from Korea) the cake sits next to the coffee cup because they seem like such perfect partners.

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