By Garland Pollard
We wonder about the disappearance of the brand Charles of the Ritz.
This brand was merged into Revlon, and while some of its perfumes still survive, the Charles of the Ritz brand does not.
Charles of the Ritz was as big, or bigger, a brand than Estee Lauder, and much more high end than Cover Girl or Maybelline.
It had mixing counters in department stores, and sold an alluring image of Charles of the Ritz, who was a hairstylist in the New York Ritz. Perfumes include Enjoli (that “bring home the bacon” ad) and Jean Nate. The legendary makeup artist Way Bandy worked for the company.
We recall an elderly lady who, in the late 1980s, worked at the Leggett’s in Willow Lawn in Richmond as a Ritz mixer. She mixed Charles of the Ritz right at the counter. Even in her 90s, she was upholding the brand she knew. To her, it had allure.
42 responses so far ↓
1 Anne Schofield // Aug 26, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Hello Garland:
I worked for Charles of the Ritz from 1970 to 1975. Also, I met Way Wandy on several occasions while I was in New York.
I loved my job traveling as national consultant for Charles of the Ritz. Late 1972 I signed a 2 year contract to work in South Africa for the company. I ended up staying 14 years and went freelance as a professional make-up artist which I did for 12 years. I returned to the USA in 1986, now living in San Diego.
I loved Charles of the Ritz, and the New York office had one of the best management teams I have ever worked with. Their products worked.
About 1998 I last saw Charles of the Ritz at JC Penny in a West Los Angeles Mall. I bought a bottle of Revenessence, which I held onto for years, even when it was empty.
Sincerely,
Anne Schofield
2 Garland Pollard // Aug 26, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Anne..Thank you for the great history! I really appreciate the recollections.
Quite a testament to say “their products worked.”
3 Lisa Teater // Nov 17, 2009 at 2:13 pm
What department stores in the Springfield and Joplin, Missouri area can I find these products. So far I have been unable to locate any ot the Charles of the Ritz perfumes in this area,
4 aurora sauceda // May 28, 2010 at 10:25 pm
i used all the line of charles of the ritz and i bought the product at J C PENNY in LAREDO, TEXAS FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS. LATER I ORDERED FROM THE ROSE IN NEW YORK UNTIL THEIR PRODUCT WAS NO LONGER IN THEIR INVENTORY. I CANNOT BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO OTHER BRANDS. THE ROSE SENT ME ULTIMA II AS A SUBSTITUTION AND STILL I CANNOT FIND THIS EITHER HERE IN LAREDO, TEXAS
5 Diane Smith // Aug 1, 2010 at 10:45 am
I used Charles of the Ritz for years, until I could no longer even find it. I would still wear it as my signature fragrance if I could find it. I now wear Creed Love in White, but to tell you the truth, I prefer my old Charles of the Ritz. I recently found an old container of it that still has the scent, and I thought I might try to have it copied. Anyone know who can do that?
6 Anne Schofield // Aug 8, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Hello Diane Smith:
I have just checked with ebay and there is a whole collection of Chas. of the Ritz products, fragrances and all.
I loved working for them, and loved the products.
Best wishes,
Anne Schofield
San Diego
7 Judith Kutzli // Aug 15, 2010 at 6:09 pm
I used Charles of the Ritz deoderant until I could no longer find it. I have not been able to find a deodorant that works as good as Charles of the Ritz did. PLEASE bring it back.
8 Kay Watterson // Aug 25, 2010 at 1:08 pm
You are wrong about the lady in Richmond, Va. She worked for Miller & Rhoads until retiring at 90. I worked for Charles of the Ritz in Charlottesville, Va. at Fashion Sq. Mall for Miller & Rhoads for 13 years.Mrs. Orr in Richmond taught me a lot. I continue to use the products now. Thank You
9 Ilona Schulz // Sep 12, 2010 at 3:56 am
I live in Germany and for years I used Charles of he Ritz cosmetics – the best eye cream and throat creame I ever had, the most beautiful eyeshadow etc. etc. Why did it disappear? Does anybody know whether I can still find Charles of the Ritz cosmetics at all in Europe, especially in Great Britain (London) where I am staying quite often.
Thanks for your help
Ilona
10 Tom Strickland // Nov 8, 2010 at 12:39 am
I never wore anything but Carrington Cologne until it was no longer available. I know it was the best cologne I ever bought. I would have all my female friends sniffing me and asking what and where they could buy it for their husbands, lol. I found some on eBay but only the splash. That cologne needs to come back!
11 Liza former Ritz Rep // Nov 10, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Hi there,
I’m interested in Charles of the Ritz cosmetics. I have used it and I promoted it many years ago from JL Morrison in the 1970′s, and it’s one of the best. I would like very much to see Charles of the Ritz cosmetics in Singapore again. Maybe the company could sell the products by getting someone or so-called agent to promoted door-to-door sales or just like party in friends house. I know when JL Morrison took the brand they had a target given by Charles of the Ritz company and they couldn’t make it so they had to discontinue it. If there is a way I would like to promote it again as representative…
Regardes!
Liza
12 Marbella Janssen // Nov 25, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Please inform which stores in Florida sell the Charles of the Ritz cosmetics.
I interested in the face nutrition lotion, yellow in appearance and transparent.
Thank you
13 Gladys Valdez // Nov 27, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Help.I too along with all the others,would love to see the face cream come back.we want it back.
please help..Thanks
14 DONNA THORNTON // Jan 28, 2011 at 8:45 pm
WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO STOP MAKING CHARLES OF THE RITZ REVENESCENCE CREAM…MY SKIN STAYED THE SAME FOR 20 YEARS…NOW IT IS CHANGING…I HAVE GONE TO EVERY STORE TRYING DIFFERENT CREAMS…NOTHING COMPARES TO IT. REVLON PLEASE BRING IT BACK..THANKS DONNA THORNTON DOTHAN AL.
15 Tperry // Apr 9, 2011 at 2:05 pm
I have a whole set of charles of the ritz never been touch. perfume lotion and power in a greenish box.
16 loretta armstrong // Apr 10, 2011 at 3:55 pm
We made you what you are by buying your products for the past 50 years and now you leave us high and dry with a stinky over scented Jean Nate’ After Bath Splash? You ruined the original. At least let us have an option of buying the older version or the new smelly version. Let me tell you the new stuff can go down the toilet bowl before I go around smelling like that! Gross and way over the edge smell wise!!! YUCK!!
17 phyllis griffin // Sep 4, 2011 at 8:26 pm
i am looking for the chas of the ritz special formula emollient. that was the best and there is nothing on the market today that compares. help, if uknow of some compay that sells this item please let me know.
18 phyllis griffin // Sep 4, 2011 at 8:30 pm
looking for something that compares with charles of the ritz Special formula emollient. so far, have found nothing. tha nk you
19 paula joseph // Oct 1, 2011 at 4:42 pm
please bring it back i need it. I live in New Orleans La. And please put it in Macy’s and Dilliard’s again.
20 Irene Harris // Oct 8, 2011 at 12:49 pm
I thought that I was the only woman in the world who was heartbroken when my favourite perfume by Charles of the Ritz (RITZ) was discontinued, it is a comfort to know there are other ladies out there who, like myself, pray that they launch these beautiful fragrances and products back into our stores in England again.
21 JOYCE OLIVER // Nov 2, 2011 at 6:49 am
Well, this article was first published on April 2009.
So it is obvious that Revlon has no intention or means of reviving the RITZ wonderous product.
Wake up Revlon – why not read the above
responses and act upon them.
22 MARIA // Nov 12, 2011 at 12:10 am
I use revenesscense for more than 20 years. I bought tha last bottle in Ebay 3 years ago. still loking for something similar like that one but nothing works.. REVLON WHY DID YOU DISSAPEARED my cream??????
23 Richard Lacey // Dec 10, 2011 at 10:21 am
Revenessence seekers!
Sherry Lane (NYC) re-created Revenessence because her mom and other ladies of a certain age also lamented the loss of their favorite moisturizing cream. You can buy it through her website, listed above: http://www.sherrylanecosmetics.com.
24 Richard Lacey // Dec 10, 2011 at 10:24 am
P.S. about Sherry Lane: She was marketing her product as RitzEssence, but the Paris Ritz hotel enlisted its attorneys to demand she not use the name Ritz or other trademarks, even though Revlon discontinued Revenessence. Her customers raved over Revenessence and are pleased to see its reincarnation at Sherry Lane Cosmetics. If you’re looking for a wonderful Christmas present, try her website!
25 Dallas Colwell // Jan 4, 2012 at 4:48 pm
I have recently acquired a slate plaque, 24″x16″x1″
which reads:-
THE CHARLES OF THE RITZ
WORLDWIDE PRODUCTION FACILITY
WAS OPENED ON 4 DECEMBER 1986 BY
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ANNE
MRS MARK PHILLIPS, G.C.V.O.
Would anyone be interested in having this.
26 Anne Maddever // Jan 27, 2012 at 10:44 am
I am trying to find
Charles of Ritz Revenescence Powderglow
Loose Powder Col: Translucent II, started using
it 35 years ago, when working in a fashion shop
where we were also stockist for C.O.Ritz make up
&perfume. Have purchased it from JC Penney in
USA, and mail order from Beauty Rose USA,but
no longer available……. Have tried several other
French makes, but none come close to colour.!
Can anyone help please ? Anne Cornwall U.K.
27 Tamara // Feb 3, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Hello!
I am wondering if any of you fine readers happen to know if there are any still-existing high-end compat manufacturers out there? I know Charles of the Ritz used to make them…any leads appreciated!
28 kathleen latham // Mar 3, 2012 at 11:04 am
im trying to find charles of the ritz disaster cream it was so good for break outs thanks please bring it back loved all there cosmetics
29 Roxi // Mar 18, 2012 at 6:31 am
Interested in more information about slate plaque. I was given a bottle of Ritz highlighter or cover cream as a very young woman. Itwas fabulous! I saved the bottle for many years; but, unfortunately, it is gone. I tried several couters
30 Roxi // Mar 18, 2012 at 6:35 am
Used highlighter that could never find again. Beautiful bottle with the best product I ever used. Even Ritz counters in various Dept stores didn’t know What I was talking about. Anyone ever usethis? Know of it? Heard of it? The bottle said Charles of the Ritz.
Also, would like more info on the slate plaque.
31 Penni Lynn // Apr 21, 2012 at 8:25 pm
I loved RITZ ! It smelled like cinnamon and came in a pretty silver can. I would buy it agin in a heart beat.
32 Robin // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:41 am
You can find Charles of the Ritz Revenescence products (liquid and Creme de Revenesence)
in a replicated formula on eBay. It’s called REJUVENESSENCE, and comes in black and silver packaging, like the original. Put:
Charles of theRitzRevenessence/Rejuvenessence in the eBay search box It’s great! I bought some for my mom and she is thrilled and bought more.
They also offer scented body lotion and scented Body Butter in Charles of the Ritz “Original” scent.
33 June // May 5, 2012 at 9:52 am
I too loved the earlier Charles of the Ritz in the Silver checkered can and would buy it again in a heart beat. Notice there are the occasional items on e bay and a few other sites selling for $200 and up. Surely that would be an indication to perfumers that this would be an excellant choice to re introduce.
34 Barbara // Sep 19, 2012 at 7:58 pm
I loved Charles of the Ritz mascara. It has been many years since Ive used it. I can not find it anywhere. It is the best mascara I have ever used. If you could advise me I live in the Buffalo area. Thank you
35 Kathy Mitchell // Nov 10, 2012 at 11:18 pm
I worked for Ritz as a national beauty consultant in the early 70′s. Revenescence was also used at the Mayo Clinic on burn victims. Wonder if Revlon continued to sale the product to them.
36 Jilli Nixon // Nov 17, 2012 at 1:46 am
Hi All,
I will be listing a tub of vintage Charles of the Ritz Revenescence Powderglow Translucent ll on eBay later this evening at approx 8pm 17.11 12 .
It has been used only a couple of times in the past but almost full. Complete with original puff, sieve and powder cover.
Regards.
37 Garland Pollard // Nov 17, 2012 at 6:09 am
thanks for taking time to mention it! it
38 Judie Carpenter // Jan 8, 2013 at 2:06 am
I, too, am looking for Charles of the Ritz Special Formula Emolient. I have very dry skin and it was the only thing that made a difference. Do you suppose we could petition Revlon to bring back the line? It was fabulous stuff!
39 Marilyn hickey // Mar 4, 2013 at 9:09 am
I used Charles of the Ritz from my mid twenties until Penneys stopped carrying it. My face was still breaking out when i first started using it. It cleared up in less than a month. Nothing can beat Ritz. It was so pure. My face felt wonderful. People noticed how good I looked. My mother started using it. PLEASE. bring the original formulas back!
40 Teresa // Mar 19, 2013 at 10:27 am
I have known of Revenescence by Charles of the Ritz since I was 5 years old. I am now 55. I used to have to help put my mother’s makeup on at that age because she was paralyzed from an auto accident. Aside from that ridiculous sounding notion, I was mesmerized by her vanity that had pretty glass powder holders, various lipsticks, Revlon rouge in a bottle & that “special” black glass bottle of Revenescence by Charles of the Ritz. I didn’t care for the “weird” smell back then, but it was a must for my mother. She told me one day that it was a “miracle in a bottle”. I conjured up Genies & wild imaginings for some odd smelling liquid that was almost magical!
Forward 15 years. I began to use this very same moisturizer because it really did make my skin even more supple at 20 (whose isn’t?) I had grown fond of the scent (not smelly to me now) & have used it to this day 2013 at night. I heard from a Penny’s employee that they might be discontinued & panicked. I bought as much as I could afford & refrigerated it. After they ran out for good I went on eBay & bought more! The prices got to be outrageous, but I didn’t care. I am down to my last bit now sadly & my skin REALLY needs it. I look much younger than my years…maybe mom was right, it was a miracle in a bottle? I have no earthly idea why such a wonderful product would be discontinued unless it had something toxic in it? Would someone PLEASE give me an answer? Is it possible to resurrect this wonderful product? Of course it is! Please do so!!!
41 Cyndy // Jun 9, 2013 at 10:56 pm
Charles of the Ritz was my signature fragrance – until I too sadly could not find it anywhere from the midwest to the south. I have many a small spritz of it in one of my many original cannisters – Happy to see so many others loved & missed the scent! Revlon must not hear our cries for it’s return!
42 Ellen Johnson // Jun 15, 2013 at 7:56 am
My aunt worked for Battlesteins in Houston, TX for maybe 35 yrs. She was a Charles of the Ritz powder blender, trained in New York. I have her powder blending station and numerous bags of powder. I would like to sell it. I still have a bit of my powder that she would blend for me. Not sure what will happen when it is gone.
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