Already, in Antiquity, vinegar, mixed with a solution of water and honey, was deemed a remedy suitable for certain infections or diseases. In the 18 th century, one of the most famous potions was a macerated preparation called ‘Four Thieves Vinegar’ and was considered the best protection against the Black Death, the plague. It only took a few nudges to turn this vaccine avant la lettre, this miraculous vinegar into a toiletry product, at a time when water was frowned upon, held responsible for spreading contagion. Vinegars infused with citrus, spices or flowers flourished, not only as a cleansing lotion but also a pick-me-up inhalation to revive the spirits.
In the 19th century, the use of vinegar changed. Still a staple of the medicine cabinet, it could be poured in the bath – water had been rehabilitated – and vinegar also became a part of the skincare routine for the face, as a toner and complexion enhancer. At the time, cleanliness was a sign of good health and an indicator of social respectability – the privilege of the middle and upper classes. At the same time, makeup was frowned upon, an artifice tolerated for theatre artists and better left to women of easy virtue: a face should have no decoration but its natural glow. A rosy hue, delicate pallour, and a fresh complexion were the centre of attention. The time was ripe for the appearance of the extraordinary Vinaigre aromatique et antiméphitique de Jean-Vincent Bully (‘Jean-Vincent Bully’s Aromatic and Antimephitic Vinegar’). With a formula protected by patents in 1809 and 1814, the lotion became a sought- after remedy against any ailment and the key to flawless beauty. Against cologne, its competitor whose quality varied, with counterfeits and imitations abounding, Bully’s vinegar became a classic among beauty products, a best- seller awarded a medal at the 1867 and 1878 Expositions Universelles. The popular press was unanimous in chronicling and praising its merits and its roaring success. Le Petit Journal, in its 12 April 1869 edition, writes: ‘There is a whole regiment of them, a battalion in serried ranks in the front window, but this regiment’s colonel is always Jean-Vincent Bully’s familiar vinegar, a veteran still standing despite the army of competitors trying to take its place. Gentle on the skin, pleasant to the nose, like it says on the advertisement, it remains on the front lines, like an old soldier, proud of the medals adorning its lapel’.

The following times do not take consideration of the time required for the preparation and personalisation of an order. This varies according to the number of orders that our preparation-officers have to process.
It is nevertheless possible to contact our customer service if you need to ensure a delivery date. The Officine is always delighted to fulfil your requests.
For delivery in Europe
- By DHL Express please allow 1 to 3 working days after preparation
For delivery to the rest of the world
- By DHL Express please allow 2 to 5 working days after preparation
For delivery in France
- By DHL Express please allow 1 working day after preparation
For delivery in Paris
- By courier: once your order is ready, we will contact you to gather information on your availability for delivery. Delivery takes place from Monday to Friday during the time slot (3h30) of your choice between 9am and 6pm. For an order placed before noon, delivery can be made in the afternoon. For an order placed in the afternoon, delivery will take place the following day. This service is only available during the week and is not available over the weekend.
- NB 1: The last courier order is made at 3 pm. to ensure same-day delivery before 6 pm.
- NB 2: Please note that during the holiday season, these times may change.
- For click and collect: in our Parisian Officine situated on the Right Bank located at 45 rue de Saintonge, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. We will contact you once the order is ready for collection. You can directly contact our sales team
When your order is shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number that enables you to view the delivery steps on the website of the chosen carrier.
For an order placed before noon, delivery can be made in the afternoon. For an order placed in the afternoon, delivery will take place the following day. This service is only available during the week and is not available over the weekend. Nota Bene: please note that during the holiday season these times may change.
Your order will be shipped by DHL:
- Europe: 1 to 3 days express delivery before 12pm or before 6pm (except weekends)
- International: 2 to 5 days express delivery before 12pm or before 6pm (except weekends)
- France (outside Paris): Next day except weekends
Paris:
By phone: +33 1 57 95 03 17
By email : contact@buly1803.com
From Monday to Thrusday - from 9.30am to 6pm and Friday - from 9.30am to 5pm
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Upon request, your purchases are wrapped in a printed paper reproducing an old newspaper or slipped into an elegant, green-marbled gift pochette, as an homage to the creation and history of the Officine Universelle Buly.
The Exceptional origata gift wrapWHETHER FLORAL, STRIPED OR CHECKERED, AND ALWAYS HIGHLY CHROMATIC, THESE JAPANESE PAPERS ARE INSPIRED BY THE MOTIFS RESERVED FOR KIMONOS AND ARE FOLDED ACCORDING TO THE HIGHLY CODIFIED ART OF ORIGATA.
Monogram gift wrapThe initials of the fortunate recipient are embossed on the elegantly textured gift paper. Gilded in the old-fashioned style, the initials are then highlighted with a velvet ribbon.
Choose the size of your bag
XS: Miniature case for small comb, soap or baume des muses ∙ 1,67 €
S: Travel companion for perfumed vials ∙ 1,67 €
M: Distinguished bag for scented candles and large books ∙ 1,67 €
Select the products to be gift wrapped
These products are already gift-wrapped
None of the product in the cart are compatible with this service
Select the products to be gift wrapped
These products are already gift-wrapped
None of the product in the cart are compatible with this service
Select the products to be gift wrapped
These products are already gift-wrapped
None of the product in the cart are compatible with this service
Every request will be respected as far as possible and the possibilities are great at Officine Universelle Buly.
Quantity :
Have your initials or those of the lucky recipient engraved in the heart of your Savon Superfin.
Have your accessory engraved with your initials, your name, or those of the person you’re gifting it to.
Have your initials or those of the lucky recipient of this gift engraved on the kit, the balm, the comb and on the toothbrush
Our bottles, candles and incenses are carefully packaged with handwritten calligraphy labels.
Our master calligrapher, armed with a quill and ancient ink pads, will create a wonderful bookplate on the title page.
We mail your calligraphic message directly to your recipient.
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