Joséphine Catapano (December 29, 1918 – May 14, 2012) was an American perfumer. Biography Joséphine Catapano studied at Hunter High School and Hunter College before starting a career in the perfume industry. In 1953, she created Estée Lauder's first fragrance and perennial best-seller, Youth Dew, a bath oil that also functioned as a perfume. Catapano is cited as a mentor and influence to Sophia Grosjman. She worked as an executive at International Flavors and Fragrances. Awards and recognition Catapano received the Cosmetic Career Women's Award in 1980. In 1993, Catapano received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society of Perfumers. Creations Norell Norell Estee Lauder Youth Dew Estee Lauder JHL Guy Laroche Fidji Shiseido Zen Personal life She died on May 14, 2012. References External References Edwards, Michael. Perfume Legends: French Feminine Fragrances. 1996. Perfumers 1918 births 2012 deaths