Lancôme
| File:Lancôme logo.svg Lancôme logo | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cosmetics |
| Founded | 1935 |
| Founder | Guillaume d'Ornano, Armand Petitjean |
| Fate | Acquired by L'Oréal in 1964 |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Perfumes, skincare, makeup |
| Parent | L'Oréal |
Lancôme () is a French luxury brand specializing in perfumes and cosmetics, with a worldwide distribution network. Since becoming part of L'Oréal in 1964, Lancôme has focused on skin care, fragrances, and makeup products.
History
Established in 1935 by Guillaume d'Ornano and Armand Petitjean in France as a fragrance company, the name "Lancôme" was inspired by the Lancosme forest located in the Brenne area of France, a choice made by Guillaume’s wife, Elisabeth d'Ornano. The brand’s symbol, a solitary golden rose, pays homage to the native roses of that region.
At the 1935 Brussels World’s Fair, Lancôme introduced five perfumes: Tendre Nuit, Bocages, Conquete, Kypre, and Tropiques. The following year, Petitjean broadened the product line by launching Nutrix, an all-purpose restorative cream, marking the brand’s initial venture into skincare. Subsequently, makeup and additional cosmetic lines were developed. In 1964, Lancôme was integrated into L'Oréal’s luxury portfolio.
Products
Lancôme’s offerings include fragrances, skincare items, and makeup products. Its perfumes have been created by several distinguished perfumers such as Alain Astori, Annick Menardo, Daniela Roche-Andrier, Christian Biecher, Jacques Cavallier, Calice Becker, Pauline Zanoni, Maurice Roucel, Thierry Wasser, Christine Nagel, Armand Petitjean, Gerard Goupy, Olivier Cresp, Harry Fremont, Alberto Morillas, Dominique Ropion, Olivier Polge, Francis Kurkdjian, Robert Gonnon, Nathalie Lorson, Sophia Grojsman, and Alienor Massenet.
Since 2014, La Vie Est Belle has maintained its position as Lancôme’s top-selling fragrance within its primary market of France.
Advertising
Although founder Armand Petitjean once stated that Lancôme did not engage in advertising, the brand has evolved into a prominent advertiser within the beauty industry with campaigns showcased internationally. Renowned photographers such as Peter Lindbergh, Mario Testino, Nick Knight, and Steven Meisel have contributed to Lancôme’s advertising visuals.
The brand has collaborated with fashion designers including Proenza Schouler and Alber Elbaz. Actress Isabella Rossellini served as a long-standing ambassador for 14 years and made a comeback in 2016 more than three decades after her initial endorsement. In 2006, Clive Owen became Lancôme’s inaugural male ambassador to promote its men’s skincare line and Hypnôse Homme fragrance.
Social media marketing
In 2014, Lancôme initiated a social media campaign that incentivized users with points for sharing content online, thereby boosting customer interaction and fostering brand loyalty.
Makeup artists
Throughout its history, Lancôme has been represented by numerous professional makeup artists.
Hong Kong
On 5 June 2016, Lancôme withdrew support for a promotional concert featuring Hong Kong pro-democracy singer Denise Ho, which was planned for 19 June in Sheung Wan. This decision came after a boycott movement organized by the Communist Party-affiliated Global Times, which accused Ho of endorsing independence movements in Hong Kong and Tibet. Lancôme clarified on Facebook that Ho was not an official brand ambassador.
The cancellation provoked protests in Hong Kong where some Lancôme outlets temporarily shut down. Certain local retailers resisted political pressure from Chinese authorities. In contrast, Listerine—a brand also associated with Ho—continued its partnership despite facing similar criticism. Denise Ho proceeded with the concert independently and received considerable public support.