Petitjean launched Lancôme in 1935 with the initial release of five fragrances, Tendre Nuit, Bocages, Conquete, Kypre and Tropiques, at the Brussels World’s Fair. The following year, Lancôme released Nutrix, a nourishing skin care regime that still contains the same formula of caring, regenerating ingredients today. In 1955, Lancôme launched the Océane line, harnessing the power of nutrients found in the sea by including algae seaweed and other trace elements.
Lancôme crafted what they call ‘the most delicious of lipsticks’, Rose de France. It is a pinkish red lipstick, and Lancôme scent it with natural Bulgarian roses. All 18 shades of powder in the Lancôme palette are lightly scented as well. What’s more, the makeup casings are little works of art in their own right, down to the real jewel cases for Lancôme’s lipsticks.
The brand is now a division of L’Oréal. Today, Lancôme’s range of cosmetics and beauty products is available in 163 countries. Lancôme’s range is extensive, running the gamut from simple lip gloss right through to ground-breaking body scrubs and evocative fragrances.
Lancôme’s range of skincare line includes scores of products, divided into categories based on three basic skin types: oily, normal to combination and dry. For oily skin, Lancôme have formulated the Pure Focus range. Lancôme’s line for normal to combination skin is Clarté, which includes a specially-formulated fluid for removing makeup and cleaning the eye area. The assortment of skin care supplies Lancôme offers for those with dry skin carries the Confort label, which includes delicately formulated cleansers and toners that work to not only cleanse, but hydrate the skin.
The selection of anti-ageing treatments Lancôme have on offer is truly broad, encompassing products such as: Primordiale Optimum SPF 15 moisturiser, to visibly smooth the first signs of ageing; High Résolution Collaser-48, an intensive anti-wrinkle serum with collagen; the Rénergie Morpholift redefining treatments, which work to firm the skin and provide visible lift where a loss of firmness has occurred; and, for mature skin, Lancôme have created the Absolue line of replenishing products to improve the elasticity and radiance of skin, as well as the complete restructuring cream, Platinéum. Other specilised skincare products by Lancôme include peels, masks, exfoliators and a cellular reviving crème.
Lancôme’s makeup selection includes a wide range of foundations, powders, blushes and concealers to provide an even complexion. For the eyes, Lancôme offer a selection of mascaras, eye shadows, liners and pencils, as well as their unique Crayon Sourcils for eyebrows. Lancôme also produce a range of lip and nail colour products, as well as a selected range of face and body makeup products for the sun.
Other products in the Lancôme potion cupboard include a range of products for men; a selection of shampoos, conditioners and other hair treatments; an arsenal of sunscreens, after sun and self-tanning products; and, of course, a line of signature fragrances including Hypnôse, Trésor and Poéme.
Lancôme products are available in larger department stores and chemists the around the world. The innovative Lancôme Diagnôs Expert tool, developed to determine unique characteristics of each individual’s skin so that customers get a personalised analysis and tailored product recommendations, is available in selected department stores across the UK.
© UK Beauty.com 2006.