Lancôme Poême Eau de Parfum

Lancôme Poême Eau de Parfum, launched in 1995 and composed by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, is a dense, classic floral oriental built on contrast rather than a simple top-to-base progression. It's one of the more complex fragrances in Lancôme's back catalogue.

What does Poême smell like?

The opening brings together narcissus, datura, peach, plum, Himalayan poppy, mandarin orange, black currant and bergamot, giving a full, fruity-floral start with real depth from the first spray. The heart layers mimosa, vanilla flower, tuberose, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, jasmine, freesia, heliotrope and rose, a dense white floral core that gives the fragrance its signature richness. The base closes on vanilla, orange blossom, amber, tonka bean, musk and cedar, adding warmth and structure to the florals above.

• Top notes: Narcissus, datura, peach, plum, Himalayan poppy, mandarin orange, black currant, bergamot
• Heart notes: Mimosa, vanilla flower, tuberose, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, jasmine, freesia, heliotrope, rose
• Base notes: Vanilla, orange blossom, amber, tonka bean, musk, cedar

Performance and when to wear it

Poême is typically moderate to long-lasting on skin, with the amber, tonka and musk base giving it real staying power into the evening. Given its density, it works best in cooler weather and for evening occasions rather than as a light daytime scent.

Who is it for?

This suits wearers who enjoy rich, old-school floral orientals with real complexity. Fans of 1990s designer perfumery, tuberose and layered white florals will find Poême rewards a proper application rather than a light spritz.