Lancôme
French beauty heritage
Lancôme has been synonymous with French elegance since 1935. The Parisian beauty house creates fragrances that balance sophistication with accessibility — no other brand has democratised luxury perfumery for South African women quite like Lancôme.
The Founder's Story
Armand Petitjean was a visionary businessman who launched Lancôme in 1935 with five fragrances simultaneously — an unprecedented move. The name was inspired by the castle Le Château de Lancosme in central France. Petitjean's philosophy was "French elegance for the world," and the rose became the brand's enduring symbol.
Heritage & Timeline
1935: Armand Petitjean founds Lancôme, launching five fragrances at once — Tendre Nuit, Bocages, Conquête, Kypre, and Tropiques. 1964: L'Oréal acquires Lancôme. 1990: Trésor launches — becomes a global phenomenon and '90s icon. 2012: La Vie Est Belle launches — reportedly selling 1 bottle every 10 seconds at peak, becoming Lancôme's all-time bestseller. 2025/26: L'Oréal-owned. La Vie Est Belle estimated at $2B+ lifetime sales. Lancôme is L'Oréal's flagship luxury brand.
Signature Style
Lancôme fragrances are characterised by sophisticated French elegance that never feels exclusive. Their gourmand-floral compositions — particularly the La Vie Est Belle family — have become some of the most universally loved scents worldwide.
Iconic Fragrances
Did You Know?
La Vie Est Belle is consistently top-3 best-selling feminine fragrance at Woolworths and Edgars SA.
The brand is a household name across all demographics.
Where to Buy in South Africa
Woolworths, Edgars, Clicks, Big Five Duty Free, selected pharmacies
All Lancôme Fragrances(5)
Lancôme
La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum
Lancôme
La Vie Est Belle Intensément
Lancôme
Idôle Eau de Parfum
Lancome
Lancome La Vie Est Belle
Lancome