Lancôme

Lancôme was founded in France in 1935 by Armand Petitjean, who named the house after Lancosme in the Indre valley. From the start the idea was beauty for women, and the perfumes still lean feminine, warm and a little romantic. Vanilla, jasmine, rose and iris run through the range, often with pear or black currant for fruit and a soft cushion of patchouli, sandalwood and musk. La Vie Est Belle is the natural opener, sweet and fruity with a vanilla finish. Miracle is brighter, floral with fresh spice and citrus. Trésor, from 1990, is fruity and powdery, a rounder, older style of floral. Anne Flipo and Dominique Ropion are among the perfumers credited on the line. Try a 3ml of two before you pick a bottle.

13 perfumes from Lancôme, decanted in sizes from 3ml so you can try before you buy a bottle.