Originally a fragrance house, Lancômewas founded by Frenchman Armand Petitjean 1935. It all began with five perfumes, which were so successful, he quickly moved on to skincare. The first ever skincare product was created in 1936, a multi-tasking repair cream called Nutrix, and it is still available today. Two years later, he expanded Lancome into cosmetics, creating a pinky-red lipstick scented with roses that remained a bestseller over the next 30 years. In 1964, L\’Oréal acquired Lancôme, and it is now one of the largest luxury skincare companies in the world.

Ironically, Armand Petitjean, was very assertive about his no-ad policy, and despite his declaration that Lancôme would never advertise and judging by the speed with which Lancome grew from word of mouth in the 30s, who could blame him! However, Lancôme has became one of the industries trendsetters, using famous faces in huge ad campaigns – from Isabella Rossellini in the 80s to Kate Winslet, Julia Roberts, Penélope Cruz and Harry Potter\’s Emma Watson today.

Lancome has a long list of cult products renewed the world over, Tresor Eau de Parfum, Juicy Tubes, Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover and the Definicils mascara (remained a top-ranking mascara for over a decade).