Graces du Printemps c1952

Graces du Printemps by Lancome: launched in 1952. It was a part of Lancome's Eau de Senteur line and was available as parfum, eau de toilette and cologne.

Magie by Lancome c1949

Magie by Lancôme: launched in 1949. In USA by 1950. The name means "Magic" in French. Created by Georges Lepieux.

Qui Sait? by Lancome c1946

Qui Sait? by Lancome: launched in 1937. Created by Armand Petitjean.

Peut-Être ("Perhaps" in French) became Qui Sait ("Who Knows" in French) in 1956, however I have found publications dating to as early as 1946 using the name Qui Sait (US Patent Office info). The reason for the name change is that it would be easier for Americans to pronounce.

The name Qui Sait was used previously by another French perfumer, Lournay in 1925.

The Golden Ribbon Package Perfume c1947

Stands approximately 3" tall.

Tresor by Lancome c1952

Trésor by Lancôme: launched in 1952. The name means "Treasure" in French.

Magie Noire by Lancome c1978

 Magie Noire by Lancôme, launched in 1978 and introduced in the United States by 1981, marked a bold and striking return for the French perfume house, making it the first new fragrance from Lancôme in a decade. The name Magie Noire, meaning "Black Magic" in French, immediately evokes a sense of mystery, allure, and forbidden enchantment. Pronounced “mah-zhee nwahr,” it conjures images of darkness, elegance, and the untamed, carrying a hint of the supernatural. The word "Magie" implies a sense of sorcery or enchantment, while "Noire" evokes the color black, a symbol of mystery and depth. Together, they suggest an aura of seductive, almost otherworldly power—an invitation to something alluring yet hidden from view. This name perfectly aligns with the fragrance's complex and sensual character, drawing on the intrigue of the unknown.

When Magie Noire was released, the world was in the midst of a period known for its intense cultural and social shifts. The late 1970s and early 1980s were times of boldness, self-expression, and liberation, particularly for women. The glam and excess of the 1970s was giving way to the more refined, sophisticated styles of the 1980s, where power dressing and stronger, bolder identities emerged. In this climate, Magie Noire would have resonated with women seeking a fragrance that mirrored the evolving complexities of their own personalities—women who were confident, sensual, and unapologetically independent. The fragrance itself, with its blend of fresh greens, romantic florals, and dark, woody depths, was designed for women who were in touch with both their sensuality and their strength. It was a perfume for the woman who embraced her mystery, who reveled in her complexity, and who found beauty in the darker, more enigmatic aspects of life.

 

In terms of scent, Magie Noire stands apart from many fragrances of its era. While other perfumes of the time leaned into either light florals or more overpowering, sweet orientals, Magie Noire presented a truly unique contrast. The fragrance opens with the sharp, green freshness of galbanum and green notes, which bring a crisp, almost invigorating energy. This freshness is immediately balanced by the luxurious and romantic depth of Bulgarian rose, complemented by jasmine and ylang-ylang, which introduce a velvety floral heart. The base of Magie Noire is where its true magic lies—rich, earthy woods like cedarwood and sandalwood create a solid foundation, while patchouli adds an intoxicating depth, mingling with musky ambergris and sophisticated spices. This combination of fresh, floral, and woody notes creates a multi-layered experience that feels both modern and timeless, capturing the essence of the period while transcending it.

Magie Noire was certainly unique for its time. While it shared some characteristics with the popular oriental fragrances of the era, it differed in its balance of sharp freshness and rich, sensual depth. This duality gave it a distinctive place in the perfume market, appealing to women who sought something bold and memorable, yet also refined. The fragrance's complexity and depth made it a beloved classic, with a longevity that ensured its place in Lancôme's storied legacy of iconic perfumes.

Sikkim by Lancome c1971

Sikkim by Lancome: launched in 1971, and created by Robert Gonnon of Firmenich.

La Vie Est Belle by Lancome c2012

La Vie Est Belle by Lancome: launched in 2012. Created by Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo. It took 5000 formulas and three years to get the composition just right.

Climat by Lancome c1967

Climat by Lancôme: launched in 1967. Created by by Gerard Goupil of Robertet Perfumers. Pronounced "kleemah", this fragrance takes its name from the well-known eponymous novel by French author André Maurois. The English translation of “Climat de Lancôme” is "ambience of Lancôme.”

Etiquette Noire by Lancome c1935

Etiquette Noire by Lancome: launched in 1935. Created by Armand Petitjean. It was available as a cologne.

La Vallee Bleue by Lancome c1943

La Vallee Bleue by Lancome: launched in 1943. Created by Armand Petitjean.

Spoutnik Perfume Presentation c1958

In 1958, in order to commemorate the launch of Sputnik, Lancome introduced two Georges Delhomme designed "Spoutnik" limited edition perfume presentations, one was a blue tinted opalescent glass moon faced purse flacon for the perfume Magie. This bottle was also used for other perfumes. Only 100 bottles were manufactured.

Melisande Perfume Presentation c1954

Lancome introduced "Melisande" in 1954, a beautiful figural bottle of a standing lady made up of pink tinted opalescent glass. This luxury presentation was used for various perfumes including Magie, Fleches D'Or and Tresor and was designed by Georges Delhomme and produced at Verreries Parant.  Founded around 1824, this glassworks is more recent than the Verrerie Blanche, associated for a while with the Baccarat crystal factory.

Art et la Mode, 1954:

"MAGIE" de LANCOME présenté dans la statuette de cristal MELISANDE." 

L'Art et la mode, 1959:

"Tresor and Fleches d'or, contained in a frosted crystal bottle representing the beautiful Melisande with long hair: the exquisitely feminine art object..."

L'Art et la mode, Issue 2763,

"Mélisande is a lightly colored crystal statuette, whose material evokes and gives effects comparable to those of a hard stone. It is a small masterpiece of line and taste. Mélisande contains, at your choice, the Lancôme's famous perfumes: Magie, Trésor, Flèches or Kypre, which are the richest compositions of our time."

Kypre by Lancome c1935

Kypre by Lancôme: launched in 1935. Created by Armand Petitjean. Lancôme launched its first five fragrances in 1935 at the World's Fair in Brussels - Tendre Nuit, Bocages, Conquete, Kypre and Tropiques.

Fleches by Lancome c1938

Fleches by Lancome: launched in 1938. Created by Armand Petitjean. The name means "arrows" in French and refers to Cupid's arrows of love.

Fetes de Paris by Lancome c1938

Fêtes de Paris by Lancome: launched in 1938. Created by Armand Petitjean. It was available as a cologne.

Cuir by Lancome c1939

Cuir by Lancome: originally launched in 1936 as Révolte. The name was changed to Cuir in 1939 as the name Révolte was being used by another company in South America.

The perfume was created by Armand Petitjean.

Lancome Perfumes and Furs

American Fur Breeder - Volume 21, 1948:


Perfume and Furs..

Perfume, if used discriminately, will be the “finishing touch” to your most precious furs.

It is important, however, that you should have  a few basic facts on the manner in which different perfumes will agree with your different furs.

Every fur contains natural elements which may act as “fixatives” to the perfume. It is necessary to know how these will blend with the components of each fragrance.

A light floral fragrance may have a tendency to “breakdown”, and lose its identity when applied to a fur which retains a strong natural odor.


...fragrance will cling much longer. But do not “soak” the fur, as the perfume’s alcohol may have a drying effect on the skins.

Caution must be used when applying perfume to furs which have been dyed: after repeated applications, the alcohol may cause discoloration.


Soft, velvety furs, such as mink, beaver, nutria, will be enhanced by a fragrance having the same velvety tones. Kypre of Lancome is one of the favorites for those.

Furs of a wilder, coarser and thicker type such as Persian Lamb, Muskrat or hair seal - more difficult to wear - will be ideally perfumed with Cuir de Lancome.

Such “chic” perfumes as Tropiques and Fleches will blend delightfully with long haired furs, or the very light skins of the Sable, Chinchilla, Ermine, Squirrel  as well as all minks.

Qui Sait is too refined and complex to develop fully on fur. It should be avoided.

Bocages will be restricted to the lighter furs: Chinchilla, Marten and Ermine.

Fêtes de l'Hiver by Lancome c1959

Fêtes de l'Hiver by Lancome: launched in 1959.

Joyeux Été by Lancome c1947

Joyeux Été by Lancome: launched in 1947 as part of Lancome's Eau de Senteurs line of eau de toilettes.