Armand Petitjean created Lancôme in the mid-1930s during a major economic crisis. In spite of uncertain political and social climate, fashion was the order of the day.

Perfume (symbolized by a rose), beauty care (lotus flower) and makeup (cherub) originally represented the three cornerstones of Lancôme. The beautiful roses found in the ruins of Chateau de Lancosme represented not only the most delicate and luxurious pf perfumes, but also symbolized a typically French beauty. The rose symbolized French beauty and its flowers became the worldwide symbol of the House of Lancôme. The first five Lancôme fragrances won prizes at the universal exhibition in Brussels in 1935.

In 1936 Nourishing La Nutrix was born. Petitjean knew women craved a complete range of skincare to rival the quality of their perfumes. He turned to scientists to find the next big thing. In 1938, the revolutionary new lipstick was soft, rich and silky, exactly as Petitjean had intented.

"Every woman deserves luscious lips as a symbol of youth and feminity."