Lancôme has recently launched Absolue Les Parfums, a collection of 11 haute parfumerie fragrances centered around the theme of roses. The fragrances explore various facets of the romantic flower, from sun-kissed rose and lily of the valley accords to a bewitching blend of black tea and rose notes. Lancôme found inspiration for these scents in their Domaine de la Rose estate in Grasse, France, the perfume capital of the world, which they acquired in 2020. The estate features a pink house that has been renovated to host workshops, training sessions, and events celebrating the company’s fragrance heritage. The gardens on the estate are also home to organically farmed fields of jasmine, tuberose, iris, and over a thousand Centifolia rose bushes.
Lancôme’s Domaine de la Rose estate is open to the public on the second Wednesday of each month for guided visits that are free of charge. The estate serves as an olfactory laboratory for Lancôme, where they have developed two new patented extracts from the Centifolia rose, their signature flower. These extractions have been created without extraction solvents to preserve the rich olfactive properties of the rose. Each fragrance in the Absolue collection pays tribute to the rose in a modern way, capturing new moods or unexpected scents at different times of the day or in various weather conditions.
The Absolue collection features scents created by master perfumers, each offering a unique take on the rose. For example, “1001 Roses” is described as evoking a freshly picked rose from a garden on a sunny day, combining Centifolia and Damascena roses with a creamy musk accord. “Rose on the Moon” by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin is a hypnotic rose magnified by the sumptuous texture of sandalwood. “I Flamed a Rose” by Daphné Bugey pairs rose essence from the Domaine with earthy patchouli and ambrox, creating a complex musky and woody scent. Each eau de parfum in the collection is presented in a cylindrical flacon with a gold nameplate and priced at $270 for 100 ml.
Lancôme’s Absolue Les Parfums collection is a part of their larger range of rose fragrances, which includes La Vie est Belle Rose Extraordinaire, Idôle, and Idôle Now, as well as rose-infused makeup and skincare products. The collection of fragrances showcases the versatility and beauty of the rose in different compositions and interpretations. With its roots in the picturesque Domaine de la Rose estate in Grasse, Lancôme continues to celebrate the essence of this iconic flower through its luxurious scents and products. This fall, Lancôme invites customers to experience the enchanting world of roses with their new Absolue Les Parfums collection.
