Lancôme Paris is a prestige cosmetics brand owned by L'Oréal under the Luxury Products, division which offers skin care, fragrances, and makeup.
Lancome began in 1935, when its founder, Armand Petitjean was exploring the ruins of a castle, Le Château de Lancosme, while vacationing in the French countryside. Petitjean's inspiration for the company's symbol, a golden rose, were the many wild roses growing around the castle.
Beginning in 1982, Isabella Rossellini was Lancôme's exclusive international spokesmodel for 14 years. Juliette Binoche, Uma Thurman, Mena Suvari, Ines Sastre, Shalom Harlow, Drew Barrymore and Marie Gillain have also been spokesmodels for Lancôme. In 2005 Lancome unveiled Daria Werbowy as one of their new spokesmodels, and in 2006 Raica Oliveira
In early 2007, Clive Owen became the first spokesman for Lancôme's Men's skincare range and the new fragrance Hypnôse Homme.
On June 11, 2007, Kate Winslet was unveiled as the latest spokesmodel for Lancome. Her first assignment will be the relaunch of the classic Lancôme fragrance Trésor (formerly promoted by Inés Sastre) in late 2007.
On January 2, 2007, actress Anne Hathaway was announced as the newest brand ambassador, set to front the counter's new fragrance, Magnifique, due for release in August 2008.