Cuir (1939)

Cuir by Lancôme began its life in 1936 under a far more provocative name—Révolte. Conceived by Armand Petitjean, it was originally marketed as a perfume for men, yet its rich leather accord and floral nuances soon captivated women as well. In French, Révolte means “uprising,” a name that perfectly matched the bold, defiant spirit of the fragrance. However, in parts of South and Central America, the translation carried heavier political weight, taking on meanings such as “anarchy” and “revolution.” The charged political climate of the late 1930s meant that a perfume bearing such a name was bound to stir unintended associations, particularly in regions already grappling with political turbulence.

Throughout the mid-to-late 1930s, Latin America was experiencing waves of social and political unrest. The Paraguayan February Revolution of 1936 overthrew the government, while Bolivia’s Socialist Revolution the same year brought its own upheaval. Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and several other nations faced political instability, contested elections, and ideological clashes fueled by the spread of socialism, communism, and fascism. Nationalist leaders in some countries used these tensions to their advantage, amplifying anti-foreign sentiment. The lingering economic strain from the Great Depression, especially in export-dependent economies, added further volatility. Against this backdrop, a perfume called Révolte could be seen as more than just a name—it risked being interpreted as a political statement.

Reports circulated that the fragrance had been withdrawn from sale after only six months due to its name causing “public order disturbances.” However, historical evidence suggests a more complex reality. In 1937, Lancôme filed a trademark for Révolte in Italy’s Rivista italiana delle essenze, dei profumi e delle piante, and the scent continued to appear under its original name in markets such as the United Kingdom, where it was advertised in the 1938 Perfumery and Essential Oil Record. It is therefore likely that the name change was a strategic adjustment for specific markets rather than a complete withdrawal.

By 1939, with the Second World War looming and the political climate becoming increasingly sensitive, Lancôme officially reintroduced the fragrance as Cuir—a direct reference to its defining leather character. This renaming not only sidestepped political sensitivities abroad but also marked a subtle reformulation to appeal more to women, softening some of the fragrance’s original masculine edge while retaining its commanding presence. In doing so, Petitjean ensured the scent’s survival beyond its contentious beginnings, allowing Cuir to stand as both a refined leather perfume and a testament to Lancôme’s ability to adapt artfully to a changing world.

By the 1940s, Cuir was celebrated for its remarkable balance between strength and refinement. In 1941, Le Petit Parisien praised it as “the unexpected success of the strange marriage of flowers with the tawny smell of leather,” capturing its daring blend of elegance and rawness. A 1945 Lancôme perfume catalog described it in equally vivid terms as an “ardent perfume, full of vibrations, dry, softened by delicate touches,” uniting the scent of fine skin and flowers with “the strange aromas of leather.” Its construction was said to be floral and refined enough to delight women, yet discreet and insinuating enough to stand among the finest perfumes for men. That same year, La Femme Chic lauded Cuir de Lancôme as “the most skillful creation in the ambiguous genre”—a fragrance equally suited to either sex. They highlighted its slightly brown leather tones, softened by skin-like smoothness and accented with the light, graceful scents of violet and carnation. The result was, in their words, an “undeniable success,” a perfume that crossed gender boundaries with effortless sophistication. 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Cuir is classified as an intense leather perfume with floral notes. Begins with a dizzying, rough, sharp aldehydic top note, it softens overtime as the fragrance unfolds roses, spicy carnations and violets in the heart. A dry, leathery base makes this discreet enough to be worn by men as well. It blends the aroma of flowers with the oriental smell of leather. This is a clear, determined leather perfume. Below the leather fragrance is an elusive scent of a mixed bouquet of French garden flowers.

• Top notes: aldehydes (which?), Calabrian bergamot oil, Paraguayan petitgrain, Sicilian citron, Italian neroli, citral, Ceylon cassia, Manila cananga oil
• Middle notes: French carnation, Zanzibar clove, isoeugenol, Grasse rose absolute, Bulgarian rose otto, Bourbon geranium oil, Moroccan orange blossom, Parma violet concrete, ionone, Florentine orris butter, Grasse jasmine absolute, Nossi-Be ylang ylang, benzyl benzoate, methyl benzoate  
• Base notes: terpineol, Russian leather, birch tar oil, Virginia tobacco, balsam, Madagascar vanilla absolute, vanillin, Tibetan musk tincture, musk xylol, Indian musk ambrette, Sumatran styrax, Peru balsam, South American tolu balsam, ambergris tincture, Canadian castoreum tincture, Abyssinian civet tincture, Yugoslavian oakmoss resin, Penang patchouli, Java vetiver, vetiveryl acetate, Mysore sandalwood, Venezuelan tonka bean, coumarin

  

Scent Profile:

The first impression of Cuir is nothing short of bracing—a sharp, almost dazzling burst of aldehydes. These are the same sparkling, effervescent molecules that can give perfumes a soapy, champagne-like lift; here, they create a rush of brightness that’s almost metallic, like cold air rushing through an open window. This aldehydic edge is immediately softened by the sunlit radiance of Calabrian bergamot oil, distilled from fruit grown on Italy’s southern coast where the sea breezes and mineral-rich soil yield an oil prized for its nuanced blend of citrus sparkle and gentle floral sweetness. 

Alongside it is the Paraguayan petitgrain, steam-distilled from the twigs and leaves of the bitter orange tree, lending a green, woody freshness with a subtle bitterness that keeps the citrus from becoming too sweet. Sicilian citron, with its thick, aromatic rind, imparts a honeyed lemon tone—more rounded and opulent than lemon or lime—while Italian neroli, distilled from orange blossoms, threads a creamy, honeyed floral note through the opening. The naturally occurring citral amplifies the citrus accord, heightening its zesty, lemony brightness. A spiced undertone from Ceylon cassia, the warm, sweet cinnamon bark of Sri Lanka, teases at the warmth to come, while the exotic, slightly green creaminess of Manila cananga oil (a cousin to ylang-ylang) hints at tropical blooms hidden beneath the leather exterior.

As the aldehydic glare begins to settle, the heart blooms. French carnation steps forward, spicy and warm, its clove-like bite harmonizing with Zanzibar clove, the finest variety of spice buds from the Tanzanian archipelago, treasured for their intensity. This spiced floral heat is deepened by isoeugenol, an aroma molecule found naturally in clove and carnation, which heightens the spicy aspect and extends its longevity on the skin. Then comes Grasse rose absolute, rich and velvety, embodying the lushness that only flowers from the world’s perfume capital can achieve. This is joined by Bulgarian rose otto, cooler and greener in tone, adding a fresh, dewy contrast. Bourbon geranium oil, distilled on Réunion Island, contributes a crisp, minty-rosy freshness, while Moroccan orange blossom lends sun-warmed sweetness and hints of honey. 

Parma violet concrete layers a soft, powdery facet, its candied floral tone enhanced by ionone, a naturally occurring molecule that amplifies violet’s powdery, lipstick-like aroma. Florentine orris butter, extracted from the rhizomes of Italian irises aged for years before processing, lends a buttery, earthy, powdery texture that feels tactile on the skin. Then there is the intoxicating depth of Grasse jasmine absolute, indolic and creamy, partnered with the opulent, banana-like richness of Nossi-Bé ylang-ylang from Madagascar’s smaller islands. Benzyl benzoate and methyl benzoate, occurring naturally in many of these flowers, serve here to bind the florals together and extend their radiance, making the bouquet seem endless.

As the fragrance moves into its base, the leather emerges in full. Terpineol, with its lilac-like sweetness, eases the transition from floral heart to leathery depths. The Russian leather accord—dry, smoky, and aristocratic—is shaped by birch tar oil, with its rich, inky, campfire smokiness. The warmth of Virginia tobacco rolls in next, sweet and hay-like, its dried-leaf aroma evoking old leather-bound books. Resinous balsam adds depth and body, while Madagascar vanilla absolute softens the edges, paired with vanillin to heighten the creamy, gourmand warmth and add diffusive power. The musk accord is layered and complex: the natural animalic depth of Tibetan musk tincture, the crystalline radiance of musk xylol, and the soft, powdery warmth of Indian musk ambrette combine to create a sensual texture, at once clean and carnal.

Balsamic sweetness arrives through Sumatran styrax, with its leathery, resinous character, and from Peru balsam and South American tolu balsam, both with their sweet, cinnamon-vanilla nuances. Ambergris tincture lends its legendary smooth, marine warmth, helping the entire fragrance linger on skin like a low, glowing ember. Canadian castoreum tincture brings an animalic leatheriness with faint smoky undertones, while Abyssinian civet tincture imparts a feline warmth that heightens the perfume’s sensual pull. 

The green, earthy bitterness of Yugoslavian oakmoss resin grounds the composition, while Penang patchouli offers a cool, camphorous, and slightly earthy depth unique to Southeast Asian varieties. Java vetiver contributes its smoky, woody grassiness, polished here by vetiveryl acetate, a refined, smoother form of vetiver that enhances its clean, woody aspect. Mysore sandalwood, the world’s most prized variety, lends its creamy, milky woodiness, wrapping the leather in a halo of soft warmth. Finally, Venezuelan tonka bean, with its almond and hay facets, is brightened and sweetened by coumarin, which not only amplifies tonka’s natural charm but also adds a dry, powdery refinement to the base.

On the skin, Cuir evolves like the unfolding of a story—beginning with a metallic sparkle, blooming into a spiced floral heart, and finally sinking into an intricate leather-and-wood tapestry. Its marriage of French garden florals with the tawny, oriental warmth of leather is both clear in intent and masterful in execution: a perfume equally at home on a tailored gentleman or a poised, confident woman.

Bottles:

"Tank" Bottle:

In 1943, Lancôme’s Cuir was given a striking and symbolic presentation in what became known as the “tank” bottle, designed by J. Sala and Canopies and manufactured by Verrières de la Bresle. The bottle itself is square and substantial, crafted from massive, high-quality glass, its surfaces alternating between satin finish and careful repolishing to create depth and luminosity. Its decoration consists of thick, crossed “straps” molded into the glass—bold, architectural lines that give the impression of strength and precision, perfectly echoing the perfume’s clear and determined leather character. The overall effect is one of modernity tempered by refinement, suggesting both resilience and luxury in a wartime era.

The presentation was equally lavish. The perfume came housed in a cube-shaped box with both a removable lid and a hinged flip-top. The exterior was richly decorated against a textured, grained morocco-style background in deep tones, with a white and gold architectural framework that framed five finely painted panels. These miniature works of art were inspired by a livre d’heures (book of hours) once gifted by François Coty to George Delhomme—Delhomme himself being the creator of this presentation. The motif brought a medieval richness to the modernity of the bottle, blending history, artistry, and haute parfumerie. Inside, the box was lined with sumptuous ivory satin, cradling the bottle like a jewel.

The “tank” bottle was produced in three sizes, each corresponding to a specific reference number in the Lancôme catalog:

• 1 oz – Reference No. 6002
• 2 oz – Reference No. 6003
• 3 oz – Reference No. 6004

It was a presentation that balanced bold design with refined craftsmanship, a testament to Lancôme’s commitment to creating not just perfumes, but complete objets d’art. The “tank” bottle design of Cuir in 1943 carries a resonance that goes far beyond aesthetics, deeply rooted in the wartime realities and cultural atmosphere of the period. Europe was engulfed in World War II, and symbols of strength, resilience, and fortitude were both necessary and pervasive. The bottle’s massive square form, reinforced by thick, crossed glass “straps,” evokes the image of armored vehicles or fortified structures—physical manifestations of defense and endurance. This design choice can be read as a deliberate metaphor: just as tanks protected and advanced on battlefields, so too did Cuir embody a spirit of steadfast elegance amid uncertainty.

At the same time, the richly decorated cubic box softened the bottle’s martial solidity with artistry and refinement. The white and gold architectural motifs framing five painted panels, inspired by the medieval livre d’heures once gifted by the legendary François Coty, invoked a timeless connection to heritage, faith, and culture—pillars of hope and continuity in a fractured world. The satin ivory lining inside the box suggested luxury and comfort, a personal sanctuary for the wearer amidst turmoil.

Together, the bottle and its packaging balanced stark modernity and historical richness, reflecting the dual desires of the era: to confront hardship with strength, yet to seek beauty and reassurance. Lancôme’s Cuir “tank” bottle was more than a container; it was a symbolic artifact of resilience and sophistication, offering its wearer both protection and refinement in uncertain times.

 

Etoile Flacon:

Cuir was presented in the elegant Flacon Étoile, a creation by Lancôme Parfumeur in collaboration with designer Jean Sala, issued in a limited edition in 1942. This bottle exemplifies Lancôme’s dedication to artistry and fine craftsmanship. Its body, formed from molded blown glass, is paired with a pressed molded glass stopper. The clear glass is finely detailed, with the underside marked in relief with “LANCÔME France,” serving as a discreet yet unmistakable mark of authenticity.

The name Étoile, meaning “star” in French, reflects the bottle’s distinctive scalloped silhouette with eight pronounced points. This star-like form captures and refracts light, producing a subtle interplay of brilliance and shadow across its faceted surfaces. The matching stopper repeats the eight-point scalloped design exactly, creating a seamless unity between bottle and closure, as though the two were conceived as a single, harmonious form. The result is a refined and balanced presentation, where every detail is meticulously aligned to enhance its beauty.

Equally exquisite, the original case—designed by Georges Delhomme—drew inspiration from seventeenth-century Florentine bookbinding. Covered in richly printed polychrome paper imitating antique mosaic bindings and adorned with a delicate Cupid motif, the presentation box elevated the experience of unveiling the perfume into a ritual of romance and luxury. Measuring 12.5 cm in height, with its case sized at 4.5 × 17 × 12.8 cm, the Flacon Étoile conveyed both substance and elegance. Used for several Lancôme perfumes, it remains a testament to the brand’s fusion of function, beauty, and timeless sophistication.

Flacon Veloutes:

Cuir was presented in the Flacon Veloutes, part of Lancôme’s 1942 Édition Grand-Luxe, an exquisite example of mid-20th-century French perfumery design that masterfully combined elegance with artistry. Designed by Jean Sala, the flacon is crafted from pressed, frosted colorless glass, molded into a sleek rectangular form with a distinctly cubic silhouette. Its body is adorned on two opposing faces with an intricate relief of four graceful spirals, or volutes, adding a dynamic yet refined decorative element. This motif is echoed in the flat disc-shaped stopper, which bears the same swirling design, creating a harmonious unity between bottle and closure. The flacon sports a gold pampille label, a delicate hanging accent that underscores its prestige. 

The presentation was further elevated by a case designed by Hadrien Leduc, covered in richly printed polychrome paper illustrated with tropical flowers and hummingbirds, and set upon a base of ivory-colored galalith (or Pollopas plastic), a detail that enhances its sophistication. Standing 12.5 cm tall, the Flacon Veloutes was used for several Lancôme perfumes of the early 1940s—including Bocages, Flèches, Cuir, Tropiques, Conquête, Tendres Nuits, Peut-Être, Kypre, and Marrakech—reflecting the brand’s dedication to pairing exceptional fragrance compositions with packaging of equal refinement and beauty.

Borne Carrée (Jasmine Stopper):

Lancôme’s Cuir was presented in the house’s very first standard perfume bottle, the Borne Carrée—now commonly known as the Flacon Jasmin—a refined design introduced at the brand’s launch in 1934. Created by Georges Delhomme, Lancôme’s first artistic director, this flacon exemplifies timeless elegance with its cut and polished colorless crystal, square flat body softened by gentle curves and rounded edges, and a clear glass stopper intricately molded with jasmine blossoms—a symbol of beauty and refinement. Often mistaken for Lalique’s work, these stoppers were Delhomme’s original creation, produced mainly by Verreries Le Bresle. The understated yet luxurious Flacon Jasmin became Lancôme’s signature bottle from the 1930s through the 1960s, housing fragrances like Kypre, Tendres Nuits, and Magie. Available in multiple sizes and two main shapes—a standard square and a rarer tall, narrow form—it set the foundation for later iconic bottles such as the Pagode and the Flacon Classique, reflecting Lancôme’s enduring commitment to elegant, harmonious design.

The flacon was available in several sizes—2 oz (4"), 1 oz (3.5"), 0.5 oz (3"), and 0.25 oz (2.75")—to accommodate different price points and gifting occasions, and it appeared in two main forms: the familiar standard square version and a rarer tall, narrow variant. 

Bouchon Vannerie Standard Bottle:

Kypre was also presented in Lancôme’s Bouchon Vannerie standard flacon, a 1940s design that blends refined elegance with a touch of artisanal charm. Its most distinctive feature is the frosted glass stopper, molded in relief with an intricate basketweave pattern that captures the look and feel of handwoven wicker. This tactile detail not only provided visual interest but also evoked the traditions of French craftsmanship, where artistry lies as much in texture as in form. The clear glass body offered a simple, graceful counterpoint to the ornate stopper, allowing the golden hue of the perfume to enhance the overall presentation. Discreetly embossed “Lancôme France” on the base, the flacon carried an air of authenticity and understated prestige, marking it as the work of one of France’s most celebrated perfume houses.

"Pagode" Standard Bottle:

Cuir was also presented in Lancôme’s Pagode flacon, one of the house’s most elegant and enduring designs, used for several of its prestige fragrances, including Magie. Crafted from clear, colorless glass, the Pagode flacon is distinguished by its gently curved silhouette, which subtly softens the rectangular outline and imparts a refined, tactile quality. This curvature, combined with harmonious proportions and softened edges, conveys an understated luxury that contrasts with the stark, angular lines of modernist bottle design. Topped with a concave, rectangular glass stopper that mirrors the gentle curve of the body, the bottle achieves a sleek balance between fluidity and symmetry. Reserved for parfum concentrations, the Pagode flacon was a vessel for Lancôme’s most concentrated and prestigious offerings, transforming the act of fragrance presentation into an art form in its own right.

 

 

Nativite Presentation:

Cuir was also presented in Lancôme’s Nativité collection (1942–1948), a holiday offering that combined artistry, symbolism, and masterful craftsmanship. At its heart was the L’Ange Souffleur flacon, designed by Georges Delhomme and crafted by Verrières de la Bresle, famed for their museum-quality glasswork. This rectangular block of colorless frosted glass, about 4 inches tall, featured a gilded relief of an angel blowing air, framed by radiant sun rays—a motif evoking breath, spirit, and the Nativity. The elegant glass stopper, layered over a smaller inner stopper, added architectural grace. Packaged in a silver foil–covered presentation box by Maurice Perot, richly embossed and decorated with lithographed Nativity scenes, the fragrance became a true holiday treasure. 

Other Bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

During World War II, the importation of Lancôme fragrances—including notable scents such as Tropiques, Tendres Nuit, Flèches, Cuir, Conquête, Bocages, Peut-Être, and Kypre—came to an abrupt halt. These beloved perfumes were absent from American markets throughout the war years, with their return not occurring until 1946, marking a significant moment for both the French perfume industry and American consumers eager to reconnect with the elegance of French fragrance artistry.

A 1946 newspaper advertisement captured this historic reintroduction, highlighting the arrival of Madame Elsi Cramer, Lancôme’s representative in the United States. Mme. Cramer offered insightful commentary on American perfume culture, noting that while American women often chose many different scents, few delved into understanding the perfume’s foundations—its base notes, floral compositions, or packaging. She emphasized that longevity should not be the sole criterion for selecting a fragrance; instead, she advocated carrying a small vial of one’s favorite scent to refresh discreetly during the evening. This approach, she suggested, allows the perfume to maintain its intended freshness and sophistication, as if “just put on.”

Mme. Cramer proudly introduced the lineup of Lancôme’s newest fragrances, including Tropiques, Flèches, Cuir, Kypre, Conquête, Qui Sait (pronounced “key-say,” meaning “Who Knows?”), and Bocages. She underscored the painstaking effort invested over many years to perfect not only the exquisite formulas but also the artistic packaging and bottle designs. These were not mere fragrances; they were embodiments of French luxury and craftsmanship.

Importantly, Mme. Cramer reminded consumers that the formulas for these perfumes had been closely guarded during the German occupation of France. The return of French perfumes to the American market, therefore, represented more than just the arrival of “some more sweet smelling stuff.” It was a testament to the resilience and dedication of the French perfume industry amid war’s scarcity and hardship. This context lent new meaning and appreciation to the perfumes, encouraging wearers to cherish them not only for their scents but also for the history and struggle they symbolized.

While the exact date of Cuir’s discontinuation remains unknown, records show it was still available as late as 1960, reflecting its enduring appeal well beyond the tumultuous war years.

2005 Reformulation & Relaunch:

In 2005, Cuir was thoughtfully reformulated by renowned perfumers Calice Becker and Pauline Zanoni, marking a new chapter in the fragrance’s enduring legacy. The original sparkling aldehydic top notes were replaced with brighter, fresher citrus accords, introducing a modern vibrancy that gently lifted the composition. To enrich the floral heart, additional notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and iris were incorporated, adding layers of softness, complexity, and a subtle creamy elegance that complemented the signature leather base.

Relaunched under the name Cuir de Lancôme as part of the prestigious Lancôme Collection, the fragrance was made available in both eau de parfum and eau de toilette concentrations, offering versatility in intensity and wear. Though the relaunch saw editions in 2006 and 2007, the fragrance was notably not released in the United States market, maintaining a more exclusive presence overseas.

From Lancome: "The Left Bank; a back-street in St. Germain...a woman steps inside the luxurious lobby of a Parisian Hotel. Her appearance creates a silence and freezes time for a short moment. She embodies those women who possess infinite charm, timeless grace, a unique presence - her assured step, even the slightest gesture, capture attention and light. Her undeviating stare explores the depths of your soul. Ethereal, almost unreal, she drifts toward a small marble table where a bouquet of flowers and a note await her. Slowly she sinks into the velvet arms of a large sofa. An eternal moment: sensually, she removes her gloves, the warm, supple leather slides gently over her fingertips. Around her, the flowery notes of the bouquet seem to hover in the air. The words she reads draw a smile...like a secret lighting up her lips. Her glowing eyes radiate an intriguing light: that of intense passion. She is at this very moment, the quintessential woman, her fulfillment is absolute and unveiled." 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Cuir de Lancome is classified as a floral chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: bergamot, mandarin, saffron
• Middle notes: jasmine, ylang-ylang, hawthorn, patchouli
• Base notes: orris, birch, styrax

Scent Profile:

The opening of Cuir de Lancôme unfolds with a luminous burst of citrus—vibrant bergamot from Calabria, Italy, renowned for its bright, slightly green citrus aroma with delicate floral nuances. This bergamot is distinguished by its fresh yet soft character, a product of the region’s Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soil. Complementing it is the sweet, juicy mandarin, adding a sunnier, sweeter citrus sparkle that balances bergamot’s subtle bitterness. Woven seamlessly into this radiant citrus canopy is a whisper of saffron, a precious spice harvested predominantly from Iran and Spain, lending a warm, subtly leathery, and honeyed nuance that adds complexity and a hint of exotic mystery right from the start.

The heart reveals a lush, floral bouquet anchored by the intoxicating jasmine—likely Grasse or Indian origin—known for its rich, creamy, and indolic floral intensity that evokes both sweetness and sensual depth. Alongside jasmine, the creamy, exotic floral aroma of ylang-ylang emerges, sourced from Madagascar or the Comoros Islands, prized for its rich, slightly fruity, and heady scent that lifts and softens the composition with tropical warmth. The addition of hawthorn adds a fresh, subtly green and slightly tart facet, reminiscent of springtime hedgerows, introducing an unexpected crispness and lightness to the floral heart. Grounding this lush floral bouquet is patchouli, traditionally sourced from Indonesia or Malaysia, where its earthy, woody, and slightly sweet aroma provides a deep, resinous foundation. Patchouli's natural richness is often enhanced with aroma chemicals that heighten its longevity and amplify its velvety depth, ensuring it lingers softly on the skin.

In the base, the powdery elegance of orris root emerges—a luxurious, creamy note derived from the rhizomes of Italian or Florentine iris, aged meticulously to develop its soft violet-like aroma. Orris adds a tactile softness and a refined, powdery texture that contrasts beautifully with the dry, smoky facets of birch tar, a traditional element in chypre and leather fragrances. Birch tar, with its deep, inky, and campfire smokiness, is often blended with synthetics to temper its intensity and smooth its edges, enhancing wearability while preserving its bold character. The balsamic sweetness and resinous warmth of styrax, sourced from Southeast Asia, rounds out the drydown, infusing the fragrance with a comforting, honeyed ambergris-like softness that gently cushions the smoky leather and powdery iris.

Together, these ingredients form a floral chypre composition that is both sophisticated and sensuous—a delicate balance of radiant citrus, lush florals, and a warm, smoky, leathery base. The interplay of natural essences and carefully chosen aroma chemicals results in a perfume that is fresh yet deep, elegant yet approachable, and timeless in its appeal.

Bottle:

The bottle is a modern updated version of the Flacon Classique, a parfum bottle first used for Magie in 1963. This updated version incorporates a spray mechanism in the bottle while the "stopper" makes up the cap.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Despite its celebrated reformulation and refined new expression, Cuir de Lancôme was eventually discontinued by 2012. Nevertheless, this modern iteration stands as a respectful homage to the original, balancing classic leather elegance with contemporary floral freshness, and reaffirming Lancôme’s ability to evolve timeless scents for new generations.