Our take
What does Ô de Lancôme smell like?
Lancôme launched Ô de Lancôme in 1969, created by Robert Gonnon. It sits halfway between an eau de cologne and a light chypre, and it bridges the two with remarkable ease. The opening is pure citrus. Lemon, bergamot and mandarin fizz like a freshly twisted peel. The heart is where it gets interesting. Basil and rosemary bring a summer-kitchen herb note while coriander adds a spicy grain. Jasmine and honeysuckle drift past without ever weighing things down. The base reminds you it is a chypre. Oakmoss lends a damp shade, vetiver an earthy dryness and sandalwood a little roundness. The formula has changed since its launch, as it has for nearly every chypre of that era. It remains one of the most elegant fresh scents at a modest price.
When to wear it
Spring and summer, for daytime and the office. Spray it freely, four or five times, and top up in the afternoon.
It belongs to the Chypre family. Ô de Lancôme is one of 33 creations by Lancôme in our encyclopedia.
