Perfume Houses ~ K to L

Lancôme was founded by Armand Petitjean in 1935 as a cosmetics and fragrance house. Petitjean had formerly worked for Francois Coty, and he began his line with five fragrances: Tendre Nuit, Bocages, Conquete, Kypre and Tropiques. Later releases include Magie (1950), Tresor (1952), Ô de Lancôme (1969), Poeme (1995) and Miracle (2000).

In 2005, Lancôme began to reissue some of their classic fragrances under the line La Collection Lancôme. The initial set included Magie, Climat (1967), Sagamore (1985) and Sikkim (1971). In 2006, they added Mille et Une Roses, a reissue of 1999's 2000 et Une Rose. In 2007, Cuir de Lancôme was released, but not in the US. Peut-Être was launched in 2008.

In 2006, Lancôme launched Collection Voyage, a series of travel retail-exclusive scents, with Tropiques (2006). Benghal followed in 2007, Cyclades in 2008.

Recent releases include Hypnôse (2005), Trésor Eau De Printemps Sheer (2006), Miracle Forever (2006), Hypnose Homme (2007), Hypnose Sheer (2007), Tresor Sparkling (2007), Tresor Elixir (2007), Hypnose Homme Fresh (2008).

L'Oreal acquired Lancôme in 1964. In 2006, Lancôme opened its first freestanding boutique & spa in New York.

Website: Lancome

French couture house established by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889. The first fragrance, Irisé, appeared in 1923. Well known fragrances from Lanvin include My Sin (1925), Arpege (1927, relaunched 1993) and Scandal (1933). Arpege was created for Lanvin's daughter, Marguerite, and is known for the bottle design featuring a drawing of Lanvin and her daughter by artist Paul Iribe. A complete list of the house's fragrances, including discontinued scents, is available on the Lanvin website (see link below).

The Lanvin fragrance license is owned by Inter Parfums.

Modern releases from Lanvin include Oxygene (2000), Eclat d'Arpege (2002), Lanvin Vetyver (2003), Arpege Pour Homme (2005), Rumeur (2006), Lanvin L'Homme Silver (2006), Eclat d'Arpege Summer (2007), Rumeur 2 Rose (2008).

Website: Lanvin

High end lingerie and accessories line; the men's counterpart is known as Grigioperla. Fragrances were introduced in 1986 with La Perla, now known as La Perla Classic. Other fragrances include IO La Perla (1995) and Eclix (2000).

Recent releases include Blue (2004), Charme (2005), Grigioperla Attitude (2006), Grigioperla Hedo (2007), Love Frills trio (Dark Extacy, Languid Vanilla, Ruby Perlage, all 2007), J'aime (2007).

Where to buy: department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Website: La Perla

Swiss skincare line. Fragrances were introduced in 1993 with La Prairie. Recent releases include Silver Rain (2004), Midnight Rain (2006) and Brilliance Silver Rain (2006).

Website: La Prairie

Paris-based niche line of perfumes and scented body products.

Where to buy: at b-glowing, beautyhabit, hamptonct.

French niche perfume house founded by Jean Laporte in 1976. Laporte later left the brand to establish Maître Parfumeur et Gantier.

In 2003 L’Artisan was acquired by Cradle Holdings, but they have recently been spun off as an independent, privately held company.

Fragrances include Mure et Musc (1978), Vanilia (1978), Voleur de Roses (1993), Premier Figuier (1994), Drole de Rose (1996), Mechant Loup (1997), Passage d'Enfer (1999), Dzing! (1999), Jacinthe des Bois (2000), Verte Violette (2000), Framboise Tralala (2001), The des Sables (2001), Un Bouquet en Mai (2001), Safran Troublant (2002), Piment Brulant (2002), Poivre Piquant (2002), Premier Figuier Extreme (2003) and Fou d'Absinthe (2006), L'Eau de Jatamansi (2007) among others.

L'Artisan also produces a number of home and car fragrances. See L'Ambre candle, Sous La Glycine candle, Intreccio no. 1 candle, Tilleuls au Vent room spray, Aedes de Venustas room spray. See also: announcement for the Chez Moi fragrance diffuser.

Special series from L'Artisan:

Every summer, L'Artisan produces a summer limited edition (if it is popular, it eventually gets added to the regular line). The special editions are in "fun" bottles, and usually cost less per ounce than the regular line. Summer editions include Thé Pour Un Été (1996, now in regular line), La Chasse aux Papillons (1999, now in regular line), Fleur de Carotte (2000), Un Zeste d'Ete (2003), Ananas Fizz (2004, now in regular line, and also see review for Creme d'Ananas, the matching body cream), Extrait de Songe /L' Ete en Douce (2005) and Mandarine Tout Simplement (2006).

In 2003, L'Artisan introduced a series of travel-inspired fragrances with Bois Farine. Timbuktu followed in 2004; Dzongkha in 2006.

In 2005, L'Artisan introduced Fleur d'Oranger 2005, the first of a projected series of "harvest" fragrances, e.g., fragrances based on a particular harvest of flowers. These fragrances are more expensive than those in the regular line, and feature more elaborate packaging. The 2006 entry in this series is Fleur de Narcisse. For 2007, there are 2: Iris Pallida 2007 and Fleur d'Oranger 2007.

Where to buy: aedes, beautycafe, luckyscent. Also carried by Henri Bendel and Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and at selected Neiman Marcus and Barneys stores. L'Artisan has several free-standing boutiques in New York and London (see shopping reports for the L'Artisan boutique on Madison Ave in New York City and on Marylebone High Street in London).

In Brussels, L'Artisan is available at senteursdailleurs; in Germany, at first-in-fragrance, in the UK, at escentual.

Website: L'Artisan Parfumeur

Italian fashion designer who presented her first collection for women in 1972; Biagiotti is now known as the "queen of cashmere".

Fragrances include Roma (1988), Venezia (1992), Laura (1994), Roma Uomo (1994), Sotto Voce (1996), Emotion (2001), Aqua di Roma (men & women, 2004).

Recent releases include Due Donna & Due Uomo (2006), Laura Biagiotti Donna (2008).

Website: Laura Biagiotti

French makeup artist who established her own line in 1996. In 2001, she added fragrance with L'Heure Magique, and a scented bath collection, Collection Gourmande.

Recent releases include Ambre Passion (2005), the Eau Gourmande Collection (2006), Violette Eau Gourmande (2008), Neroli (2008).

Where to buy: high end department stores, including Saks, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Website: Laura Mercier

Eponymous line of Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto. See review for Plaisir.

Recent releases include Anni Venti (2007).

Where to buy: now rather hard to find in the US. In early 2008, parfum1 had a small selection.

Website: Laura Tonatto

Line of vanilla-based fragrances established in 2007 by Laura DiGirolamo and Danielle Raynor. Lavanila reportedly uses a "healthy" formula with "treatment benefits" from antioxidants and vitamins.

Fragrances were introduced with Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit and Vanilla Blossom (2007). Subsequent releases include Vanilla Coconut (2008).

Where to buy: at beauty.com, nordstrom or sephora.

Website: Lavanila

Italian line of all natural perfumes, attars and aromatherapy products. La Via del Profumo also sells components, including animal-derived raw materials and tincturing kits.

Website: La Via del Profumo

See Calypso St Barth.

Le Couvent des Minimes is a L'Occitane-owned brand of fragrances and bath & body products that was established in 2004. The formulas were "inspired" by historical recipes used by the nuns at the convent of the same name in Provence. Current lines include Lavender & Acacia, Verbena & Lemon, and Honey & Shea.

Where to buy: at bathandbodyworks and bigelowchemists in the US, at Marionnaud in France.

Website: Le Couvent des Minimes

French niche line established in 1976 by perfumer Yuri Gutsatz.

Website: Le Jardin Retrouve

Niche perfume line established by Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roschi (both formerly of Giorgio Armani fragrances) in 2006. Le Labo started with 10 fragrances by well-known perfumers, and is known for blending the essential oils with alcohol and water at the time of purchase.

Initial releases in early 2006 were Fleur d'Oranger 27, Jasmin 17, Labdanum 18 (originally Ciste 18), Ambrette 9, Iris 39, Bergamote 22, Rose 31, Vetiver 46, Patchouli 24 and Neroli 36. In each case, the number in the fragrance name refers to the number of notes that make up the scent's composition.

Tubereuse 40 (2006) was the first in a series of city-exclusive fragrances; it is sold in-store in Le Labo's New York venues only (no phone or internet orders). Later city-exclusives include Aldehyde 44 (2006, Dallas), Vanille 44 (2007, Paris).

Where to buy: through the website or the free-standing boutiques in Nolita (New York), Los Angeles or Tokyo; at Barneys in NYC, Las Vegas or Dallas; at Colette in Paris; at Liberty in London. In the works: a boutique in San Francisco.

Website: Le Labo

Fashion house established by Jacques Léonard in 1943. Daniel Tribouillard became designer and company director in 1958, and later purchased the company. Leonard is famous for their print designs; the line is very popular in France and in Asia, but less well known in the United States.

Fragrances include Balahe (1983) and Leonara (2002). Recent releases include L'Orchidee Leonard (2006).

Website: Leonard

See Absolument.

Line of children's fragrances inspired by the book of the same name by author Antoine de Saint Exupéry. See reviews of Le Petit Prince, Le Petit Prince B612 and La Rose du Petit Prince. Other fragrances include Dessine Moi un Mouton and Les Triplés.

Where to buy: at beautyhabit or Fred Segal.

Website: Le Petit Prince

French line of garden clothing, tools and accessories founded by Louis Albert de Broglie in 1995. A series of garden-inspired fragrances includes L'Eau du Prince Jardinier, Arboretum and Bouton de Rose.

Where to buy: beautyhabit, luckyscent.

Website: Le Prince Jardinier

Parisian day spa with four fragrances available in Eau de Soin (a body water formula) or Huile de Soin (body oil): Rose Confiture, Fleur d'Oranger, Jasmin or Musc Blanc.

Recent launches include Figuier à Bordighera, Citronnier en Sicile, Soleil de Corse et Verger en Méditerranée (2007).

Where to buy: aedes, beautyexclusive, beautyhabit, or newlondonpharmacy.

Website: Les Bains du Marais

Jewelry & perfumes. As of early 2008, the line included four fragrances: Chic-Chic, Clemarine, Magic Ethic and Mystica 48.

Website: Les Gens du Sud

See Eau d'Italie.

Indie perfume house established in Switzerland by René Schifferle. The line launched in 2006 with three perfumes, The Unicorn Spell, Let Me Play The Lion... and L'Antimatiere, all created by perfumer Isabelle Doyen.

Where to buy: from luckyscent in the US, first-in-fragrance in Germany, or directly from LesNEZ.

Website: LesNEZ

Paul Poiret (d.1944), the Parisian fashion designer, was famous for liberating women from corsets and popularizing harem pants. He launched what has been called the "first line of designer fragrances" in 1911, naming the house Parfums de Rosine after his daughter. The house flourished initially, but was eventually a victim of the Great Depression.

In 1991, Bernard and Marie-Hélène Rogeon opened their Paris boutique, Les Parfums de Rosine, and launched new versions of several of Poiret’s fragrances. The house specializes in rose-based fragrances. See reviews for Ecume de Rose, La Rose de Rosine scented candle.

Recent introductions include Rose d'Homme (2005), Une Folie de Rose (2005), Rose de Feu (2005), Rose d'Amour (2005), Twill Rose (2006), Diabolo Rose (2007), Rose Kashmirie (2007), Zephir de Rose (2008).

Where to buy: in the United States, at aedes, beautyhabit, your-cosmetics or at selected Barneys stores. In Germany, at first-in-fragrance.

Website: Les Parfums de Rosine

Ligne St Barth is a family-owned company from the island of St. Barthelemy. The line includes skin & body care items as well as a number of fragrances, including Vanille, Tiare, Lys & Santal.

Recent releases include Vanille West Indies, Quanalao, Tijuca, Les Alizés, Fleur de Canne à Sucre, Patchouli Arawak, Eau de St Barth and Fleur de Gingembre (2006).

Where to buy: at apothia, beautyhabit.

Website: Ligne St. Barth

Oregon-based jeweler who launched her own perfume line after working with Sarah Horowitz Thran of Creative Scentualization.

Recent releases include Pavo & Spectrum (2007).

Where to buy: b-glowing.

Website: Lily Lambert

See Ulric de Varens.

Skincare and bath/body line established by Lisa Hoffman (wife of actor Dustin Hoffman) in 2006.

Fragrances were introduced in 2007 with the Variations Collection (French Clary Sage, Tunisian Neroli and Tuscan Fig).

Where to buy: via apothia or Bergdorf Goodman in the US, Colette in Paris, Harvey Nichols in the UK, or via the website (see below).

Website: Lisa Hoffman

Upscale skin and body care line inspired by India.

Fragrances include Monsoon Season (Saison des Pluies in France, 2006).

Where to buy: in the US at beautyhabit and Henri Bendel.

Website: Lisa Simon

Montreal-based company founded by Lise Watier, who started in 1968 with a spa, L'Institut Lise Watier, and in 1972 established her own cosmetics brand.

Fragrances include Neiges (1996), a best seller in Canada, and Neiges Pour Homme (1999).

Recent releases include Desirable (2008).

Website: Lise Watier

The Liz Claiborne line was founded in 1976 by Liz Claiborne, Art Ortenberg and Leonard Boxer. The line's early offerings focussed on career clothing and sportswear for women. Claiborne and Ortenberg retired in 1989; Liz Claiborne herself passed away in 2007. Liz Claiborne brands now include Dana Buchman, Ellen Tracy, Curve, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand Jeans, and Mexx. 

Fragrances were introduced in 1986 with Liz Claiborne, followed by Claiborne for men (1989), Realities (1991) and Curve (1996), among others.

Recent releases include Liz (2005), Soul by Curve (2005), Lucky Number 6 (2006), Curve Chill (2006), Vintage Soul by Curve (2006), Curve Kicks for women & men (2007), GraphiteBlue by Realities (2007), SweetDesire by Realities (2007), Mambo Mix (2007), Bora Bora Exotic (2007), Curve Connect (2008).

Where to buy: department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Website: Liz Claiborne

Ohio-based artisanal perfume house formerly known as Zz's Petals.

Recent releases include the LZ Artisan collection (Man Spray, Citrine Rose, Jhango Bay, Palomino & Allegory, all 2007) and the Good Luck Series (Ankhara, Calcutta, Chado, Quan Yin, Oolong & Yin Hao, 2007), Peace on Earth (2007).

Website: Liz Zorn

French retailer of bath, body and home fragrance products. The company was established by Olivier Baussan in Provence in 1976; the first boutique opened in Paris in 1986. Today there are over 500 boutiques worldwide.

See reviews for Verbena/Verveine, Eau des Baux, Candied Fruit Solid Home Perfume, Amber Home Perfume Spray, Honey Foaming Jelly for Body & Hair and Green Tea with Mint Leaf-Light Body Gel.

Recent releases include Citrus Verbena Summer (2006), Ruban d'Orange (2006), Rose & Reine (2007), Cherry Blossom (2007), White Tea (2007), Notre Flore Cedre, Myrte, Iris & Neroli (2007), Honey & Lemon (2007), Feu d'Orange (2008), Cherry (2008).

Where to buy: at L'Occitane boutiques, Nordstrom, beautyhabit.

Website: L'Occitane

Established in 1846 as a leather goods store in Madrid; today, Loewe is one of the luxury fashion, leather goods and accessories brands in the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy stable.

Fragrances include Agua de Loewe (2000), Esencia Femme (2002), Aire de Verano (2003).

Recent fragrance releases include I Loewe You (2005), Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (2007).

Website: Loewe

French ready-to-wear fashion house founded by Josiane Pividal, who changed her name to Lolita Lempicka after the brand became popular. Fragrances are created under arrangements with the Korean company Amore Pacific.

Fragrances were introduced with Lolita Lempicka (1997).  A variation, Lolita Lempicka Midnight, was introduced as a limited edition in 2004, and been followed by Midnight Stardust (2005?), Midnight Sun (2006), Midnight Flower (2007).

Other scents in the line include Lolita Lempicka Au Masculin (2001) and L de Lolita Lempicka (2006).

Recent releases include Les Caprices de Lolita (2007), Fleur Defendue / Forbidden Flower, Coral Flower (2008).

Where to buy: at department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Website: Lolita Lempicka

Personal care line founded by Margot Wells in 2004. The initial launch included 3 fragrances: Breathe, Dream and Relax, each available in a variety of products including Eau de Parfum, candles, sachets, etc.

Recent releases include Wish, Inspire & Believe (2007), Always (2007).

Where to buy: at beautyhabit, drugstore.com, your-cosmetics.

Website: Lollia

French cosmetics firm founded in 1907 with single hair dye product; today, L'Oreal is one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world.

L'Oreal does not market any fragrances under the L'Oreal brand name, but owns or has licensing arrangements with the following brands: Cacharel, Diesel, Giorgio Armani, Kiehls, Lancome, Paloma Picasso, Ralph Lauren fragrances, Viktor & Rolf.

In early 2008, the following fragrance licenses were added to the L'Oreal group: Boucheron, Ermenegildo Zegna, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent.

Website: L'Oreal

Los Angeles-based jewelry designer with three fragrances: Gothic I, Gothic II, Gothic III.

Where to buy: at lacremebeauty and selected Neiman Marcus locations.

Website: Loree Rodkin

Italian perfumer (see an interview with Lorenzo Villoresi here) who launched his eponymous niche line in 1990. In 2006, Lorenzo Villoresi won the Prix Francois Coty.

Popular perfumes include Teint de Neige and Piper Nigrum. See reviews for Donna (1994), Musk (1995), Garofano (1995), Dilmun (2000) and Yerbamate (2001).

Recent releases include Alamut (2006).

Where to buy: at aedes, lacremebeauty, lafcony, your-cosmetics. In Canada, try theperfumeshoppe; in Germany, first-in-fragrance.

Website: Lorenzo Villoresi

Niche line made in France, inspired by Morroco. See brief review of Jasmin.

Where to buy: at beautyhabit or lacremebeauty.

Provence-based line of scented bath & body products and home fragrances.

Website: Lothantique

Niche line of fragrances, body and skin care established in Brittany in 2006 by Antoine Vuillermet. Fragrances include Aod, Atao, Lann-Ael, Ael-Mat and Din-Dan.

Recent releases include Iroaz (2008).

Where to buy: through the website (see below) or from first-in-fragrance in Germany.

Website: Lostmarc'h

Lubin was established in Paris in 1798. According to Edwin Morris, the perfume house, "...which began under Napoléon and became linked with the name of his sister Princess Borghese, was the first to solicit the North American market, aiming particularly at the plantation culture of the southern United States" (Scents of Time, p. 87) Morris reports that Lubin was still a "major perfume house" in 1940s Paris. They continued to release new fragrances into the early 1980s before disappearing from the scene. You can read more about the history of Lubin here.

In 2005, the newly reestablished house of Lubin released Idole. More recent releases include L'Eau Neuve, Vetiver (2007).

Where to buy: at aedes, beautyhabit, luckyscent in the United States, and at first-in-fragrance in Germany.

Website: Lubin

Italian fashion designer who started out with Max Mara in the 1960s, then started his own business in 1982. Soprani died in 1999.

Fragrances include Donna (2004), Just Free (2005), Sulky (2005), Pretty Girl (2005).

Recent releases include Soloamore (2006), Miss Soprani (2007), D Luciano Soprani (2007).

Website: Luciano Soprani

See Liz Claiborne.

French fashion line established in 1996 and specializing in "affordable fashion" for women & children. Fragrances include LuluCastagnette, Indomptée, lol ;-), je t'M :-) and Lulu.

Recent releases include Just 4 U :-X (2007).

Website: Lulu Castagnette

Lulu Guinness established her fashion accessories business in London in 1989. Her eponymous fragrance launched in 2003, and was followed by Lifes a Bed of Roses (2003, limited edition), Pink Pearls (2005, limited edition), Cast a Spell (2005) and Fairytales (2006, limited edition).

Where to buy: sephora or selected department stores.

Website: Lulu Guinness

UK based. Lush began as Cosmetics To Go in 1988; the company, founded by Mark Constantine, was reconstituted as Lush in 1995. By 1997 they had 19 stores, today, they have over 350 worldwide.

Lush specializes in soaps and bath products, and features fun packaging and quirky names (Demon in the Dark soap, You Snap the Whip body butter). There are currently two fragrances, Ginger and Karma. A "sister company", B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful, also sells fragrance in addition to color cosmetics.

See reviews for Snowcake soap and Smitten hand cream, Bathos Bubble Bar, Lush Charity Pot, Jasmine & Henna Fluff Ease.

Recent releases include Go Green and a new solid perfume range (2007, see reviews of Silky Underwear and Potion).

Where to buy: at Lush boutiques or selected Macys stores.

Website: Lush