Magnifique

Magnifique, inspired by Lancôme Magnifique (2008)

Saffron gives Magnifique a leathery, faintly metallic start, and cumin adds a warm, skin-like spice. The rose that follows is two roses, Bulgarian and May rose, brightened with jasmine but never sweet. Most of its character lies in the base: sandalwood, vetiver and nagarmotha (also called cypriol), a root that smells smoky and earthy. A little vanilla and powder soften the end without turning it gourmand.

About the original

Olivier Cresp and Jacques Cavallier composed Magnifique, launched by Lancôme in July 2008 with Anne Hathaway as its face. The brand presented it as an interpretation of the colour red. Now Smell This called it daring for a mainstream brand because of its spicy woody structure. It no longer appears in Lancôme's range.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Lancôme stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Cold weather and evenings show it at its best. Lovers of spiced roses and dry woods will appreciate how little sugar it carries. Cumin and smoky roots are polarising, so it can read as too austere or earthy for anyone wanting a classic pretty rose.

Related scents

• Lancome Oud Ambroisie
• Yves Saint Laurent Magnificent Gold

Notes of the original fragrance, as given in the launch information.

Top notes: Saffron, Cumin

Heart notes: Bulgarian Rose, May Rose, Jasmine

Base notes: Sandalwood, Nagarmotha, Vetiver

Saffron and cumin open together, spicy and slightly leathery.

Bulgarian rose and May rose come through with jasmine, rosy but kept dry by the spice.

Sandalwood, nagarmotha and vetiver finish it, smoky and earthy with a faint ambery warmth.

Is Lancôme Magnifique discontinued?

It no longer appears in Lancôme's range, and it is widely reported as discontinued. Some retailers still sell remaining bottles.

Does Magnifique smell of cumin?

Cumin is in the opening alongside saffron. It gives a warm, slightly savoury spice that settles as the rose and woods take over.

Is this related to YSL Magnificent Blossom?

No. Magnifique is a Lancôme fragrance from 2008; the similar YSL names belong to different perfumes.

Is Lancôme Magnifique coming back?

So far, we have found no announcement from Lancôme that it will return. Our version is an eau de parfum in 50 ml or 100 ml.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Lancome and Magnifique are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Lancome in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.