Fragrance house

Justine

Justine is a South African beauty brand founded in May 1973 by Veronica Devine and cosmetic chemist Paul Symes. Its founders set out to create botanical skincare combining nature and science for South Africa’s harsh climate, while educating and economically empowering South African women. The name was inspired by the heroine of Lawrence Durrell’s The Alexandria Quartet, characterized as mysterious, dynamic, strong, determined, feminine and alluring. Tissue Oil launched in 1973 and became a foundational skincare milestone in Justine’s South African heritage. Avon bought Justine in 1996, with the two brands retaining distinct identities and strategies within one company; Avon became part of Natura &Co in 2020. Justine’s public identity emphasizes African roots, products developed for South African women, science and nature, community and women’s empowerment. The brand is especially associated with Tabasheer, described as its signature and best-loved women’s fragrance since its first launch in 1995, with current Original, Rouge, Gold and Bloom variants.