Disclaimer: I had no intention of trying Lancome La Vie Est Belle. Ever.
Word on the street has it, it’s similar to Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, a scent that never fails to make me want to puke – TOO. MUCH. SUGAR.
I like sweet scents, but not when they make me smell like like I’ve just fallen into a gigantic bowl of sugar. Know what I mean?
But then, Mr BWB gave me a sample of Lancome La Vie Est Belle. I had no choice. I had to try it now…
Top Notes
The fragrance opens with a fruity blend of pear and blackcurrant. It’s a hint of the sweetness to come.
Middle Notes
Lancome claims La Vie Este Belle is the first ever iris gourmand. It’s not. Guerlain Iris Ganashe has tried this accord before – with better results…
Iris is supposed to be at the core of the scent, but you can barely smell it. What you can smell is the sweetness. A high pitched note of tonka bean mixed with chocolate pralines is sprinkled with jasmine and orange blossom accents that give the composition a feminine vibe.
Bottom Notes
In the drydown, the sweet vanilla, tonka bean and chocolate accord mixes with a hint of patchouli and what’s left of jasmine. Both the jasmine and patchouli here are quite subtle and have none of the headstrong, intoxicating aspects that give character to a composition (and put off those women who like lighter and sweeter scents).
Performance & Personal Opinion
Bad news: Lancome La Vie Est Belle IS almost identical to Flowerbomb. *sighs*
Good news: It’s a subtler and less sweet version. Phew!
You could say Lancome La Vie Est Belle is Flowerbomb’s little sister, who hasn’t achieved the full sweet potential of her older sibling yet.
Lancome claims that La Vie Est Belle will fill your life with beauty. To me, it feels like it’s gonna feel it with chocolate, sugar and all kinds of sweets you can think of. Problem is, you can only smell them, not eat them. Bummer!
La Vie Est Belle? No, it’s just pretty. And boring. It’s just another of those fruity floral gourmand scents with patchouli that are so popular at the moment.
Predictable and unoriginal, its only merit is to be one of the most polished and understated compositions of this kind, so it could also appeal to teenagers as well as older women.
Sillage
It’s not so strong you can smell it a mile away, but it doesn’t stay too close to the skin either.
Staying Power
It lasts for the entire day. No need to touch-up.
Who Is This For?
Anyone who loves sweet gourmand scents, like Flowerbomb.
Who Is This Not For?
If you don’t like sweet candy scents or want something unique, this isn’t for you.
Packaging
Lancome La Vie Est Belle comes in a sleek pink and grey bottle, with a chic organza ribbon tied around its neck. That’s belle.
Does Lancome La Vie Est Belle Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| A unique olfactory signature perfume scent created by three of France’s leading perfumers. | I wouldn’t call it unique. It’s very unoriginal and generic. |
| Spread happiness with the first gourmand iris. | Sorry, Lancome! Other brands came up with this accord before you. |
Price & Availability
From $73.00 to $128.00 at Selfridges, Sephora, and Ulta
Do You Need It?
Nope. But if you’re looking for a subtler version of Flowerbomb, this is it.
Dupes & Alternatives
I’ve smelled this! It does smell really sweet and predictable. Have you smelled Giorgio Armani She? I haven’t yet but I want it. I’m going Black Friday shopping tonight!
Anyways, though you don’t celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving, Giorgia! I’m thankful for finding your fabulous blog and you. What I’ve learned is invaluable and I’m proud to be a reader!
Janessa, I agree. It’s way too sweet for my taste and, on top of that, it is predictable too. What a disappointment, although I’m sure it will have lots of fans. And no, I haven’t smelled that one yet, but I heard it’s a nice and understated winter scent.
Aww thank you so much! And I’m proud and thankful to have you as a reader. Happy Thanksgiving hun!
Sweet and fruity kills it for me, athough I do like citrus scents for daytime in the summer. I have a bottle of She and yes, it is a lovely winter fragrance!
Sherry, then you wouldn’t like it. I’m like you. I love citrusy scents but anything too sweet and fruity is a no-no. And I’m glad you like She too, I may have to ask for a sample at my local counter next time.
Oo! Thanks for your comment. :] I am going to place an order for it!