My job, as a beauty journalist, involves testing and reviewing a lot of perfumes, but one that has stayed within my top 10 on constant rotation? Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle. And tens of thousands of people online seem to agree, saying that it is "the best scent ever!" Aka, kryptonite for both women and men. Intrigued? Well, there's a lot to break down, including many different iterations of the iconic perfume, how they differ and how to know which one is for you. So, if you're in the market for a new fragrance, listen up and take notes... literally.
What does Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle smell like?
The original Lancôme La Vie Est Belle is categorised as a floral fruity gourmand, so it's perfect for anyone who loves a scent good enough to eat. Top notes are blackcurrant and pear; middle notes are iris, jasmine and orange blossom; base notes are praline, vanilla, patchouli and tonka bean.
In terms of similar fragrances on the market, La Vie Est Belle can be likened to Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb and Giorgio Armani Si. They all have gourmand notes, a floral heart, woody base, longevity and a feminine vibe.
Essentially, on first whiff, it smells like a sweet rose garden, but as it wears, it deepens with sexier, punchier notes.
Is La Vie Est Belle long-lasting?
As someone who has been wearing La Vie Est Belle since their teen years, I can confirm that it is the most long-lasting perfume I have ever tried. Bold statement, I know but it's the kind of scent that will linger on your clothes not only for days after but until they are re-washed.
La Vie Est Belle iterations
Since its 2012 launch, La Vie Est Belle has taken the world by storm, so much so that the brand has expanded the scent with a collection of different iterations. But what is the difference between them all? Well, read on below:
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Elixir Eau de Parfum Spray, 100ml
Unlike their more diluted counterparts (au de parfums, au de toilettes), elixir perfumes contain a higher concentration of aromatic ingredients. Specifically, they contain the highest concentration of perfume oil, ranging from 20% to 40%. This delicate balance allows La Vie Est Belle Elixir to offer a more potent and longer-lasting allure on the skin.
Differentiating the scent, however, comes an intense addition of violet leaf absolute, which smells like Parma Violet sweets. Aka, it smells like a candy shop!
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Rose Extraordinaire, 100ml
As its name would suggest, this iteration of La Vie Est Belle highlights rose – and three different types, at that! We're talking fresh rose water, sensual damascena absolue and space rose accord. Its floral heart is enhanced by an enveloping signature with woody musk undertones.
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu, 100ml
Like an elixir,' absolu' fragrances typically refer to a concentrated extract with a high percentage of oil. Lancôme markets this as a "new intense and alluring interpretation of La vie est belle embodied by our iconic Iris Pallida in our most concentrated form, diffusing an irresistible floral heart." To my nose, the accents of fig accord, blackcurrant, jasmine iris, add a green and juicy summery freshness to the scent.
Reinterpreting the iconic La Vie Est Belle comes the Gold L'Extrait. The brand says it blends the signature jasmine scent with a powerful, yet delicate woody accord – and we couldn't agree with the "sensual" description any more. It's deeper and sexier than ever.
La Vie Est Belle is now refillable! Instead of repurchasing an entire bottle, use the new refill to help save 50% glass, 46% plastic, 46% cardboard, and reduce the carbon footprint of the product.
Glowing 5* reviews:
On the Lancôme website alone, over 13,000 people have given the product a 5-star review. Read some standouts below.
"Everyone comments on how nice I smell and I am allergic to most perfumes on the market and so was delighted when I tried a sample given to me at John Lewis shop to find it very pleasant on the nose and everyone agrees with me. LOVE THE SMELL"
"I receive lots of compliments every time I wear this perfume. Am hooked"
"I love this perfume and everytime I wear it my boyfriend can't keep his hands off me!! Wear it for that special someone, you won't regret it! 😁"
"This fragrance is definitely in a class of its own. I get so many compliments, The richness, every note included in the process of making this wonderful fragrance is truly noticeable. I have found my forever scent. Luxurious, vibrant and beautiful. The best purchase ever."
"I’ve been using this perfume for years. Get so many compliments each time I wear it. You’ll never go wrong purchasing!!!!"
"Worn this for many years. I have people stop me and ask what I am wearing. Love this scent."
"I bought it for my mom! She loves it and she told me she wants it again."
"I’ve had men follow me and ask what perfume I’m wearing. It’s not because I’m young and cute, I’m a 75 year old woman!!"
"One of my favorite scents-on me it reads a little woodsy, floral and downright lovely. Receive compliments regularly when I wear it. It’s just an absolutely wonderful scent."
I mean, if that ain't enough to convince you, IDK what is! You know who to credit when the compliments become never-ending...
Follow Lia on Instagram.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
