La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu

Iris is my all time favorite note in perfumery (tied with herbal tea notes) and this is among the best Iris fragrances I’ve tried, and best part is, is that it never goes into jelly bean territory (like Chopard Iris Malika does). Lancôme Iris Absolu is so incredibly dense and syrupy sweet, which is usually not to my liking when it comes to fragrances, however....this is more unique than the original LVEB. I’ve smelled nearly all of them, and Iris Absolu is the only flanker I’ve enjoyed enough to buy a full bottle of. I go crazy over any scent that is makeup compact, earthy, vegetal, or iris based. And this fragrance has all of that in DROVES. The patchouli in this is still a smidge too strong for my liking, but unlike the original LVEB, the patchouli in this tapers off after a while (3 hours to be exact), and I’m left with a gorgeous root-y, creamy fig and earthy slightly powdery natural sweetness from the iris combined with a more artificial perfumed sweetness that comes from the gourmand caramelized orange blossom dessert accord that is becoming so popular in mainstream designer fragrances nowadays. However, this one just has a special ‘it’ factor to it that sets it apart from others. This brings to mind an artisanal iris cheesecake. The carrot seed is evident in the opening but it disappears quite quickly. The original LVEB DNA is still the spine that holds the interesting touches in this fragrance together, however Iris Absolu is much more toned down on the sweetness compared to the original LVEB, which I very much appreciate. Here’s my caveat: I’m not a fan of the application or the atomizer. This is such a strong, long lasting fragrance that, in my opinion, is closer to an extrait de parfum, so a tiny sprayer that dispenses a short burst of perfume would be so much better in helping me to dose my applications of this accordingly. That is EXACTLY why I prefer to use my tiny samples of this fragrance, instead of using my large bottle, since I get WAY too much perfume from the large bottle even with just one spray. I literally only need a few DROPS of this fragrance for it to last and project ALL DAY LONG. I’m trying to figure out how best to remedy this issue, and the only thing I can think of is going in store to check and see if the atomizer on the 1 oz bottle is indeed smaller than the atomizer on the 3.4 oz bottle that I have. Because if the atomizer on the smaller bottle is indeed smaller, it will dispense less product per spray, which would be MUCH better for me. So, as much as I want 3.4 oz of Iris Absolu, I may sell my large bottle in favor for the smaller bottle, if it means that I will get a more suitable application of fragrance. I’m not a fan of decanting perfumes into travel size vials (except if I’m traveling) because I prefer the experience of using the actual bottle, so once my samples of this run out (and they’re running out quick) then that’s unfortunately out of the question, I’m afraid. Other than the atomizer issue, Thumbs WAY up for this absolute joyful fragrance! Feminine, lively, exuberant, fun and elegant! EDIT 2/22/26: I am decluttering this. I stand by everything I said in my initial review but this perfume is way too heavy for the warm climate in which I live.

Powdery, Elegant, Sweet. If you tend to think that the original is too sweet, too cloying, unoriginal and boring, this flanker is made for you. It's still gourmand, but it's perfectly balanced, more subtle and less sticky sweet, less bubblegum and marshmallow like. You still get the DNA of the OG juice but with a prominent Iris note, it's powdery, fluffy, elegant and comforting somehow. The Iris is complimented by the Fig note, it adds a fruity touch and falls into the powdery aspect of the fragrance. The OG blend contains white florals, and they contrast pretty well with the powdery notes we have in our flanker. Even if it misses the Vanilla, Praline, Tonka Bean and Pear, making this blend more of a floral/fruity scent instead of a really sweet fruity/floral/gourmand, it still feels sweet. I feel like LVEB Iris Absolu is a more mature and elegant version of LVEB. It's really warm, performs incredibly well on clothes and skin, and has a wonderful sillage that some of my relatives complimented. As a lover of fruity and gourmand fragrances, leaning towards a new olfactory family made me discover this gem. I normally don't like florals such as Violet and Iris, but surprisingly, I adore the Iris note in LVEB Iris Absolu. The Fig note isn't a fruity note that I enjoy, but completely blends with the Iris and Patchouli. Same thing for Patchouli, if it smells too earthy, too strong, it reminds me of sweat and it makes me sick to my stomach. However, it is rather discreet and nicely blended, adds a touch of strength, depth and intensity to the perfume. Great fragrance for colder days and months, really suits for a date night, an event, an important meeting, etc... It's sexy yet elegant, strong yet really delicate scent, powdery yet a bit creamy. It defies itself and I love it. I think it suits women who have a mature mindset, that are elegant, sophisticated, and who are at least 18yo. Go and take a whiff at your closest perfume store, it's worth it. Even if the notes may not appeal you at first, you'll discover another facet of LVEB you wish you knew before, because I feel like we are tired of the OG since 2012, when it first came out. Not that it stinks, but just like Dior Sauvage, it became so common that you slowly get annoyed and sick just by smelling or hearing about it. I mean.... It's been overly exploited, so many flankers and special editions came out, that added nothing new to the scent neither to the line. This is why Iris Absolu gives a fresh feeling and a new interesting take to the line. 10/10, a bit expensive but completely worth it !

This is the only LVEB I REALLY like. It's beautiful and has great performance, and the Iris is dominant even in the dry down which I have no other perfume with that characteristic and appreciate A LOT iris is my favorite note next to rose. But I already have Donna by Valentino (the reformulated version made in France, the old one was made in Spain - I love them both and can't tell the difference personally, but some ppl like the OG formulation better). Just Donna, NOT Donna BIR, and Donna and LVEBIA smell so similar to me I don't really need both in my collection. But since Donna is up there with Mon Guerlain (any of them I love the EdP and every single flanker they released for that line so far) for my all time favorite perfumes, I don't mind having another perfume that smells very similar to Donna because I fly through those 100ml bottles of Donna so fast that it's the only perfume I have a backup of and LVEBIA can be considered another backup even though it has that same ass Jasmine and Orange Blossom combo in the mid and Donna has rose and iris and leather making it smell even more like a leather bag of makeup and I LOVE rose but the iris takes center stage so much in LVEBIA it does not smell like every single other perfume thats popular right now with that same ol' Jasmine and Orange/Orange Blossom/tangerine. I get so tired of smelling it. I swear to God it's the mid in every popular designer perfume made in the past 10 years. PLEASE PERFUMERS PICK ANOTHER FLOWER/S! Performance is great for LVEBIA, as well. And beautiful bottle. Wish the atomizer dispersed the perfume in a little wider circumference. That's my only complaint. I'd wear it anytime anywhere. It's my favorite next to Donna and MG...and I have an embarrassing amount of the most popular perfumes in my collection right now. Lol

It's gorgeous. The best of the family. It is a perfected essence of LVEB. Exactly what I loved about it without everything I did not like about the original. No harsh edges. It is so warm yet floral, as in, natural. The essences are nearly chewy in texture. Iris is ever present and in its best, gourmand version - iris candies with the carroty nuance that adds a refreshing edge. It is also the gorgeous orange blossom and jasmine that are making it a sweet delight in summer. Though it is also a perfect autumn-winter. It heats up on my skin clothed in warm clothes and I over-sprayed with 2 sprays on my neck. There were minutes I was afraid it will overwhelm me so note to self- one spray on neck or decollete is enough when the skin is heated up. But it was not as bad as in the classic. Especially since Iris Absolu is soft. Vivid and sweet but soft and cozy. One of the coziest scents I know. It has every harsh edge softened and I love its sillage and power. It is perfect. Since I fell in love with this scent and immediately acquired a big bottle I am waking up in a gorgeous bubble of sweet iris and I love it. It lasts 12+hours. And the bottle is gorgeous. Made with attention to details. It has Lancome rose on the stopper and my 30ml classic does not. Compared to the classic it is similar but softer and sweeter in a gentle way. Without the harsh fruity notes and without the salty heart that makes stomach turn when over-sprayed. I highly recommend testing it if you loved the classic but it was making you sick. This is much more gentle when over-sprayed and just so lovely all the time. The floral heart is delightful yet still the flowers join and enhance iris. The fig is there but in orange blossom shadow. The currant is also tamed. The classic LVEB lasts 3 days on my wrist, Iris Absolu 2 days.

Wow, this is super pretty. I just have a 2-ml vial, and I'm sure I'll use every last drop. I know I keep complaining that there isn't enough iris in supposely iris-forward fragrances to suit me, but LVEB Iris Absolu delivers. The fig notes are luscious but not too treacly, and they work really well with the other accords to support the center-stage iris, which is, to my great relief, a little earthy, a little powdery, a little candylike, and to my nose quite persuasive. I'm not very familiar with the original LVEB, if you can believe it--I haven't been to a department store in ages, I guess--but I find this flanker impressive. I also don't find the patchouli as nauseating as it often seems to me when paired with sweet fruity notes, or really anything remotely gourmand. LVEB IA has the kind of iris that I was hoping to get in Shalimar Millésime iris, which to me, disappointingly, seemed to evoke less iris than the OG Shalimar. Update: Liked enough to buy a full bottle when I saw a good deal. I'm such a sucker for a strong iris accord, and this one really is one of the best. Update: The almond notes are really coming out a lot for me in this wearing--I don't see them listed, but maybe it's part of the mysterious "gourmand accord."

Oh my god this perfume is so beautiful! I don’t think any positive review could quite do it justice! I had tried the OG before this flanker and whilst I thought it was very feminine and sweet which I tend to love it was almost too sickly sweet to me and did not have enough of a floral note for me to truly indulge in it. However, when I tried this one - it was immediately lovely and stayed so for the next 8+ hours! Seriously, this scent does NOT fade even after washing my hands multiple times throughout the day. It starts as this beautiful creamy and syrupy iris with distinct richness then dries down to a sweet almost dessert like vanilla meringue (but you can still smell some florals!) which is simply divine. I had expectations, but this perfume really outperformed it for me. If you’re looking for something distinctly feminine and sweet without the headache of the OG, then this is for you! Some people say this is sultry or more mature and whilst I can sort of understand how the notes could be interpreted as that - it is quite versatile to me, I think it’s something a little bit more nuanced and interesting ... truly a beauty in my eyes! Perfect for anytime of year but performs best in the colder months in my opinion.

OK. Yes. WOW is this licorice-y at first. I dislike the opening, there's something about the notes that definitely register as black licorice candy to me. However, it does settle out of that as the notes begin to meld and converge on the skin (or on paper, I tested both). And oh my Lord...once it does, I actually love it. I really like the original LVEB. I'm neither a diehard fan, nor a hater, nor ambivalent, but I like it. However, this flanker is smooooth dude! It's softer, plushier, more of a rounded gourmond as opposed to super toothache-y sweet praline (which I actually like too, I sometimes crave a mega gourmond, so no shade). This here smells like a danish pastry. So much so, that I cannot quit thinking about that association. I keep compulsively smelling the paper that I sprayed it on because it registers as more straight vanilla on my skin. It's so nice, and the patchouli here really adds some fantastic depth. It's honestly what I would call a 'gourmond with class'. I'm really impressed. I don't usually enjoy flankers of iconic perfumes more, but this is a lovely exception (again, really like the OG too and would give it an 8). This is an easy 9 for me if I would give it a shotgun rating. Beautiful stuff.

This is my favorite of the La Vie Est Belle collection and perhaps the most unique. (The other LVEB I like is Soleil Cristal and was originally going to purchase that instead, but for me, Soleil smelled better on the testing paper than on my skin, while Iris Absolu smelled much better on my skin than on paper. Soleil Cristal is lovely too though!) The first thing I notice is big floral notes, orange blossom, violet. Iris from beginning to end. Big floral is not usually what I go for. While a tiny bit discordant when first sprayed, the drydown is so much better! That's when luscious fig appears and it also has an earthiness about it, only slightly patchouli, and a little bit sweet, with the florals also still present, all balanced. The only quibble I have is that after a few hours wear, it can become slightly powdery; if they could remove whatever that is, it would be near perfect. This fragrance is not for a blind buy, find out how it works on your skin before purchase. Iris Absolu is fanciful yet earthy. Like someone who is a dreamer, yet has both feet on the ground. Makes me think of late summer, when it is becoming autumn, and all autumn long.

When I tried this in store with a group of people we all agreed the first spray smelled like ‘fresh pencil shavings, and strawberries and cream lollies’, youthful notes reminiscent of school. But as that quickly dissipated the floral put its foot down and declared itself not for little girls. The OG LVEB is so powerfully feminine in a mature yet obvious way, one test filled my house with powdery petals until the air was practically pink. OG LVEB announces you with the confidence of an established woman but still stays within a strict definition of what is female, offending few. But this Iris has a darker, sharper edge helped along by the wood - still powerful but less willing to please, and with a masculine undercurrent. As though you stepped out all talc and vanilla but then pressed against a man who favours classic violets and likes things from oak barrels. Not with overtly sexy man-eating intent. Just enough for your husband to wonder where you’ve been. It’s quite contradictory and intriguing, twisting the in-your-face femininity that is the original. The attention gathering allure of sweetness remains, but you might get your heart broken.

I have so many beautiful memories tied to this fragrance. It was the only perfume I brought with me on my trip to Paris in the fall. Each morning, before heading out to explore the city, I would spray Iris Absolu—wrapping myself in its comforting, elegant aura. Whether I was strolling through the streets taking in the sights, savoring pastries in cozy cafés, shopping in charming little boutiques, or losing myself in the timeless art of Parisian museums, Iris Absolu was always with me. Now, whenever I smell it, I’m instantly transported back to those days. To me, Iris Absolu has become the scent of Paris itself. It captures the indulgent, decadent side of the city with its sweet, modern gourmand accord, yet it’s balanced by a super-powdery iris that lends the fragrance a poised, classic aristocratic feel. It smells like expensive makeup from the 1980s combined with sugary pastries in the best way possible! That duality—modern indulgence and old-world elegance—reminds me so much of Paris itself: a city where tradition and modernity coexist effortlessly. To me, Iris Absolu is Paris in a bottle. Sweet but classic, indulgent but poised.

First time wearing and I am in the office today. This is the most beautiful candied iris. It’s slightly synthetic but that is part of the appeal for me—the recognizable “make-up” scent. It captures the many facets of my personality well, a bit vain and flirtatious (I’m honest about who I am), but also nurturing and warm. It is a very sophisticated gourmande. You will not smell like vanilla cake and marshmallow. There also isn’t a distinguishable fruity note per se, but there is a general sweetness that I associate with ripe deep colored fruits from the fig and black currant. The white florals are supporting characters here. My office is quite cold and I feel that with some warmth, the orange blossom and jasmine would really sing. I’m curious to try this is the sunny spring as a comparison. As for longevity, she lasts! 4 hours later and still smells of the first spray. We will see how the rest of the day goes but LVEB performs so really no question there really. Definitely signature worthy and among my current favorites.

I also saw the video of Soki London saying that this is discontinued. I really hope it isn't true. It only came out just over 12 months ago. I bought my first bottle when it first came out last year. It was a gift to myself, to cheer myself up because I was very ill. It was love at first sniff. And the only perfume I could wear all last year, while I was so ill. And then again the beginning of this year. Being pretty much the only perfume I wore for so long, I went through my first 50 ml bottle in just one year. I had already bought a back up bottle that I'm using now. Then I bought another back up bottle. And then another. And then when I heard Soki London saying it was being discontinued I've bought another. So that is one 50 ml bottle in use. And 3 back up bottles. I do have a bad habit of falling in love with perfumes that get discontinued. Alien Essence Absoule, Manifesto L'Elixir. But I've never had this many back up bottles of just one perfume before. Why do they always get rid of the good ones?

I left a review for LVEB Iris Absolu almost exactly a year ago today. Upon checking, I'd mentioned that this one would have to be put away until Winter. I think that I only used it once in colder weather. For some reason, I decided to spray some. It'll be Summer in Australia in a few days and it's already getting uncomfortably warm. Perhaps my bottle needed to macerate or it was suffering from travel (bottle) shock for today it smells completely different. Previously it was cool and distant (but beautiful). Today it's gorgeous in all of its richness, the Iris is deep and airy, the fig is syrupy and the orange blossom and gourmand notes are present in all of their glory. There's a lesson here (for me at least). I've always thought that Iris and Violet are dedicated to Winter and cool weather. Today. LVEB is like a completely different fragrance. Dreamy, joyful and sophisticated. Possibly the best LVEB flanker of all. Time to bring her out to shine ....

They finally fixed LVEB! This is it! This is what I wish LVEB had been all along. The iris is pronounced, silky, and gorgeous. Iris is precisely the note that rounds out LVEB into its best self. I suppose it was worth the 11-year wait. When first sprayed, it reminds me of the sadly discontinued Shalimar Parfum L’Initial de Guerlain, from which LVEB took a great deal of inspiration. After it settles for a couple of hours it reminds me of the sadly discontinued Estée Lauder Beautiful Belle Love except without as much citrus and no beachy notes. I wish these two discontinued beauties were easier to find, but LVEB Iris Absolu takes their place with a beautiful, approachable, and classic composition. I would say this is the perfect LVEB flanker, but it’s better than just a flanker. It definitely stands on its own while filling a niche that had been left vacant for a while. It’s beautiful. Totally bottle worthy. I hope it remains in the lineup indefinitely.

Very nice. I tested it first at a store and loved it, tiene got a full bottle. Applied it today for the first time since I got it, and I might hace overdone it with the sprays, it has a very strong sillage and everyone I have seen today notices it from quite a distance; even though it has recieved good comments and compliments, I don't feel comfortable knowing it might be invasive if someone doesn't like it. I got into my car and it was filled with it within a few seconds. Next time I'll try with only a few sprays. If you want to be noticed and make a statement, go ahead! Its cozy and sweet, but might work in warmer climates if you use only a little of it. Perfect for colder seasons. It feels adult, serious and sophisticated, but not old-lady-ish. It can be flirty, but not a sexy scent in my opinion. Overall I liked it and will continue using it, just reserved for some ocassions I think might justify the strong statement it makes!

I am not a fan of LVEB, but I am a big fan of iris, so when I saw this at Ulta I had to at least try it out. I definitely smell a lot of earthy, starchy iris from the beginning. I don't notice any fig or florals at all (like orange blossom suggested in the pyramid). The note that really turns me off of LVEB is an overwhelming synthetic, ambery vanilla that reminds me of very stale graham crackers. I start to notice it in this fragrance, but it's dialed way back so that it blends more. There's some noticeable artificial "berry" in this. Somewhere in the mid-phase I am reminded of panna cotta with berry compote, however this perfume never becomes too sweet. I smell a creamy iris in the dry down blended with the earthy iris from earlier. Overall it's more of a gauzy fragrance than the OG rather than in-your-face, and one spray lasts all day on me. I fell in love and purchased a large bottle.

This flanker smells similar to the original, with added touches. The gourmand accord is the same as in the original La Vie est Belle. This Belle Iris opens with dry papery iris over sweet ripe fig. A note of sour black currant pops up now and then. These notes last through the dry down, giving Belle Iris a classy, more mature, less densely sweet tone. The iris note is strong, slightly powdery, dry, airy, taming the sweet caramel based gourmand accord Orange blossom and jasmine are smoothly blended. Patchouli is well mixed, not too noticeable. Belle Iris sprays an oily long lasting coating on skin. Projection is strong for the first 2 hours, then calms to a moderate level that stays on skin, hair and fabrics until you wash it off. Too heavy for office wear. No need to over spray. Belle Iris is a feminine, classy, memorable, beautiful, rich and powerful scent that lasts.

SOTD Lancome La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu 5/5 First spray is sugary and settles into a delightful cozy scent. It’s not powdery to my nose. Makes my iris loving hearty happy. It’s a love for me. I pick up on the iris and the white florals the most which is what I was looking forward to on this LVEB version. Only thing I don’t love is the bottle, it’s not my favorite of the LVEB flankers. The sweet iris scent reminds me almost of Shalimar Millieme Iris in the dry down. I have both, but probably would have only purchased Shalimar if I could go back. This also smells similar to Luminous by Bath and Body Works. I purchased the BBW body wash to layer. I would purchase the BBW candle in the future. First perfume that spouse said was too strong. Reviewed is based on a purchased sample from fragrance net. Purchased full size bottle. Wore at home and running errands.

After a few months of shelving stabilization 😂... I can finally feel the fig in the opening, together with the orange blossom gives a very refined and round green zest, makes it very uplifting and refreshing. Then it evolves into a sweet and bright powdery iris, much more floral than the original LVEB, and very rounded by the gourmand aspect they gave in the base. It is true to its name, the Iris is the star, grounded by the patchouli and the gourmand while uplifted by the freshness of the orange blossom and the fig... What an amazing olfactive creation, of course, with Dominique Ropion you should except a very refined and interesting scent. If you like LVEB and want a more refined and brighter version of it, go ahead with this version. Longevity is amazing with my 2024 50 ml bottle. Only 2 sprays needed and 4 if you're going to large places / crowds.

I wore this daily last winter and absolutely loved it. As spring arrived I wore it to bed but not during the day because it did not work well for me in any kind of heat. As our weather turned cooler I began to look forward to wearing it again. The first time I wore it the other day I was horrified—it did not smell the same at all! The following day I smelled my shirt and there lingered the very faint scent I loved. Then I realized what was different. Last winter I applied Iris Absolu by misting and leaning into the mist. During the summer I had spritzed my wrists and neck (with different, lighter, scents) and I had done the same thing the previous day with Iris Absolu. I overdosed myself! Note to self: Iris Absolu requires a very light touch. It smells so much more interesting and beautiful when it is not too strong.