La Vie Est Belle L’Absolu

This was a blind buy a few weeks ago. I finally caved and ordered it off the Lancôme website, since I could not find it in any of the stores here in Ottawa, Canada. I have the original LVEB, which I absolutely love. This has been screaming my name for months, especially after reading all of the reviews you lovely ladies have thoughtfully written. I really needed to wear this a few times to properly put my thoughts into words. I strongly feel this perfume needs a good hour to really fuse with your skin. Others have mentioned they smelled an odd top note, to which I wholeheartedly agree. To my nose, it's a tinny, almost metallic smell that is rather unpleasant. This odd top note lasts for a good half hour to 45 minutes, after which I am left with an absolutely stunning, rich, heavenly scent. I wouldn't say this is ground-breakingly different than the original LVEB. No, they are of the same ilk, but L'absolu is richer, and with more depth and luxury. It's still very sweet, but the sweet isn't syrupy, like the original can sometimes be. Instead, it's a super rich, praline dream, enveloping you in the most heavenly cloud of deliciousness. It smells of absolute quality and luxury - you are most certainly getting what you pay for with this beauty. On me, the projection isn't as enormous as many of the votes here. It was fairly heavy for the first few hours, after which the projection became moderate to heavy. I get wafts of this juice all day long, and others can definitely smell this on you (but it doesn't enter a room before you do). On clothes, it lasts for days and days, and on my skin, a good 12+ hours. I should also mention that the colour of the fragrance is nowhere near the picture on Fragrantica - in fact, it's not pink at all. It's very similar to the original, except with L'absolu, it's a richer, deeper peach colour. Overall, this is a gorgeous fragrance, and I am very happy I bought it. It's a beautiful addition to my collection, and if you're a fragrance collector like me, and own and love the original LVEB - you need this in your life! EDIT - October 26,2016 I've been told by several people now this is actually indeed very strong and can be a room filler. I got a little trigger happy this morning and sprayed two sprays on me, and my coworker said she could smell me from a mile away. That was awkward. I would highly recommend you spray this at LEAST an hour before you have to be somewhere. That first hour is seriously strong, and even after that first hour, it projects quite strongly and leaves an obvious trail. I still adore this though, and adore it even more for its strong projection. So many fragrances do a disappearing act on me, and I like the option of having others smell my fragrance if I want them to. Only now I know to go easy on the button - woops! This is even better than I originally thought - smells incredible and of pure quality.

Alright, I could not resist trying this one in the end, and now I have to say, this just blows all the other versions of LVEB out of the water. The start is not great and smells like stale candy for awhile (give it 20-30mins), but after that's gone...goodness! This version is as potent as the original and actually PROJECTS until your next shower. It was still going strong on me after 12 hours! On me, it is just as gourmand as well, just as thick, very similar, but smoother than the original, more velvety (the cashmere wood I guess?), rounded around the edges...imagine the texture of soft vanilla fudge. Rose makes a glorious addition to this scent, and iris is amped up in this absolu version (whereas in the original, the floral note I detected more clearly was the orange blossom), I love that, it gives the fragrance a more decadent, luxurious feel. The iris and rose combo gives it a very sensual, buttery 'lipstick' vibe, except this lipstick is a rich Barbie pink hue and made of edible ingredients like praline, vanilla fudge and blackcurrants. I tried one spray of this on a warm night and it's beautiful. The original on the other hand, I would only wear when it's very cold because of the patchouli, as much as I love that one, it can be headache-inducing when worn any other time of the year. For a pink-candy scent, this is as refined and as sophisticated as it gets, and wearable enough all year round (go easy with it, you don't need more than 2 sprays), I can't repeat this enough, the quality is EXCELLENT, quality-wise, it is better than any mainstream Chanel that has been released (or reformulated) within the past few years (or past decade!) for sure (it completely obliterated any trace of Chanel no5 edp I had generously spritzed on just prior to testing it), and it's better than some of those pricier niche gourmands I've tried which either smell great but don't last, or they last forever but do not smell quite right. I LOVE it and urge gourmand lovers to atleast give it a try(particularly those who are looking for quality, real quality), do not just dismiss it as another flanker. I immediately bought it in the largest available size, I get the feeling that this version is not going to stick around for long, so grab it while you still can. It may have just been released, but I am already considering stocking up, because we all know that it is always the good stuff, the 'real' perfumes, that get pulled off the shelves too soon or watered down and reformulated.

This one is the best of LVEB line IMO. LVEB L'Absolu is more refined, deeper and even longer lasting than the original. It's like a rich, scrumptious dessert, one you should indulge in! At the same time, it's elegant and flirty. However, I must say that some of the notes are incorrectly listed here on Fragrantica, and one particular note was omitted in this case - patchouli. According to Lancôme official website (USA), the notes in L'Absolu are: Transversal Notes: Iris, Fine delicacies accord Top Notes: Pear, Blackberry Middle Notes: Pallida Iris concrete, Jasmine Sambac and Orange Blossom absolutes Base Notes: Heart of Patchouli essence, Vanilla, Cistus Labdanum. On Lancôme France website the notes in L'Absolu are: Notes transversales : Iris, Accord Gourmand Notes de tête : Poire, Mûre Notes de cœur : Concrète d'Iris Pallida, Absolus de Fleur d'oranger et de Jasmin sambac Notes de fond : Essence de cœur de Patchouli So, on the one hand the official websites mention patchouli as a base note in this fragrance (and indeed, whenever I tested L'Absolu I could definitely detect the patchouli note in it!). On the other hand, neither one of the official websites mentions the cashmere wood and rose (which are listed on Fragrantica) in L'Absolu. Therefore, I think Fragrantica should update the perfume pyramid to fit the official formula of this fragrance.

Flankers. Original - Like Intense - My nose reject it Absolu - Absolute Love I like the Original one, but it feels like there something not complete in it. Not sure what is it but L'absolu complete everything that the Original lacks of ! It's like a fully completed version of La Vie Est Belle line. Everything I love is there. The longevity, the sillage, the projection, the sweet yet sophisticated no tacky smells at all, the sweet bitter smooth but not too bitter smells. It's a love for me !! This is a one squirt per day kind of perfume. It will fully supply you the beautiful scent for the whole day up until night. Trust me on this. I thought I will love the intense version because it has good amounts of LIKE & LOVE fans, but my nose don't agree with me. It reminds me of a dusty, old damp wood in an old abandoned house smells. I haven't own this, but this will be my monthly perfume purchase for Dec after payday that's for sure plus this will be my first Lancome perfume ! And yes this will be on my 2nd favorite perfume rotation too. The magic, went to Sephora last night and get a squirt of this on the paper tester strip put it in my room and imagine just one squirt can scented the whole room air. That's how remarkably this perfume is. This is a must get perfume to be added in the personal collection.

This is the queen of all gourmand perfume in my opinion. It's like she is the new heiress of throne in gourmand sweet perfume kingdom which in the previous was owned by the legendary Shalimar Guerlain. This perfume reach the finest and break the highest level of gourmandish scent where the Black Opium YSL, Si Giorgio Armani, Flower bomb V&R trying to achieve but never gotten to reach that level. Another creation of gourmandish sweet perfume were created which I think closest to the finest as La Vie Est Belle l'absolu is also by Lancome. It's La Nuit Tresor. This also smells very amazing only that this one has the Rose fluffiness to it. Smells as good as L'absolu, but L'absolu has something that La Nuit Tresor don't have. Extreme seductiveness ! Wear this and leave your trail and the people who smelled this will automatically force to glance or simply wanted to know who's that goddess of seduction. Even if they don't want to because of their envy on you. But it's already too late, because once they have sniff this, it will entering their smells nerve sense and trigger their brain and force to react and stare at you. They surrendered. Just one squirt, yes one squirt is enough to bewitch or hypnotize the crowd. It's Magic, seductive and remember Life Is Beautiful in absolute way.

I don't care for LVEB or any of the other flankers. But THIS I LOVE! It opens very similarly to LVEB Legere version. But this fragrance takes about 30-40 minutes to properly bloom. That's when it starts to smell amazing. Like a very buttery-smooth, much more sophisticated, elegant version of the original. So decadent and feminine. Amazing drydown. Has a touch of that 'lipstick' vibe that I usually associate with Guerlains. I smelled it on a stranger recently while out shopping and followed her around like a creep to try and figure out the rich, divine-candy scent that was emanating off her. We were at a department store anyway, and when I finally plucked the courage to ask her what she was wearing, she directed me to LVEB L'Absolu. I had tested it once when it first came out last year, I liked it then and I thought it much better and classier than the original but never felt the need to purchase it...now I'm in love and bought a bottle ASAP (I wish it came in a bigger size than 40ml...that's my one and only complaint). I don't think I need to say that the longevity and sillage are both pretty extreme, spray with caution. Best for special occasions, evenings, or just anytime you wish to steal the spotlight and be memorable.

I have to say guys,that this is something beautiful fragrance! Today I smelled it at Heinemann shop,and I was suprised!It's not too sweet,but this is perfect!At first it was fruitier than the original La vie est belle,and than it turns into a gorgeous,sweet fragrance,and it has a twist in it,maybe the rose or the cashmere wood? I have to say I am fall in love with this! At first Lancome do La vie est belle,which is a beautiful sweet,mature women scent(for me) And than the Legere version which is much lighter and milky,powdery(because it has no patchouli in it) And than the Eau de toilette which is a bit different scent it's a magnolia orientated with white flowers and with milky almonds,and now this L'Absolu! I have to say that, this four perfume is my all time favorite,and I love them all! The sillage is incredible,on me its 15-20 our!Whoooooa,super And the bottle is soooo pretty,I love love love it! I have to say,that it is a beautiful fragrance from Lancome,which follow the LVEB style but a big twist in it! I love it sooo much,love love love love it!

I'm not a fan of the LVEB line, let me just start with that, I just don't care for it. But this is a scent fit for a princess, the quality is shockingly good, better than many niches double its price. It's rich, deep, smooth, and so utterly delicious. You get all the notes listed and they meld and blend together flawlessly, a divine symphony of sweetness. You'll smell like dessert, but the most expensive dessert crafted by the King's personal chef.This scent makes original LVEB smell like a less refined, pedestrian copy in comparison. Worth hunting down for. Two spritzes is all that's needed, it's very potent and will stick to you till your next shower (and maybe beyond). A head-turner, and you will get compliments left and right. If you are a gourmand-scent lover looking for something elegant, sensuous and refined, try it. Worth every penny. I've had my bottle for more than 3 years, and it smells even better now than I remembered, it is aging beautifully so far. I save this one for special occasions because I don't want to run out.

Saying this smells like the original LVEB EDP is like saying a prime piece of wagu beef perfectly prepared tastes just like a Big Mac. It was a blind buy that at first sniff, was just s bit ho-hum, so I packed it up and put it away. It languished for a while in storage, but something made me reach for it and I was...well it was full (40mls) just a month ago and it's now pretty much empty. It makes me smile, it is my current bed time scent (only the truly wonderful make it to my bedside cabinet) and I've been scouring the planet. I have found one or two out there, and I'm trying to convince myself that $300 for 20 or 30mls is worth it. I bought this bottle for $25 just a little over a year ago from someone who didn't like it. So far, nothing else compares. I'll tuck it into my scent memory and keep looking. Or I'll hand over the big bucks. It's fruity without being too sweet, floral without being too sharp, and the beautiful base brings it all together. It's only flaw is that it doesn't last very long on my skin.

I'm not going to compare this to any other perfume or to list what ingredients my nose can or can't detect. I take a deep breath and take it all in. It is wonderfully beautiful and addictive. It is feminine and comforting. It is dragging people close to you. It is dragging your wrist to your nose. Unfortunately we are living in a time when we are scared to offend at the cost of not fully enjoying life. But women with high confidence and self-esteem are not extinct. I hope. Just wear the perfume you love and wear it for yourself. You'll feel beautiful and look beautiful. Then people will like you not necessarily because of your perfume, but because of the transformation in your appearance. I am disappointed with weak perfumes in shops nowadays. Of course we have different preferences. But if you didn't enjoy your perfumed youth of the 80s then you lived in vain lol... I'm half joking here. The L'Absolu is potent in the most peaceful way. Life is beautiful

I've sampled this and I absolutely love it, I already have the original but it lacked something,I don't know,however on sampling this it really is intense and what I love....a lot more body and really beautiful. I'm not sure why an intense version is available when for me this is intense and packs a punch! It is a shame it is only in 20 or 40 ml but I'm assuming 2 scooches are all you need to wear it all day. I only applied a small bit on my wrist and when my husband walked into the room he could smell it immediately and asked what the beautiful aroma was and was at least 6 feet away!! Edit: I know own this,what a beauty this is,iris,woods,praline,vanilla,pear,Jasmine,I detect these notes and i see why this is absolu,it is strong,strong is the word,and if you want the complements and want people to know that they can smell you,and you know that they know they can,then this is the fragrance to own. So beautiful!!

I have bought this last night & I'm so happy. It's a damn right choice, as soon as I have paid for it at the payment counter. I return back to the Lancome counter to get the tester bottle and spray in on my wrist dab it on my neck & another squirt at the back of my neck (on my shirt collar). The first perfume that makes me feel like out of this world is COCO MADEMOISELLE CHANEL. It made me react so feel good inside, never ever in my life smell anything like it. Since then I never found any other perfumes that can make me feel like CM, not even the men's cologne. But this, yess ! On the first sniff it reminds me of something, the same emotion & feeling effect that only CM did to me previously. Now I have two the best perfume in my collection. Coco Mademoiselle Chanel & La Vie Est Belle L'Absolu Lancome. This two perfume will marked in my perfume experience history as the best & extraordinary perfumes.

Beware this perfume is really strong and concentrated. One spray is enough and last hours... Last year I made a mistake ordering online this perfume that arrived in a big bottle with so little jus (40ml) ...at the beginning I felt a bit ripped off, but immediately I was caught by this delicious scent never-ending. It is a gourmand fragrance. At start I can smell a lot of star anise, while others smell liquorice...at the base will stay creamy with sugar and vanilla. It is so powerful, like the good old days where one spray was enough for a day! Sillage and longevity at maximum level, an overdose of sweetness, which has the heart of LVEB but also more depth and intensity. I believe it is limited edition, in fact I cannot find it around anymore. If you love LVEB and gourmand notes, it is highly recommended, since this is different and more powerful. You will smell divine!!! 5/5

Spectacular and ultra-feminine. It is close to the pillar but more of a floral elixir. I feel jasmine, rose, iris and orange blossom with a praline undertone. I regret I only have 20ml bottle but... it reminds me of Flowerbomb, just less sweet. The praline note is a nice touch, it has vanilla filling and pleasure connotation. Perfect for winter and late autumn. Rather for an evening it is so rich, but the rose and jasmine make me comfortable in it during a day in cold weather. It behaves perfectly and is just super feminine. It reminds me, too of Love Don't Be Shy by Kilian and his Woman in Gold, both also ultra-feminine. It creates a bubble but is not as nuclear as the classic La Vie Est Belle. Lasts perfectly, till next morning, with lovely fresh floral background. Next morning the lingering scent reminds me of Coco Noir and Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel.

THIS IS SIMPLY MAGICAL!! If you don't like that strong, screechy patchouli note in the first LVEB (which can be a bit off putting) then you will love this one, because the patchouli is pretty much not noticeable in this, to my nose anyways. It's got the most gorgeous, buttery iris note, so warm, creamy... very seductive! Every time I wear it I get at least one compliment from both men & women, people asking me constantly what am I wearing? While I found the original La Vie Est Belle to be more of a floral fragrance, L’Absolu is a decadently sweet, true gourmand. The longevity of this fragrance is amazing & the main reason I would recommend investing in it. Don't forget as with all of the LVEB perfumes, they're VERY strong, so do the cloud gesture, spray and walk into it, then you're good to go.

I'm gonna say this as a joke, knowing I really like this perfume, but it truly was the first thing that came to my mind-this is a La Vie Est Belle Grandma edition 😂 but no one said grandma can't smell nice, she's a classy grandma with pearls, giant hat and cigarette on a stick. I think it's the age of this gem. But joking aside, this is really nice version of LVEB. It reminds me a little of Lancôme Oud Bouquet mixed with LVEB. Super sweet and warm and deep. And super classy! Don't fall in love tho, it's getting harder and harder to find some pieces left. Oh and the bottle is absolutely stunning!! The classic LVEB look with a hint of steel. Dazzling

Let me start by saying I don’t like original la vie est Belle, mainly because it’s too heavy on patchouli. The l’absolu is much better, dries down with iris and mainly cashmere, sweetness from praline and I can smell a little bit of rose. So it is much more pleasant to my nose, the only issue I have is I don’t see the sillage and longevity that everyone talking about. It turns into very close to skin scent within about 4 hours, not sure may be it’s my skin. Also the l’absolu reminds me slightly of diors poison girl but more elegant, less sweet and more powdery. Ok so I got intense and I still love the l’absolu more and so does my husband.

My birthday present to myself on a significant birthday but it took so long to arrive I almost forgot about it. I got side tracked and bought a sweet ruby and diamond ring. Something I have wanted since I was 7 years old. So the perfume arrived, Im wearing my new jewellery and I feel a million bucks. And Ive reminded myself that life is be enjoyed and indulged, when possible, in amongst the bills and uncertainty. La Vie Est Belle - Life is Beautiful. !! And if it isnt right now, go and do something really special for yourself. It could be jewellery or an art print or a perfume. Whatever makes you smile and love your life.

This opens on me with that same licorice-esque punch I get with Shalimar Parfum Initial, which makes sense because it's also bergamot-iris-caramel. Happily it only lasts a minute or two! It very quickly settles into the most unbelievably gorgeous caramel-lipsticky iris blend. I just adore it. Most gourmands are unbearably artificial on me and turn sickly; this doesn't. At all. The lipstick iris feels synthetic in the sense that it reminds me of something manmade, i.e. lipstick, and somehow that juxtaposition with the bakery-caramel praline makes the latter more realistic? The contrast is what makes both notes so lovely.

If you think the original La Vie Est Belle is too strong, then you need to just RUN from this one! This fragrance is seriously a powerhouse, fantastic projection and great longevity. Do not worry about topping up throughout the day, there’s no need!!. If you are familiar with the original and haven’t smelt this one, know that they are very similar in fragrance, it’s just with this flanker the woody notes really show through and becomes La Vie Est Belle’s deeper and more sensual big sister. A great flanker to have in your collection and a great fragrance for those special occasions.