La Vie est Belle L'Extrait

I am a true oud sissy, and even though oud is listed as the top note of this flanker, it doesn't give me that dread barnyard aspect that turns me off the other, presumably more authentic ones. Either that or it's just really great oud. Either way, this one is tied with Iris Absolu as my favorite LVEB, and I include the original. I'm not sure what it is--I do believe this is the only perfume I own that contains frankincense, although I'll need to check that--but there's just something about it that I deeply enjoy. The iris note is exceptional, and you can't go wrong with rose. They are blended very beautifully in this perfume, and the performance is extraordinary (sillage and longevity). The bottle matters less to me because I keep it in its box anyway, but it is a very beautiful object, and I doubt I'll be able to throw it away if I ever get through this bottle, which seems unlikely--not because I don't like it but because I can't use more than three sprays max, and even three is risky for public consumption, and there is no need to respray because it literally lasts until you wash it off, and maybe a little longer. I know I have reviewed this perfume before, but I think it's important to praise a mainstream designer perfume that performs so well for what is (certainly by Tom Ford or Frederic Malle or MFK standards) a relatively affordable perfume. I would definitely recommend trying it first, though. I was sent a decant by a friend, and it really surprised me. I doubt I would have given it a chance otherwise, even though I was already a fan of Iris Absolu by that point. She should be getting a big commission from Lancôme for overcoming (overcôming?) my biases and getting me hooked on their product, but she won't because she's just an enthusiast/addict like myself. At any rate, if you are still reading this, you should consider this one, perhaps the most unusual LVEB flanker.

June 16, 2024; Victoria Canada Happy Gottchya Day: La Vie est Belle L'Extrait! I’m so weak. I threw another two $100 bills at a bottle of scented liquid. But- it did made me smile. 😊 This was a toss up for me as the Hudson Bay didn’t have samples & I understand a lot of people find it too similar to the recent Iris Absolu release to acquire both. That “Iris Pal-whatever” Lancôme has come up with is certainly present in this as well, but it does not present in the same way. The oud & frankincense make a grand debut, & for me, they are not the top & bottom notes but come out smack in the middle. The iris consistently wants to be smelt & felt & is relentless, but considerably softer than in Iris Absolu & on my skin just twirls around in the back ground never showcasing. This smells like Iris Absolu dipped in Elizabeth Taylor’s Original formulation of Passion. (Purple bottle). I actually enjoy this in the heat of summer, & often love the way heavier, spicier scents show off in warm temps vs when used in cooler weather. This is one of those. I LOVE the Damascus rose in this, and actually felt it could be amped up a smidge. So I added a drop of Lush Rose Jam & it was beautiful together. A coco butter body lotion would layer beautifully with this as well. I think most people are not on the fence about LVEB. If you love them, you need this. If you’re not sure, then you don’t. If you enjoy the old Charlie Gold cologne spray you’d probably appreciate this! Thanks for reading my review! 🌷

What a gorgeous fragrance, one of the best designers I've ever smelled! Definitely a sugary sweet floral at its core, but much more tamed and smoothed out. The iris is stunning in the opening. Very photorealistic, sparkly and full-bodied. Maybe the best feminine designer opening I've tried yet? Sweetness isn't as candy-gourmand-sugary as the original. Overall this feels like a niche quality / style LVEB at designer prices without any weird notes. I had absolutely zero clue oud was a note before looking them up here. Even TF Oud Wood is super oudy compared to this, despite it having no animalic notes or real oud. The "oud" here is just an edge of dark woodiness, a backdrop to steer the main notes that lay on top. For context, I have a really basic taste, dislike oudy fragrances and don't really care for the original LVEB. It has an ozonic bug spray -esque floral feel that this flanker totally lacks. I was expecting this to have at least 4 stars and was surprised to see the controversy. I should be the one to dislike this out of anyone. There's definitely a LOT of oil concentration here, a true extrait, my hand looked shiny for 30 minutes.

OH MY GOD! Yes please, I will take 10 bottles. Thank you! What is this amazing new perfume???? What is this magic???? What is happening??? THIS IS GORGEOUS! I can't even believe myself... I was not a huge fan of La Vie Est Belle but this is the second flanker in a row that I want to have and spray and spray and spray...over and over again, when the bottle would be empty I would purchase over and over again! I was so in love with Iris Absolu and now THIS???? Dear Lancome let me take a break or I will spend all my money... This is something! This is crazy good! This took me to the cloud 9 of perfume heaven in a split second. Very beautiful smell, you get the DNA of LVEB in a dry down, but the beginning... the beginning just took my heart immediately - opulent, deep, mysterious, sweet... Amazing, niche quality for sure, the longevity and sillage are BOMB! I want to smell like this the whole winter season. I think Lancome is making a huge comeback to LVEB, and is now targeting those that were not into LVEB craze at the beginning... Well, I'm in now. I'm definitely a fan. A FAN. 10/10 HOT STUFF

I am an Oud/Rose lover, so this already had my interest with the announcement. I was not disappointed in the least. It has exceeded my expectations. Starts off sweet and slightly spicy, but quickly dries down into the most decadent powdery Rose/Oud combo I have ever smelt from a modern designer perfume. It's a very strong and potent sillage, radiating well beyond my personal bubble. Two pops of it had the entire Lancome counter smelling of it. Unfortunately, the strength seemed to drive the perfume ladies away, but I was BASKING in the ambiance. I love strong perfumes. This has an almost niche appeal to my nose. Where I come from, we have Sephora, Macy's and a soon-to-be closing Dillard's. We don't have any access to niche perfumes or high end retailers, so this was a wonderful surprise to me. It's giving Oud Satin Mood by MFK, but add berries and a touch of sugar to it and you'd have this. It's now hour 8 for me as I write this and I can still catch whiffs of this divine potion on the air around me. It is clinging to my jacket and hair. I am in LOVE. Highly recommend.