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La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu
by Lancôme
La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu presents a bold, powdery iris that opens with a striking, lipsticky quality—immediately dominant and enveloping. The fragrance balances sweetness with earthy depth, particularly through the subtle but noticeable presence of fig and patchouli, which lend a soft, slightly woody undercurrent. The initial burst of black currant adds a tart edge that tempers the gourmand sweetness, though the sweetness persists into the drydown, where a creamy, vanillic-tinged iris emerges, evoking a refined, feminine elegance. The scent evolves into a warm, enveloping velvet gourmand with a nostalgic, almost vintage aura, inspired by the original La Vie Est Belle yet distinct in its restrained sweetness and sophisticated complexity—closer in spirit to Shalimar Parfum Initial than the original syrupy score. It wears well into the day or night, with moderate to strong sillage and good longevity, though it can feel overwhelming with too much application. The potency and clear iris focus make it feel more intentional and niche than the mainstream line, appealing to those seeking a more refined, less cloying version of the classic.
Pros
- +Strong, prominent iris note with a lipsticky, powdery sophistication
- +Less sweet and cloying than the original La Vie Est Belle
- +Balanced composition with fig and patchouli adding depth and nuance
- +Appears more refined and wearable for those seeking a mature gourmand
Cons
- −Can still feel overly sweet for some, especially in warm weather
- −Displays obvious DNA of the original LVEB line despite being less syrupy
- −The fig note is occasionally omitted or underdeveloped, leading to a perception of inconsistency
- −May not appeal to those who dislike concentrated floral-gourmand profiles