La vie est belle Eau de Parfum
Pear and blackcurrant lead to iris lit by orange blossom and jasmine, with patchouli depth wrapped in tonka bean, vanilla, and praline.
Perfumer: Dominique Ropion, Anne Flipo, Olivier Polge
La vie est belle Eau de Parfum
Named for the phrase "life is beautiful," La vie est belle is the eau de parfum Lancôme introduced in 2012. Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion, and Anne Flipo completed it after more than three years of work and 5,000 trials. Built around iris, patchouli, and a sweet gourmand accord, it is presented by Lancôme as its first tasty iris.
Pear and blackcurrant open with juicy fruit before the heart settles on iris pallida concrete from France. The powdery softness of the iris is lit by orange blossom and jasmine sambac. In the base, patchouli from Bali adds depth and strength, while tonka bean, vanilla, and praline wrap everything in a sweetness close to baked confectionery. Ropion has said the scent is recognisable at once when it passes in the street, and Flipo describes the aim as a "delicious" fragrance that brings a smile to the sense of smell.
The bottle reinterprets the "crystal smile" design commissioned in 1949 by Lancôme founder Armand Petitjean. Pale pink liquid fills curved glass shaped like a smile, and a grey ribbon tied at the neck forms wings that symbolise freedom. The current bottle is also refillable. Because the powdery iris, sweetness, and patchouli depth linger, it suits cooler-season outings and evening dressing.
