Our take
What does La Vie Est Belle Florale smell like?
Four years after La vie est belle, Lancôme asked Anne Flipo and Dominique Ropion for a more floral eau de toilette. It came out in 2016, built around osmanthus. The opening is fruity. Bergamot and pink pepper lead, while pear and blackcurrant bud add juice. Then osmanthus takes over with its scent of dried apricot and tea. A crowd of flowers surrounds it. Jasmine and orange blossom come first, then rose with mimosa and violet. The heart feels lighter and more springlike than the eau de parfum. The base keeps the house signature. Iris and patchouli are still there, only lighter, over amber woods and musks. Compared with the original La vie est belle, Florale sheds most of the sugar. You still recognise it once it dries down. The bottle keeps the crystal smile of the line.
When to wear it
A warm-weather version for the office or weekends. Three sprays, with a top-up in the afternoon.
It belongs to the Floral, Fruity family. La Vie Est Belle Florale is one of 25 creations by Lancôme in our encyclopedia.
