Lancôme has been reminding us through the power of scent that life is beautiful ever since the 2012 launch of the La Vie Est Belle perfume collection.
Fast-forward 20+ years, and we have seen multiple flankers, with the most notable LVEB release for me being the sensual La Vie Est Belle Intensément.
Lancôme has just released La Vie Est Belle Rose Extraordinaire, so I wanted to check it out in-store and compare it to the original La Vie Est Belle.
La Vie Est Belle Vs Rose Extraordinaire
I popped in-store to the Lancôme perfume counter to start a fragrance duel: La Vie Est Belle Vs Rose Extraordinaire. There can be only one winner!
1. La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum
Review
The original 2012 La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum from Lancôme is an elegant, sweet, fruity creation by perfumers Anne Flipo and Dominique Ropion.
Upon first spritz, it’s a fresh bouquet of pear and blackberry, a crisp, sharp, inviting opening lifted by (mostly) powdery iris in the heart.
The journey ends on a warm, rich base of patchouli and vanilla with hints of praline, grounding the scent with delicious sweetness
Top Notes:
Pear, Blackberry
Mid Notes:
Pallida Iris, Orange Blossom, Jasmine Sambac
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Vanilla
Seasons & Longevity
Autumn, winter and early spring best embrace La Vie Est Belle EDT. It’s versatile enough for daily wear yet comes into its own during sophisticated, dressy evening events.
The longevity? Remarkable. It lingers from morning coffee to evening cocktails, a constant companion that doesn’t fade away, performing well for 8+ hours.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | A blend of fruity, floral, and sweet notes makes it a true chameleon that adapts to any situation. |
| Cons | It may be too popular, so it is not for those seeking a unique fragrance. |
2. La Vie Est Belle Rose Extraordinaire Eau de Parfum
Review
Then there’s Rose Extraordinaire, a 2024 Lancôme fragrance that dares to challenge the original LVEB with a kaleidoscope of seductive rose notes.
Powdery iris dances with layers of rose water, Damascena rose, and an intriguing space rose accord, creating a modern take on rose.
The musky base with woody touches anchors the fragrance with a sensual finish but never dominates. An avant-garde musky-rose scent.
Top Notes:
Iris
Mid Notes:
Rose Water, Damascena Rose, Space Rose Accord
Base Notes:
Woody Notes, Musk
Seasons & Longevity
Rose Extraordinaire is a scent for any season, but for me, it shines best in spring and autumn. It’s an elegant statement piece for special occasions yet understated enough for daytime lunches.
At 7+ hours, the staying power is impressive, wrapping you in its rosy embrace all day long.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | A unique take on the rose scent that makes a sophisticated statement. |
| Cons | If you don’t love rose-centric perfumes, then you may want to pass on this one. |
Ingrid’s Top Pick
La Vie Est Belle Rose Extraordinaire
My top pick is La Vie Est Belle Rose Extraordinaire because the trio of rose notes with musk and powdery iris are incredibly elegant, and this Lancôme perfume performs well.
Conclusion
I must say that choosing between La Vie Est Belle and Rose Extraordinaire is like choosing between your kids. It’s not about which one is better!
I feel each Lancôme LVEB scent is suited for different occasions. The original La Vie Est Belle is more of an elegant evening scent, whilst Rose Extraordinaire oozes daytime class.
Price-wise, La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum is approx £140 / $155 for a 100 ml bottle, whilst La Vie Est Belle Rose Extraordinaire is around £140 / $170 for a 100 ml bottle.
Also Read: 7 Must-Have La Vie Est Belle Perfumes From Lancôme
