This is the epitome of a "perfumey" fragrance. Probably the fragrance I smell every time I enter the fragrance section of a drugstore or something. La Vie est Belle has been out for a long time. It's a staple for many, has flankers all around, but I've never gotten around to it. One of my friend received a sample and decided to pass it on to me.
Overall, it's nice and enjoyable. Strong, has great sillage and projection, but is an overload of feminine sweetness. It's pretty in-your-face. Although the sweetness might suggest youthfulness, I see a mature woman in her 40s wearing this for the playful, feminine edge. It's a pretty mashed, undescript lot of fruits and florals and honestly I couldn't really make out which was what. The drydown gets more powdery, a lot calmer and soothing, it's a very nice combo of tonka (powdery), patchouli (earthy), praline (powdery sweetness) and vanilla (sweetness). The drydown was probably my highlight of the fragrance.
I wouldn't buy this as it's not my kind of thing, but I understand why it's been around for a long time. If you love feminine fruity florals, then this could be right up your alley!
