La Vie est Belle L'Absolu Lancôme 2014

Admittedly - the question may seem oddly out of place as a title for a perfume review.

However, it is important to know that this review came about as part of a blind test. The lovely First put together a wonderful travel package with 9 fragrances, from which each of us in the group could choose one to keep - of course, without knowing which scent it actually was.
Since the letter reached me last, I no longer had the agony of choice regarding the fragrances, but in return, I was allowed to keep all 3 remaining ones, so I would like to share my experiences and thoughts about these with you.

Now finally to the scent:
The vial that I am currently holding is made of plastic, adorned with a handwritten "Number 5". The liquid has a delicate pink/peach tone. I open the cap and sniff it. My first impression: sweet, possibly with a touch of fruitiness - sweet red berries?

Curious about how the scent will smell on me, I spray a spritz on my wrist. At first, it smells like alcohol. A few seconds later, the berry note (raspberry?) becomes more prominent, although a few seconds later, I am no longer sure if it could also be an orange blossom?
It's really amazing what goes through your mind when you don't know which fragrance you have in front of you.
But one thing I am sure of - the scent is really sweet ;) Immediately, the association with La Vie est Belle comes to mind. I compare it with La Vie est Belle Eclat - which I have at home - and I must say - my "Number 5" is definitely sweeter than the La Vie est Belle flanker. Still, I think I can sense a certain DNA.

As time goes on, the fruity components become more subtle to my nose. I now perceive more sensual, cozy notes like vanilla, tonka bean, or even brown sugar, and I increasingly like the scent. After about 6 hours and half a workday, the scent is still noticeable but has become very close to the skin - the fruity note has almost completely disappeared. While the sillage was truly excellent at the beginning, the scent has now developed into a skin scent. After a good 8-9 hours, I no longer perceive it on my skin.

During the testing, I keep closing my eyes, smelling my wrist, and imagining the person who wears this scent. I see a young attractive woman in my mind's eye, who knows exactly what she wants. She is often underestimated - but in reality, she has a lot going on behind the scenes. Sometimes she is a bit too loud, doesn't know her limits, and can quickly become too much - but she impresses men with her confident demeanor.

In summary, I really like the scent - however, it is not my favorite among the remaining three. Personally, I would wear it all year round except on the hottest summer days. For work, I find it a bit too loud and it is more of a scent for leisure or evenings.

I am really glad to have been part of this experiment and would like to thank the lovely First once again for this experience. If anyone is interested, they can also read my other two blind comments. I hope I haven't embarrassed myself ;)