Head to head
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle and Yves Saint Laurent Libre are often compared by people choosing between the two. La Vie Est Belle is a gourmand fragrance and Libre a floral one, and they share blackcurrant, jasmine, orange blossom and vanilla. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
La Vie Est Belle stands apart with pear, iris and praline, while Libre brings lavender, mandarin and musk. They are rated the same for longevity (very long-lasting), and La Vie Est Belle projects more (enormous against strong). La Vie Est Belle is the cheaper one: about $140 against $145 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| La Vie Est BelleLancôme | LibreYves Saint Laurent | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $140 · 3.4 oz | $145 · 3.0 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Eau de Parfum |
| Launched | 2012 | 2019 |
| Family | Gourmand, Floral | Floral, Fougère |
| Top notes | Blackcurrant, Pear | Lavender, Mandarin, Blackcurrant |
| Heart notes | Iris, Jasmine, Orange blossom | Orange blossom, Jasmine |
| Base notes | Praline, Vanilla, Patchouli, Tonka bean | Vanilla, Musk, Cedar, Ambergris |
| Longevity | Very long-lasting | Very long-lasting |
| Projection | Enormous | Strong |
| Best seasons | Fall, Winter | Spring, Fall, Winter |
| Occasions | Everyday, Date | Office, Date, Formal event |
| Style | Romantic, Cozy | Seductive, Elegant, Urban |
Lancôme
$140 · 3.4 oz · EDP · Women · Gourmand
Iris and praline in a crystal smile. A sweet, enveloping floral gourmand with a trail that leaves a mark.
Choose La Vie Est Belle if you want stronger projection and a more romantic and cozy character.
Yves Saint Laurent
$145 · 3.0 oz · EDP · Women · Floral
French lavender and Moroccan orange blossom with vanilla. A floral with a masculine structure: free, powerful and sensual.
Choose Libre if you want a quieter scent that stays close to the skin, something better suited to warm weather and a fragrance that covers more occasions.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizThey are rated the same for longevity (very long-lasting), and La Vie Est Belle projects more (enormous against strong). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
La Vie Est Belle is the cheaper one: about $140 against $145 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share blackcurrant, jasmine, orange blossom and vanilla. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
For spring and summer, Libre is the better fit. For fall and winter they are about equally suited. La Vie Est Belle is at its best in fall and winter, and Libre in spring, fall and winter.
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