La vie est belle women’s fragrance has been a game-changer for Lancôme .

“What really made Lancôme a three-axes-strong powerhouse was the success of La vie est belle,” said Cyril Chapuy, global president of L’Oréal Luxe, of the 2012 launch. “Before that, Lancôme was strong in skin care and makeup, but was very regional in fragrances.”

The scent, whose name translates into “life is beautiful,” became a global sensation and success. It ranked number one in Europe in 2024 for the 11th consecutive year, and is among the top five worldwide and first in France.

“It’s a major icon,” Chapuy said. “This is one of the key milestones of Lancôme.”

Rewind 13 years to delve into the behind-the-scenes making of La vie est belle , when Lancôme was angling for another iconic fragrance like Tréso

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