380 Belle Vie Eclat

No. 380 opens with the same bergamot and mandarin sparkle that gives La Vie est Belle L'Eclat its instantly joyful first impression. The floral heart of orange blossom, jasmine and iris follows the original's blueprint, though the iris - which gives L'Eclat its powdery, refined edge - comes through much more faintly here, letting the sweeter orange blossom take over. The base of sandalwood, vanilla and patchouli is recognisable but leaner; the patchouli in particular fades early, so what should be a warm, textured dry-down collapses into a fairly one-note vanilla within a couple of hours. It's a cheerful, easy-to-wear citrus-floral that captures the opening accord well, even if it can't sustain the original's depth through the full wear.