Vie Ciel

The Verdict

Vie Ciel is for the guy who wants to project clean competence without breaking the bank. Think architect, graphic designer, or a librarian with a minimalist aesthetic. If you crave the polished smoothness of Bvlgari Pour Homme, it might leave you wanting. However, at a tenth of the price, it's a solid daily driver. Is the original worth the extra money? If you value refinement and natural ingredients, absolutely. If you just want to smell clean and professional on a budget, Vie Ciel will do the job.

Olfactory Experience

Vie Ciel attempts the clean sophistication of Bvlgari Pour Homme, and it gets surprisingly close, maybe 85%. The opening is a bright, almost soapy bergamot and tea, a little more aggressively clean than the original. The aldehydes give it lift, but also a slight synthetic edge that’s unavoidable at this price point. The heart leans into peppery woods, that guaiac note is amped up. Bvlgari has a softer, more refined iris here; Vie Ciel's is drier, scratchier. The drydown offers musk, vetiver, and cedar. It's a pleasant, clean conclusion, though again, lacking the nuance of the Bvlgari.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is moderate. You'll get 4-5 hours, maybe pushing 6 if you overspray. Projection is also moderate; a close-to-the-skin scent after the first hour. Not a beast, but not a total skin scent either. Office-friendly.