More About Bien Etre

Bien-être is a French toiletries brand known for its large bottles of traditional eau de Cologne, the light, splash-on scents found in many French bathrooms. Epicerie Corner stocks Bien-être colognes in 250ml bottles, from the classic Naturelle to lavender, verbena and rosemary, and rose geranium, plus a family scented water, all delivered across the UK.

What Is Bien-être Eau de Cologne?

Eau de Cologne is the lightest family of fragrance. It contains a low concentration of aromatic oils, generally quoted at around 2 to 5%, compared with roughly 5 to 15% for an eau de toilette, diluted in alcohol and water. The result is a fresh, clean scent that fades within a few hours, which is why colognes are applied generously and often reapplied through the day. The style takes its name from the German city of Cologne, where citrus-and-herb waters of this kind became famous in the eighteenth century.

Bien-être (French for "well-being") keeps to this tradition. Its colognes are built around plant essences, and the brand describes its classic recipe as inspired by Provence, pairing the freshness of bergamot with the sweetness of Mediterranean orange. The scents are unisex and sold in generous bottles designed for everyday family use rather than as a luxury perfume.

Bien-être Colognes in Our Range

Bien-être Eau de Cologne Naturelle

The Bien-être Natural Cologne is the brand's classic: a bright citrus opening with bergamot and orange and a clean, discreet trail. If you are new to Bien-être, it is the natural place to start.

Fresh colognes: Fraîche and Verveine Romarin

The Eau de Cologne Fraîche is described by the brand as recalling the freshness of a Provençal garden. Its sister scent, the Fresh Verbena Rosemary Cologne, adds herbal notes of lemon, thyme and rosemary for a sharper, more aromatic feel.

Floral colognes: Lavande Sauvage and Rose Géranium

The Wild Lavender Cologne is a traditional lavender water, while the Rose Geranium Cologne pairs rose with the green, slightly peppery note of geranium. Both are softer and more floral than the citrus colognes.

Eau Parfumée des Familles

The Cotton Flower White Musk is not a cologne but a family scented water, with fresh tangerine, cotton and white musk notes. It is intended for the whole household and suits those who prefer a soft, powdery, clean-laundry scent.

How to Choose a Bien-être Cologne

• Citrus or herbal: choose Naturelle for a classic citrus cologne, Fraîche for a garden-fresh feel, or Verveine Romarin if you like herbs.
• Floral: Lavande Sauvage and Rose Géranium give a gentler, more floral result.
• Soft and musky: the Eau Parfumée des Familles is the least sharp option in the range.
• Sensitive skin: all these products contain alcohol and fragrance allergens such as limonene or linalool. Read the ingredient list on the pack and test on a small area of skin first if you are unsure.

How to Use Eau de Cologne

Eau de Cologne is made to be used freely. Splash or pat a little onto the neck, arms and chest after a shower or bath, when skin is warm and the scent opens up. Many French families also use it to refresh the face and hands on a hot day, on a trip or after sport, or dab some on a handkerchief. Because the scent is light, you can reapply it during the day without it becoming overpowering.

Keep the bottle closed, upright and away from heat and direct sunlight so the fragrance stays fresh, and keep it out of reach of children, as it contains alcohol and is flammable. Avoid the eyes and broken or irritated skin, and follow the instructions on the pack. For a complete routine, browse our Shower, Bath and Soap range or compare other brands in Eau de Cologne.

Bien-être FAQs

What is the difference between eau de Cologne and eau de toilette?

The difference is the concentration of fragrance. Eau de Cologne usually contains around 2 to 5% aromatic oils, while eau de toilette contains more, roughly 5 to 15%. A cologne is therefore lighter and fades sooner, typically after a couple of hours, which suits generous, frequent use.

Are Bien-être colognes for men or women?

Both. Bien-être presents its colognes as unisex, and the traditional eau de Cologne style has always been shared by men, women and whole families. The citrus and herbal scents tend to feel fresher, while lavender and rose geranium feel softer.

Can I use Bien-être cologne on children?

The Eau Parfumée des Familles is intended for the whole family, but these products all contain alcohol and fragrance. Check the label for age guidance and avoid applying them to babies or to sensitive or broken skin. Keep the bottles out of reach of children.

How long does a bottle of eau de Cologne last once opened?

Kept closed and away from heat and light, a cologne stays fresh for a long time. Check the symbol on the pack, an open jar with a number of months, which shows how long the brand recommends using it after opening.