Perfume Reviews

Libre Intense by YSL

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Libre Intense was released in 2020 by YSL, as a follow up to the immensely popular and powerful Libre EDP. I got a sample of this, along with the original to really test them out and see how each differs from one another. Here’s my direct comparison post. In this one, I am going to do a deeper review of Libre Intense. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

My Verdict

YSL Libre Intense is a richer, creamier take on the original Libre, opening with bright bergamot, orange, orange blossom, and warm vanilla.

The lavender is still noticeable, but it plays a smaller role here, allowing orchid, jasmine, vanilla, and tonka bean to create a sweeter and more balanced floral profile.

The later ambergris and white-floral stage is not quite as appealing as the opening, but the overall scent remains deeper and more enjoyable than the original Libre.

It is not particularly unique, but its richer scent and massive performance make it one of the stronger Libre releases.

YSL Libre Intense Overview

Notes include: lavender, orange blossom, orchid, vanilla

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent for Women Libre 1.6 oz Eau de Parfum Intense Spray

🔥 Libre Intense by YSL — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Sweet Floral Amber Vanilla
Key Notes Lavender, Orange Blossom, Orchid, Jasmine, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Ambergris
Season Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Cold Weather
Occasion Nightlife, Dates, Evening Wear, Social Events, Dressier Occasions
Longevity Easily reaches double-digit hours and can last more than 12 hours
Sillage Very strong — projects heavily and leaves a noticeable scent trail
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.1 / 10
Quick Verdict A richer and creamier version of Libre, blending orange blossom, orchid, lavender, vanilla, tonka bean, and bright citrus. It is sweeter and more balanced than the original, with less emphasis on soapy lavender. Massive projection and 12-plus-hour longevity make it an excellent cold-weather and evening fragrance, though its powerful performance requires a restrained application.

My Full Review

Before we get into my review of Libre Intense, let’s see how YSL describes it: The iconic structure of Libre, a tension the lavender from France and the orange blossom from Morocco, reinterpreted in a suave and sensual way. The intensity of a melting floral core, where orange blossom flower absolute & blazing orchid accord fuse. A fragrance like a shout of freedom, the freedom to live everything with excess.

Libre Intense starts out with a sweet aroma. I don’t find it to be sugary or candy-like, but the citrus top and vanilla do give it that bright, warm, and upbeat attractiveness. It’s actually a great deal like YSL’s L’Homme Parfum Intense, but more vanilla.

The opening gives you quite a bergamot and orange-laden aroma. Both the fruit and the orange blossom itself. Which is why it strikes so close to that men’s YSL scent.

The lavender note is going to be present in this Libre flanker, but less so than in the original. That one had more of that note and a greater muskiness. This one goes more with the vanilla note and a balanced floral foursome.

Here it is: lavender, orange blossom, jasmine, and orchid. Orange blossom is strong early on, but my nose gets more orchid during the dry down stages. Jasmine is present, but it does come on all that strong, on my skin.

The vanilla qualities will ramp up, as the initial bergamot and orange juiciness fades. You also get tonka bean here, so there will bee that creamy and powdery aroma versus the soapy lavender of the original.

The ambergris, white floral notes, and vanilla end this one. It actually feels much drier and the sweetness has gone down a whole lot, by the late stage of this wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Libre Intense will leave its mark. This perfume is powerful, can project like crazy, and will never really be considered weak.

It’s not the absolute most powerful fragrance that I’ve come across or anything. But, for a designer scent, Intense is massive in comparison to most others…including the original.

The longevity here is also great. It will easily hit double digit hours, and went 12+ hours in my experience while testing it out.

So, performance isn’t an issue and not something you’d need to worry about. Except, maybe going overboard with the sprays.

Seasonally, Libre Intense is more of a cold weather fragrance. I’d stick to this from autumn through early spring. I wouldn’t venture into the summer months with this on, seems like it’d melt pretty quickly.

A cozy fragrance, but one that doesn’t completely shy away, more like a blanket that wraps you.

This one is probably better for adults rather than teens. It has a more mature vibe, not old-ladyish, but wouldn’t match with most younger girls or younger adults.

It is attractive, has a certain sexiness to it, and can absolutely venture into the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Libre Intense

Overall, do I like Libre Intense? I do. It’s a good fragrance on the whole and I do enjoy it much more than the original.

Mainly, less lavender makes this one better. It’s sweeter, has more orchid and orange blossom versus Libre. This one is more balanced, while actually living up to the Intense name. Libre Le Parfum is another newer edition, that I think is even better.

I like that opening especially, as it reminds me of L’Homme Parfum Intense, which was great but had mediocre performance. Libre Intense does not, but does change into the dry down away from that YSL scent.

You can also try this ‘inspired by’ version from Dua: Intensely Liberated

The latter stages are closer to the original. But, the lavender still shares the stage with the other floral notes. Still, orchid and orange blossom, mainly. It’s creamier and just feels richer than the first one.

The floral and ambergris end, isn’t my favorite. However, I like the opening and middle enough, for it to be not too big of a deal.

This one lasts freaking forever, has a great ability to project, and can leave a scent trail in your wake. For a designer and not niche perfume, this YSL is a monster.

Angels’ Share on the Rocks by Kilian

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Angels’ Share has another flanker fragrance, as Kilian tries to capitalize on its insane popularity. This time, it’s Angels’ Share on the Rocks, which was released in 2025 and follows the raspberry infused Paradis.

I bought a travel sized sprayer of this new version to test it out and see what this Angels’ Share is all about. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is on the Rocks worth a try?

Angels’ Share on the Rocks Overview

Notes include: cognac essence, tonka bean, bitter orange, On the Rocks accord (bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon), aldehydes, myrrh resin

Click here to try: Angels’ Share on the Rocks from Sephora

My YouTube Review

My Full Review

Here’s how Kilian describes it:  Inspired by the way Kilian Hennessy enjoys cognac—on the rocks—this creation reimagines the Angels’ Share indulgence. The exclusive “On the Rocks” accord, a defining signature of KILIAN PARIS, elevates the experience with a zesty cocktail of Bergamot, Grapefruit, and Aldehydes, bringing a crystalline chill to this luxurious elixir. This sparkling freshness unfolds into the slow warmth of Cognac Essence, enriched by Myrrh Resin and Tonka Bean Absolute, balancing frosty brightness with a smooth, amber allure.​

The big change with Angels’ Share on the Rocks is the use of the On the Rocks accord. Essentially, it consists of the citrus and the aldehydes, giving this one a bright, cold, and juicy start when compared to the original.

I had to confirm on Kilian’s website that this perfume does indeed have all of the citrus notes that I’m picking up. The very top is a mix of that bitter orange note and lemon. Then, we’ll get some bergamot, before the grapefruit really moves in.

With that, you’re still getting plenty of the familiar DNA. Cognac and tonka bean are the most prominent.

The cinnamon spice and notes like the praline aren’t around with the same level. It’s basically there in traces with the sweetness and woodiness really getting the axe in this On the Rocks version.

There still is some spice coming through, but it doesn’t hit that same cinnamon punch as before.

One big change is the aldehydes which bring in a crisper and colder impression. Spraying this on one arm and comparing it to Angels’ Share, you really notice it being less syrupy and heavy with how it comes across.

However, there still an element of that sort of thing being around. Kilian has added myrrh resin to the mix, which is coming off more like a straight amber on my skin.

Once the initial citrus and aldehyde influence has subsided, this basically is a lighter Angels’ Share with amber, less sweetness and spice. Very chill and easy to wear, but undoubtedly something familiar.

Angels’ Share on the Rocks is a colder and still slightly citrusy blend with that myrrh, tonka bean, and cognac rounding things out.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is obviously a lighter and fresher blend versus the other Angels’ Share entries thus far. That opening hour, however, does have plenty of reach and will create a nice scent trail.

That’s when the citrus is the most prominent and it’s in the stronger camp. Then, it quickly moderates into a more intimate fragrance. You will still notice the perfume around you, but it’s not going to be bold or project like the others can.

After 4 hours or so, it’s more of a skin scent.

On me, this one seems to stick around for 6-7 hours. A definite step back from the others in the series which can hit double digits. The performance isn’t great, it’s serviceable, but don’t really expect anything too crazy from On the Rocks.

Seasonally, this is one that’s more for spring and autumn. To me, it’s not really a summertime fragrance. Sure, that first hour or so can give you that vibe, but this does still have that booziness and myrrh note giving it more body underneath the ‘On the Rocks’ accord.

I’ve worn it outside twice thus far. In the evening, it was around 72 degrees outside (22 Celsius), and it worked very well. Then, I wore it when it was daytime, around 78 degrees (25) and humid.

This second time, it was still fine, but I’m not sure how much hotter I would like to wear this perfume around in. If you’re going to be inside with the AC on, sure. Outside? I’d pass. Mainly, this is for days when its cool to warm, and I’d avoid the extremes.

This is still completely unisex, but this version should be more versatile for people. It’s less sweet, spicy, syrupy, and boozy than the other two in the series. Which is what I loved about it, but for some they’ll enjoy the lighter citrus and aldehydes on top of a more subdued Angels’ Share DNA.

Overall Impressions of Angels’ Share on the Rocks

Overall, do I like Angels’ Share on the Rocks? I do. It’s a good flanker overall, that has a near great opening act.

The back half is a lighter version of the Angels’ Share DNA with less of the oak woodiness and more amber from that myrrh note. So, if you like the original and/or wanted a lighter and fresher version of it, here you go.

It’s not completely different, you’ll know that it is an Angels’ Share fragrance, but it gives you a different look than either of the previous two.

Again, it’s not really a summertime version of the scent. It’s better in warmer weather, but the heat wouldn’t be too great with this perfume.

I also don’t think it’s one that you’d necessarily need if you already have the original or Paradis. Maybe if you need a replacement bottle, you could pick up this instead.

The lack of spice, sweetness, and woodiness might appeal to some people that thought the others were too much. For me? I love the original Angels’ Share. This one is a really good flanker, but I’m losing some on the performance along with much of what I enjoyed about the first entry.

On the Rocks is worth trying out at the very least and may be worth buying depending on what you want from an Angels’ Share fragrance.

Good Fortune EDP by Viktor & Rolf

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Good Fortune is a new 2022 release from Viktor & Rolf. It is cool that they put out something else besides another Flowerbomb flanker. As such, I was wanting to give this one a go and see what it was all about. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Good Fortune worth a try?

Good Fortune EDP Overview

Notes include: vanilla, fennel, jasmine, gentiana

Click here to try: Good Fortune EDP

My Full Review

Here’s how it’s described: Good Fortune Eau de Parfum is the epitome of a new positive lifestyle. This visionary women’s perfume is an olfactive manifesto for spirituality and self-potentialization, bringing you the power to create your own destiny.

Good Fortune is a fragrance that is rather simple, but doesn’t strike me as being generic, even with its use of jasmine and vanilla notes.

It opens up with a blend of fennel and gentiana. It is an interesting mix and lends some unique aspects to Good Fortune. It’s got a bittersweet, somewhat vegetal quality.

Fennel has a licorice-like smell, this one is of the sweeter variety, and I’ve come across it before in the men’s fragrance 212 VIP Black. 

It’s got a certain sweetness to it, but this isn’t exactly candy-like or anything. It’s more of an aromatic with hints of a citrus aroma at times. Interesting, with a rooty/earthy aroma for a period.

Once we’re past the opening stage, the jasmine note really comes into its own. The gentiana seems to fade, as far as I can tell. Fennel is always there, just less pronounced. So, the back half of this perfume is a jasmine/vanilla mix, with it’s own twist thanks to that fennel.

Really, it’s a jasmine white floral with some vanilla (not a ton) and a freshness to it.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatilty

The scent is absolutely capable of filling up a room. I sprayed it on a t-shirt and can pick it up from across my living room, no problem. On skin, I think this leaves a substantial scent trail and can project very well.

Not the most massive bomb of a perfume ever, but it is really surprisingly powerful.

On my skin, this one can go just over 8 hours. Maybe 7-8 hours, on most occasions, but I wouldn’t expect too much beyond that. That’s good and I have no real complaints from a performance standpoint.

Seasonally, maybe at its peak during the more mild parts of autumn or springtime. I had it one outside in the chilly December weather and thought that it worked well in the cold. It’s got a colder aroma anyway, but didn’t feel out of place.

I don’t find this to be all that sexy of a perfume or one that’s really formal or anything. It could be a pleasant smelling daytime wear with the ability to go into the night. More casual to semi-formal, with a certain level of mass appeal, despite some bad reviews.

Overall Impressions of Good Fortune

Overall, do I like Good Fortune? It’s not a complete love for me, but I don’t hate it. I’ve seen this fragrance get a lot of poor reviews, but I’m not sure that I totally understand why.

It’s got a simple formula, but I don’t really know what it smells exactly like either. I don’t find it to be generic. Yes, a scent with a heavy use of jasmine is going to stir up a lot of memories of other perfumes, but what specifically?

Sweetish beginning, with some bitter earthy aromas, fresh, with a purple-whitish impression of color.

Maybe at its price point, it’s too expensive. Fair enough. I just don’t think it’s terrible.

Update: This one has since spawned a number of flanker fragrances. The best one thus far is Good Fortune Elixir Intense. So, you might want to check that one out first before the eau de parfum.

The scent itself stands out with that opening act. I don’t want a massive jasmine fragrance, but some people will. I think that this is worth a try, out of the mainstream mass appealing scents.

Good Fortune is polarizing, so if you want to give it a go, probably grab a sample to see if it appeals to you.

Un Jardin Sur le Toit by Hermes

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Hermes’ Jardin series is one that I’ve been working my way through posting full reviews of. I’m pretty much done, but one of the last one’s that I must do is Un Jardin Sur Le Toit. This edition was released back in 2011.

Reading the notes, I wasn’t particularly excited about giving it a complete testing, but it also didn’t seem like something I’d hate either.

How does it smell? How long does Sur Le Toit last? Is it actually worth a try?

Un Jardin Sur Le Toit Overview

Notes include: apple, pear, magnolia, wild grasses, rose, rosemary

Click here to try: Un Jardin Sur Le Toit

sur le toit review

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: A garden of feasting and joyfulness, where apple trees overhang wild grasses.

Un Jardin Sur Le Toit opens with a fresh mix of its various trees and fruits. Pear and apple trees along with magnolia. It’s a very sharp start to the mix. The apple is much more intense than that pear note and the underlying woody notes really pop.

Aside from the fruit trees, the other two stand outs are some dewy grass and the magnolia. This isn’t a completely floral fragrance, but lots of magnolia early on. Then, that’ll fade and you’ll get some rose thereafter…just not a ton.

The apple and pear with the freshness and watery aspect, does kind of come across as being shampoo-like, after that initial blast fades.

Also, the ‘tree’ notes really start to lose any woodiness, as it dries down. Kind of weird. More of a dewy grass with fruits and some rose. But the pear and apple tree notes are just the fruity smell than branch and all.

Not that it was too woody to begin with. However, that freshness was there for the entirety.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one is pretty moderate. Probably a bit above the median average, but not much more. You’ll get a nice scent trail for an hour or so. But, for most of the wear it’ll sit within 3-4 feet from the skin.

The deeper you go, the more of a skin scent Toit becomes.

On my skin, I get somewhere in the 6-7 hour range, at its max. Sometimes, it went just over 5 hours, but it got above the six hour mark during testing, a majority of the time.

Seasonally, this is mostly going to be one for the spring. The grassy notes, apple, and the like really give you that sort of outdoorsy vibe on a warm day.

Though, I can’t say that it wouldn’t be fine in the summer months, as well. Update: Yeah, this works in the summertime too. Actually, outdoors in the air really helps to bring this along, and show off its positives.

This is one for the daytime to wear casually or just going about your daily life. It’s not a sexy nightlife fragrance or something that is super sophisticated. Sur Le Toit is pleasant and one that can capture a certain mood.

Overall Impressions of Sur Le Toit

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I like it somewhat. Though, it’s probably one of my least favorite perfumes in this Hermes series. Sur Le Toit definitely isn’t great and is probably mid at best.

It is pretty sharp early on. But, I like the sweetness and watery freshness that this one gives off. The grass is a nice touch, dewy, but not heavy and annoying.

Fresh and greenish aroma for those who are into that sort of perfume. For me, it’s not something that I always enjoy. Though, I do like this one more than many others of this type.

Trees, grass, and strong fruitiness in the opening. It’s hit or miss throughout the wear, but quite likeable at times. The lighter dewy dry down is a more pleasant experience and this could be a way to shake things up in the spring and summer months.

Is that enough for me to want a bottle? No, I don’t think I’d want to spray this one on, all that often.

Sur Le Toit isn’t a super complicated perfume and almost has a niche-like feel versus the usual mainstream stuff.

The performance is pretty basic, nothing too special on that front. Though, it really isn’t a problem, as it’ll essentially fit the bill in most any of the situations where one would actually be wearing this.

Is it worth a try? Sure, for the right person. Read the notes? Does it sound interesting or something you’d usually go for? If so, then yes, since there isn’t anything that’s really going to surprise or turn one away from the scent.

City of Stars by Louis Vuitton

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City of Stars is one of the new fragrance releases by Louis Vuitton for 2022. It was a perfume that seemed to get more attention than the others recently, so I was interested in seeing if it was actually any good. How does City of Stars smell? When should it be worn? Is it actually worth a try?

City of Stars Overview

Notes include: red mandarin, bergamot, lemon, lime, blood orange, musk, tiare flower, sandalwood

city of stars review

My Full Review

Here’s how Louis Vuitton describes it: Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud offers a festive ode to Los Angeles by night, its excitement and extravagance, from star-studded boulevards to the constellations shimmering above the skyline. As darkness falls, the city’s lights surge in a sensual olfactory tableau.

The opening is obviously going to be a mix of citrus notes, just by looking at the ones listed. The main one that sticks out is the lime. Some blood orange and bergamot are also detectable. But, it is mostly a blend for much of the wear.

However, the citrus here doesn’t go full blast like how it does in Afternoon Swim. No, instead the tiare accord and musk have their own strong presence early on.

Louis Vuitton describes this as a nighttime fragrance, but the perfume is honestly quite beachy with the citrus and tiare giving it a tropical flair. Feels more sunny and daytime.

One thing to notice, during the wear, is how there is a balance of powdery and a creamy aroma throughout. The musk, tiare, and sandalwood notes all go back and forth to create this effect.

City of Stars has a similar style to Soleil Blanc and Virgin Island Water. But, I get reminded of Dior Homme Cologne, which is citrus, musk, and white floral. However, City is more complex and more feminine than that cologne.

Still, even with those comparisons, City of Stars still feels distinct from all of them.

The dry down is a slightly powdery white floral fragrance. There is a lime juiciness still around, just not all that powerful. There is still the muskiness and that lotion-like creaminess, neither really takes over the composition, though.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This fragrance has a pretty moderate sillage. It does hang in the air and leave a nice scent trail in your wake, for about the first hour.

The projection probably maxes out in the seven foot range. After that, it’ll stick around 3-4 feet for the bulk of the wear. A nice bubble of perfume for yourself and those who get closer.

Just know that this isn’t going to be a powerhouse. I found it to be good enough, in this department.

The longevity here, seems to be in the 6-7.5 hour range. After that, it is gone on my skin. But, it has hit in that range, each time that I’ve tested City of Stars out.

It doesn’t have that marathon performance, but it is passable in this regard.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summertime fragrance. It’s bright and lightly tropical vibe, is built for the warmer months of the year.

This is a unisex fragrance. The tiare is usually a note for women’s perfumes. While it does for sure lean that way, it isn’t too ‘girly’ that a man couldn’t pull this off.

Again, I don’t know why this is marketed as a nighttime wear. I suppose, on warm summer nights out, I’d wear this. But, this really comes across as a more casual to semi-formal daytime wear.

It’s pretty and attractive. Not a super seductive scent or one that begs for attention. Clean powder, musky cream.

Overall Impression of City of Stars

Overall, do I like City of Stars? I do. It’s not completely amazing, but I like it about the same as I enjoy Afternoon Swim or Cactus Garden by Louis Vuitton. Two of their better fragrances, in my opinion.

Much better than On the Beach. More recently, this has been getting overlooked by Pacific Chill, but this is the better perfume.

The citrus is nice, giving it the usual summertime vibe. City does do a good job with the tiare flower, letting it have a tropical influence, but also giving it a nice powdery aroma to balance out some of the creaminess.

So, you get a beachy sun tan lotion aroma, that is lightened by that nice fresh powder. It keeps things light and clean. It’s so bright, sweet, and just lovely.

I really love the lime note when it’s playing off of that powdery touch. Really quite phenomenal at times.

It’s not a super complicated or heavy scent, but it has its distinct facets, which give City some more character.

The performance is decent, not terrible but not amazing either. For this style of summertime fragrance, it is pretty good. But, Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc does have a better longevity.

Is it worth the money? It’s worth sampling to see if you want to spend almost $300 for a bottle.

(Update: even pricier since I first published this review in 2022). Louis Vuitton scents are very pricey and I don’t recommend most people just hopping in with a blind buy. The Dua brand has their inexpensive take on this formula, called: City of Dua. 

If you’re in the market for a good summertime beachy or tropical scent, this is one that I’d look at. It might be worthwhile in your specific case. Otherwise, I’d find a sample, if it sounds like one you might get a kick out of.