Yves Saint Laurent

Myslf Le Parfum vs. L’Absolu

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Myslf from YSL continues to expand its popularity among people with each of its successive releases. 2025 saw the release of the third cologne in the series, Myslf Absolu. With that being the case, I wanted to do a new comparison post between it and Le Parfum.

Which Myslf fragrance smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Myslf Le Parfum vs Absolu

Myslf Le Parfum

Notes include: black pepper, orange blossom, Bourbon vanilla, amber, patchouli, woods

Click here to try: YSL Myslf Le Parfum

Myslf L’Absolu

Notes include: ginger, bergamot, cardamom, orange blossom, woods, patchouli

Read my review: Absolu

Get Absolu: at Sephora

Opening

Myslf Le Parfum starts off fresh and sweet. There’s still a hint of bergamot present, but orange blossom really takes the lead in this version.

The orange blossom brings a bubblegum-like sweetness to the table, though the black pepper up top does a good job of balancing it out. You get a nice spicy kick without it being overwhelming.

There’s warmth here, and I’m picking up a fair bit of woods and patchouli right from the start as well.

Absolu starts off powerfully with ginger at the forefront, working alongside that familiar bergamot note. There’s a cool spiciness happening here that feels quite fresh, and the cardamom becomes more apparent after about 5 to 10 minutes.

The citrus burst at the start fades back, and the fragrance moves into a spicier floral combination featuring ginger, cardamom, and the signature orange blossom.

By now, the scent has grown warmer compared to that cooler opening vibe. It maintains a sparkling, somewhat sweet character. The spice notes have mellowed out and Absolu has settled into its floral center. Orange blossom, naturally.

Which is better? While, I do like what I get from Myslf Le Parfum at the start, the additional freshness and energy that Absolu brings to the table, is just better to me. I enjoy both, but one has a clear advantage.

Edge: Absolu

Projection

To me, both of these have close to the same level of projection. Very good ability to envelop the wearer and make itself known in a room. While also, not being an absolute beast.

So, in those terms they’re about equal. However, Le Parfum does have a denser and heavier feeling than does the fresher Absolu. Which can create the perception that it is the stronger of the two.

But, spraying each on a shirt and then walking away from it, I can detect them to about the same distance. Le Parfum does feel a bit more substantial, though.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

The longevity of each of these for me sits at 9-10 hours of wear. I’ve been testing each of them and rotating between these Myslf fragrances and that’s what I consistently get. Both are better than EDP, while being equal to one another.

Edge: Push

Versatility

When it comes to seasons, Myslf Absolu basically works all year. I’d lean toward moderate to warmer weather with it. Just like before, avoid wearing this in peak summer heat.

It handles both day and night well. This is a polished floral cologne where the fresh spiciness really comes alive in the evening hours. That’s what sets it apart from the EDP. There’s more detail and refinement here.

It’s crowd-pleasing but has some edge to it. This could easily become someone’s go-to fragrance or even their only one.

Le Parfum follows a similar pattern. It outperforms the EDP and Absolu when it’s colder out, but doesn’t handle the heat quite as well. It’s not terrible in higher temperatures, but the others have the advantage there.

I think both are fine for nightlife or romantic occasions. They have more depth than your typical clean everyday scent.

Not too much distinction here. The temperature might have an effect on which you would wear. Maybe, give Parfum an edge as a more formal scent, but there’s much separation.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Ok, so overall which of these two YSL colognes do I like more after extensive testing?

I do personally rank both of them higher than the original eau de parfum release.

With Parfum, I think the quality improves and the longevity gives it an advantage when compared to the EDP. Much of that edge is removed when it’s put alongside Absolu.

The vanilla, amber, and orange blossom combination really shines in the later stages. Le Parfum goes through phases where it turns powdery, then shifts woodier, then becomes more of an amber-driven floral.

That opening is solid, but a step behind.

With Absolu, The ginger and cardamom elevate the overall blend significantly. I really like the sweetness and fresh spiciness that you get to go along with that central orange blossom note.

Even stacked up against Le Parfum, this one feels more accessible as a floral cologne for the average person, and it brings extra dimension to the orange blossom base.

For me, I think I’d rather have a bottle of Myslf Absolu around. Others, may prefer the darker and sometimes earthier floral blend of Le Parfum. Absolu is the safer blind buy. However, for a portion of people they are going to really love what Parfum brings to the table.

Winner: Absolu

Myslf EDP vs. L’Absolu

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YSL has once again brought out a new entry into the Myslf lineup. This time, it’s Myslf Absolu for 2025. I’ve been really enjoying testing out this fragrance, but I wanted to do a post comparing it to the original.

So, which fragrance smells better? Which Myslf lasts longer? And is Absolu a better buy when compared to Myslf EDP?

Tale of the Tape: Myself Eau de Parfum vs Absolu

Myslf EDP

Notes include: bergamot, orange blossom, woods, patchouli, ambrofix

Click here to try: Myslf by YSL

My Full Review: Myslf 

Myslf L’Absolu

Notes include: ginger, bergamot, cardamom, orange blossom, woods, patchouli

Read my review: Absolu

Opening

Myslf eau de parfum starts off with bergamot and orange blossom as its main two note. It’s fresh, dynamic, and also has a bit of creaminess to the scent. The orange blossom adds that quality, but doesn’t bring too much sweetness during the beginning.

The very opening stage is bergamot-centered though. That shifts later on, but at the start it’s a fresh citrusy cologne.

Absolu really kicks off strong with ginger taking centerstage alongside that familiar bergamot note. It does have this cool spiciness to it, quite fresh, and cardamom becomes more noticeable after 5-10 minutes.

That initial citrus burst in the opening pulls back and it shifts into a spicier floral blend with the ginger, cardamom, and signature orange blossom.

At this point, the scent has warmed up from that initial cooler vibe. It still carries a sparkling, slightly sweet quality. The spiciness isn’t as intense and Absolu has transitioned into its floral heart. Orange blossom, obviously.

Which is better? I actually do think they’re close and more similar to each other than to Le Parfum.

Ultimately, I like the ginger and cardamom additions to the mix. Not as heavy with the bergamot, but that early clean spiciness is really complementing the core DNA very well.

Edge: Absolu

Projection

Absolu isn’t a heavy fragrance. It doesn’t have the same density or thickness as the Le Parfum version. However, it actually projects really well for a designer scent.

The first few hours especially have serious reach for me. Not a complete beast or anything, but I feel like I get plenty of coverage with Absolu for a good amount of time.

Myslf EDP for the first hour is actually pretty strong. Not a heavy fragrance, but it creates a substantial enough scent trail behind you. It never hits the same level as the other YSL scent though.

After that, it becomes more of an intimate scent surrounding you. I’d say it sticks in that 1-3 foot range off the skin, but it’s still noticeable.

Absolu is more substantial and has the further reach.

Edge: Absolu

Longevity

Myslf EDP lasts for 6-7 hours before it fades away completely. It’s fine, just not a great performer.

Longevity-wise, I still get 9-10 hours with this one, which is what I get with Myslf Le Parfum. So it’s about equal performance between those two and better than the EDP.

It’s a pretty clear cut separation between them, as expected with the higher fragrance concentration.

Edge: Absolu

Versatility

Myslf eau de parfum is easy to wear and can fit pretty much anywhere during any time of year. Maybe not during daytime in summer, but outside of that it’s fine.

It’s easy to just spray on as an everyday wear, but attractive enough for nightlife, even if that’s not its main function. It’s not going to overwhelm and works for all age groups without issue.

Seasonally, Myslf Absolu works year-round basically. I’d say it’s better in moderate to warmer temperatures. Again, skip the height of summer with this one too.

Daytime or nighttime. A well put together floral cologne whose fresh spiciness also plays up during the evenings. I think that is what separates it from EDP. It’s more detailed and refined.

Crowd-pleasing with a bit of an edge. This could easily be plenty of people’s main fragrance or only one for that matter.

Edge: Absolu

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I think smells better? While I do like what I get from Myslf eau de parfum, I just think that Absolu is the best cologne in the line thus far.

The ginger, the cardamom, and the blend overall is just superior. Even comparing it to Le Parfum, I think that it’s more approachable as a floral cologne for most people, and adds some depth to this orange blossom formula.

The bergamot and orange blossom focus of EDP is nice, but it just doesn’t hit the same level for me as does Absolu.

The question for you is do you want to spend an extra $80-100 (currently as of writing), on this new Absolu?

For some, it might not make sense. If you already have one of the other Myslf fragrances and you enjoy that, I don’t really believe that you need a second or third option. They’re different from one another, but also occupy a lot of the same space.

Update: You could also try an ‘inspired by’ take on either of these two, as alternatives from the Dua Brand: True Self or the Absolute version.

Myslf EDP is a nice cologne. It’s popular, well-liked, complemented, and is a great option for daily wear. It’s simple, but it’s simply not as good as the more intriguing and better performing Absolu.

What that’s worth to you? I don’t know. For me, if I grabbed a full bottle of any of these YSL scents, it’d by Myslf Absolu.

Winner: Absolu

Myslf L’Absolu by YSL

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L’Absolu is the latest Myslf flanker for 2025. It is the third installment in this increasingly popular fragrance series from YSL, but is it actually any good?

I purchased a travel sprayer of Absolu recently to test it out and put it through its paces. How does Myslf Absolu smell? Does it last long? Is it an improvement on the formula or not worth a try?

Myslf L’Absolu Overview

Notes include: ginger, bergamot, cardamom, orange blossom, woods, patchouli

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: An intense men’s cologne with a warm, woody-floral scent, amplified by cool spices and ginger for a long-lasting, radiant trail. Bergamot, ginger, and cardamom top notes offer an invigorating burst of cool spices. Rich orange blossom is at the heart, enhanced by sensual woods and deep patchouli.

Absolu really starts out well with the ginger notes taking center stage alongside that familiar bergamot note. It does indeed have a cool spiciness to it, quite fresh, and the cardamom will become more noticeable after 5-10 minutes.

That initial citrus burst in the opening will take a step back and it becomes a spicier floral blend with the ginger, cardamom, and the signature orange blossom.

You’ll notice the similarities between Absolu, EDP, and Le Parfum. To me, this one is closer to the eau de parfum overall and not as purely earthy and floral as Parfum. You get some more complexity beyond the original, but it’s more wearable for most people.

At this point, the scent has warmed up from that initial colder feeling. It still has a sparkling and slightly sweet aroma to it. The spiciness isn’t as intense and Absolu, has transitioned into its floral heart.

Orange blossom, obviously. If you’ve tried either of the other Myslf fragrances, you already know what to expect. I do think that there is another floral addition here, sort of getting a jasmine quality in the mix. It’s slight and might just be how all of the notes are interacting with one another.

The dry down is orange blossom, woods, and cardamom. There’s only a bit of patchouli peaking through on my skin. For me, I get much more of that from Le Parfum. This cardamom note seems to be a sweeter variety and has a bit of that lemon-like aroma.

Not super spicy in the back half, very nice, but more generic than what I get from the opening.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is not a heavy fragrance. It doesn’t have the same density or thickness of the Parfum version. However, this actually projects very well for a designer scent.

The first few hours especially have a far reach for me. I’ve sprayed it on a shirt across the room from me and can still pick it up well after that. Not a complete monster or anything, but I feel like I get plenty of coverage with Absolu.

Longevity wise, I still get 9-10 hours with this one, which is what I get with Myslf Le Parfum. So, it’s about equal performance between those two and better than EDP.

Seasonally, Myslf Absolu works year round basically. I’d say it’s better in moderate to warmer temperatures, maybe wear something else in the extremes, but this is a highly versatile daily wear from YSL.

Daytime or nighttime. A well put together floral cologne whose fresh spiciness will also play up during the evenings. Crowd pleasing with a bit of an edge. This could easily be plenty of people’s main fragrance or only one for that matter.

I think it’s more approachable as a floral than is Le Parfum and a more mature and refined cologne than is the eau de parfum.

Overall Impressions of Myslf L’Absolu

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, between testing this one out and also wearing Le Parfum again over the past week, I think that this is my favorite of the series thus far.

Absolu takes this series to a higher level for me. The first two were good fragrances that I enjoyed, but this Myslf flanker is bordering great.

The ginger and cardamom fresh spice up top, pair well with that more subdued use of the bergamot note. There’s a sweetness there initially too, but this one feels like a deeper version of the EDP formula without becoming as orange blossom dominant as Le Parfum (which I liked, personally).

It’s smoothness in the dry down is well done. I don’t get as much patchouli from this one, as in Le Parfum, as Absolu stays well balanced and fresh.

Now, the price being $210 retail is a bit much. YSL is definitely reaching. Initially, that will probably be a hurdle for some people.

I’d say wait on it making its way to discounters at some point. I’ve seen bottles of EDP at the same size for around $130 (and probably cheaper). Is this worth paying nearly twice as much? Probably not, especially if you already like wearing EDP.

If you already have one of the Myslf colognes that you enjoy, I don’t think that you need to rush out and buy this one. It’s different, but they all have a lot of the same use cases, so it could just be redundant to pick this one up too.

Yes, it’s better, but may not be worth it for everyone.

Try it out for sure, because you might eventually want this as a replacement for EDP or Le Parfum.

Ranking Y by YSL Fragrances

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Y is one of the main and most popular lines for YSL currently. It’s getting closer to a decade since it’s initial release and there have now been plenty of iterations. But, which of them actually smell the best?

In this post, I am going to rank the Y colognes from my favorite to least favorite. I’ve linked my reviews for each of them, as well.

Best Y by YSL Scents Ranked

Note: I’m ranking everything here except for Y Live. I’m pretty sure that I’ve smelled that one, but I cannot recall it at all. So, rather than try to place this discontinued fragrance, I’m leaving it off.

Still the One

Y EDP– I still think the eau de parfum is the best one overall. Though, the apple and sage might be too intense for some people, and you might opt for Le Parfum or the EDT instead.

The EDP version takes the bergamot of the original and pairs it with a crisp apple note at the top. Meanwhile, you also get the cool spice of ginger, and the trio is quite captivating.

The apple is really great. Too often you can get weak or very unnatural smelling apple notes in men’s fragrances, but here, it becomes the star of the show. That top paired with the citrus and that familiar ginger aroma is just completely delicious.

The secondary layer under this main trio at the start is from amber, tonka bean, and a bit of juniper berry.

The performance is great. Y EDP lasts long and is also quite powerful. Y EDP review

The Parfum

Y Le Parfum– The opening act of Le Parfum is pretty similar in many ways to both Y EDP and EDT.

You get the apple and ginger combination up top, along with the sage and geranium already peaking through.

The difference is, Le Parfum isn’t nearly as bold, has more of a sweetness, while being greenish and somewhat dark. Yes, you do still get the citrus/fruity notes, it’s grapefruit here. Though, the addition of the aldehydes gives this one a bright/sweet/slightly fresh aroma.

Once I get past this initial phase, I really begin to enjoy Y Le Parfum. It becomes softer, with hints of sage still providing an edge, but with an attractive sweetness.

Apple, tonka bean, lavender, cedar, and geranium are running the show. A somewhat dark sweetness with a fresh woody base. It just doesn’t have the same density to my nose, as those others.

The final stage is lavender, tonka bean, and a mix of the remaining fruity and woody notes.

Apparently, they’ve significantly changed this formula for 2025. So, I’m talking about the original bottles here. Find one of those if you can. Though, I’m not sure how much of a difference there actually is. Y Le Parfum review

Higher Priced Concentration

Y Elixir– I think that the relative simplicity and pricing of Elixir caused this one to get somewhat of a negative reaction. But, on terms of how it smells, this is a very enjoyable and versatile cologne.

The geranium here is the one that is found in both EDP and Intense. But, a much more prominent role. Sometimes geranium can have a slight apple like smell to it, but I’m sure they just added a touch of the EDP mix to create a small hint of Y EDP’s opening act.

Nonetheless, that blue-ish tone is very much muted.

Lavender and geranium are the stars here, particularly the latter. The lavender gives this one a clean and soapy kind of aroma. But, that is more than offset by the spicy, earthy, crisp, woodsy freshness of the geranium.

Very cold and fresh in these early stages. Not as blue or bold as EDP for example. Though, this one has some depth and I enjoy how tame and easy to wear it is.

This is a very good option for a low key daily wear, that still has plenty of performance. Y Elixir review

The EDT

Y EDT– This is a very likeable fragrance. It’s a good one to get if you think that the EDP is too strong. This one is lighter and cleaner, great for daily wear. Plus, you can usually find a bottle for cheaper than others on the list.

It did get a slight revamp after its initial release. But, the ‘newer’ version has quite a lot of overlap with the original batches. YSL was pretty quick to change the formula, even slightly.

I think this might actually be some people’s favorite out of all of the options. It’s a great entry level cologne, not too challenging, but delivers plenty to enjoy. Y EDT review

Summer Fresh

Y Eau Fraiche– Eau Fraiche served as the summertime edition of the Y lineup. It wasn’t amazing by any stretch of the imagination. However, I thought it was a nice, if pretty simple fragrance.

Y Eau Fraiche kicks off with that immediately recognizable Y blend of notes. Here, you get overlap with the EDT from lemon, ginger, and mint in particular. Gone are the sage, pineapple, and apple. Very much cleaner and brighter than the original, but with a spicier bite.

There is a black pepper note, which joins that mint, and ginger. Cold and refreshing like a lemonade on a hot day.

As it moves along in the wear, the pepper and ginger fade away from my skin, and I get more geranium and cedar. Eau Fraiche starts smelling a bit more like the EDT, with less of the cold lemony punch, that started us off. Y Eau Fraiche review

Rounding things out

Y EDP Intense– I didn’t hate this one. I think that it’s an okay scent overall, but just not better than anything else on the list (maybe Eau Fraiche).

The opening of Y EDP Intense is pretty familiar, in terms of what you get with the rest of the series. The same blue-ish aroma is there early, along with the powerful sage note from Y Eau de parfum.

Intense doesn’t have the apple note, so, people who weren’t a fan of its sweetness may be pleased. It is replaced by a much shorter-lived juniper berry. I like its pairing here with the sage and other ingredients.

Early on you get a light bergamot, to go along with the cooler fresh spiciness. Geranium, ginger, and that sage note are all present creating a nice aromatic aroma.

I personally get around 20-30 minutes of this phase of the fragrance, before it begins to shift quite a bit. Things get earthier, warmer, less spicy.

After that, it’s kind of boring. Nothing too unique, but this one has a heavier patchouli and vetiver with the lavender note also hanging around. It’s always just been mid to me. Y EDP Intense review

Y Elixir by YSL

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Y Elixir is the 2024 release in the now long-running Y series of men’s fragrances from Saint Laurent. I was interested in trying this one out, and so, I got a hold of some samples in order to give the cologne a full test.

How does L’Elixir smell? How long does it last? Is this edition, even worth a try?

Y Elixir Overview

Notes include: lavender, geranium, oud, incense

Click here to try: Y Elixir

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: Y Elixir is a sexy, deep, woody-spicy cologne for men in an extreme concentration.

Upon first spraying I recognize this immediately as being apart of the Y line. The geranium here is the one that is found in both EDP and Intense. But, a much more prominent role.

Now, sometimes geranium can have a slight apple like smell to it, but I’m sure they just added a touch of the EDP mix to create a small hint of Y EDP’s opening act. Nonetheless, that blue-ish tone is very much muted.

Lavender and geranium are the stars here, particularly the latter. The lavender gives this one a clean and soapy kind of aroma. But, that is more than offset by the spicy, earthy, crisp, woodsy freshness of the geranium.

Very cold and fresh in these early stages. Not as blue or bold as EDP for example. Though, this one has some depth and I enjoy how tame and easy to wear it is.

Oud adds to the base and the woodiness. However, it just isn’t all that massive of a note here in the early stages. Also, an incense note provides a smokiness which also isn’t too pervasive. Both are really nice in the support of the other two notes.

Elixir isn’t too complicated of a fragrance. The back half is going to be a lavender led affair, still clean and with a soapiness to it. More of a woody feeling to it, than the earlier stages of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This fragrance does start off strong with its ability to project, while not ever being too heavy of a cologne. It doesn’t create some thick cloud of scent around you, but does hang in the air quite nicely.

That first hour or so is strong. Then, it moves into being something a bit above average, though nothing that is overpowering. Sticks around before it becomes basically a skin scent.

Y L’Elixir lasts for about 9 hours, on my skin. During testing, it seems to at least go for 7.5 hours, but doesn’t get past that 9 hour mark.

It’s a very solid performer, just not one that cracks elite status.

Seasonally, Elixir is best in the autumn through springtime. I don’t particularly like it in the extreme temperatures, either hot or cold. Outside of that, it’s a fragrance which works great.

It’s a versatile fragrance that fits in pretty much anywhere. It’s not a massive attention grabber, if you wanted something for the nightlife or romantic wear. Office, casual, as a daily wear…L’Elixir does the job very well.

Overall Impressions of Y Elixir

Overall, do I like Y Elixir? Yes, I actually think that it’s one of the better smelling Y fragrances. I certainly don’t like the price of this (companies are getting wild with these ‘Elixir’ releases and what they’re charging), but for what it is I enjoy how Y Elixir smells.

This, however, won’t be a fragrance that everyone will enjoy. Probably not a great idea to blind buy it, but you should try it in store or get a sample of Y Elixir, to see how you react to this scent.

It’s not offensive smelling, by any means, some just might think that Elixir is kind of simplistic and boring. I don’t. That’s just what I’ve seen some of the negative reviews of this one say.

Personally, I really like the more subdued use of these notes. The geranium and lavender are given plenty of time to shine and this can be an option for those who want a Y cologne that fits in well at the office.

Y EDP and Le Parfum are still better than this one, in my opinion. However, I think it might be my third favorite from the line. If the eau de parfum was too much for you, this can be a better alternative formula.

Again, what’s that worth? Not the price they’re charging, but I do like this one and wouldn’t be opposed to having a bottle.

The more time I spent with Elixir, the more I liked it. So, maybe it still has room to climb the rankings of the Y fragrances.