Yves Saint Laurent

Y by YSL vs Dior Sauvage EDT Comparison

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In this comparison post, I want to take a close look at two men’s fragrances that have been released over the past four years, Y by Yves Saint Laurent vs. Sauvage by Christian Dior.

Now, this will be a comparison of the eau de toilette versions of both of these colognes. Obviously, over the years each brand has come out with countless flankers of these original formulations. I’ve written about those elsewhere on the site and have sprinkled in links to those articles within this page.

The ultimate question here is, which of these colognes smells better? I will come to this conclusion by comparing them in different categories before declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape

Sauvage EDT

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Chrisitan Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Sauvage EDT Review

Y EDT

Notes include: bergamot, ginger, aldehydes, violet leaf, geranium, sage, cedar, musk, incense, ambergris, fir

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz

Review: Y EDT

Opening

Y opens with a very fresh aroma that is cool, crisp, and super clean. It has a nice top note of bergamot, which is light and juicy. The aldehydes provide a bright and sunshine-like feeling and that is met by a warm ambergris note. Later, ginger and violet leaf enter the picture.

Meanwhile, Sauvage EDT, also opens with a bergamot note but this one is really sharp and quite intense. Sichuan pepper and lavender are also there. It is strong and sometimes harsh to my nose at first, but ultimately settles down.

I’ve never particularly enjoyed that pepper note with Sauvage. It’s not a bad start, but it develops better than what it initially leads on.

Which is better? I think the opening of Y smells better than Sauvage. Sauvage can be overbearing at first, before really hitting its stride, but Y EDT is very pleasant right out of the gate.

Edge: Y

Projection

Sauvage starts off quite powerful and has a sillage that leaves a solid scent trail. Then, it becomes more moderate, as the wear moves along. Still, it is  well above average with its projecting ability for almost all of the time it’s on your skin.

At the start, the Dior is up there with almost any of the best-selling designer colognes, as far as how well it projects off of the skin.

Y, on the other hand, starts off as a moderate and then becomes a skin scent or thereabouts for much of the rest of the wear. Y EDT isn’t a strong scent, not awful, just not great.

Between the two, it’s a pretty obvious advantage for Sauvage EDT.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

Sauvage lasts anywhere from 6-9 hours on my skin. When the heat and humidity are low, it lasts longer, but during summer it’s much closer to 6 hours.

Maybe that’s just what happens on my skin. Some people seem to get better performance than me with this cologne, but it’s still a fairly good performer. Especially for an eau de toilette concentration. That upper bound of the range is higher than what I’ve gotten out of Y EDT.

Y is pretty consistent with close to 7 hours of wear. It doesn’t seem to go beyond that. Pretty good, but it never goes to an extreme extent. So, on the worst days of Sauvage these two are equal. Otherwise, it’s a pretty easy edge for the Dior.

Some of the other newer editions of Y, go beyond what you get with the EDT, but they’re different in terms of smell too.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

Both of these colognes are highly versatile. They can be worn casually, dressed up, at the office, or out for the evening. Sauvage is probably better for nightlife, with its greater sillage, and sexier nature.

At least when compared to the EDT version of Y. Nonetheless, I would give Sauvage a bit of an edge versus the YSL scent.

Edge: Sauvage (slightly)

Overall Scent

Y EDT from Yves Saint Laurent, smells really good, but it isn’t anything special. I really enjoy how fresh, clean, and simple it is. It also doesn’t have any of the harsh intensity that Sauvage does and is much more low key.

Also, while it doesn’t have great projection, the longevity is solid and doesn’t disappoint. It just isn’t a beast and it’s not designed to be. It is very balanced with light qualities of sweetness and spice from the ginger.

However, Sauvage EDT is better. Even if I’m personally not a huge fan of it. Once it settles down it can be quite nice and catches attention. It is highly popular for a reason, after all.

The performance is better than Y and it has the added dimension of being a nightlife wear, while Y EDT, is more of a simple daily wear.

Between the two? I’m picking Sauvage EDT. Though, I’d really prefer the Eau de Parfum version to either.

Updating this my ranking of the options would be (before either of these two): Sauvage EDP, Sauvage Elixir, Y EDP

Winner: Sauvage

YSL Comparison: Myslf vs L’Homme EDT

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Myslf and L’Homme EDT from YSL occupy a similar use case, as an easy to appreciate daily wear fragrance. L’Homme came outa few decades ago and so has established itself as a mainstay in the Saint Laurent universe. Myslf, is a more recent option, which has quickly become popular.

But, how do you decide between these colognes? Which of them is better? Lasts longer? Well, this is my page comparing and contrasting these fragrances, and break it down until we reach a decision.

Tale of the Tape: Myslf vs L’Homme by YSL

Myslf

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

Click here to try: Myslf by YSL

My Full Review: Myslf 


L’Homme

Notes include: Virginia Cedar, Ginger, Violet, Citron, White Pepper, Basil Flower, Ozone, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Click here to try: YSL L’Homme

My Full Review: L’Homme

Opening

L’Homme EDT opens up with a nice mix of citrus and spice. The bergamot and citron aren’t too sharp, as they’re really held in check by the other notes. I like the ginger and basil, here.

Again, the balance of the composition comes through, since the spice doesn’t overpower. The emergent tonka bean adds a creaminess and the violet brings a floral touch. There’s an herbal or greenish quality to the scent, but still enough of a kick to keep things interesting.

Meanwhile, Myslf opens with bergamot and orange blossom. It’s fresher than is L’Homme and it also has a slight creaminess to the aroma, thanks to the orange blossom note.

But, the very opening stage is definitely about the bergamot. That will flip a bit later, but for the start it’s a fresh citrusy cologne.

Which is better? I like each of them. Though, I would probably give an edge to L’Homme. There’s more complexity and thus more to appreciate versus the rather simple Myslf.

Edge: L’Homme

Projection

Both of these fragrances are fairly light. L’Homme is the more airy of the two. Not really going to have a monstrous projection and it will mostly sit quite close to the skin.

With Myslf, I think the first hour is actually pretty strong. Not heavy, but will create a scent trail in your wake. After that, it’s more of an intimate scent bubble. I’d say it sticks in that 1-3 foot range off of the skin, but it’s still noticeable.

L’Homme, by that point? Skin scent with very little substance.

Edge: Myslf

Longevity

YSL L’Homme has never been a performance beast. In fact, it’s gotten worse over the years, in my experience.

My latest bottle is from 2021 and now the fragrance only lasts for 2-3 hours. Whereas it used to be, 4-5, and sometimes longer. Really disappointing.

Myslf is much better than L’Homme EDT, but still nothing amazing. I got 6-7 hours of wear out of it during my testing. Still, even with that decent level of performance, it’s an easy win for the newer entry.

Edge: Myslf

Versatility

I don’t see really any difference here. They’re both best in moderate to warmer temperatures. Both of them can be worn in just about any environment or situation, without issue. These are fragrance that are designed to be extremely versatile and both do a great job at occupying that space.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two colognes do I prefer?

While L’Homme EDT, has long been one of my favorites from the YSL lineup, it’s quality has for sure degraded over the years. The bottle that I purchased in 2021, will be my last. I’ve basically relegated to a gym fragrance or just something to spray on occasionally.

Mostly, it sits on my shelf.

Myslf, isn’t an amazing fragrance. I really like the opening act from it, though. It was close to edging out L’Homme, in that respect.

The citrus and orange blossom duo is great. There is a light spice, woodiness, and earthiness in the dry down. I do think the first half of the wear is better than its second half, however.

But, if I’m comparing these two scents, I’d pick Myslf as the one that I’d buy. The newer L’Homme EDP had promise, but ultimately fell flat with its performance too. ‘d pick Myslf over that one, as well.

If we were talking the original batches of L’Homme, it’d probably get the edge. However, nowadays, I’d definitely pick up a bottle of Myslf, before the older fragrance release.

Winner: Myslf

Y EDT vs Eau Fraiche Comparison

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Y EDT has spawned four other flanker cologne since its release a few years back. One of them, was last year’s Y Eau Fraiche. A lighter and fresh take on the Y DNA. Which one of these fragrances is better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy? I’ve worn and reviewed both and share my thoughts on the head to head in this post.

Tale of the Tape: Y EDP vs EDT

Y EDT

Notes include: bergamot, ginger, aldehydes, violet leaf, geranium, sage, cedar, musk, incense, ambergris, fir

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz

Read my original Review: Y EDT

Y Eau Fraiche

Notes include: lemon, pepper, ginger, mint, juniper, lavender, geranium, and cedar

My Review: Y Eau Fraiche

Opening

Update: YSL released an updated version of Y EDT in 2022. It’s slightly different from the original released in 2017. This post is about the original 2017 version. Everything still basically applies, however.

Y EDT opens up with a cool and crisp aroma. There is a light bergamot note, along with aldehydes, which gives the EDT a bright and sunny disposition. Underneath that, is violet leaf, ginger, and a light ambergris. It is a very good smell, light, and clean.

Eau Fraiche shares lots of overlap with EDT. It has the lemon, ginger, and mint. However, it also does away with plenty of the other notes. It’s actually cleaner, fresher, and has a bit of a spicier kick with the black pepper note.

While they are somewhat similar at the start, there is enough distinction between them in the early stages? Which do I prefer? I like Eau Fraiche. It’s got a cold vibe and really comes across great in the warmer weather.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Projection

Y EDT has a moderate sillage for much of the wear. Noticeable, but not heavy or a super projecting monster. It does settle much lighter, however.

Eau Fraiche is the weaker concentration and so never hits the same level of power as EDT. It’s a lighter summer wear, but actually is pretty good for this sort of scent. Just not to the same level as its competitor.

Edge: Y EDT

Longevity

With EDT, I pretty consistently get 7 hours of wear. Not spectacular, but passable. Eau Fraiche on the other hand, gets me 6 consistently and 7 on occasion. Again, the scent won’t be as powerful, but it almost keeps pace with the original.

Edge: EDT

Versatility

Y Eau Fraiche is a rather limited fragrance. It’s built for late spring/summer and is best worn during the daytime. That’s what it’s built for.

Y EDT is more of an all around daily wear, that can venture into pretty much any season, and many situations.

Edge: Y EDT

Overall Scent

So, with Y EDT having better performance and versatility it is going to be the winner, right? For me? Not exactly.

Point blank, I like the way Eau Fraiche smells more so than EDT. Yes, the end up quite similar, especially in the latter stages. However, I really like that cold lemon and summertime vibe. I wore Eau Fraiche at the beach and it worked very well.

Sure, it’s got a limited use case, but it’s just a better scent. In fact, EDT is my least favorite of the Y lineup.

That’s not to say that it is a bad fragrance, it isn’t. Though, it isn’t spectacular either. If you need an all around cologne, you could do worse. And if you’re in that situation and choosing between these two, go with EDT.

The better scent is Eau Fraiche.

Winner: Eau Fraiche

MYSLF EDP by YSL

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Myslfn is a new release from Yves Saint Laurent for 2023. After the endless Y and L’Homme flankers, I was excited to learn that they had come out with something different. I didn’t know anything about it before buying a sample online. How does this one smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a buy?

What does Myslf by YSL Smell Like?

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

Click here to try: Myslf by YSL

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: The first YSL Beauty woody floral for a contrasted trail of modernity.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this YSL coming into testing it. I saw comparisons between it and the women’s perfume, Libre by YSL after I ordered my sample, and wasn’t too excited for the prospect.

The thing is, it’s not really like Libre. Maybe closer to Libre L’Absolu Platine, which I also have a sample of. Even then, you’d have to strip out the lavender and aldehydes, which are major players in that fragrance.

Myslf starts off with it’s ‘fresh accord’, which basically consists of bergamot citrus notes, sitting on top of a strong use of orange blossom. It’s actually very nice.

The first time I wore this, I went outside for a stroll around the neighborhood and was loving the opening act and its mix of freshness and creaminess from the white floral.

The orange blossom will take over much of what the bergamot controlled up top. Patchouli and wood also appear, providing a slight earthy and spicy quality, while Myslf still manages to feel fairly clean.

The dry down comes and there is less distinction between the notes. The usual ambroxan fare, with the woody base, and a general aromatic smell perched front and center.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection in that first hour is good. Not a heavy fragrance, but it leaves a scent trail, and you can easily smell it on yourself.

I like to test scents outside, when I go for a daily walk. This was fantastic in that 30 minute window, when I had it sprayed on my wrist only. The scent itself was lovely, along with how it hung around me. Not quite a thick cloud, but more than a mist.

On my skin, this one will go for 6-7 hours. However, those last 3-4 hours are skin scent level performance. The first hour is really good and the next couple after that are decent.

Not an amazing performer. At the price point that Myslf is at, this is a reasonably disappointing result.

Seasonally, Myslf works best in the spring through autumn. It could be a year round fragrance, for those in a warmer climate. But, I’d probably go with something else during winter, for everyone else.

It’s a versatile clean. Any age group can wear it. Myslf isn’t a formal, wear it with a tuxedo type of cologne, but it works as an office daily wear. At school, casually, semi-formal events, etc.

It’s a scent that will be well-liked by others. It’s not a sexy sort of fragrance or one that’ll be a nightlife beast, either. Just one that can fit in pretty much anywhere else.

Overall Impressions of Myslf

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I do like it. It’s not a must have for me, but I do especially enjoy the first half of the wear.

Myslf isn’t a super unique or complex cologne. Though, that fresh accord paring with the orange blossom is very nice and attractive. It’s an easy to wear scent, that is clean and super versatile with its uses.

I like the light spiciness that comes through and that touch of earthiness. It’d be cool with some more of that.

Is it going to be one for those who love niche fragrances? Probably not. However, for the average consumer, this is a legitimate option if you just want to smell pleasant.

My biggest problem with this YSL, is the performance relative to the price. Not insanely expensive, but I want more longevity and power if I’m paying retail. I saw the small bottle selling for just under $90, which is a lot more than I’m willing to give up.

Outside of that, I think this is a very solid release. So long as you don’t have sky high expectations about what it should be or what YSL might have released instead of this.

Kouros Fraicheur by YSL

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After receiving my bottle of YSL Haute Concentration, I decided to buy another vintage Saint Laurent fragrance. This time I grabbed a bottle of 1993’s Kouros Fraicheur, a flanker to the original released in 1981. I was intrigued to get the original Kouros experience, blended into a lighter and more wearable version. Is it actually any good, though?

What does Kouros Fraicheur Smell Like?

Notes include: clove, pineapple, bergamot, ginger, orange blossom, patchouli, vetiver, amber, honey, oakmoss, incense, coriander, vanilla, tonka bean

My Full Review

The opening is full of that familiar spiciness and animalic quality found in the classic Kouros. Civet is toned down, but it is definitely there, adding an intense musk to the top of this scent.

Yet, I think they used aldehydes to a greater extent here, like I get with the last batch of Kouros I reviewed. A warm spice blended with that cold fresh airy blast.

But, the main difference with Fraicheur is the inclusion of lighter notes up top like pineapple and bergamot. This brightens up the composition with less of a massive pungent heaviness, that the 80s bottles of Kouros had.

When compared to the modern Kouros, I think this one is actually the more potent of the two, even though this was the ‘lighter’ version of the original 30 years ago.

Like Kouros, I get a good deal of coriander in the spice profile. Maybe some ginger. Most of it is going to be a mix of those spices, musk, patchouli, and what smells like neroli (not just the orange blossom alone).

Once we’re past that initial heavy mix of many different notes, things start to shift to an earthier blend. Some smokiness from incense, lots of vetiver, patchouli, and a bit of amber. This earthy smokiness is pretty well-blended with the floral notes (perhaps honey, too?) and the remaining pineapple/citrus.

I think this phase of the wear is great. The civet/aldehydes have take a back seat to these earthier notes and you start to get an unobstructed smell of the floral notes, also. It’s a mix of the cleaner and dirtier notes, but gradually becoming calmer.

At times, I really pick up on a powdery or creamier scent in this. It’s not distinct enough to be just one note, but the way everything starts combining.

While Kouros ends as a musky/floral/herbal fragrance, Fraicheur dries down woody/floral/sweet. There are hints of vanilla coming through and enough of the top pineapple influence to be noticeable if you press your nose.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one will leave a trail and fill a room, especially in that first hour of wear. It reaches much further than the Kouros sample I reviewed a few months ago. Fraicheur doesn’t require a ton of sprays to be effective.

That being said, past the first hour, and this cologne calms down a lot. Still very noticeable, but it doesn’t radiate quite like it does when it’s in full civet, aldehydes, pineapple, and spices mode.

The longevity is also great. It seems to stick around for about 9 hours on my skin. Remember, this is a ‘freshie’ EDT, and it’s putting out this kind of power. Most vintage colognes were just built different.

Seasonally, this is actually really nice in (near) springtime and could work in summer too. Fraicheur wouldn’t feel too out of place anytime of year. But, I think it’s best in mild temperatures and above.

Fraicheur still comes across as a vintage scent. Very different from just about anything that’s come out in the past decade-plus. It will probably appeal much more to older guys or those who appreciate the classic stuff.

I think that this is an approachable way to wear the vintage Kouros. It’s not overwhelming and the animalic facets aren’t the main event here. Still, it’s a classic chypre style, that you may have to grow to love.

Overall Impressions of Kouros Fraicheur

Overall, do I like Fraicheur? Yes, I actually prefer it to Kouros itself, especially in its modern incarnation. This 1993 version has a better strength and heavier reach than the newer bottles of Kouros, while having a lighter and more appealing scent.

You can absolutely still tell that this is very much a Kouros derivative. As such, if you don’t like Kouros, I doubt that you’ll enjoy Fraicheur. I like it somewhat more, but it’s still never going to rate as a personal favorite.

That initial spray is jam packed with things going on. I think it’s nice enough at that stage. I like the pineapple and citrus editions, but I think that Kouros Fraicheur really comes into its own once you get to the earthier and floral parts of the cologne.

All in all, I think this is a great release by Yves Saint Laurent. Obviously, it’s discontinued nowadays, and can be pricey to track down. I paid about $95 for a 1.11 ounce (30 mL) bottle, which isn’t too bad. But, this is mostly going to appeal to collectors.