Men’s Fashion

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.

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.

Stronger With You Freeze by Emporio Armani

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Stronger With You is a very popular series from Emporio Armani, that has taken things in some interesting directions, while still retaining that core fragrance DNA. 2020’s Freeze version is one of the more unique editions from the line, but is it actually any good?

How long does it last? I’ve been testing it out and this page is dedicated to my thoughts on Stronger With You Freeze.

Stronger With You Freeze Overview

Notes include: ginger, apple, vanilla, lime, sage, lavender, cardamom, amberwood

Click here to try: Freeze

My Full Review

Here’s how Armani describes it: Stronger With You Freeze, the seductive, crisp and fresh fragrance for men by Emporio Armani, captures the seductive energy of the man who lives in the present with distinct and elegant freshness. Urban, dynamic and contemporary.

So, opening up you immediately get hit with the strength of that frozen lime note. I almost always love a cold citrus start and this is no exception. Lime is the major citrus player here, with a bit of orange playing the background.

The other noticeable fruit note is apple. Actually the opening of Freeze has more than a passing resemblance to Y EDP. The weighting of the notes is different, but the overlap includes: apple, sage, citrus, ginger, geranium, and the amberwood.

The apple isn’t as strong in here, but it is more powerful than the orange note. Ginger and sage are pretty heavy hitters that will sit up top, as the lime note begins to weaken somewhat. But, it does stick around.

So, early on we have a cold citrus and apple fragrance with fresh sage and ginger (geranium, too for a bit).

As it shifts, the lavender note really comes out. The sage, apple, and much of the citrus punch will fade a whole lot. Ginger, lavender with the amberwood note coming from the base. In comparison to Y EDP, this has much less of the blue-ish amberwood influence.

Also, making an appearance is cardamom. Very greenish, with some light spice. It’s noticeable once the sage has moved on. The lavender, cardamom, and ginger note are leaders for a time. The background is vanilla, amberwood, and the remaining lime.

Then, the vanilla and some of the glazed chestnut aroma from the original Stronger With You comes to the forefront.

It becomes more like the original, as it dries down. Lighter, still some lime and the ginger…but vanilla, woody, and nutty.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

So, the Stronger With You fragrances all have great sillage and projection off of the skin. Not the elite of the elite, but for popular designer colognes, they do an awesome job.

Does Freeze stack up? Not to the same degree, it isn’t a heavy beast of a scent. But, it is above average and will create a nice scent bubble for much of the duration and a trail for an hour or two.

Really, this one holds up with its strength fairly well.

The longevity here is pretty good for this style, but definitely below the others in the series, since this is a lighter formulation. I get somewhere in the 7-8.5 hour range of wear, when I spray this on skin.

Very much a scent that isn’t just going to quit on you, shortly after applying.

Seasonally, Freeze allows you to wear the formulation for the spring and summer months. Sure, go with your other favorite SWY scents when it gets cold, but this is a nice options for the warmer weather.

But, it really wouldn’t be bad if it’s not super chilly out there. Temperate to warm is when Freeze is at its best.

This is sort of a casual to maybe semi-formal fragrance. Not too serious, but likeable and still has that mass appeal of the others. This can easily been worn in the day and venture into the nightlife as well.

Not offensive and has an energetic vibe. Freeze is a cologne that you can get a lot of use out of, if you like the smell.

Overall Impressions of Freeze

Overall, do I like Stronger With You Freeze? I do, but it’s probably my least favorite of the series. Which many of them score about the same to me, this one is just lower than the rest.

The other SWY Scents like Intensely, Absolutely, Leather, Oud, and the EDT are much more enjoyable to me overall.

I thought during the opening phase, that this would surpass the original EDT, at least. But, as it wore on, I started to like this one less. Never hated it, just that opening is my favorite part of Freeze.

Lime, ginger, sage, and that bit of apple are really nice. Again, it gives off a similar albeit different aroma than Y EDP from YSL. I like it and it’s got a cold and refreshing aroma that’s quite wonderful.

As it dries down, the lavender and amberwood come in more, and I start to enjoy Freeze less. It’s still fine, just not amazing.

The performance here delivers most of what you’d want with a fragrance. So, if you like Freeze, it gives you a good deal. This Stronger With You is definitely worth a try, but may not be for everyone to buy.

Update: This one has been discontinued, since this initial review. I wouldn’t overpay to get ahold of a bottle, but if you want to try Freeze, you shouldn’t wait around long.

Bad Boy Cobalt by Carolina Herrera

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Bad Boy is a series that Carolina Herrera seems to be staying with, though without the million flankers its Bad Girl line seems to get. Nonetheless, we do have another flanker scent on the men’s line this year (2022), Bad Boy Cobalt EDP Electrique.

How does this one smell? How long does it last? Is Bad Boy Cobalt actually worth a try?

Bad Boy Cobalt Overview

Notes include: pink pepper, geranium, lavender, black plum, truffle accord, vetiver

Click here to try: Bad Boy Cobalt

bad cobalt review

My Full Review

Here’s how Carolina Herrera describes it: Bad Boy Cobalt Eau de Parfum Électrique puts a bold new spin on the duality of modern masculinity – the concept that defines every Bad Boy fragrance. A fusion of mineral sexiness and wild freshness, this energizing and complex fragrance shows us Bad Boy at his most elegant, inspired to be himself and confident that anything is possible alongside his trusted friends.

I’m not a huge fan of either Bad Boy or Le Parfum. They’re both fine, but never blew me away. So, I really had no expectations of Cobalt. However, I saw plum and truffle listed as notes, which did intrigue me.

Cobalt starts off with a fresh spicy punch, that is boosted by the tart sweetness of the plum note. Pink pepper and geranium, really start this one off with a bang. Can kind of be too much, but this Bad Boy flanker will settle.

Geranium has an edge on my skin, early. But, that flips with the pink pepper and it will begin to diminish. Nice cool freshness.

The next phase sees the plum note really come into its own. It’s less tart in this stage, sweeter, and I do get the comparisons with 1 Million Lucky. These aren’t the same however, the plum is much more tolerable in Cobalt, also.

For me, the truffle here is much earthy and dirty versus having a sweeter or chocolate-like finish to it. I like it, gives the aroma a more naturalistic feel than it otherwise would.

This and the vetiver really help to temper the blend and keep it from going completely in that 1 Million Lucky direction.

At some point, about an hour in, the lavender takes over as the lead note for the plum. This is about what I get for the rest of the wear.

It’s an sweet, woody, earthy lavender led mix. The plum doesn’t stay too powerful, but it is there.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Cobalt is pretty moderate. On me, it’s never entirely weak, either. I get a nice trail and scent bubble out of this one.

The projection is decent, but this one doesn’t seem as strong as the other Bad Boy colognes. Testing it a few more times after this initial review, and yeah, it’s pretty mid-tier with its performance.

I get about 6-7 hours of wear. With, Le Parfum, that number hit the 8-9 hour mark. Again, a slight step back from the others, but still pretty solid.

Seasonally, this is a versatile fragrance. Outside of the extremes of hot and cold, Cobalt would work just fine. Not going to melt when it is warm and can stand out on chilly outings.

It’s more of a casual, daily wear, nightlife, semi-formal fragrance for men. Not a super formal fragrance, but it can fit in for most other uses.

It’s attractive and mass pleasing. Leans more towards being for younger guys, but not totally limited to that demographic by any means. Date night? Yes. Maybe not the sexiest cologne out there, but it’ll do the job in most instances.

Overall Impressions of Cobalt

Overall, do I like Bad Boy Cobalt? It certainly has aspects of it that I enjoy. On the whole, it’s something that I like around the same extent as the others in the series. Fine, but not a cologne that I’m personally going to buy.

The plum and truffle combination is nice. Cobalt has its time as a sweeter type of fragrance, while also going pretty hard with the lavender and earthiness, later on in the wear.

With my nose pressed up against the skin, Cobalt does seem all that great. However, when it hits the air, I do find myself liking it much more. It seems to have periods of being very good, then maybe above average with how it smells.

The performance is run of the mill for a scent of this type. You do get a pretty unique aroma, it doesn’t smell exactly quite like anything, but just don’t expect Cobalt to be completely beast mode.

This should be a good option for younger guys and fans of the other Bad Boy colognes. I’m not sure that I prefer this to either of the two, but it’d probably fluctuate between that first and third spot depending on the day.

In the end, Bad Boy Cobalt is worth trying out to see if you like it. Not a bad fragrance and one that certainly already has its fanbase.

The Bad Boy line really isn’t that great, despite its popularity. They keep churning out new flankers, so, maybe one that I haven’t tried is elite.

All of the fragrances that I have tried are wearable, but none of them seem to deliver anything all that special. Cobalt certainly doesn’t despite having flashes of attractiveness.