Myslf Le Parfum vs. L’Absolu

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?

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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

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Myslf L’Absolu

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

Read my review: Absolu

Get Absolu: at Sephora

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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