Y Elixir by YSL

by

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.

Eros Flame vs. Eros Energy

by

Eros Flame, for a long time, had been the only truly different flanker from the original Eros. Now, we have Eros Energy (and another one exclusive to Dubai) to help shake thinks up from just being another close variant of the main formula.

With this in mind, I wanted to compare these two Versace colognes to give a clearer picture as to which one is the better bet for those looking to get themselves a bottle of Eros. Which fragrance lasts longer? Smells better?

Tale of the Tape: Versace Eros Flame vs. Eros Energy

Eros Flame

Notes include: lemon, tangerine, chinotto accord, black pepper, wild mountain rosemary, pepperwood, geranium, rose, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, oak moss, sandalwood, tonka bean, and vanilla

Click here to try: Versace Eros Flame 100ml 3.4Oz Eau de Parfume For Men

My review: Eros Flame

Eros Energy

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, orange blackcurrant, musk, amber, moss

Click here to try: Versace Eros Energy

Read my review: Energy

Opening

With Eros Flame, my first bottle of it was pretty strong with the lemon and orange upon initial spray. But, the last few times that I’ve tried it, it seems to be toned down somewhat.

Those two notes are paired with pepper, the chinotto accord, rose, vanilla, and tonka bean. The rose and vanilla emerge more on my skin, as it starts to move into the middle act.

Eros Energy starts off with a ton of citrus. For me, it comes in waves. First, we get a mix of mostly: lemon, grapefruit, bergamot. Then: lime, orange, and even some blackcurrant amping up the tart aspect.

Very juicy and fresh with how it comes across. Some light spiciness is there, but it’s not too potent.

Eros Energy also has an amber and woodiness, which will become more noticeable later on.

Which is better?

I think both are fine. I do tend to like how Eros Flame kicks things off, more than what I get with Energy. Energy is definitely intense, but that sharpness can be bothersome to me, early.

Edge: Flame

Projection

Eros Flame has always been a powerful scent. I do think that it has lost a step or two from the original bottles. That first batch was insanely strong.

For a while, it felt like one of the biggest projecting mainstream designer colognes out there. Now, it’s still a beast, but somewhat tamed.

Energy has a nice strong start. It’s not a heavy scent, but that citrus opening is sharp, and can definitely reach across a room with a good amount of spraying.

Once it settles, it’s a moderate scent for a few hours. Then, it’ll be much more intimate.

Between the two, it’s a pretty easy win for Flame. Eros Energy puts up a good fight in that opening bit, but it cannot sustain nor reach the same peak as its Versace counterpart.

Edge: Flame

Longevity

Eros Flame lasts 10+ hours, at least with my original bottle. It could also go up to around 15 before completely quitting.

That was, however, with the initial release. This recent sample that I got, doesn’t nearly have the same staying power. Maybe it’s just that sample, but it only seemed to get around 8 hours.

With Eros Energy, I get 5-7 hours of wear out of it. Not nearly what Flame is capable of, but it’s also not designed to be.

Edge: Flame

Versatility

Energy is the first Eros cologne that works well in the spring and summer months. The citrus formula is built for the warm and even hotter temperatures of that part of the year.

Yet, it doesn’t really work as a autumn and winter wear like Flame. So, it’s kind of a split, and depends on what type of fragrance you’re looking for.

Energy is more of a casual sort of scent. It would be fine in somewhat dressier occasions, when it’s hot outside, but it doesn’t have the same nightlife or romantic wear potential as Flame.

Flame is more well-rounded in its use cases versus what you get with this newer Eros flanker. It’s not any better seasonally, just different, but it will probably be one guys reach for more often versus Energy.

Edge: Flame

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

I wore Eros Energy quite a lot, when I first purchased the bottle. I wanted to be sure that I spent plenty of time wearing it in different scenarios. On the whole, I think that it’s a fine fragrance.

Nothing great, has enjoyable moments, but not a cologne that I am wanting to wear all too often. Plus, here in January, it’s just sitting on the shelf.

While I’m not personally, that big into Eros Flame, I do still like it more than I do Energy. I like its scent and the complexity of the notes more than I do the massive citrus aroma of this newer Versace Eros flanker.

Eros Flame is better. It did really used to get on my nerves, in the dry down. Though, trying a few samples in the past year, I’m not put off by it. Flame isn’t a fragrance that I completely love, it’s just good, and better than Energy.

Winner: Eros Flame

YSL Myslf vs. Y EDP

by

YSL currently has multiple releases in its men’s fragrance catalog, that have achieved a great deal of popularity. Y eau de parfum is a best seller and has been for more than a handful of years now. 

Myslf EDP is a more recent release, but has also become a favorite among fragrance enjoyers, and will no doubt spawn further perfumes under the Myslf title. However, which of these two colognes is better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Myslf  vs. Y EDP

Myslf

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

Click here to try: Myslf by YSL

My Full Review: Myslf 

Y Eau de Parfum

Notes include: bergamot, apple, ginger, sage, vetiver, geranium, juniper berries, tonka bean, amber, cedar

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce

Read my review: Y EDP

Opening

Y EDP starts off with its bold kick. It’s a strong bergamot, apple, and ginger blend initially. Then, will come the amber, juniper berry, and tonka bean. However, that initial blast is quite juicy, bold, and blue.

I know some people don’t like that initial punch, but I love it. I actually think that its that amber and juniper layer that can put some folks off. But for me, the apple and bergamot pairing really grabs my attention with its crisp bite.

The sage also comes through quite a bit, even at this early point of the process.

Myslf starts off with bergamot and orange blossom, as it’s main two ingredients. It’s fresh, dynamic, and it also has a bit of a creaminess to the aroma. The orange blossom adds that aspect, but doesn’t get to add too much sweetness during the beginning.

But, the very opening stage is a bergamot centered fragrance. That will change later on, but for the start it’s a fresh citrusy cologne.

Which is better? This is a close race between them, as sometimes Y EDP can be a bit too bold for me in the opening act. Yet, I think that I still prefer what I get versus Myslf, at the start. Both are enjoyable, but I have a slight preference.

Edge: Y EDP

Projection

Y EDP does start off with plenty of punch and it comes across as being quite strong. However, I’d call it above average overall. Not a monster, but very solid and noticeable throughout.

That first hour or so, can be a lot, especially when going with a higher number of sprays. Though, it always seems to calm down for me, while still having a good amount strength.

Myslf for the first hour is actually pretty strong. Not a heavy fragrance, but it will create a substantial enough scent trail in your wake. It never hits the same level as the other YSL scent.

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

An easy win for Y.

Edge: Y EDP

Longevity

Y EDP lasts for about 10 hours on my skin. It might go for a little longer or even for a shorter duration, depending on the circumstances. However, it almost always seems to hit that double digit mark for me. 

Myslf EDP lasts for 6-7 hours, before it has faded away entirely. It’s fine, just not a great performer. Especially, in comparison to my bottle of Y. 

Y eau de parfum is much more of a performer than what you’ll get with the serviceable, newer YSL release.

Edge: Y EDP

Versatility

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

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

Y EDP will also work pretty much year round. Again, I’d go with something lighter on the hottest days of the year.

It is also one that can fit in basically anywhere. Neither of these is the most formal fragrance ever and you might want to go with Myslf, if you want a scent that is more understated. However, I don’t see much separation in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Myslf EDP is an enjoyable wear. Simple and pleasant. I like the opening act with the citrus burst, it’s very versatile, and can easily slot in as a daily wear cologne.

There’s some additional woodiness and amber, in the back half. Though, this fragrance isn’t too complicated. The performance is decent, but not great, and I don’t think the scent overall holds up in comparison to Y.

Y EDP smells great and has mass appeal. Sometimes, I’m not in the mood for such a blue-ish cologne, but this YSL works perfectly when I am.

It has similarities with other popular fragrances, but utilizes different notes, to make it distinct from the pack. I love the apple, bergamot, and sage at the top. The crispness, the clean and modern scent, and the performance doesn’t disappoint.

For me, I enjoy the experience of wearing Y more so than what I get with Myslf. Even if, I think that the latter one is a very nice perfume. I would still choose Y EDP over the other release, Myslf Le Parfum, also.

Winner: Y EDP

Kilian Angels’ Share vs. Smoking Hot

by

Kilian’s Angels’ Share has been a best seller for years now and has been copied by a lot of different releases, trying to capitalize on that success. Meanwhile, Smoking Hot is one that’s gaining steam from the brand, but hasn’t gotten the same level of attention yet.

However, these two are often compared to one another. As such, I thought I’d do a post, matching them up. Which smells better? Lasts longer? And is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Angels’ Share vs. Smoking Hot

Angels’ Share

Notes include: cognac, tonka bean, oak wood, cinnamon, praline, vanilla, sandalwood

Click here to try: Angels’ Share at Sephora

Read my review: Angels’ Share by Kilian

Smoking Hot

Notes include: apple smoke, cinnamon, tobacco, Bourbon vanilla, moss, clary sage, licorice, Orcanox

Click here to try: Smoking Hot

My Review: Smoking Hot by Kilian

Opening

Angels’ Share starts of with its signature cognac, oak, and its tonka bean note. The cognac has an apple-like sweetness to it, which is fantastic.

The sweetness is enhanced by the inclusion of vanilla and praline. Which all plays well off of the spicy punch of the cinnamon note.

It’s a great mix of boozy, sweet, and spicy. Very warm with its aroma and has a baked good sort of undercurrent to the cognac-led mix.

Meanwhile, Smoking Hot also starts things off with an apple and cinnamon blend. But, it doesn’t strike me as being exactly like Angels’ Share. It smells much more like Apple Brandy on the rocks, just swapping out that brandy note for a smoky shisha.

But, there’s obviously going to be some sense of an overlap between them.

It’s fruity, sweet, smoky, a tad spicy, and fresh. The cinnamon note isn’t as powerful in Smoking Hot, as it is in Angels’ Share. Plus, you do get some moss and a faint clary sage note, adding a lighter and somewhat greenish dimension to this scent.

Vanilla, is also in the mix, but feels more prominent later on.

Which is better? It’s a close race. However, I still prefer the opening act of the cognac-soaked Angels’ Share more than Smoking Hot. Though, I really do like the latter a whole lot too.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Projection

Both of these fragrances have a strong opening act. I think Angels’ Share hits a higher high and its initial blast of notes is slower to fall off when compared to those of Smoking Hot.

Nonetheless, each of these Kilian perfumes is a strong, but not overwhelming fragrance. That will both settle into something more moderate, but still noticeable.

The performance differences between these two are interesting. Angels’ Share is the heavier of the two and has a bit better reach, in terms of its projection.

But, while it takes this category, the longevity is much more of a contest.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Longevity

With Angels’ Share, I get 9-13 hours of wear on my skin. It’s not a complete powerhouse throughout, but I for sure get a good and long time with this Kilian perfume whenever I wear it.

Smoking Hot actually matches Angels’ Share for me. Also, it has yet to not reach the 10 hour mark. 

I’ve been wearing each of them quite a lot recently. I haven’t noticed either of them really taking an edge in this category. So, I’ll call it a draw.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Seasonally, each of these are best in the autumn and wintertime. I think Smoking Hot is better than its competitor in slightly warmer temperatures, as it is somewhat lighter as a fragrance.

I wore it outside in 65 degree Fahrenheit weather and Smoking Hot was fine. I wouldn’t push it into summer, but it could venture somewhat into spring.

The smoky shisha aroma of Smoking Hot and the cognac of Angels’ Share may prevent them from being a daily wear for some people. The middle and latter stages of Angels’ Share isn’t too boozy.

It’s already a best-seller, so, I’m sure plenty of people wear that perfume to work without issue. With Smoking Hot, it does have a hookah smell. Take that into consideration.

Both are about equal in terms of casual wear and venturing into the nightlife. Not much separation here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Kilian fragrances do I prefer?

Both of these are great. However, I’m still leaning towards Angels’ Share.

I love the sweet mix and use of cognac in the blend. The rich oak and notes like praline coming through. A good cinnamon kick early. It’s a perfume that I’ve worn for multiple years and will continue doing so.

Smoking Hot is close to being as good, but just falls short. I like the apple smokiness early. That initial introduction isn’t long enough, I wish there were more time with that aspect.

The dry down of Smoking Hot is also very nice. I get some more woodiness, vanilla, and there’s a licorice note in here that seems more noticeable, later in the wear.

It’s one that I’m wearing a lot right now and may pick up a full bottle of. It’s a fragrance that is well worth trying. I just still prefer Angels’ Share in a head to head comparison.

If Angels’ Share is too sweet, feminine, or even boozy for you; Smoking Hot can be a great alternative. Still unisex, but seems to lean more masculine for most people.

Winner: Angels’ Share

Gentleman Society Extreme by Givenchy

by

Gentleman Society Extreme is the follow up to the fairly popular, Gentleman Society. Extreme was released in 2024.

This flanker has gotten some attention already for being a worthy second act in the line. But, does it actually live up to the hype? How long does it last? Is Society Extreme even worth a try?

Gentleman Society Extreme Overview

Notes include: sage, peppermint, nutmeg, iced coffee, narcissus, iris, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society Extreme

My Full Review

I grew to like the original Gentleman Society a bit more after I initially tried it. However, it never became something that I ever got too excited about wearing. So, I really wasn’t expecting much coming into testing Extreme.

I must say, this version is simply better to my nose. Yes, they are quite similar but the differences are enough to really make a difference, for me at least.

The opening here really sets the tone. It’s like an iced coffee drink smell with nutmeg and peppermint. A mix of freshness and later warmth. Not to mention the clary sage from the original is still around. Though, in a reduced role.

The addition of the coffee note is fantastic. I’ve seen a few reviews saying that they don’t get much coffee, but it really sticks out on me, thankfully. That’s one of the notes that appealed to me before trying this version.

The iris here is a richer orris root. It’s certainly a powdery fragrance, but that’s not the sole focus at all. The iris isn’t to the degree of something like L’Homme L’eau by Prada.

Coffee, fresh spiciness, powder, and the emergent vanilla note are what I get in the first phase of the wear.

Later, we will start to move into it’s woodier aspects. But first, the iris and narcissus shine alongside the coffee note.

To me, this has less of the narcissus than the original, at least to my memory. The original had the cardamom and narcissus pairing with the vanilla, whereas this goes coffee, iris, vanilla, and mint.

Either way more weighting on my skin toward the orris root. There is a slightly green or earthy quality here. Faint at times, but between the floral notes, swath of vetiver, cedar, and sandalwood this one starts to get woodier as we dry down.

The tail end is going to be the iris, vanilla, coffee, vetiver, and cedar. It depends on the time, as to which note is leading the way at which point, but they all seem to get some shine. Actually, this is when Extreme seems to smell the most similar to the original Society.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The original Society was a pretty strong fragrance at its start and was above average for the duration.

Extreme, is even more powerful with its projection early on, and does a better job at maintaining throughout.

Now, it’s not an absolute monster. However, it’s got plenty of reach, particularly during the first few hours.

It’s not super heavy either. Substantial for sure, but this perfume doesn’t bog down or ever feel cloying on me. The sage, cedar, etc. do a nice job at giving this enough aromatic freshness to keep it pleasant.

On my skin, I get 10-11 hours of wear with this one. Not a complete projection bomb, but one that will stick around and be noticeable for a long time. A good value, especially if you can get a bottle on sale.

Seasonally, I’d stick to autumn through early springtime with this Givenchy. I wore this on a warmer day before and it wasn’t too great in that environment. Though, in the colder weather it hangs beautifully in some crisp air.

The additional notes give this one a greater balance and a more refined style than the original. It’s more acceptable for all age ranges, to where Society felt geared more toward men in their 20s.

Nonetheless, this retains the ability to work during days or nights. It’s a great fragrance to wear out in a variety of scenarios from a party to a date and in between. Yet, it’s not so loud or anything that it can’t fit in at the office as well.

Overall Impressions of Society Extreme

Overall, do I like Society Extreme? Yes, it’s one of my favorite designer releases of 2024. Not that it was too difficult of a field in a slow year, but it actually is a very nice perfume that I enjoy wearing.

The coffee note and peppermint combination really makes this one for me. That opening is distinct from the original and the overall composition has a better balance with everything.

Less of the sage sticking out and the freshness is incorporate well with the sweeter notes. Plus, the Givenchy iris is still great.

Society Extreme does live up to the name, giving you very good performance for a designer wear, while also checking the box of being a daily wear scent.

After trying the sample, I bought a full bottle on Black Friday for $100. I’d say it’s worth retail price, if you can’t find a discount, but I’m sure it’ll available for around what I paid for it again sometime soon.

This is well worth a try and I think that it will continue to grow in popularity. It’s an easy going floral cologne that isn’t going to alienate the average guy by straying too far into the ‘flowery’ territory.