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Libre L’Absolu Platine by YSL

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Libre L’Absolu Platine is the latest version of this YSL line for 2023. I really hadn’t heard about it, but I saw an ad with Dua Lipa, and so ordered a sample of this a few weeks back. I’ve been testing this one out, to see how it stacks up versus other entries in the Libre series. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is L’Absolu Platine worth a buy?

What does Libre L’Absolu Platine Smell Like?

Notes include: citrus, lavender, orange blossom, white lavender, vanilla, amber

Click here to try: Libre L’Absolu Platine

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: The iconic structure of Libre, a tension between cool Diva lavender heart from France, crafted for Yves Saint Laurent Beauty and sensual orange blossom absolute from Morocco, reinterpreted in vibrantly metallic way. A juice with an exclusive concentration within the Libre range, enriched with a unique aromatic white lavender accord fashion by the master perfumers.

L’Absolut Platine starts off with cold and slightly metallic aldehydes coming through. Citrus, lavender, and orange blossom are all in the mix from the start.

It sort of reminds me of the beginning of Soleil Neige by Tom Ford. That one is a snowy cold with citrus and orange blossom. Platine is a metallic cold with an additional lavender note. Oh, this one is much more influenced by the classic aldehyde floral perfumes of the past.

Early, the orange blossom strikes me as being slightly stronger in the mix. That will quickly reverse and this one will have its various lavender notes coming in to dominate the blend.

I do like this cold and refreshing start. It’s pretty captivating, in that first hour or so.

After that, the lavender really comes into its own. That feature note, with the orange blossom still sticking around, and Platine smells a lot like the original Libre. Different, but strong similarities.

To my nose, L’Absolu Platine has less of the vanilla in the dry down. It is there, but not as much as what I got with Libre. Plus, the aldehydes still give this one a chilled brightness versus the original. Sort of soapy clean.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

L’Absolu Platine does start off very strong, with a powerful projection and a nice cloud around you, as you go about your day. Quite in line with what you get from the rest of the series.

However, I don’t think it maintains it’s strength as well as Libre or Intense. This YSL is a tad weaker than its predecessors.

The longevity here is somewhere in the 7-8 hour range, on me. On a t-shirt, this is like most everything else, and will go forever.

I do find it to be a step below both Libre and Libre Intense, in terms of its performance. Not bad, by any means, but both of those were great for mainstream designer perfumes.

Seasonally, autumn through mid-spring would be best for L’Absolu Platine. It’s a bit much for the summer months, but I like it in the cooler temperatures that I’m experiencing right now.

It is like Libre in its use cases. Daytime wear that can transition into evening. Has an attractive quality, not sexy, and isn’t a nightclub sort of scent. But, can be a signature or daily wear for many people.

So, L’Absolu Platine is a pretty darn unisex fragrance. Seriously, if you’re someone who though Libre EDP was ‘masculine’ this might seem even further in that direction.

Personally, I think the use of aldehydes keeps it more in the middle, but I can see how some who like more standard ‘girly’ perfumes might be put off by this.

Overall Impressions of L’Absolu Platine

Overall, do I like Libre L’Absolu Platine? I do like it more than Libre, but less than Libre Intense. I have a Le Parfum review to finish, but I’m not sure that Platine passes that one either.

I do think the start is interesting and it’s the highlight for me. I like that chilly and metallic sort of aroma that I get with the citrus and emergent floral notes.

The rest of the way, has a lot of the DNA of the original with a boosted lavender note and the remaining aldehydes helping to set it apart.

That being said, I’m not sure that you need this one, if you already have Libre. I think it’s at a higher price point too, so, no real need unless you’re a collector.

For others, I think that it is worth trying, especially if you’re a lavender fan. It’s a somewhat different take and one that I enjoy more than Libre EDP.

L’Absolu Platine isn’t one that I’d recommend on a blind buy. More of a test and see if you vibe with it.

14 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Black Opium

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YSL’s Black Opium has been a mega-hit for the brand. So, much so it has spawned a ton of flanker fragrances under the same banner and scents that wish to closely copy its style.

But, sometimes you want something cheaper, something that comes close to, or something with a similar vibe to the popular perfume. This is my page where I keep track of similar fragrances to Black Opium that I come across.

Also, I have added perfumes that are similar to the Black Opium flankers, such as: Illicit Green, Le Parfum, Intense, Extreme, Neon, Nuit Blanche, etc. 

Key Takeaways

Here’s a short list of some of the best options that are close to or inspired by Black Opium. I go into much greater detail below on these and many others.

What Perfumes Smell Similar to Black Opium by YSL?

black opium dupe perfume

Inspired Option 1

Ambery Vanilla by Dossier– If you’re in the market for an inexpensive aroma similar to that of the original Black Opium, this is the one to get. 

As of writing, bottles are only $29 versus what you pay retail for the actual YSL scent. This one is sweet with the same focus on vanilla, maybe to a greater degree versus Black Opium. Nonetheless, it is an inspired by aroma for much cheaper.

Dossier perfumes have good performance in terms of sillage and longevity. Ambery Vanilla is an easy go to on this list.

Inspired Option 2

London Destination by Alexandria– Another ‘inspired’ take on the Black Opium style. I haven’t tried London Destination, but have had some positive experiences with some of the other Alexandria fragrances.

It has the same vanilla, coffee, jasmine, pear, pink pepper, licorice, etc. So, so long as it is blended well (based on the reviews, it is), this one should give you a very close impression of the YSL perfume.

It’s very reasonably priced and well below the cost of the original Black Opium.

Illicit Green Similarities

Taboo Green Opium– While not a complete match of the original Black Opium, this one from The Dua Brand mimics the newer and highly popular Illicit Green flanker of our target.

Still, that version is still very close to what the original provides. It does have added fig tree and fruit notes. Plus, a lively pear top. So, very worthwhile to check out, if you are a Black Opium fan.

I haven’t tried this particular Dua Brand fragrance, but they usually strike a very close resemblance to the original. I’ve had their inspired by versions of Aventus and Lost Cherry, among others, and wasn’t disappointed.

The Only

The Only One by D&G– This Dolce & Gabbana fragrance isn’t a one to one match. In fact, it’s one that has a similar style, while doing its own thing in comparison. But, if you like Black Opium you ay enjoy or even prefer The Only One.

This one is much less spicy and floral. Caramel comes in to join the coffee and vanilla notes, which is where this draws the most comparisons with the YSL perfume. Actually, it kind of favors Black Opium Le Parfum more so than the original, out of any of them.

Pear is also a commonality, but we get a floral blend of iris and violet here, giving The Only One a powdery finish that remains soft and sweet. Pretty and delicious. Again, not going to be the same, but they overlap quite a bit.

Super Cheapie

Touch of Woman by La Rive– Close to the spirit of Black Opium, but not an exact match. For under $20? It might be worth it to some.

The vanilla thickness and floral notes are pretty similar. Touch of woman lacks the coffee, spicy depth, and bitter almond note of the YSL best seller. The floral notes emerge earlier and have less of a balance than what you get with Black Opium.

The performance is okay. It starts strong and can stick around for 4-5 hours, on the skin. Is it worth it? Maybe. I’ll include it on the list for those who want a dirt cheap option, that’s at least a perfume with an average quality. 

Black Opium Extreme Kindred Spirit

Addict Noir by Fragrenza– Fragrenza is another brand that I’ve tried out recently, with good success. They also make ‘inspired’ versions of designer scents. I particularly liked their Better Peach perfume, which smells like the Tom Ford version.

They don’t have the original Black Opium in the lineup as of now, but they do have their versions of Black Opium Extreme, called Addict Noir.

Extreme is a flanker which goes with a greater use of the coffee note and cacao. The vanilla note is still around, just not as prominent as you get with the original. So, if that sounds interesting, this is probably the best option. 

Black Flower

Fleur Noire by ALT Fragrances– Here’s another very popular inspired by option, this time from ALT Fragrances. They usually do a great job at capturing the spirit of the perfumes which inspired their creation. 

Pear, pink pepper, and orange blossom take the top of the scent pyramid. And the rest of the notes follow suit with creating a style that is similar to Black Opium. 

Now, I haven’t tried this one. So, whether or not they nailed the vibe or not isn’t something that I can comment on in this update. But, many of the reviews think they did, and having tried other perfumes from ALT I can imagine they’re not too far off.

Another Midnight Inspiration

Midnight Nymph by Oakcha– Oakcha is a brand that has been rolling out a lot of inspired takes on famous niche and designer fragrances lately. 

Midnight Nymph is their version of the Black Opium DNA. This one tries to mimic the aroma that you get with the original Black Opium release rather than one of the flanker scents.

I haven’t tried it out, as of yet. But, with positive reviews and a good price point, I figured that I should include it with this latest update to the list.

Simpler Opium Le Parfum

Vanilla 28 by Kayali- This Kayali entry most favors what Black Opium Le Parfum smells like. It’s different and much more of a stripped down version, but has a similar effect.

Tonka bean and brown sugar are very present early on, matching the sweetness that Le Parfum can have at its opening stage. No cinnamon or pear here, however.

But, Vanilla 28 like Le Parfum, has: vanilla, amber, vanilla orchid, and jasmine notes. Also, the weighting of the floral notes in each, is actually quite light. 

A simplified Kayali perfume that can be a potential alternative or layering fragrance for those who are into the Le Parfum style. Vanilla 28 Review

The Britney Option

Prerogative by Britney Spears– This Britney perfume isn’t a 1 to 1 match, just a fun perfume with a similar vibe. I actually like the Rave version of Prerogative better, but the original is closer to Black Opium in terms of smell. 

Prerogative doesn’t have the super strong vanilla, nor the same use of florals. It goes for a blend of spicy and sweet, however, with a bolder coffee and a delicious fruity top.  Also, it’s not as heavy or cloying, as the YSL can be, especially later in the wear with it nice use of woods.

Again, not a beat for beat resemblance of Black, but we get a lot of the same sort of likeable aspects at a fraction of the price.

Zara Very Close

Gardenia by Zara– Gardenia is another option for a similar scent to that of the original Black Opium. It is more sheer, with a heavier use of the orange blossom note and other florals, but Gardenia pretty much captures what we’re looking for.

I’d still go with the Dossier over this one, it’s usually a better deal, and smells closer to the actual YSL scent. However, this can also be a good pick if you want something lighter without the same levels of coffee and vanilla.

 Sillage not as strong, not as heavy, but the longevity is still quite good. 

A Similar Dior

Christian Dior Poison Girl Women’s Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Poison Girl isn’t a the same, but it has a similar style to Black Opium. Actually, it reminds me a bit of our target and La Petite Robe Noire Couture, while still doing its own thing.

It uses plenty of tonka bean and vanilla, with a bitter orange top for the fruit note. Damask rose is the floral here, which gives it some distinction from the YSL. The citrus here is also weighted heavier than what Black Opium has too.

This has great performance and a pretty strong sillage. On my skin, this would go from 8-11 hours, when I was testing Poison Girl. Read my review

Forbidden Similarities

Amor Amor Forbidden Kiss– A warm and energetic fragrance which predates Black Opium, but has a fruitier and less spicy smell versus the YSL. Grapefruit, coffee, pink pepper, and peony help to make up the Forbidden Kiss composition.

It’s warmer and good for the winter months, without the same overwhelming cloud that our target perfume can have, at times. 

The coffee and pink pepper notes, really make Forbidden Kiss what it is, and the coffee is a much larger factor here in this scent. Sweeter and fruitier than Black Opium, but one that some may prefer. It’s discontinued now, but bottles are still available, as of publishing. 

amoramorfor

Intense Alternative

Douce Insomnie by L’atelier Parfums– This fragrance isn’t much like the original Black Opium, rather, it favors the Intense version. Black Opium Intense did have quite a distinct feel from others in the series, it wasn’t my favorite, but it was different.

Douce Insomnie has a very similar profile to that, minus the licorice and absinthe notes. Which, for me is a great thing, and this L’atelier scent is much better in my opinion.

Cappuccino is the main note here, rather than straight coffee. However, you also get the powdery floral notes (heliotrope and iris), vanilla, and a great sandalwood base. 

So, think, sweet creamy coffee notes with soft powder and without the bitterness that Black Opium Intense had.

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.

La Nuit De L’Homme L’Intense by Yves Saint Laurent

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I had never smelled this particular Yves Saint Laurent fragrance going into this review and I had high hopes since it shares the name of La Nuit De L’Homme. How does L’Intense stack up against some of the other offerings by YSL? In this post, I want to explore how it smells, what’s in it, how it performs, and whether or not I think that it is worth a buy?

What does La Nuit de L’Homme L’Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: violet, sage, iris, patchouli, vanilla, tonka bean

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme L’intense Eau De Parfum Spray, 2.0 Ounce

My Full Review

I’m not always a huge fan of floral notes in my fragrances, in most cases and as the main attraction, anyways. I like iris a lot, but am not a fan of violet.

So, I was suspicious off the bat as to whether or not this cologne would be any good, but I usually really like Yves Saint Laurent fragrances.

The opening is a sweet and powdery floral experience, highlighted by the violet and iris notes. Actually, it wasn’t that bad and seemed pretty appealing to me, though,

I don’t really understand the connection with the original La Nuit De L’Homme. I guess it has a similar vibe, just not the actual smell.

I wish it were a more intense version of the original. Most of the same notes, just beefed up, because that is a pretty light sort of fragrance…especially the newer formulations.

L’Intense does smell quite feminine to me though, it’s sweet and soft, and while it does have some masculine elements…it reminds me of a ladies’ scent.

It really does just have this persistent powder-laden candy aroma for much of the first few hours of wear, that is at time appealing but also can feel like it’s too much at times.

Not too much because it’s an ‘intense’ fragrance, but because the sweetness and floral notes just get headache inducing, much like my experience with Lolita Lempicka. I think it’s pretty much due to violet, as I actually like the way iris smells.

So, at this point, it doesn’t smell like La Nuit De L’Homme in the slightest and it’s not really intense…I begin to wonder what the purpose of this EDP was. It does settle down into more of a patchouli and sage mixture after a while but the aroma is mostly the same throughout.

The early stages do give me plenty of the violet note, which isn’t great. Then, the iris will gain more control. Sage is the spice in Intense, in lieu of the cardamom of the original. But, it’s not too detectable past the opening 20 minutes or so.

After that, most of the wear is going to be heavier iris with a vanilla and tonka bean sweetness and the remaining violet swirling around.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s pretty moderate, not intense but I didn’t find it overly weak either. Probably on par with the original La Nuit, maybe a bit stronger than the newer bottles of that.

It’s longevity on the other hand, isn’t even moderate. I get about 3-4 hours out of this. Seriously, the performance is lousy. Since this one has many similarities with Dior Homme or Prada L’Homme, you’d think the performance could equal those. But, no.

It’d probably be best worn as a fall/winter cologne on casual occasions. The powdery feeling and underlying tonka bean are going to hold up best in the cold. This could be worn to work or casual to semi-formal occasions.

Overall Impressions

Overall, is L’Intense a buy? I don’t really see why. It’s not a terrible smell, but it’s also not as good as any of the other L’Homme fragrances that I’ve reviewed here.

I thought that I would like this one a lot more than I did. I’ve used full bottles of the original La Nuit off and on for years. This, was just disappointing. Even with the use of iris, vanilla, and tonka bean…all notes I enjoy.

Plus, it’s not really unique. Powdery floral fragrance led by iris? Go with Dior or Prada. Any of their releases along this line, are way better.

The original is better. Eau Electrique is better. L’Homme Parfum Intense, which I reviewed the other day, is much better than this one. The original Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme, is another option, but the longevity on that has gotten worse.

I don’t see where L’Intense even fits in or why anyone would choose it over anything else from YSL’s line, that has some amazing scents.

Update: I think this one has been discontinued, so, I guess a purchase won’t be a consideration for most out there.

L’Homme Ultime by YSL

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It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a Yves Saint Laurent cologne on this site. So, when I grabbed a sample vial of another L’Homme flanker fragrance, I was excited to see what it was all about. This is the subject of today’s review, L’Homme Ultime by YSL, which was released in 2016.

After wearing it around, I want to share: how it smells, what’s inside, when it should be worn, if it performs well, and if it’s worth a try. Note: I’m updating this page, years after the initial review.

What does L’Homme Ultime Smell Like?

Notes include: Damask rose, sage, vetiver, ginger, grapefruit, cardamom, cedar, geranium

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent L’homme Ultime Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce

My Full Review

Before we start into the review, let’s see how YSL describes Ultime: A woody aromatic with powerful elegance. The astonishing encounter of fresh Damask Rose with the raw sensuality of sage.

Upon opening, L’homme Ultime is very fresh, with a very nice clean spiciness to it. The main attractions at this point are grapefruit, ginger, and a rose which isn’t overbearing at all.

It strikes me as such a cold smelling fragrance, really cool crisp air, in my nostrils whenever I take a whiff of it. It’s bright and the citrus top is fairly sharp.

I feel that there’s a lot of similarities between this one and L’Homme Libre, which is another flanker fragrance from this line. Now, Libre is much spicier and has a different feel with the anise note, but these two struck me as being very close to one another. However, I like Ultime better between them.

As it dries down, the grapefruit fades, and the drier notes come out. Sage and cardamom gives it a spicier profile but not overboard. Meanwhile, cedar acts as a base and the vetiver is really noticeable to me at this stage.

When the vetiver is dominant, it reminds me of Creed Original Vetiver. The rose note also seems to fall off of a cliff after the opening act, which is a shame, because it was perfect in the top.

Ultime dries down further, into what it is for the rest of the way: ginger, cedar, vetiver, and grapefruit. It’s woody and outdoorsy fresh with a cold spice. It’s simple but very nice.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of L’homme Ultime, is fairly moderate. The first 2-3 hours are solid, but it weakens quite a bit after that. I wish it could have stayed around that same level, but in its entirety, not bad strength.

Though, the overall longevity is somewhere in the 6-7 hours, the second half is just not as strong. It will stick around as more than a skin scent, before it is just a skin scent completely.

I did wish that this one had more of a punch to it and could stick around for a few hours longer. But, like other scents in this series, the performance is not a highlight. Although, Ultime is actually one of the better performers of the lot.

Seasonally, I could see myself wearing this year round. It’s cool, yet spicy and I like the way it hangs in the winter air. Then again, it would be great in the warmer months also. Ultime has a great ability to fit into a wide variety of climates and situations.

It can be worn casually, dressed up, at work, or for romantic wear. It’s got a certain sexiness to it and is a very versatile cologne, which is one of its main selling points.

Overall Impressions of L’Homme Ultime

Overall, do I like L’Homme Ultime? Yes, I think it’s a great addition to the Yves Saint Laurent lineup. It smells great, is versatile, and has an elegant charm through its simplicity. I’m not even a big fan of rose, but it works well here in its more limited role.

The performance is decent but not amazing, though, this fragrance makes up for it through the rest of its presentation.

For a fresh woodsy scent, this is an example of how it’s done right. This is a unique take on the L’Homme name and gives you something different from any of the more popular colognes out on the market today.

This and Libre were great flanker scents, that had a style of their own while staying somewhat true to the spirit of the L’Homme DNA (YSL l’homme review)

This is a very likeable fragrance, that’s sadly not around much anymore.

Update: This one has been discontinued for a long while now. If you want a bottle, you pretty much have to get it off of eBay nowadays. You could also try, The Dua Brand’s Ultimate Renezvous, which is inspired by this YSL. I haven’t tested, but they’re pretty good at coming close to matching smells.