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Mon Paris Lumiere EDT by YSL

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Mon Paris Lumiere is another entry from the fairly long-running YSL series. This perfume was released in 2022. I got a sample of this a while ago, with another order of fragrances, so I tested it out for a full review. How does Lumiere smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Mon Paris Lumiere Smell Like?

Notes include: Isparta rose, lemon, jasmine, datura, white lotus, patchouli, musk

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: A chypre floral aquatic, as radiant and vertiginous as being loved under Parisian skies. The hypnotic fragrance of datura flower is embraced by the radiance of the white lotus flower and the elegance of the Isparta rose heart absolute. The scent of ecstatic love, a clash of light for an everlasting trail. 

Lumiere opens up bright, sweet, with an aquatic/ozonic accord underneath. It makes the floral notes seem like they’re floating in water.

Early, it’s notes of lemon, white lotus, and the datura. A few minutes in, I get some jasmine, but that never feels super powerful in this mix. At least on my skin.

It’s a tad odd, when I smell it sometimes, but I think Lumiere works. I do like the fresh and energizing aroma that this has, even if I’m not sold on the early lemon use.

Early, this does have some distinction from Mon Paris Intensment, which has a fruit-chouli aroma to it. That one joins a lighter datura note with black currant and rose in the early stages.

Here, we get the lighter and ozonic style that works better in the heat, but doesn’t have that same substantial feeling in the first half.

The next phase, is more floral and musky. Less of the ozonic aspect and the citrus will start to fade. It becomes more rosy, less lotus, and the jasmine is still involved. Not dominated by any of the floral notes here. Everything seems balanced for the duration.

Basically, Mon Paris Lumiere will end with it’s floral notes, freshness, patchouli, and musk. Not super deep or complex. More like the others in the series, in the second half of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is a lighter and fresher scent, but Mon Paris Lumiere isn’t one that is super airy or non-detectable. Actually, overall between it’s ability to leave a scent trail and just project more generally, is a bit above average. At least, for a couple of hours.

On my skin, this one will stick around for 6-6.5 hours. It’s nothing that’s going to be a beast performer. It’s just pretty much okay, across the board.

I thought that this might have a bit more to it, than what I actually got. I didn’t expect a completely massive scent, but I did think that I’d get more than six or so hours out of Lumiere.

Seasonally, Lumiere is a warm weather perfume that’s built for spring and summer. It’s not as heavy as others in the series, so, this YSL can be a good change of pace for those who like this formula and want a springtime variant.

It’s more of a daytime wear. It’s not very formal, but it’d work for most circumstances and can be worn by any age. There’s nothing here that is going to be off-putting for most people.

Overall Impressions of Lumiere

Overall, do I like Mon Paris Lumiere? It’s pretty good. It’s probably somewhere between the original and Mon Paris Intensement. I liked Intensement more than the first one. Lumiere isn’t doing anything wholly different or better than either, however.

The lemon and white lotus combination, in the early stages is nice enough. There’s nothing here that blows me away, but this is a likeable release from YSL.

It’s freshness and musk can be a nice pick me up on a warmer day. The rose and jasmine back half is fine, it’s been done a million times, we’re not breaking much new ground with this perfume.

Lumiere is pretty much a true flanker fragrance, not really going way off in the other direction versus others from the Mon Paris lineup.

Likeable at full price? Probably not. If another from the Mon Paris series is one of your signature scents, you’ll almost certainly like this one. If you didn’t care for one the others, this one isn’t likely to make you a new fan.

A pretty good perfume, with fairly average performance. Get it for a discount, if you can. Or, just skip it entirely.

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

Libre Le Parfum by YSL

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Libre Le Parfum was released as a flanker to the popular YSL original back in 2022. I received a few samples of it some months back and tested it out. It wasn’t one that I was particularly excited about trying, but actually came away pleasantly surprised by this perfume. How does it smell? How long does it last? Continue below for my full thoughts.

Libre Le Parfum Overview

Notes include: ginger, saffron, mandarin orange, bergamot, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla, honey, tonka bean, vetiver

Click here to try: Libre Le Parfum

My Full Review

One of the main things that I notice early on with Libre Le Parfum, is how quiet the lavender note is on my skin early. Now, come to find out that it will be more substantial later on, I do like the change of pace from others in the series.

The opening has a good dose of mandarin orange/bergamot, while not ever taking over the composition. It’s held in check by the ginger, saffron, honey, vanilla, and especially the orange blossom. That is the floral note (and note in general) that leads the way here.

Parfum is warm and cozy. The spice is potent, while we get a thick sweetness as well, in this opening act.

After a few minutes, the citrus will fade, as will some of the ginger. Here, I get a mix of saffron, and honey with the orange blossom. The other notes will be sitting underneath this as the main accord for a while.

The next phase for me is the lavender coming on strong at the expense of the orange blossom. It will be even for a little bit, but lavender quickly takes on the dominant role out of the floral notes.

With that, less saffron, ginger is pretty much gone, but you get the tonka bean in their place. So, it’s really a vanilla and honeyed aroma at this point. A sweet, honey-vanilla dipped floral fragrance.

The dry down is mostly lavender and vanilla with a touch of vetiver poking through. Not as thick, still somewhat sweet, but more of a cleaner aromatic smell at this point. Closer to what you get with Libre and Libre Intense.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Le Parfum is a heavy and thick fragrance with plenty of projection. It will leave a nice scent trail for a long time. On me, it felt a tad weaker than Libre Intense, but it is still close to being the strongest of the bunch so far.

The longevity here is fantastic. I get 10-11 hours at least, with Le Parfum sometimes venturing into the 12 hour range. I don’t think it’ll go beyond that on my skin, but this Libre flanker is no slouch.

Seasonally, due to its ingredients and how heavy of a scent it can be, this one is made for the autumn and winter months. I wouldn’t expect to be wearing this outside during the summer months or if you live in a particularly tropical climate.

Add to that, this is one that can really shine in the nightlife, during those colder months. That warmth, sweetness, and enveloping cozy aroma is great. Attractive and bold with what it brings to the table.

Maybe not the best for formal wear or work (depending on your office). Some of you will be able to pull it off in that environment. But, this is just a really nice gourmand version of Libre.

Overall Impressions of Le Parfum

Overall, do I like Libre Le Parfum? Yes, I think it is the best release of the series thus far. I used to think that was Libre Intense, but this surpasses it. Also, it is easily better than L’Absolu Platine which came out around the same timeframe.

It does everything well, so long as you enjoy this sort of heavier gourmand style. It won’t be for absolutely everyone, of course, but I think that most people would enjoy this YSL perfume.

I’d say that this one is a buy. It’s definitely one to try out and see how it works for you, at the very least.

Again, it’d be my number one pick from the Libre line. I wasn’t a big fan of the original, but this and Intense really carry the banner well.

One of the better designer releases in the past few years. It doesn’t seem to get the same attention as things like Burberry Goddess (this is better) or even the other Libre options.

Opium EDT by Yves Saint Laurent

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Opium EDT was released in 2009. It is of course a follow up to the original classic perfume that was released back in the 1970s by Yves Saint Laurent. But, how does this modern edition stack up? What does it smell like? How long does it last? Is it actually worth a try?

What does YSL Opium EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lily of the valley, jasmine, carnation, vanilla, myrrh, amber, patchouli

Click here to try: Opium EDT

My Full Wear Review

So, I am reviewing the eau de toilette version of Opium which was reworked in 2009. It does smell a lot like what I remember the original, but it’s not going to be exact to what the 1970s version was. Mostly, it’s the same, however.

Anyway, I’m going to judge this one as a standalone since I don’t currently have a bottle of the original edition available to me.

This opens up with a freshness thanks to the citrus top notes, led by the mandarin orange. The spice is there and it’s warm. This will be with you for the entirety of the wear, so if you don’t like it, you won’t enjoy Opium EDT.

Another aspect that I get here early on, is a clean and underlying soapy quality to this blend. Jasmine is already peaking through, along with that stem of the carnation and the top lily of the valley. Jasmine and lily giving it that soap sort of smell.

A bit greenish, not super noticeable unless I press my nose close to the skin. The carnation brings that aspect and the spice too. The clove from the original is absent and it seems the carnation will pick up some of the slack.

I will say, from what I remember of Opium, this version is less intense and seems to be more balanced overall.

The next phase sees the citrus leave entirely from my skin, the myrrh steps up and this becomes about that note and the floral ingredients mostly. I will start to notice more patchouli into the dry down.

It’s sweeter with more of a balsamic type of scent. Resinous, then seemingly morphing into more of a straight amber. Maybe, some of the vanilla influence?

For the rest of the way, the myrrh and carnation will be the main attractions. Jasmine, amber, patchouli, and vanilla are around in varying strengths and decline as it begins to evaporate.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The opening of Opium is still bold with a far reach and a sillage that will leave a trail of scent in your wake. Even as an eau de toilette, this one certainly isn’t weak.

Well above average. However, it will settle closer to the skin

The longevity is very good, but not outstanding. I get 8-9.5 hours of wear from this YSL perfume, depending on the day. For most purposes, that is going to be just fine.

Seasonally, I like Opium EDT in autumn through early springtime. It’s resinous qualities really come alive in the colder weather and it can kind of get messy, if it’s too hot outside.

This can be a daytime or evening type of perfume. I think this would serve as more of a signature scent, now that it’s so different from most other mainstream designer fare, that’s usually much sweeter and fruity.

It’s not going to be for everyone (nowadays), but it’s a fragrance that can work well in a pretty wide variety of situations.

Overall Impressions of Opium

Overall, do I like Opium EDT? I do. I’ve always been a fan of the Opium series, even the Pour Homme edition which I used to wear. Even if this doesn’t 1 to 1 compare to the original Opium, it still has enough of the original’s spirit to be a very nice pickup.

It is a bit simpler, but more approachable than what I remember. Still, it doesn’t have the same sort of aroma that most perfumes do nowadays. It’s a very particular vibe to a certain time period. Which, may or may not be what you want in particular.

I like the myrrh and even the carnation. It’s not usually my favorite flower, but it is one that really used to get put in a lot of fragrances, and it’s always worked well within the Opium blend.

Performance is still quite good. Nothing spectacular, but it does outpace plenty of other EDT’s out on the market.

Opium is one that you should try out before committing to, if you’ve never smelled it. Again, not a scent that’s going to be for everyone. Though, it can be an absolute love for many people, when they do jell with it.

Black Opium vs Prada Candy Perfume Comparison

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So, here we are, back with another round of perfume comparisons. Today, we have two sweet and popular designers scents for women: Black Opium EDP by Yves Saint Laurent vs. Prada Candy. Now, both of these are the eau de parfum versions of each respective scents. Which of these two gourmand perfumes smells the best? Which gives a better performance? Please continue below for my full take of them head to head.

Tale of the Tape: Black Opium vs. Candy

Black Opium

black opium perfume review

Notes include: coffee, vanilla, patchouli, pink pepper, orange blossom, cedar

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, Black Opium, 3 Ounce

Read my original review: Black Opium

Prada Candy

Notes include: caramel, musk, and benzoin

Click here to try: Prada Prada Candy Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 2.7 Ounce

Read my original review: Prada Candy

Opening

The opening of Black Opium is probably when it’s at its worst. It’s messy and has a lot going on. Orange blossom, vanilla, and cedar among other notes are heavily present and intense. The YSL scent just takes about ten minutes to work itself out before the perfume really gets going.

After that, we get a still super sweet fragrance, but the vanilla and emergent coffee pair up to straighten out the composition.

Meanwhile, Prada Candy, is also sweet just darker. It doesn’t have the intensity and swaps in caramel to be paired with benzoin and some musk.

I love the benzoin note here and it strikes me as being sort of like a more feminine version of Body Kouros, which is actually a Yves Saint Laurent cologne.

Between the two? I prefer the start to Prada Candy. Black Opium gets better, just the opening struggles for a bit. It’s kind of messy and I think some of the later flankers to Black Opium got it better, in this regard.

Edge: Candy

Projection

Black Opium is very strong perfume. A couple sprays should do it for just about any occasion and any more than that just won’t be necessary. Prada Candy is much more of a light to moderate scent and cannot compete with the sillage of Black Opium.

It’s probably a good thing for Candy, as if it were strong, it’d start to get annoying. Nonetheless, the stronger of the two is the YSL fragrance.

Edge: Black Opium

Longevity

I get about 6-7 hours from Prada Candy, on my skin. That’s solid and could be useful in a variety of scenarios. Still, it’s nothing that’s amazing or of great value versus the Prada price point.

However, Black Opium is an all day wear. I got double digit hours out of that perfume with no trouble at all. Performance wise, the YSL is dominant. Some later Black Opium flankers didn’t seem to ever reach this same level.

As far as I’ve experienced with the original, it hasn’t gotten noticeably weaker over the years.

Prada is serviceable, but Black Opium gets you plenty of bang for your buck.

Edge: Black Opium

Versatility

Both of these perfumes are cold weather wears. Both can be worn casually or at work. Plus, have enough sexiness to be worn out at night. Perhaps, Prada Candy is a bit safer for work because it isn’t as loud, but that’s really the only edge I see.

Either is a nice and sweet selection that can be a easy reach when the temperatures start to drop.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

So, the both of these perfumes are of the sweet, gourmand, and cold weather variety. Prada Candy is fairly linear and moderate in its presentation and performance.

You get the sweet and salty caramel and then later, more of benzoin and musk. There is also a dash of powder in there for good measure.

Black Opium EDP is a bold fragrance that isn’t dark like the name would suggest. It’s really sweet with vanilla and coffee.

Add to that, a warm pink pepper note, and the ever present orange blossom note. It has more of a rich and cozy feeling than does Candy, while also being more complex and ultimately more interesting.

Which is better? I’d go with Black Opium. For most ladies, it will be the better bet. Now, if you want something subtler, Candy might be the way to go.

However, Black Opium gives a better performance and outside of the opening 10 minutes of confusion, it smells nicer than does Prada Candy.

Winner: Black Opium