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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.

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.

Black Opium EDP by YSL

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In addition to the recent men’s cologne samples that I’ve gotten a hold of as of late, I also managed to pick up a lot of ladies fragrances, to give my review of. Today, is an entry from Yves Saint Laurent and is a name inherited from the classic perfume Opium, Black Opium eau de parfum.

As always, I want to give my thoughts on how the fragrance smells, performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not it is worth a purchase. Note: I have come back to edit and update this page, a few years after the initial review.

What Does Black Opium EDP Smell Like?

black opium perfume review

Notes include: coffee, vanilla, patchouli, pink pepper, orange blossom, cedar, pear, jasmine, bitter almond

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

My Full Review

The opening of Black Opium is somewhat of a jumbled mess, in my opinion. For the first 10 minutes or so, it feels like a very synthetic blend of vanilla, flowers, and a hint of cedar.

However, despite this poor start, once it settled down Black Opium was quite a lovely experience. I get more of the pear sparkle coming through, once some of the other notes have taken their place in the composition.

This stuff is sweet, so if that’s not your bag, don’t bother with this one. The coffee note begins to emerge after the start and forms a lovely duo with the vanilla. I happen to really like coffee and vanilla (both in fragrance and in beverage form), so Black Opium appealed to my sensibilities.

One thing that I definitely detect in this perfume is the pink pepper note, which reminds me of the men’s cologne, Guess Seductive Homme. It was a part of that messy opening act, but gets more breathing room within the composition, later in the wear.

This Yves Saint Laurent perfume, isn’t all that complex to my nose. The final dry down here, is the vanilla and coffee, with a jasmine background. At the base sits: pink pepper, patchouli, and a bit of fresh cedar.

I was surprised that the patchouli note wasn’t stronger on my skin. Also, that almond note barely shows up for me. I think it’s more apparent on other people, but for me, not really getting much.

It’s warm and sweet, with a slightly powdery quality to it. It isn’t baby powder or anything, just gives off that sort of aroma.

While this is another fragrance that uses the ‘Black’ title and isn’t all that dark in its presentation, I’ll give it a pass, since it seems to be a dark roast coffee at least. Black Opium is such a warm scent, that sort of envelopes you as you wear it, and the light floral notes in the background give it an added layer of complexity.

Sillage, Longevity, Seasonality, Versatility

Projection wise, Black Opium is some pretty strong stuff. Honestly, a few sprays would do it. It also has good longevity, as I could detect it all day on my wrist.

I also sprayed it and a few other ladies’ perfumes onto a sweatshirt a few days ago, and the Black Opium is still the strongest, whilst others have faded completely.

At least with this original formulation, the reach of the perfume could be detected from 8+ feet out, at its height. This is one of the more powerful designer scents, in its early stages, to my nose.

For me, it easily goes 8 hours, and can hit double digits. I wouldn’t call it an absolute beast with the sillage, but the strength/performance overall, is very good and has a time where it is close to being great.

This is more of a fall and winter type of scent. I would avoid wearing Black Opium in the heat or high humidity, as it will fall apart, and feel pretty gross. It could absolutely be an everyday wear during the winter, but also double as a date night kind of fragrance.

In an office or classroom type of environment, go easy with the sprays, 1-2 should suffice. This isn’t a formal sort of perfume, so, you probably don’t need to worry about it for those occasions.

It is actually quite sexy, and as a man, I can say that I would want to be closer to a woman who was wearing Black Opium. This perfume has a really cozy and enveloping scent, with its sweet gourmand aroma, being pretty appealing. It’s not something that drives me wild or anything, but I can say, it is enjoyable.

Overall Impression

Overall is it worth a buy? Maybe. While not the greatest thing I’ve ever smelled, Black Opium is still a very solid fragrance, that does smell very good. It’s not for everybody, especially not those who don’t enjoy sweet gourmand perfumes.

Plus, it is limited to the colder months of the year, and not for those living in certain warm climates.

I’ve tried a lot of the flanker fragrances that have been released since this original came out and this is still among my favorites of the line. See: Neon, Intense, Nuit Blanche

The coffee and vanilla dry down is where this one shines. Nice floral contributions from the jasmine and orange blossom. This is when Black Opium really achieves a balance in its composition and is at its most attractive.

Again, the performance is good and the price isn’t too bad. It’s a solid choice, I’d just caution those who want to avoid the super sweet stuff, because this can be that kind of perfume for much of the wear.

However, as a popular mass market option, Black Opium will do the trick and could be a signature scent for some ladies.