Y EDP vs Y Le Parfum Comparison

The Y series from YSL is now on its 5th release, 2021’s Le Parfum. Obviously, it is going to get compared quite a lot with the other scents that came before it. Mainly, Y Eau de Parfum, since that’s been the best seller of the series.

So, with that in mind, it’s time for another cologne comparison. Which one of these Saint Laurent fragrances smells better? Lasts longer? Should you buy?

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Tale of the Tape: Y Le Parfum vs. Eau de Parfum

Y Le Parfum

Notes include: apple, grapefruit, ginger, aldehydes, lavender, sage, geranium, patchouli, tonka bean, and cedar

Read my review: Y Le Parfum

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Y EDP

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

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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.

Meanwhile, Le Parfum has some similarities to its counterpart, using apple and ginger. However, it replaces bergamot with grapefruit and adds some sweet aldehydes. Le Parfum is understated in comparison, has some more sweetness, and even a darker quality.

Sage and geranium are more prevalent at the beginning in Le Parfum, as well.

Which is better? I like the opening of EDP more so than Le Parfum. I think Le Parfum smells its best when it has settled in and the opening act is the weakest spot, in my mind.

Edge: EDP

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Projection

Y EDP does start off bold and the sillage comes across as being quite strong. However, I’d call it above average overall. Not a monster, but very solid throughout.

That first 30-60 minutes, can be a lot, especially with heavy spraying. Though, it always seems to calm down for me, while still having a noticeable strength.

Le Parfum never reaches the same levels. It’s also a moderate, but much closer to the middle of that range than the upper end like EDP. Plus, it doesn’t keep the same consistency as EDP.

I didn’t know if Le Parfum was going to be amped up in comparison, coming into testing it out, but it turned out to be a step down. Still, it’s not bad at all, just not the same level.

Edge: EDP

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Longevity

With Y EDP, I always get over 10 hours of wear out of it. It never lets me down with its performance. Y Le Parfum, will stick around for 6-6.5 hours, on my skin.

That’s not terrible, it’s just that Le Parfum is no marathon runner. It’s really not even a contest here.

Perhaps others have better luck with this newer edition. For the life of me, I cannot get this fragrance to stick around to even come close to double digit hours.

Edge: EDP

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Versatility

Here is where Le Parfum has an edge and it really isn’t much of one. But, Le Parfum is a more mature fragrance, with a subtlety which can venture into more environments. Its understated qualities will be appreciated by those who think that EDP is too much.

Neither is best on hotter days, but can venture in more temperate climates easily.

Edge: Le Parfum

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Overall Scent

Is this an easy win for EDP? Not really. Y Le Parfum is probably my second favorite scent from this series.

The dry down with the tonka bean, lavender, apple, and woods is actually great. That part of the wear is a highlight for me, and at times, I think I prefer it to EDP.

The downside is, that blend of notes comes in when the sillage has already weakened a lot and it floats close to the skin.

That’s not the worst situation, as you can still enjoy it, just not ideal. Le Parfum does indeed have its merits and is a fine fragrance…that had potential to be even better.

In totality, I still prefer Y EDP. It does absolutely everything well. It has depth, performance, and enough versatility to pretty much be a signature fragrance.

I can’t really say that about Le Parfum, at least for me. Sure, it’s versatile and can be worn in a wide variety of climates, but it doesn’t stick out the same.

I will say, if you don’t like the boldness of EDP, Le Parfum could be an easier pick for a lot of guys. Again, I do like the fragrance, just never found it to be all that special.

Winner: Y EDP