Y EDT vs EDP by Yves Saint Laurent Comparison

For this entry into the men’s fragrance, head to head match ups, I want to do a comparison between two recent releases from Yves Saint Laurent: Y eau de toilette vs. Y EDP. Which one of these colognes from YSL, smells the best?

Which has better performance? Which is the top buy? I have worn and reviewed each, linked below, and will now share my thoughts as to how the compare to one another.

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Tale of the Tape: Y EDP vs EDT

Y EDT

Notes include: bergamot, ginger, aldehydes, violet leaf, geranium, sage, cedar, musk, incense, ambergris, fir

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz

Read my original Review: Y EDT

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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 original review: Y EDP

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Opening

Y EDT opens up with a cool and crisp aroma. There is a light bergamot note, along with aldehydes, which gives the EDT a bright and sunny disposition. Underneath that, is violet leaf, ginger, and a light ambergris. It is a very good smell, light, and clean.

The aldehydes and the bergamot are the most attractive parts here. Though, I do also always love a good ginger note.

Y EDP starts off with bergamot also, but this is paired with a stronger, crisp apple note. With these two fruit notes, is a coolly spiced ginger note, and underlying tonka bean and amber. It is super fresh, with some warmth, and a great smoothness.

The second layer of EDP, gives you juniper, sage, amber, and tonka bean. This one has plenty going on and is a deeper fragrance than the original.

Which is better? While I like the Y EDT opening, I do like the eau de parfum version, even more. The apple note with the ginger, is a great pairing, and just has a better smell than the original.

Edge: EDP

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Projection

Neither of these scents, has a huge sillage. The EDT has a moderate sillage, that move more into something that sticks closer to the skin.

The EDP isn’t a beast either, but the greater concentration, does give it a more pronounced sillage than the original.

I’d say it’s definitely in the strong camp, just not completely overpowering in my experience. Though, the first hour can be pretty powerful and leave a trail. Nonetheless, an easy win for it here.

Edge: EDP

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Longevity

With the EDT, I get 7 hours of wear on my skin. Not great, but not terrible, either. It’s actually pretty good when compared to many other EDT concentrations on the market. Just not elite, but I haven’t had any problems with it.

The EDP, however, will go for 10+ hours and easily has the upper hand in this category. It’s sillage is strong, but its longevity is darn near elite. Particularly, for a mass appealing designer cologne.

Edge: EDP

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Versatility

Seeing as they are so highly related, I don’t see any major difference between them here. Both are good year round, but especially in the spring and summer. They can be worn during any occasion, also. I would say that the EDP has more of an appeal or sexiness, but that’s about it.

Edge: Push

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Overall Scent

I do like the way that Y EDT smells, it’s a solid fragrance, but does fall short of the eau de parfum version. The EDT has a clean aroma, with a balance between fresh and sweet notes, and a good performance.

I like the aldehydes and ginger notes and it is a cologne, that could easily be a daily wear.

The EDP is just better. The smell, the strength, and the performance is all better. It is more complex, you have an herbal sage, and the same ginger at the top.

The apple sets it apart, with a crispness, that pairs very well with the amber and tonka bean notes. The commonalities are definitely there, but this is more of a blue-ish ambroxan sort of fresh scent.

If you want something lighter and more low key fresh, you can now get good deals on the EDT version. I’ve seen bottles for as low as $35, recently.

I think that the EDP version of Y, is going to be quite popular going forward, as its smell and performance are top notch. Plus, the whole vibe of the cologne, has a true mass appeal.

Update: it definitely did become pretty popular. I’ve personally bought a bottle of the EDP and still wear it from time to time. Not nearly my favorite anymore, but I still like it.

Winner: Y EDP