Y Elixir vs. Y Le Parfum by YSL

The ‘Y’ line from YSL has been a big success for the brand. Each year they have been coming out with new flanker fragrances to the original formula. Some, better than others.

Y Elixir is the newest release (as of posting) in the series and one which has gotten a lot of interest. But, how does it compare with Y Le Parfum, which is a favorite for many people in this line of colognes.

I’ve tested each of these scents out and am ready to share my thoughts on each. How does Elixir smell? How long do each of them last? Which ultimately is the better one to try?

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Tale of the Tape: Y Le Parfum vs. Elixir

Y Le Parfum

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

Click here to try: Y Le Parfum on Amazon

Read my review: Y Le Parfum

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Y Elixir

Notes include: lavender, geranium, oud, incense

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Opening

Le Parfum starts off by using apple and ginger.

In this Y formula, we get grapefruit instead of bergamot, and it adds some sweet aldehydes to the mix. Le Parfum has a darker profile, but it is also sweet and smooth. 

Sage and geranium are pretty strong at the beginning in Le Parfum, as well.

With, Y Elixir it is similar up front with other Y fragrances of the past, but goes in another direction.

Lavender and geranium will take up the main focus, especially the second note. The lavender gives this one a clean and soapy scent. However, Y Elixir balances that out with the spicy, earthy, crisp, woodsy freshness of the geranium.

I enjoy just how cold and fresh in these early stages. It’s more subdued and doesn’t have that same punch as EDP, even with the overlap in style. Though, it’s a nice change of pace with how easy Elixir is to wear.

Oud adds to the base and the woodiness. However, it just isn’t all that massive of a note here in the early stages. Also, an incense note provides a smokiness which also isn’t too pervasive. Both are really nice in the support of the other two notes.

Which is better?

Actually, I like how Elixir starts off a lot. To me, the opening of Y Le Parfum is fine, but it gets better as it dries down. Elixir is really nice, in its simplicity.

Edge: Elixir

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Projection

Y Le Parfum isn’t a massive fragrance. It hangs in the air with some substance, will leave a decent scent trail for a while, and doesn’t completely disappoint.

Though, this is a moderate cologne, overall. Don’t expect a beast or something that gets close to Y EDP or anything.

Elixir does have a strong projection while not feeling too heavy. At least that’s the case for the first hour or somewhat longer. After that, Elixir will be above average for a good chunk of the wear before tailing off.

Neither is a powerhouse, but Y Elixir has a more powerful reach.

Edge: Elixir

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Longevity

Y Le Parfum is pretty middle of the road for me. I’ve only been able to pull 6-6.5 hours of wear from it. It’s not great, but not terrible either. Maybe other people get better performance, but I haven’t experienced it.

Elixir does a better job of staying around than does Le Parfum, at least for me. Y Elixir lasts about 9 hours before evaporating completely, on my skin.

Solid advantage here for Elixir.

Edge: Elixir

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Versatility

Both Le Parfum and Y Elixir are very good in most climate conditions. I would probably avoid each in extreme heat, but beyond that, they should be good. Maybe too fresh for extreme cold, also.

Elixir is a super versatile fragrance.  It can be an office wear, or something you spray on for an evening out, or casual. It’s attractive enough to catch attention, without being overwhelming.

But, I don’t think either of them does anything that the other one cannot. I don’t see any real advantage here, as both will provide plenty of use cases.

Le Parfum was already a highly versatile scent and Elixir doesn’t surpass it. But, it does equal it.

Edge: Push

 

 

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Overall Scent

Overall, which fragrance do I like more?

I’ve seen some people be really down on Elixir in reviews. I’m not sure why, I think it’s a very good offering from YSL. Is it super exciting? No, but it smells awesome to me, especially that first hour or so. 

I would say that the price is probably putting a lot of people off of it. The ‘elixir’ trend from all of these designers is really pushing the limits of pricing and the expectations of people higher. It’s not too much more than Le Parfum. 

Is it better than Le Parfum? Probably not. I had them neck and neck, but I sort of lean toward Le Parfum, after more testing.

Even if, Elixir has better performance. Le Parfum has a slightly better scent, on the whole.

The opening act isn’t my favorite, but I think it is more intriguing than Y Elixir for much of its shorter wear.

Once it settles, I get apple and tonka bean coming through a lot, and it’s wonderful. The lavender and tonka bean will close it out and you get a great mix of clean and sweet.

Personally, I have Y EDP as my number one still, followed by Le Parfum. I’d need to spend more time with Elixir, but it’s probably the third best from the Y line, for me.

Winner: Y Le Parfum