YSL Libre vs Flowerbomb

YSL Libre and Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb are two of the more popular fragrances for women on the market. If you look at the notes alone, they do share quite a bit of overlap, but are actually very different fragrances from one another. Still, as popular floral based perfumes they are often on people’s list to try out. Which is better? Lasts longer? Is the one to buy?

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Tale of the Tape: YSL Libre vs. Flowerbomb

Libre EDP

Notes include: lavender, white musks, orange flower, vanilla, orchid

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau De Parfum Spray for Women 90ml/3oz, clear

Read my review: Libre EDP

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Flowerbomb

Notes include: Centifolia Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Cattleya Orchid, India Osmanthus, tea, bergamot, patchouli, musk, and vanilla

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fl Oz

Read my review: Flowerbomb EDP

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Opening

Libre starts off not with the strong lavender note, that it is known for. Instead, the main note early on is the orange blossom. This is paired with a slight spritz of the citrus fruit itself, also.

Underneath that, is of course the lavender which will take over later. Along with, musk and some vanilla creaminess.

With Flowerbomb, you get an initial burst of sweetness and fruitiness. The osmanthus flower gives you a jammy sort of aroma, sweet almost-peach like that is put with bergamot citrus.

Tea, patchouli, and vanilla are also present coming from the heart and base notes. The rose and orchid will have their moments, but very early stages it is osmanthus, tea, and patchouli taking turns.

Which is better? I usually really like orange flower in perfumes, but I’m not a fan of it in Libre’s opening act. In fact, I think Libre’s lavender stage is much better.

Meanwhile, I really like that fruit-chouli sweet start of Flowerbomb. Sure, it can be intense, but it’s much more attractive.

Edge: Flowerbomb

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Projection

Both of these fragrances do have some power and it’s not a huge gap between them.

With Libre, I’d call it an upper moderate fragrance in terms of its sillage. What’s nice about its performance, is that it has consistency during the wear before it trails off at the end. Very solid.

However, Flowerbomb is a tad better at projecting and creating a scent trail behind you. The opening has a higher peak and the Viktor & Rolf perfume is also quite consistent.

Edge: Flowerbomb

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Longevity

With Libre, I get 8-9 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s good and definitely doesn’t disappoint.

But, it again doesn’t hit the same level of performance as Flowerbomb. With that, I get double digit hours of wear easily. It’s at least 10 and I’m not sure when it quits, maybe 12-ish or slightly more.

Edge: Flowerbomb

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Versatility

In terms of when it can be worn, I think Libre has more of an edge seasonally. Neither is best in the height of summer, but Libre can go further into the warmer weather than can Flowerbomb.

Both can go daytime or nighttime, but Flowerbomb is better at the latter. Libre probably has more of an edge in the former, as it is probably better in a work environment than something like Flowerbomb.

It’s not much of an edge, but I think Libre does have somewhat of one here.

Edge: Libre

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Overall Scent

When it comes to the overall smell and performance of these perfumes, I think the clear winner for me is Flowerbomb.

The aroma itself is sexier and just more pleasant to my nose. I like the sweetness, the orchid/patchouli/musk dry down, and vanilla touches throughout.

Libre does have its positives, especially if you’re a fan of lavender. It’s actually the more floral of the two, in a pure sense. The orange flower and lavender play a much larger role than the orchid or rose in Flowerbomb.

The Viktor & Rolf is floral/patchouli/sweet, while Libre is lavender/musky/vanilla. More of a soapy clean type of perfume, with a heavy emphasis on its main note. So, if that’s more along the lines you’re looking for, you should probably look at trying the YSL.

To me, it’s just not as good.

Winner: Flowerbomb