In 2017, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté took the first letter of its founder’s name, turned it into a question, and named a new scent after it… Because everything starts with a Y. Contrasting vivid radiance and addictive intensity, Y offers a striking new take on the fougère – the most iconic masculine fragrance family, composed by a true rock star of noses, the Master Perfumer Domnique Ropion (IFF). After the release of Y Eau De Toilette in 2017 and Y Eau De Parfum in 2018, YSL’s new release is the impressive Y Le Parfum. With this new rendition, YSL Beauty pushes back the boundaries of masculine perfumery even further by exploring the intense shot of cleanness and sexiness of the fougère. Matching vibrant lavender against the strength of black cedarwood, Y’s richest variation yet is a forceful olfactive statement.
Just like a visionary performer can interpret the same song in strikingly different ways, the Master Perfumer Dominique Ropion has created compelling variations of Y. Each with its distinctive feel, but the same strong identity; a contrast between clean and sensual. Yconic and edgy. Black and White. In Y Le Parfum, he created this contrast by playing off the radiance of lavender against the strength of cedarwood. Top-notch ingredients, exclusive to YSL Beauty.
The first thing you notice is the edgy and ultra-sophisticated Y bottle designed by Suzanne Dalton. The statement bold black lacquered vessel echoes the absolute intensity of the fragrance inside. The moment you pick the bottle up it feels sturdy yet distinguished, its crisp black edges oozing masculinity and refinement.
Y Le Parfum opens with a soaring hook, as a crunchy green apple note reveals its fruity facet. Mouth-watering grapefruit introduces lemony ginger and elemi. The energy of that upbeat accord is boosted by an overdose of aldehydes, molecules that smell of a freshly ironed white t-shirt. Like the pulsing riff of an electric guitar, their metallic vibe resonated with the cool incense accord that runs through the scent. Floral, crisp, and minty, geranium extends the radiance of the sparkling opening as Y Le Parfum segues into a more sensual mood.
Diva lavender heart and lavandin heart from France, give Y’s fougère structure a uniquely rich, velvety texture. More intense than ever, the orange blossom accord, rounded out by coumarin, with its tones of almond, tobacco, and hay, perfect this interpretation of the most iconic of masculine families. The mood gets darker as the bass vibes off another couture ingredient, Virginia Cedarwood Heart from USA, take over. Classically used in masculine perfumery, Virginia Cedarwood yields an essence that gives off the scent of a freshly sharpened pencil.
After enjoying YSL’s previous fragrance Y Eau de Parfum, I was really impressed with this new bold and intense rendition. Beforehand I’ve often disregarded numerous fougère releases as I tend not to be a big fan of this fragrance family but fortunately, the composition in this scent unveils a more contemporary edge. This modern version has been thoughtfully composed, transforming what could have been an ‘old-fashioned’ scent into a fragrance suitable for any age. Its audacious notes waver back and forth between light and dark, providing an impressive versatility, which I feel allows it to be used at any time of the year. Smooth, sweet and woody, Y Le Parfum exudes a pleasing and well-rounded aroma that will appeal to a lot of people out there.
Fragrance Notes:
Top Notes: Apple, Aldehydes, Ginger and Grapefruit
Heart Notes: Sage, Lavender and Geranium
Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Cedar, Olibanum and Patchouli
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Presentation 4/5
Sillage 4/5
Projection 4/5
Longevity 4/5
Available from YSL Beauty
RRP £72.00 60ml, £96.00 for 100ml
*PR Sample
BLU BLAZER GUY 