There are fragrances that feel niche, daring, and perhaps a little challenging, and then there are those that feel like they could live happily on almost anyone. The new YSL Myslf L’Absolu Parfum falls firmly into the latter camp. It’s polished, appealing, and easy to wear, which is exactly what you want from a fragrance that bills itself as a modern classic for men.
Key Notes
Top Notes: ginger essence and cardamon
Heart Notes: orange blossom
Base Notes: woody patchouli
My Thoughts
The brand calls it an “intensified woody floral tension”. But strip it back and you have a handsome composition of sparkling citrus and spice, smoothed with florals and grounded in woods. It opens with a beautiful freshness of bergamot, cardamom and ginger that feel uplifting and bright without being too sharp. Then comes the orange blossom which smells richer and more intense than most, thanks to the Scent Trek accord sourced from YSL’s own gardens.
Don’t be put off by the word floral. This isn’t in the least bit powdery or feminine. Here it acts as a softener, smoothing the edges of the spice and adding a little sophistication. The base is all about patchouli which I find warm, woody, a touch smoky. It’s just masculine enough without straying into the heavy aftershave territory of the 90s.
Projection
On the skin, it wears close and I’d say the projection is moderate. It’ll be noticeable to those near you but not the sort of thing to announce your arrival from across the room.
Longevity
The longevity could be better. I find it clings nicely until lunchtime before I feel the need for a re-spray. But then, this is a parfum, not a nuclear sillage monster, and I think it suits the personality of the scent to be a little more understated.
When I would wear it
It feels seasonless but particularly lovely for autumn, when woody notes always feel right.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this is a very good allrounder. It’s warm, smooth, a touch musky, with just enough citrus and spice to keep things interesting. This is the kind of scent that’s a crowd pleaser. If you want a failsafe gift, or a fragrance that’s versatile enough for both office and evening, this is a pretty solid bet.
