
In Partnership With Yves Saint Laurent
I am the self-appointed luxury correspondent for Adore so I know (and love) a thing or two about luxe products worth treating yourself to.
If you're looking for one of the best modern men's colognes on the market right now, whether as a gift or otherwise, Adore's wide range of some of the best men's fragrances is a perfect place to start.
However, with so many options out there, I am going to make it easy for you...
Look no further than Yves Saint Laurent - French, refined, luxurious, all with a bit of edge.
Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme was my first ever fragrance and I’ve been in beauty for ten years so I think you can trust my reviews!
While L’Homme launched nearly 20 years ago, his brother, MYSLF, hit the shelves only a few years ago.
Since then, it has constantly been a top seller with each iteration being one of the biggest launches of the year.
Before we talk about the notes though, let’s talk style.
Fragrance these days is not just about finding a fragrance you like the smell of; it’s about building a collection that represents your style, mood, emotions and life journey (on any particular day or occasion).
MYSLF is an expression of modern masculinity, embracing all that you are. It’s for the man in your life (or you) that pushes boundaries, shares their emotions and embraces who they are and want to be.
The bottle, especially the newest MYSLF L'Absolu with its chic glass and embossed YSL cassandre logo (yes, that is its correct name), is ideal for the bedside cabinet instagram shot!
Now let’s break down the three different MYSLF variants - they all have their own twists.
Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF Perfumes
The latest and greatest of the three variants is
MYSLF L’Absolu.
This is the evening, date night twist on the original Eau de Parfum with a much richer and headier experience gaining top position as my favourite of the three.
This still has the punch of the second iteration, MYSELF Le Parfum, but is a brighter, lighter variant.
Keep scrolling for my Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF L'Absolu review.
What Is Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF L'Absolu?
What's the difference between the original MYSLF and Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF L'Absolu?
Sparkling ginger and cardamom replace the black pepper in the top note and you won’t find vanilla in the base of which ensures a lighter aroma.
It’s this combination of notes - the heat of the ginger with the spice of cardamom and floral lightness of orange blossom, anchored with patchouli, that gives that new age blend of masculine aroma.
Rather than just a flurry of intense spicy, earth notes that have for so long littered the shelves for men (no Lynx Africa here please), this is what the modern man should be smelling like.
Added to this, the almost gilded bottle, monochromatic in nature, is nothing short of architecturally stunning.
This is the triple threat - day, office, date night all with the long lasting and intensity we all seek from our scent choices these days.
And as Austin Butler so eloquently puts it - "It's a celebratory scent."
Interestingly, my new fact in researching for this article is that MYSLF L’Absolu is said to be a fragrance that “projects” more.
By that, it’s suggested that the fragrance lingers far from the body and can be smelled from a distance meaning it is a good option for a night out as it will cut through!
Le Parfum was launched just last year and comes with a refined spice. Black pepper punches the top notes with vanilla layering the base bringing a sweetness.
Eau De Parfum is the original and brought a new era in fragrance for Yves Saint Laurent, that of woody florals: Bergamot, orange blossom and patchouli create a familiarity yet are light, fresh and bursting. Some think of this as the daytime variant but it’s as versatile as it is intoxicating.
*Editor's note: Turns out the original captivating YSL fragrance is so popular that at the time of this article going live, we have sold out!
But good news, you can sign up to be notified once it's back or check back in when you do your next Adore Beauty shop (we know that will be soon, right?) or EVEN better?
You can get this stunning limited edition YSL set (divine Father's Day timing we say!).
How to Pick the Best YSL Scent for Them
So how do you choose which is right for that special someone? There are subtle cues to look out for.
Start with their style - do they need a “Trinny & Susannah” moment or could they be mistaken for Mr YSL himself?
A man (or your dad) who knows how to dress is giving Yves Saint Laurent. Leather jackets with boots, all in black - it’s a match.
Think about their favourite foods… are they king of the spices, or are they known for their sweet tooth? If so, then MYSLF Le Parfum is ideal. But if they are more at home with a grill in the summer, definitely go for MYSLF L’Absolu.
Finally, how do YOU want them to smell?
While we always think about fragrance being deeply personal for the wearer, it’s also for those around them.
So use this Father’s Day as a subtle push into a new, rather refined direction.
Finally...
If it’s time to up his game since he is still reaching for that awful aftershave that he splashes on this neck, you’ve found your answer.
And while I may still be reaching for my Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme (I’m a terrible creature of habit), I will be recommending MYSLF L’Absolu as the best gift to give.
Take some stress out of the task of gift giving, and just take this luxury correspondents advice - MYSLF for yourself!
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