Floral Lavender

To bear the Yves Saint Laurent label is to be elegant, androgynous, and original. But above all, it implies a sense of being free, unencumbered by expectations and self-imposed constraints.

It’s in this very spirit that YSL introduced the powerful, gender-bending YSL Libre Eau de Parfum — a scent for those who lead lives of their own design. And indeed, Libre is the fragrance of freedom. Freedom to express yourself. Freedom to choose. Freedom to live life to the fullest.

Libre makes an impressive first impression with a warm, sparkling curtain of citrus. Top notes include mandarin orange, blackcurrant, and lavender, while the heart notes are orange blossom and jasmine. The scent begins herbaceous but transitions into a lovely musk with notes such as Madagascar vanilla, ambergris accord, and cedarwood oil. The overall scent is pleasant, and a touch lighter than most florals.

But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this fragrance lies in its stubborn refusal to conform to gender-specific olfactory conventions. And certainly, it wouldn’t be fair to call YSL Libre a purely feminine fragrance. No, there’s more to it than that. There is just something extremely sensual about the marriage of masculine lavender and feminine orange blossom absolute that, in the end, makes for a fragrance that’s really neither for him nor for her. It’s a soft, androgynous scent that straddles the line between two extremes: less intense than a gourmand and more muted than a chypré. Women looking for something less sweet and sharp will love Libre, while men with an affinity for fougère notes will find it inexplicably appealing.

This is a powdery, sensual, and floral fragrance that lasts for upwards of eight hours from one spritz. And much like a pair of classic diamond studs, Libre is a fragrance that can be worn just about anywhere and at any time. We find it perfect for a night at the club, while also being appropriate for a more conservative daytime activity like work or a meeting.

YSL Libre is available in two concentrations, an Eau de Parfum and a lighter, cleaner Eau de Toilette. The perfume also comes in a pretty three-piece gift set featuring a full-size Eau de Parfum, a travel-size Eau de Parfum, and a nourishing Libre body balm. Also available is YSL Libre Intense Eau de Parfum, a flanker to the original that adds even more power and sensuality.

YSL Libre is a fresh, luxurious, and innovative perfume for the mind, body, and soul. Definitely one of our favorites. If you’re in the mood for something just as pleasant, with well-composed notes and unique character, consider Dossier’s Floral Lavender. Intriguing, joyful, and warm, our YSL Libre dupe perfume is gender-free and doesn’t compromise on the scent. It’s a replica of the original YSL Libre that pushes the bounds of sensuality, creating a scent that evokes raw confidence, beauty and sophistication.