It’s been a long time since Yves Saint Laurent made an impression in the men’s fragrance game. Launched in 2006, its L’Homme range had more or less run its course while producing some modern classics along the way, including La Nuit de l’Homme EDT.
In 2017, the French luxury fashion brand launched its new fragrance, YSL Y, in an EDT format. It’s pleasant-enough stuff, but it’s the EDP version, released in 2018, that’s getting attention for all the right reasons.
Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum is a fresh-but-warm aromatic fougere for men: a crisp bergamot, ginger and apple opening over a green sage-and-geranium heart, drying down to vetiver, cedar, tonka and smoky incense. It is a polished “blue” fragrance that leans more sophisticated than sporty, and it performs—expect around 8 to 10 hours of wear with moderate, well-controlled sillage. It suits the office, evenings and dates across most of the year, leaning best in spring through autumn. Released in 2018 and composed by perfumer Dominique Ropion, the EDP is noticeably deeper and warmer than the lighter Y EDT.
A crisp, modern fresh-aromatic that’s clean, versatile and easy to love. Strong longevity and a smooth sage-and-tonka drydown make it an excellent all-rounder and reliable compliment-getter.
- Scent — 8.5
- Longevity — 8.5
- Projection — 8.0
- Versatility — 8.5
- Value — 8.0
Where to buy YSL Y EDP
Price: $$$
Packaging and Presentation
Solid and sophisticated, YSL Y’s bottle features the name of the company in front and the name of the fragrance on the side in silver, in an example of clever design.
Its color combination of dark blue and black fadeout makes it clear that this is YSL’s contribution to “the battle of the blues” (hello, Dior Sauvage and Bleu de Chanel). There’s a black and silver cap.
The box echoes the color scheme of the bottle with the letter Y in sleek silver.
Scent Notes
According to Fragrantica: Bergamot, ginger, apple (top notes), sage, geranium, juniper berries (heart notes), vetiver, cedar, amberwood, tonka bean, olibanum (base notes).
What does YSL Y Eau de Parfum smell like?
It opens crisp and slightly spicy: bergamot and fresh apple lifted by a peppery ginger note. As it settles, a green, aromatic heart of sage, geranium and juniper takes over—this sage is the signature, and it grows more prominent the longer you wear it. The base is where the EDP earns its name: vetiver and cedar give a dry woody spine, while tonka bean and amber woods add a soft sweetness and olibanum (frankincense) lends a faint smoky warmth. The tonka is restrained rather than gourmand-sweet, which keeps the whole thing clean and contemporary instead of heavy.
How long does YSL Y EDP last?
Longevity is one of its strongest selling points. YSL markets it at up to 12 hours; in practice most wearers get closer to 8 to 10 hours on skin, with the sage-and-woods drydown doing the long-haul work. Sillage is moderate—solid in the first few hours without being a room-filler—so you can wear it to the office without overwhelming anyone. That balance of strong longevity and controlled projection is exactly why it works as an all-day signature. For reference, many freshies in the same family start fading at the 5 to 7 hour mark, so Y EDP genuinely outlasts most of its “blue” rivals.
EDP vs EDT: which Y should you buy?
The EDP is the deeper, more dynamic version—richer sage, more noticeable tonka and incense, and better longevity—making it the stronger pick for evenings and cooler weather. The original Y EDT is lighter, brighter and more citrus-forward, which can actually be the better choice for hot, humid summer days when the EDP’s warmth feels heavy. If you want one bottle to cover most occasions, the EDP is the more versatile buy. For more from the brand, see our guide to the best YSL colognes.
What about YSL Y Le Parfum?
Y Le Parfum is the third concentration in the line, and because it is the most expensive, most people assume it lasts the longest. It does not. Reported wear time sits around six to six and a half hours — short of the eight to ten hours the EDP gives on our skin — and reviewers who have worn the two side by side generally hand longevity to the EDP without much hesitation. What Le Parfum offers instead is density: warmer and sweeter close to the skin, a more intimate evening reading of the same idea. If performance is what you are paying up for, the EDP is still the better buy.
Inspiration
“A seductive interpretation of the iconic Yves Saint Laurent white T-shirt and black jacket. An intense portrayal of the Y signature, sophisticated notes of bergamot, ginger and sage are sharpened by an apple accord.
At its base, the boldness of vetiver embodies the passion of the Y man’s unique strength. Never stop believing. Y, masculinity redefined. Inspired by the man behind the brand and his freewheeling, innovative spirit, Y is bold, fresh and youthful.” – YSL.com
Perfumer
In another demonstration that YSL wanted this fragrance to be competitive, the creation of YSL Y EDP was placed in the very capable hands of Dominique Ropion.
The Parisian master perfumer is the man behind creations such as Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady EDP, Mugler Alien EDP, Paco Rabanne Invictus EDT YSL L’Homme EDT and Lancôme La Vie est Belle EDP. He also created the first Y fragrance.
In June this year, Ropion was recognized for his contribution to modern perfumery with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from The Fragrance Foundation.
Personal Impressions
This fragrance makes its mark right from the start with a trio of fresh notes, bergamot, ginger and apple. The apple note, in particular, is a standout and gives it a juicy and slightly sweet bite.
A herbal facet follows in the form of a pronounced sage note, which gives it an aromatic tinge of pepper. Juniper berries and geranium add to the freshness.
YSL Y’s base is woody in character with a big dose of amberwood, the note which has been popular in perfumery in recent years due to its lasting performance and ambergris vibe. Vanilla-ish tonka bean is also prominent in the drydown.
The vetiver that’s mentioned in the inspiration is typical of many commercial fragrances: a hint that you might notice when you’re told it’s there.
It’s all too easy to criticize YSL Y EDP as safe, reliable and even familiar. A shameless crowd-pleaser, it covers several bases: fresh, spicy, woody, aromatic and fougère.
Nothing wrong with that, we say, especially when it’s done so well. It also boasts good performance.
Who would like it
If compliments are important to you when wearing a fragrance, you’ve found your match. YSL Y is the perfect choice when you want to wear something without thinking about it too much.
Where to wear it
One of the reasons why YSL Y EDP is such a success is its incredible versatility. From gym and date night to the board room and cocktails, it’s suitable for all occasions. It’s also not particularly seasonal, so you can wear it all year round.
Is YSL Y EDP worth it?
Yes, for most people. The one fair criticism is that it sits in the crowded “blue/fresh” category and won’t feel wildly original to anyone who already owns several freshies. But it is well-made, exceptionally versatile and long-lasting, and the sage-and-incense drydown gives it more character than the average designer fresh scent. If you want something more exclusive, our list of the most expensive colognes for men is worth a look, but Y EDP remains one of the better-value modern designer releases.
Similar fragrances to consider
Coming back to the “battle of the blues”, other options would, of course, be any of the Bleu de Chanels and Dior Sauvages.
But if you’re feeling more adventurous and want another bite of the apple, you can try the following niche options: Etat Libre d’Orange I Am Trash – Les Fleurs du Déchet EDP, Creed Aventus EDP and Demeter Golden Delicious EDT.
You can’t go wrong with the original Boss Bottled EDT as a designer option.
Frequently asked questions
How long does YSL Y Eau de Parfum last?
Most wearers get about 8 to 10 hours on skin, with moderate sillage. It is one of the longer-lasting fragrances in the fresh “blue” category.
What is the difference between Y EDP and Y EDT?
The EDP is deeper and warmer, with stronger sage, tonka and incense and better longevity. The EDT is lighter and more citrus-forward, which suits hot weather better.
Is YSL Y EDP good for the office?
Yes. Its moderate, controlled sillage means it won’t overwhelm a workplace, while the clean fresh-woody profile reads professional and modern.
Who created YSL Y Eau de Parfum?
It was composed by perfumer Dominique Ropion and released in 2018 as part of the YSL Y line for men.
How long does YSL Y Le Parfum last?
Around six to six and a half hours in reported wear tests — less than the EDP, which gives eight to ten hours on skin. Le Parfum trades longevity for a denser, warmer character up close.
How long does YSL Y EDT last?
Roughly five to seven hours, shorter than the EDP’s eight to ten. The EDT is the lighter, more citrus-forward version and suits hot weather, where the EDP can feel heavy.
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Related reading
- Bleu de Chanel EDT vs EDP
- Versace Eros Review
- Eau de Parfum vs Toilette Explained
- 8 Best YSL Colognes
- The Fresh Fragrance Family
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.
