YSL’s Libre fragrance was an instant success, and since its launch in 2019, YSL have released three additional flankers to add to the collection. But which one is the best? Today I’ve gathered together all four YSL Libre fragrances: Libre Eau de Parfum, Libre Eau de Toilette, Libre Intense, and Libre Le Parfum to put them to the test and compare them, so you don’t have to.

‘Libre, the French word for ‘free’, pays tribute to YSL’s most defining value: freedom. Freedom to be yourself. Freedom of choice. No compromise. Your own rules.’The original Libre Eau De Parfum launched in 2019, and I missed the boat completely on this launch, only finally getting around to trying this one last year. Described as ‘the fragrance of freedom’ by YSL, Libre is a fragrance that balances masculine with feminine – and very well I might add. The is a beautiful, indulgent fragrance, with notes of orange blossom, lavender and vanilla, and I haven’t really smelled anything else like it to date. Libre is a compelling scent that will definitely get you noticed, with a distinctive lavender note, traditionally used in masculine scents, which has been given a unique, feminine twist with the addition of orange blossom. The result is a fantastic fragrance that’s uniquely androgynous, as well as being warm and inviting.

• Top Notes: Mandarin oil, Petit grain oil, Lavandine France oil & Blackcurrant accord
• Heart Notes: Lavender oil, Jasmine Sambac absolute, Jasmine Grandiflorum India absolute & Orange Flower Absolute
• Base Notes: Vanilla Extract Madagascar, Cedarwood Oil, Ambergris Accord & Muscs

Next up is Libre Eau De Parfum Intense – launched in 2020, this is a bolder, more intense version of the original Libre, with an additional smouldering orchid accord.

‘The Eau de Parfum Intense is emboldened by a melting floral heart where a flamboyant orchid accord blazes with sensuality. The fragrance reveals creamy and smoky facets before unveiling a woody-ambery base which fuses smooth vanilla and vetiver for depth and intensity.’

I feel like the opening is very similar to the original Libre, but the dry down is where you’ll notice the real difference – Libre intense has a warmer, smoother dry down to me, it’s also sweeter and of course more intense. Personally I prefer this over the original, and it also has fantastic longevity.

• Top notes: Tangerine, Bergamot & Lavender
• Heart notes: Jasmine Sambac, Orange Blossom & Orchid Accord
• Base notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Amber Gris & Vetiver

Next is Libre Eau De Toilette. This flanker arrived in 2021, offering a lighter, fresher take on the signature Libre fragrance, with the addition of a white tea note.

‘The Eau de Toilette takes this to another level in this next chapter of the Libre story, with the duality between warmth and cold. The smouldering orange blossom is infused with a colder, androgynous white tea accord, revealing a modern and bright fragrance full of sensuality.’

This one stands out of the four as being the most different. Libre EDT doesn’t have the vanillary warmth that the other three have, this feels more floral, fresh, and bright with the addition of the white tea accord, whilst still retaining the essence of the Libre scent. I really enjoy this one, it’s definitely the lightest out of the three and would be perfect for every day wear if you’re looking for a less intense scent.

• Top notes: Tangerine, Bergamot & Lavender
• Heart notes: Orange Blossom, Absolu Jasmine & White Jasmine Tea
• Base notes: Musk, Vanilla & Amber Gris

And lastly the latest flanker, Libre Le Parfum – launched in 2022, this is the most intense version of Libre, with a spicy saffron accord.

‘A fiery take on the orange blossom and lavender Libre signature, this new flamboyant fragrance makes an olfactive statement with its unapologetically spicy notes. The spice of the key notes is set against a smooth and velvety base which fuses delicious vanilla and honey with warm vetiver for depth and intensity.’

This is a beautiful, sophisticated fragrance, it’s intense and heady, with a wonderfully smooth vanilla and honey base. I think this is my favourite of the four!

•    Top notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Ginger & Saffron Accord
•    Heart notes: Orange Blossom, Diva Lavender Heart & Lavandin Heart
•    Base notes: Vanilla Bourbon, Honey Accord & Vetiver

Comparing the four fragrances –

On initially testing the four scents together, the top notes were very similar. After about. 10-15 minutes however, I could really start to tell the difference between them. I’d say the original Libre is probably the most easy to wear out of the bunch along with the EDT, it’s not too intense, not too strong, and just all round a great scent.

The lighter version, the Eau de Toilette, is the most feminine of the collection. This is lighter in intensity, and the scent itself is fresher and brighter, and I think this one would be great for the upcoming warmer weather.

Libre Intense is very similar to the original, but feels more ‘full bodied’ and lasts longer on the skin. This would be perfect for fans of the signature Libre that are looking for a more intense version that’s sweeter and longer lasting.

And Libre Le Parfum, which is probably my favourite out of the four. This one has added depth, it’s buttery smooth and elegant, and though similar to the Intense version, I feel like this one just pips it to the post. Libre Le Parfum certainly makes a statement, it’s long lasting and would make a fantastic evening scent for special occasions. Here’s a quick overview of the scents –

• LIBRE Original Eau de Parfum. The original grand floral scent. A unique blend of sensual orange blossom and cool lavender. Bold and captivating.
• LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense. A richer interpretation of the Libre floral signature, enriched with a smouldering orchid accord. Rich and full-bodied.
• LIBRE Eau de Toilette. A lighter, fresher take on the Libre signature fragrance, twisted with White Tea. Fresh and sensual.
• LIBRE Le Parfum. The Libre floral signature, at its most intense, with spicy yet honeyed saffron accord. Vivid and unapologetic.

The above fragrances are available to buy now at YSL Beauty.

Which is your favourite YSL Libre fragrance?

Fragrance Libre Perfume Review ysl