In 1964, French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent released his first fragrance, Y Eau de Toilette for Her, with YSL Pour Homme launching in 1975.
Fast-forward to today, and the YSL male fragrance line has evolved remarkably, with Dominique Ropion working on the latest YSL Y collection.
The current YSL Y lineup is masculine and confident, with each scent comprising of a fresh yet spicy, uplifting opening, aromatic heart, and smooth lingering dry-down.

YSL Y Fragrances, Ranked
In the name of research, I have personally ranked each YSL Y fragrance, from the fresh and versatile Y Eau de Toilette to the latest Y L’Elixir.
5. Y L’Elixir

Review
New for 2024, Y L’Elixir, is at position 5. Compared to the original Y, it may be too heavy on the geranium for some.
The fragrance opens with bergamot, ginger, elemi, and saffron. Its heart is aromatic, featuring a blast of lavender and geranium. Dry-down is resinous and woody.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Ginger, Elemi, Saffron
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Sage, Juniper, Geranium
Base Notes:
Fir Balsam Absolu, Olibanum, Cypriol, Patchouli, Oud
Seasons & Longevity
An any-season scent, it’s a unique choice for special occasions, although this Elixir version surprisingly will only last around 4 hours.


4. Y Eau de Toilette

Review
At position 4 is Y Eau de Toilette, a fresh and invigorating fragrance that is light yet impactful and ideal for everyday wear.
Bergamot, aldehydes, and ginger ensure a bright start. The heart introduces hints of lavender and geranium, with woody aromas and ambergris in the base.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Aldehydes, Ginger
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage
Base Notes:
Cedarwood, Olibanum, Ambergris
Seasons & Longevity
Best suited for warmer months like spring and summer due to its fresh character. It’s perfect for daytime wear, lasting a respectable 6+ hours.


3. Y Le Parfum

Review
At position 3 is Y Le Parfum, the best of both worlds, bright yet with complex aromatic aromas that exude confidence.
Zesty grapefruit, ginger and bright aldehydes deliver a strikingly fresh yet spicy beginning that really caught my attention.
The heart is packed with lavender, clary sage, and geranium for a herbaceous warmth. Vanilla and cedar bring masculine warmth.
Top Notes:
Grapefruit, Ginger, Elemi, Aldehydes
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Clary Sage, Geranium
Base Notes:
Cedarwood, Patchouli, Tonka Bean, Olibanum
Seasons & Longevity
A versatile any-season scent in my book, this fragrance pairs well with daytime lunches, fun evenings out or formal events.
Its longevity is decent at 5+ hours, with a presence that can last long into the night.


2. Y Eau de Parfum

Review
Y Eau de Parfum is at number 2, a scent bridging the gap between freshness and intensity. It’s a versatile scent that carries you from work to play.
To my nose, the opening is mostly apple and ginger, with aromatic sage, lavender, and juniper berries in the heart.
Its discreet base of tonka bean, vetiver, and frankincense rounds it out with masculine warmth. Let the compliments commence.
Top Notes:
Apple, bergamot, ginger, elemi, aldehydes
Mid Notes:
Geranium, juniper, sage, lavender
Base Notes:
tonka bean, vetiver, frankincense, operamide
Seasons & Longevity
Y Eau de Parfum is great for spring, summer and autumn. It’s an excellent daytime fragrance that works in any situation.
Lasting 7+ hours with solid projection, it can comfortably last through a workday or an evening outing.


1. Y Eau de Parfum Intense

Review
My tip pick, taking pole position, is Y Eau de Parfum Intense, an aromatic woody scent that is robust and refined, perfect for those wanting to make a lasting impression.
Bergamot and aldehydes do their level best to overpower the spicy ginger note in the opening, but that lush ginger aroma shines through.
The heart is full of aromatic intrigue, with lavender, clary sage, geranium, and iris providing a floral-spicy display with woody vetiver dominating the base.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Juniper Berries, Ginger, Aldehydes
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Clary Sage, Geranium, Iris Concrete
Base Notes:
Cedarwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Grey Amber Accord
Seasons & Longevity
For me, Y Eau de Parfum Intense is a versatile choice, working well for any season or occasion, from casual lunch dates to black-tie evening events.
Its longevity of 8+ hours is impressive, and it sticks with you well into the night.



Conclusion
Overall, I must say that I find YSL’s Y collection incredibly wearable, although YSL Y L’Elixir went a bit overboard on the geranium for me personally.
Whether you want something fresh and versatile like Y Eau de Toilette or a deeper interpretation like Y Le Parfum, there’s a Y fragrance to suit your style and mood.
So, if you are on the lookout for a confident, versatile, aromatic masculine scent that is not too heavy, Yves Saint Laurent can deliver.
Also read: Unveiling YSL MYSLF: How Does It Stack Up Against Y EDP?
Also Read: 5 Best Acqua di Gio Fragrances By Giorgio Armani
