Yves Saint Laurent Libre
Floral lavenderLaunched 2019€€€For women
Lavender is traditionally coded masculine. Libre pairs it with orange blossom and vanilla and makes the contrast the whole point. The most interesting mainstream launch of recent years.
The short answer
Yves Saint Laurent Libre is a floral lavender Eau de Parfum that lasts 8–10 h with strong projection. Best for nights out, colder months, a modern signature. Skip it if you dislike lavender, or you want something light for the office. It is loud and sweet, and far better suited to evenings and cold weather.
How it smells
Lavender and mandarin open it, and the lavender is the whole point, since it is a traditionally masculine note. Orange blossom softens the middle, and from hour two the vanilla and musk base takes over and stays warm and sweet.
Top notes
Lavender, Mandarin, Blackcurrant
The first 15 minutes
Heart notes
Orange blossom, Jasmine, Lavender absolute
Roughly 30 minutes to 2 hours
Base notes
Vanilla, Musk, Cedar, Ambergris
Hour two onwards
How it performs
| Measure | This fragrance | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Wear time | 8–10 h | Typical reported range on normal skin, not a lab measurement |
| Projection | Strong | Noticeable at conversational distance for hours |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Higher concentration means longer wear |
| Best seasons | Autumn, Winter | Heat amplifies, cold suppresses |
| Perfumer | Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaïm | The nose behind the composition |
Who it is for
Buy it if
Nights out, colder months, a modern signature.
Suits evening, date, everyday.
Skip it if
You dislike lavender, or you want something light for the office. It is loud and sweet, and far better suited to evenings and cold weather.
On video
2 reviews of Yves Saint Laurent Libre, so you can see it worn and tested rather than described.
Where to buy
The same bottle varies by 30 to 40 percent between retailers. These links open live results.
We do not print prices because they change daily. See all price comparisons.
Similar fragrances
Closest matches by scent family and the occasions they suit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Yves Saint Laurent Libre last?
Typically 8–10 h on normal skin, with strong projection. Dry skin can cut that roughly in half, so an unscented moisturiser before spraying makes a measurable difference.
What does Yves Saint Laurent Libre smell like?
It is a floral lavender composition. Lavender and mandarin open it, and the lavender is the whole point, since it is a traditionally masculine note. Orange blossom softens the middle, and from hour two the vanilla and musk base takes over and stays warm and sweet.
Who should not buy Yves Saint Laurent Libre?
You dislike lavender, or you want something light for the office. It is loud and sweet, and far better suited to evenings and cold weather.
Still comparing?
See Yves Saint Laurent Libre ranked against the rest in our perfume for women guide, or browse the full perfume directory.