Ysl Y

YSL Y Eau de Toilette Review: A Modern Fresh Masterpiece

Discover the 2022 reformulation of the iconic blue fragrance

By James Whitmore, Fragrance News Reporter · · Updated

James covers releases, brand news, and industry shifts in fine fragrance. Former beauty desk editor; trained nose since 2014.

The landscape of men's perfumery underwent a significant shift with the 2022 relaunch of Yves Saint Laurent’s Y Eau de Toilette. While the original 2017 version established the 'Y' DNA, this updated formulation, crafted by Dominique Ropion and Claire LiΓ©gent, elevates the composition to new heights of clarity and performance. It represents a pivot toward a more mineral, airy, and powerful freshness that bridges the gap between casual daywear and professional sophistication. In this report, we analyze how the 2022 version distinguishes itself from its predecessors. By focusing on a more intense aldehydic opening and a refined mineral drydown, YSL has managed to create a fragrance that feels both familiar and revolutionary in the 'blue' fragrance category. This is not merely a minor tweak; it is a fundamental reimagining of what a modern Eau de Toilette can achieve in terms of longevity and sillage.
4.2 Overall
Longevity
5.0
Projection
4.0
Sillage
4.0
$85-$144
🌸Springβ˜€οΈSummerπŸ‚Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Fresh Spicy 20%
Aromatic 15%
Aldehydic 15%
Citrus 15%
Fresh 10%
Amber 10%
Lavender 5%
Woody 5%
Herbal 3%
Soft Spicy 2%

Notes Pyramid

Top
AldehydesBergamotGinger
Heart
LavenderClary SageGeranium
Base
AmbergrisVanillaCedarOlibanum

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The fragrance opens with an immediate blast of crisp aldehydes and zesty bergamot, punctuated by a sharp, energizing ginger note that provides a spicy, cold sensation.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

After roughly 30 minutes, the scent transitions into a clean, aromatic heart where French lavender and clary sage dominate, supported by a minty geranium that keeps the profile bright.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The base settles into a sophisticated mineral finish driven by ambergris and cedar, with a subtle touch of vanilla and olibanum providing warmth without becoming overly sweet.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 5.0/5

8-12 hours

πŸ“’ Projection 4.0/5

good

πŸ’¨ Sillage 4.0/5

moderate to heavy

When to Wear

🌸SpringBest
β˜€οΈSummerBest
πŸ‚FallOK
❄️WinterAvoid
β˜€οΈ daily wearπŸ’Ό officeπŸ‘• casual outingsπŸ“Œ daytime

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.2
πŸ‘ƒ Scent
4.3
⏱️ Longevity
4.5
πŸ’¨ Sillage
4.0
πŸ’° Value
4.2
πŸ’Œ Compliment Factor 9.0/5

One of the most consistently complimented fresh fragrances on the market.

Pros & Cons

  • βœ… Exceptional longevity for an EDT
  • βœ… Extremely versatile for all-day use
  • βœ… Mass-appealing and safe for the office
  • ❌ May feel too 'synthetic' for niche purists
  • ❌ Can be overpowering if over-applied

Price & Value

$85-$144
Excellent value given the performance

“A solid investment for a signature scent”

πŸ“œ Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported for the 2022 formulation.

Who It's For

βœ… Ideal For

  • Modern professionals
  • Young adults
  • Fans of clean, blue fragrances

⚠️ Not Recommended For

  • Those seeking heavy, dark, or vintage musky scents

The Family

Explore More

πŸ§ͺ Layering Ideas

πŸ† Final Verdict

The 2022 YSL Y EDT is a technical triumph that redefines the expectations for an entry-level concentration. It offers the performance of an EDP with the sparkling transparency of an EDT, making it a mandatory consideration for any modern fragrance collection.

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