YSL Young Sexy Lovely Review: A Discontinued Gem for the Modern Romantic

Welcome to Vivir.com, where we cut through the marketing fluff to give you the honest facts on luxury fragrances. Today, we''re diving into a scent that holds a special place in many hearts, despite its discontinued status: Yves Saint Laurent Young Sexy Lovely.
Launched in 2007, Young Sexy Lovely stepped onto the fragrance scene as a vibrant, youthful counterpoint to some of YSL''s more established, opulent offerings. At the time, the brand aimed to capture the essence of modern femininity β playful, confident, and undeniably charming. It was designed to appeal to a younger demographic, offering a fresh and accessible entry point into the world of YSL fragrances without sacrificing the brand''s signature elegance.
The concept behind Young Sexy Lovely was straightforward: to bottle youthful exuberance and effortless allure. The name itself perfectly encapsulates its ambition β a fragrance that makes you feel exactly as it sounds. It wasn''t about heavy sensuality or dramatic statements; instead, it focused on a lighter, more approachable kind of attractiveness, perfect for everyday wear and casual encounters.
In the years since its launch and subsequent discontinuation, Young Sexy Lovely has garnered a cult following. It''s remembered fondly by those who wore it during its heyday and is now a sought-after item in the secondary market. For many, it''s a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time, a testament to its unique charm and lasting appeal in the ever-evolving world of perfumery.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Sophie LabbΓ© (known for Bvlgari Jasmin Noir, Calvin Klein Beauty), Dominique Ropion (known for FrΓ©dΓ©ric Malle Portrait of a Lady, Givenchy Amarige), and Olivier Polge (known for Chanel No. 5 L''Eau, Dior Homme). This trio of master perfumers collaborated to create its distinctive profile.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
Young Sexy Lovely bursts open with a bright, juicy cocktail of fruits. The blackcurrant is prominent, offering a tart yet sweet berry essence, beautifully complemented by the zesty mandarin orange and the crisp, watery sweetness of pear. It''s an invigorating and instantly uplifting start, setting a playful and inviting tone.
As the initial fruitiness mellows, the fragrance transitions gracefully into its floral heart. Soft cherry blossom takes center stage, lending a delicate, airy sweetness. This is enriched by the creamy, velvety texture of peach and the subtle, elegant presence of magnolia and rose. The heart is undeniably feminine, a harmonious blend that feels both innocent and charming.
The base notes provide a soft, comforting anchor. Clean musk emerges, blending seamlessly with the warm, woody nuances of cedar. A hint of amber adds a touch of subtle warmth without becoming heavy. The floral sweetness from the heart lingers gently, creating a clean, slightly powdery, and utterly comforting finish that stays close to the skin.
Performance Dashboard
Expect this EDT to last approximately 5-7 hours on skin. It''s a moderate performer, suitable for a workday or an afternoon out without needing reapplication.
The scent projects moderately for the first 2-3 hours, creating an arms-length aura. It''s noticeable without being intrusive, making it a polite choice for various settings.
Young Sexy Lovely leaves a soft, intimate trail. It''s a fragrance that invites closeness rather than announcing itself loudly across a room. People in your immediate vicinity will notice it, but it won''t linger heavily after you''ve left.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Young Sexy Lovely is generally a crowd-pleaser. Its pleasant, easy-to-wear floral-fruity profile often garners compliments, especially for its fresh and inviting aura. It''s the kind of scent that makes people think ''you smell nice'' rather than ''what are you wearing?''
Pros & Cons
- β Pleasant and easy-to-wear floral-fruity profile.
- β Charming, youthful, and uplifting scent.
- β Nostalgic for many who wore it when it was available.
- β Versatile for daytime and warmer weather.
- β Unique blend of fruits and delicate florals.
- β Discontinued, making it hard to find.
- β Moderate performance (longevity and sillage are not beast-mode).
- β High secondary market prices due to its discontinued status.
- β May not appeal to those who prefer more complex or heavier scents.
Price & Value
“For those seeking to relive a cherished scent memory or adding a unique, discontinued piece to their collection, Young Sexy Lovely can be worth the investment. However, for a casual, everyday fragrance, the current market price makes it a less practical choice compared to readily available options.”
π Reformulation History
No widely reported reformulations or significant batch variations were noted during Young Sexy Lovely''s active production period. As a discontinued fragrance, any subtle differences observed in older bottles are more likely attributable to natural aging processes or storage conditions rather than deliberate reformulation.
Who It's For
β Ideal For
- Women aged 18-35 who appreciate playful, cheerful, and charming scents.
- Individuals with a feminine and lighthearted personality.
- Those who enjoy sweet floral-fruity fragrances that are easy to wear.
- Collectors seeking a nostalgic, discontinued gem.
β οΈ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer heavy, complex, or overtly unisex fragrances.
- Individuals looking for extremely strong projection or longevity for evening or clubbing scenarios.
- Anyone sensitive to higher secondary market prices for discontinued items.
The Family
A contemporary YSL fragrance also targeting a youthful, playful, and sweet floral-fruity aesthetic, conceptually aligning with the ''lovely'' vibe.
While launched later, it shares a modern, feminine, floral-fruity character with a romantic touch, appealing to a similar demographic seeking elegance and charm.
Explore More
π Similar Fragrances
Shares a youthful, cheerful floral-fruity vibe with a touch of green freshness.
A sparkling, light, and fresh floral-fruity scent with a prominent yuzu note.
Offers a delicate, elegant fruity-floral blend with grapefruit and quince.
A sophisticated, fresh, and slightly sweet fruity floral.
π‘ Clone Alternatives
Captures a fresh, fruity opening with apple and peony, reminiscent of a bright, cheerful disposition.
While more green and aquatic, it shares a delicate, clean floral feel that evokes a similar gentle femininity.
β€οΈ You May Also Enjoy
For its youthful, optimistic floral-fruity character.
For its elegant, delicate, and easy-to-wear fruity-floral composition.
A light, fresh, and rosy floral with a touch of fruitiness.
If you appreciate the sophisticated fruity-floral balance.
More from Yves Saint Laurent
π§ͺ Layering Ideas
- Light musk oil
- Vanilla-based body lotion
- Single-note pear or cherry blossom fragrance
π Final Verdict
Yves Saint Laurent Young Sexy Lovely is more than just a fragrance; it''s a piece of modern fragrance history, a nostalgic journey for many, and a testament to YSL''s ability to craft charming, accessible scents. Its delightful blend of juicy blackcurrant, delicate cherry blossom, and soft musk creates an aura of youthful femininity and effortless allure that remains captivating.
While its discontinued status means higher prices and limited availability, for those who cherish its unique profile or seek to rekindle a cherished scent memory, it represents a worthwhile pursuit. Itβs a beautifully balanced floral-fruity EDT that excels in warmer weather and casual settings, offering a polite projection and a comforting, clean drydown.
If you''re a collector, a fan of YSL, or simply someone who yearns for a bright, cheerful, and subtly sweet fragrance that stands apart from today''s mass releases, Young Sexy Lovely is a gem worth discovering β or rediscovering. Itβs a reminder that true charm never goes out of style, even if its availability does.