Yves Saint Laurent In Love Again Fleur de Carbone
In the pantheon of Yves Saint Laurent's olfactory offerings, the In Love Again line occupies a unique space—a celebration of romantic rediscovery and the effervescence of new beginnings. Among its flankers, In Love Again Edition Fleur De La Passion (2005) stands as a radiant testament to Jean-Claude Ellena's mastery of transparent florals. Often misidentified by enthusiasts as 'Fleur de Carbone'—a name that does not exist in any official database—this fragrance is, in fact, a vibrant ode to the passion flower, woven into a tapestry of fruit and soft spice.
Released during a period when YSL was exploring lighter, more youthful expressions, Fleur De La Passion captures the spirit of a spring garden in full bloom. It is a fragrance that eschews the heavy orientals of the brand's past in favor of a buoyant, almost crystalline structure. The composition is built around a core of cassis and peony, with a surprising twist of star anise that lends an aromatic, slightly licorice-like intrigue. This is not a perfume of deep shadows, but of dappled sunlight filtering through petals.
For the discerning fragrance historian, Fleur De La Passion represents a pivotal moment in early 2000s perfumery—a bridge between the fruity-floral excesses of the late '90s and the more refined, minimalist approach that would define the next decade. It is a fragrance that rewards close attention, revealing layers of nuance with each wearing. Below, we dissect its architecture, performance, and place within the YSL legacy.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Performance Dashboard
4-6 hours
Soft to moderate; intimate for the first hour, then settles close to the skin
Moderate—leaves a soft, pleasant trail within arm's length
When to Wear
Community Verdict
7/10—Frequently receives positive comments for its pleasant, non-intrusive sweetness, though some may find the anise note unusual.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Bright, uplifting opening
- ✅ Unique star anise twist
- ✅ Affordable price point
- ✅ Versatile for daily wear
- ❌ Moderate longevity
- ❌ May be too sweet for some
- ❌ Limited projection after first hour
- ❌ Discontinued and harder to find
Price & Value
“Excellent value for a designer fragrance with a distinctive character; secondary market prices may vary due to discontinuation.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported; however, early batches (2005–2007) are noted to have slightly stronger fruit presence, while later batches (2008–2010) feel more airy and floral-forward.
The Family
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🧪 Layering Ideas
- Layer with a vanilla body lotion to extend longevity
- Pair with a citrus cologne (e.g., Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine) for added brightness
- Combine with a light musk perfume (e.g., The Body Shop White Musk) for a clean, skin-like finish
