YSL In Love Again Jasmin Etoile: A Vivir Reporter's Honest Review
Decoding the Star Jasmine: Is This Limited Edition Worth the Investment?
Yves Saint Laurent has a long-standing reputation for crafting fragrances that capture attention, from the opulent spice of Opium to the modern sensuality of Libre. In 1998, the brand introduced ''In Love Again,'' a vibrant, joyful fruity-floral scent composed by the esteemed Jean-Claude Ellena. It quickly became a beloved classic, embodying a spirit of youthful romance and spontaneous joy. Years later, YSL revisited this cherished line, introducing limited editions that explored specific facets of its original charm.
One such iteration, ''In Love Again Jasmin Etoile,'' launched in 2005, aimed to highlight the luminous beauty of jasmine within the familiar ''In Love Again'' framework. This wasn''t just another flanker; it was a focused reinterpretation, positioning itself as a more refined, perhaps even a more mature, expression of the collection. It spoke to connoisseurs and collectors, offering a distinct take on a cherished theme rather than vying for mass-market appeal. Its limited production run instantly elevated its status, making it a coveted piece for fragrance enthusiasts.
The inspiration behind Jasmin Etoile was clear: to capture the essence of a ''star jasmine'' – a term that evokes a particularly bright, clean, and ethereal jasmine bloom. The concept was to strip away any heavy or indolic facets often associated with jasmine, presenting it in its most radiant and sparkling form. It aimed for an interpretation that felt fresh and uplifting, like jasmine growing wild under a clear sky, rather than the dense, heady aroma of a night-blooming variety. This focus promised a jasmine experience that was both sophisticated and remarkably wearable.
Within the fragrance community, In Love Again Jasmin Etoile quickly garnered a reputation as a ''must-have'' for jasmine lovers. Its distinctive profile, characterized by its non-indolic, green, and slightly fruity jasmine, set it apart. It became known as a benchmark for a clean, natural-smelling jasmine. The scarcity of bottles fueled its cult status, with many lamenting its discontinuation and praising its unique ability to present jasmine in such an airy, yet substantial, manner. It''s a fragrance often discussed in forums and cherished by those fortunate enough to own a bottle.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Nathalie Lorson. Renowned for her elegant, often transparent compositions. Her portfolio includes Lalique Encre Noire, Bvlgari Pour Femme, and various Jo Malone creations, showcasing her expertise in sophisticated floral and woody scents.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray is an invigorating burst of fresh, zesty grapefruit and a subtle, juicy blackcurrant, underpinned by crisp green notes. It''s bright, lively, and immediately uplifting, like a dew-kissed garden on a clear morning.
As the fruits recede, a luminous, airy, and wonderfully clean jasmine emerges. This non-indolic jasmine is complemented by soft touches of dewy rose and fresh peony, creating a sophisticated and romantic floral heart that remains bright.
The fragrance settles into an elegant skin scent where the jasmine is softened by a clean, almost powdery white musk. A subtle blend of creamy sandalwood and dry cedarwood provides a gentle, refined woody foundation, maintaining its clean and luminous character.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a solid 6 to 8 hours on skin. Good for a fresh floral, providing consistent wear throughout the day.
Offers moderate projection, noticeable within arm''s length for the first 2 to 3 hours. Present but never overwhelming.
Leaves a soft, elegant trail that is noticeable but discreet. It’s refined and not intrusive, suitable for various settings.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Consistently receives compliments, often described as ''fresh,'' ''clean,'' and ''beautiful.'' It''s generally very pleasing and rarely polarizing.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Beautiful, natural-smelling jasmine, non-indolic and luminous.
- ✅ Fresh, uplifting, and elegant, perfect for warm weather.
- ✅ Highly versatile for various daytime and semi-formal occasions.
- ✅ Clean floral profile appeals to those avoiding heavy or overly sweet scents.
- ✅ Distinctive yet universally appealing, a consistent compliment-getter.
- ❌ Limited availability makes it exceptionally difficult to find.
- ❌ High secondary market prices due to its discontinued and collector status.
- ❌ Moderate performance (longevity and projection) may disappoint those expecting a powerhouse.
- ❌ Some may find its evolution too linear after the initial bright opening.
Price & Value
“Worth it for dedicated jasmine enthusiasts or collectors valuing unique, discontinued scents. For casual buyers, the price might be prohibitive given its moderate performance.”
📜 Reformulation History
No widely reported reformulations for this specific limited edition. Its scarcity means most available bottles are from its original production run.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women 25-55
- Individuals who appreciate elegant, clean floral scents
- Those seeking a sophisticated, non-indolic jasmine
- People with a refined, understated style
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer heavy gourmands or extremely bold, statement-making fragrances
- Anyone seeking a strong, room-filling projection powerhouse
- Individuals sensitive to prominent floral notes despite its clean profile
The Family
The 1998 classic fruity-floral by Jean-Claude Ellena, foundational to the line.
A limited edition emphasizing passionfruit within the ''In Love Again'' concept.
Another specific floral interpretation within the ''In Love Again'' limited edition series.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a bright, elegant white floral profile with a touch of fruity sparkle, though J''adore is often more complex.
Offers a similar focus on a natural, realistic white floral heart, particularly tuberose and jasmine, though Bloom is often greener and creamier.
Presents a bright, clean white floral composition, though Gabrielle leans more heavily on citrus and a blend of white flowers.
While featuring a different primary floral, it shares a similar fresh, clean, and radiant floral style, perfect for warm weather.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Shares some musky-floral elegance and a subtle woody base, offering a somewhat similar refined vibe, though not a direct clone.
Offers a bright, clean white floral experience for a fraction of the cost, capturing a similar fresh jasmine-like quality, albeit simpler.
A simpler, more affordable and accessible option for those seeking a straightforward, clean jasmine interpretation.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its exceptional clean, musky, and subtly floral elegance, ideal for a sophisticated ''fresh out of the shower'' scent.
For a more intense but equally sophisticated and natural white floral experience, particularly if you enjoy a more pronounced tuberose.
For another refined, sunny, and natural jasmine interpretation, often with a slightly greener edge.
Known for its very green, realistic, and slightly dewy jasmine and wisteria notes, appealing to those who love natural florals.
More from Yves Saint Laurent
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple citrus cologne (e.g., Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine) to enhance the top notes.
- A light, clean white musk (e.g., The Body Shop White Musk) to boost the base and longevity.
- A delicate rose soliflore to amplify the floral heart.
🏆 Final Verdict
Yves Saint Laurent In Love Again Jasmin Etoile stands as a testament to elegant floral perfumery. It offers a rare and beautiful interpretation of jasmine, one that is distinctly fresh, luminous, and utterly clean, devoid of any heavy or indolic facets. Its sophisticated blend of sparkling grapefruit, delicate blackcurrant, and a radiant jasmine heart makes it an uplifting and versatile choice for anyone who appreciates understated luxury.
While its moderate performance means it won''t fill a room, its intimate sillage and consistent wear time are perfectly suited for personal enjoyment and close encounters. This is not a fragrance that shouts for attention; it whispers elegance. For those who prioritize a natural, refined floral scent and seek a signature fragrance that feels both timeless and unique, Jasmin Etoile delivers.
Yes, its limited availability and corresponding price on the secondary market make it a considered purchase. But for true jasmine connoisseurs and collectors, this is more than just a perfume; it''s an investment in a piece of fragrance history. It’s a scent that promises to elevate your everyday, offering a sophisticated aroma that is consistently praised and genuinely a pleasure to wear. If a clean, star-bright jasmine speaks to your style, securing a bottle of Jasmin Etoile is a decision you won''t regret.