Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto Elixir

Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto Review: A Rich, Powdery Floral

Rediscovered gem from 2013: tuberose, vanilla, and cashmere wood in a bold statement

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.

Yves Saint Laurent's Manifesto (often mistaken for a later flanker with the word 'Elixir') is a fragrance that arrived in 2013 with a confident, unabashedly feminine character. In a landscape then dominated by light gourmands and fresh florals, Manifesto stood out with its dense, powdery tuberose and rich vanilla base. Created by master perfumers Anne Flipo and Loc Dong, it was intended to be 'a manifesto of a woman' — bold, independent, and complex.

Though it has since been discontinued in many markets, Manifesto remains a cult favorite among lovers of classic, well-structured floral-orientals. Its performance is formidable: a single spray can last an entire work day and announce your presence from across the room. This review examines the fragrance in detail, from its evolving notes to its best occasions, to help you decide if this hidden gem belongs in your collection.

4.2 Overall
Longevity
0.0
Projection
0.0
Sillage
0.0
$60–$130 USD (50ml EDP)
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

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Notes Pyramid

Top
BergamotMandarin Orange
Heart
HeliotropeJasmine SambacTuberose
Base
VanillaCashmere WoodAmbroxan

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 0.0/5

📢 Projection 0.0/5

💨 Sillage 0.0/5

When to Wear

🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
📌 night out💕 date night📌 evening wear✨ special occasions

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.2
⏱️ Longevity
4.5
💨 Sillage
4.3
💰 Value
4.1
💌 Compliment Factor 0.0/5

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Exceptional longevity and projection
  • ✅ Rich, complex composition with high-quality ingredients
  • ✅ Versatility across fall and winter occasions
  • ✅ Distinctive tuberose note that stands out from modern launches
  • ❌ May be too heavy for warm weather or daytime wear
  • ❌ Discontinued in many regions; availability can be limited
  • ❌ Not for those who prefer light, airy scents
  • ❌ Initial projection may be overwhelming in small spaces

Price & Value

$60–$130 USD (50ml EDP)

“Excellent value for the quality and performance, especially if found at discount or in secondary markets”

📜 Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported; the original formulation remains consistent across production years.

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🏆 Final Verdict

Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto is an overlooked masterpiece in the brand's portfolio — a powerful, opulent floral-oriental that delivers on every performance metric. While its boldness may not suit every occasion, for evening events, cooler months, and anyone craving a memorable signature scent, it remains a compelling choice. Seek it out before prices rise further.

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