Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Intensement Review: An Ode to Deeper Parisian Romance
Unveiling the opulent allure and passionate depth of YSL's intensified floral fruity masterpiece.
In the hallowed halls of perfumery, where heritage intertwines with innovation, Yves Saint Laurent has consistently carved a niche for itself, offering olfactory narratives that speak of audacious elegance and timeless allure. The Mon Paris collection, launched in 2016 with the original Eau de Parfum, sought to capture the essence of modern love and the intoxicating spirit of Paris. Mon Paris Intensement, a subsequent and captivating iteration, arrived in 2018, promising a more profound, richer, and undeniably more passionate expression of this urban romance. It represents YSL''s dedication to exploring the multifaceted nature of desire, building upon the established DNA of its predecessor while venturing into more opulent and enveloping olfactory territories. This intensified version is not merely a variation; it is an elevation, a declaration of love in its most fervent form, designed for those who embrace intensity in every facet of their lives.
Positioned as a more potent and sophisticated rendition, Mon Paris Intensement occupies a distinguished space within the YSL fragrance lineup. While the original Mon Paris Eau de Parfum appeals to a broader audience seeking a bright and romantic floral chypre, Intensement targets a more discerning individual who appreciates depth and complexity. It is a testament to the brand’s strategy of offering nuanced interpretations of its most beloved creations, catering to evolving preferences and seasonal demands. This fragrance stands as a bridge between the accessible charm of the original and the more profound, lingering sensuality often associated with haute parfumerie, making it a compelling choice for those who seek a signature scent with enduring impact.
The conceptual framework behind Mon Paris Intensement is one of unbridled passion and intoxicating surrender. It evokes the feeling of being swept away by love in the heart of Paris, under the glow of an eternal sunset. The “intensement” signifies a heightened emotional state, a bolder declaration of affection, and a more profound sensory experience. This is not the fleeting infatuation of a first glance, but the deep, consuming love that ignites the senses and lingers long after the moment has passed. The inspiration draws from the city’s romantic mystique, its vibrant nightlife, and the intimate moments shared between lovers, translating these emotions into a fragrance that is both alluring and deeply personal.
In the fragrance community, Mon Paris Intensement has garnered considerable attention for its successful evolution of the Mon Paris theme. Praised for its increased depth and longevity compared to the original, it has become a favored choice for cooler weather and evening wear. Critics and consumers alike often highlight its sophisticated blend of fruitiness, florals, and a warm, creamy base. While the original is often lauded for its youthful exuberance, Intensement is appreciated for its maturity and sensuality. It has carved out a reputation as a reliable, crowd-pleasing yet distinctive scent that embodies the YSL ethos of modern luxury and captivating femininity, solidifying its place as a significant pillar in the brand’s fragrance portfolio.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Olivier Cresp and Dora Baghdatis. Olivier Cresp is a celebrated perfumer known for iconic creations such as Thierry Mugler''s Angel and Lancôme''s La Vie Est Belle. Dora Baghdatis brings a modern, sensual sensibility to their collaborative work.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A dazzling burst of red berries (black currant, raspberry) and crisp fruits (pear), brightened by citrus (orange, bergamot, mandarin), creating an invigorating and effervescent introduction.
The heart blossoms into a luxurious floral bouquet featuring the velvety richness of Damask rose, intoxicating Jasmine Sambac, delicate orange blossom, and fresh peony, creating a sophisticated and romantic core.
A deep, sensual embrace of earthy patchouli, soft white musk, and smooth cashmeran, subtly sweetened by vanilla and deepened by ambroxan, ensuring a lingering, warm, and unforgettable trail.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional staying power, typically lasting 8-12 hours on skin and longer on fabric.
Noticeable and confident projection for the first 3-4 hours, creating an alluring aura.
Impressive and memorable trail that garners positive attention without being overwhelming.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and performance
- ✅ Rich, complex, and intoxicating scent profile
- ✅ Luxurious and sophisticated aroma
- ✅ Excellent for evening wear and cooler seasons
- ✅ High compliment factor
- ✅ Beautifully balanced fruity-floral-patchouli composition
- ❌ Can be perceived as too strong or sweet by some
- ❌ Patchouli note may not appeal to everyone
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Potential for being overpowering if over-applied
Price & Value
“Excellent value for those seeking a long-lasting, impactful, and luxurious scent experience.”
📜 Reformulation History
No widely documented significant reformulations or batch variations that drastically alter the scent profile.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A noticeably brighter and more effervescent opening than its predecessor. The berry accord of raspberry and blackberry is rendered more translucent, lifted by the zesty sparkle of bergamot and a subtle, piquant whisper of pink pepper, creating an airy, less jam-like fruitiness.
The heart transitions to a more delicate floral bouquet. While the signature Datura flower remains, it is sheerer. The lushness of peony is more prominent, lending a fresh, aqueous quality that makes the fragrance significantly more daytime appropriate than the denser floralcy of the Eau de Parfum.
The base is where the most significant departure occurs. The patchouli is considerably toned down, shedding its earthy intensity for a cleaner, almost ethereal presence. White musk and cashmeran dominate, providing a soft, skin-like warmth that feels sophisticated and light, a stark contrast to the heavier, more enveloping base of the original.
Performance Dashboard
Lighter concentration results in 4-6 hours of wear.
Projects moderately for the first hour, then settles into a more intimate scent bubble.
Creates a pleasant, noticeable trail that is not overwhelming; more ethereal than the EDP.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Lighter and more 'airy' than the EDP
- ✅ Increased versatility for daytime and office wear
- ✅ Less dominant patchouli note, appealing to a wider audience
- ✅ Brighter, fresher fruity-floral balance
- ❌ Reduced longevity and projection
- ❌ May be too light for evening wear or cold climates
- ❌ Lacks the depth and richness of the original
- ❌ Less distinctive sillage
Price & Value
“Priced as expected for a designer EDT; a better value for those who found the EDP too overpowering and sought a more versatile, everyday scent.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial impression is a vibrant and juicy burst of red fruits, dominated by a rich raspberry and black currant accord, which is brighter and more pronounced than in the Eau de Parfum. The citrus top notes provide a sparkling introduction before the floral heart begins to emerge.
The heart reveals a deeper and more opulent floral bouquet, centered around a pronounced duo of May and Bulgarian roses. This phase is more intensely floral than the original, with the datura flower adding a heady, intoxicating quality that is sustained for several hours.
The base becomes a warm and enveloping blend of vanilla and white musk, enriched with a prominent and intensified patchouli and cashmeran. The drydown is significantly richer and has a more pronounced woody and musky character compared to the Eau de Parfum, leaving a lasting, sensual trail.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 10-14 hours, offering a more enduring experience than the Eau de Parfum.
Projects strongly for the first 3-4 hours before settling into a noticeable scent bubble.
Leaves a heavy and captivating trail that is more pronounced than its predecessor.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Deeper and richer scent profile
- ✅ Significantly improved longevity
- ✅ More complex floral heart
- ✅ Excellent sillage and projection
- ❌ Higher cost per bottle
- ❌ May be too intense for daytime or office wear
- ❌ Less versatile across seasons
Price & Value
“The higher price point is justified by the increased concentration and superior performance in longevity and sillage.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 25-50
- Confident and passionate personalities
- Those who embrace sensuality and luxury
- Fans of rich, well-balanced fruity-floral-patchouli scents
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those preferring very light or minimalist scents
- Individuals sensitive to strong, sweet, or patchouli-heavy fragrances
- Conservative daytime office environments
The Family
The original, brighter, and more effervescent iteration.
A lighter, more delicate interpretation.
A richer, more concentrated version.
A flanker focusing on enhanced floral elements.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
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Elegant chypre structure with prominent patchouli and citrus notes.
💡 Clone Alternatives
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❤️ You May Also Enjoy
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More from Yves Saint Laurent
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Vanilla-based fragrances
- Light, clean musk scents
- Fruity body mists or lotions (e.g., berry or pear)
🏆 Final Verdict
Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Intensement stands as a magnificent testament to the enduring allure of Parisian romance, reimagined for the contemporary connoisseur. It is a fragrance that does not merely adorn the skin; it envelops the wearer in an aura of passionate sophistication, an olfactory narrative of love’s most fervent expressions. The meticulous orchestration of its notes, from the effervescent burst of fruits to the opulent heart of roses and jasmine, culminating in a deeply sensual and creamy musky-woody base, ensures an experience that is both captivating and enduring. Its remarkable longevity and assertive yet elegant projection make it an ideal companion for moments that call for confidence and allure, be it a romantic rendezvous under the city lights or a glamorous evening affair.
For those who seek a signature scent that transcends the ephemeral, a fragrance that speaks of confidence, sensuality, and a profound appreciation for life’s richer moments, Mon Paris Intensement is an unequivocal choice. It is an embodiment of the YSL spirit – audacious, elegant, and unforgettable. To wear it is to embrace a deeper, more intense facet of personal expression, making it not just a perfume, but a declaration of passion.