7 Best YSL Colognes For Men to Smell Irresistible
By: Catherine Reed — November 2023
Yves Saint Laurent… it’s a name associated with luxury, lavishness, and, of course, quality. For men who prefer a sophisticated scent that is sure to entice, YSL colognes offer plenty of options.
But what if you want the best Yves Saint Laurent perfume for him around? How could you possibly choose?
Well, which of the scents are genuinely the best YSL colognes for him around is undeniably up for debate. Every person experiences scents differently, and personal preferences are, well, personal. So, the best YSL men’s colognes for you may differ from what other people would choose, and that’s okay.
Thats part of finding your own style and swag which can be fun!
Still, if you’re preparing to take your first steps into the world of YSL cologne or eau de parfum, there are some smart places to begin that journey. And if you don’t have time to try out each one, we’ve got your back. Here’s a look at our overall pick for the best YSL men’s cologne.
YSL L’Homme eau de toilette is our top choice for several reasons. First, it’s highly sophisticated, offering up wonderfully warm notes with that hint of spice many men prefer. Plus, it’s elevated enough for special occasions but classic enough for everyday wear, making it incredibly versatile.
The YSL L’Homme Eau de Toilette scent has a woody and citrus fragrance that radiates timeless elegance.
Check price at YSL website See on Amazon
By going with an eau de toilette over a cologne, you also get a more concentrated scent. What does that mean for you?
Well, it means a little goes a long way. Plus, not only will the scent last once applied, but you also don’t need to apply as much each time you wear it, allowing the bottle to last, too.
Not sure if Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme is right for you? No problem. Our YSL colognes ranked list can help you find the best YSL colognes for you.
Table Of Contents
- #1. Best Overall Pick: YSL L’Homme Eau de Toilette
- #2. Best for Young Men: YSL Y for Men Eau de Parfum
- #3. Best for Winter: YSL L’Homme L’Intense
- #4. Best for Summer: YSL Y Eau Fraiche
- #5. Best for Night: YSL La Nuit de L’Homme
- #6. Most Unique: YSL L’Homme Cologne Bleue
- #7. Most Opulent: YSL Tuxedo
Our List of Best YSL Colognes
#1. Best Overall Pick: YSL L’Homme Eau de Toilette
Review
YSL L’Homme is like the Prince Charming of fragrances, coupling classic elegance with that touch of something unexpected to create a well-rounded scent. You get a bit of spiciness and woodiness thanks to the notes of citrus peel, bergamot, cedar, and ginger. There are also touches of white pepper, amber, and basil, giving it a bit of edge.
Along with being an excellent all-around fragrance, YSL L’Homme is an ideal choice for summer. Heat makes a cologne stronger, and since YSL L’Homme is a bit lighter than some alternatives, you don’t have to worry about how the summer heat will amplify the scent.
Sizes
YSL L’Homme is also available in several convenient sizes. For travel, consider the 60 ml bottle. For the office, you could go with the 100 ml bottle instead. At home, the 200 ml bottle gives you plenty of value, making it the best choice.
Overall Rating
Overall, Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme has a 4.7-star rating, and with good reason. Customers love how nuanced the scent is, allowing them to experience a new note with almost every wear. Plus, it’s subtle enough to be worn daily, but it also has outstanding staying power.
Ultimately, it’s an excellent choice for men who want a sophisticated scent that’s as refreshing as it is enticing.
The YSL L’Homme Eau de Toilette scent has a woody and citrus fragrance that radiates timeless elegance.
Check price at YSL website See on Amazon
#2. Best for Young Men: YSL Y for Men Eau de Parfum
Review
For younger men, a heavy scent can feel like a poor match. After all, young men are energetic, vibrant, and ready for adventure, so why shouldn’t their scent fit that idea?
With YSL Y for Men, you get a scent that’s crisp, fresh, and, dare we say, a tad bit juicy. Bergamot and ginger add some sweetness and spiciness, while sage keeps this cologne grounded. There’s also cedar, musk, and incense, giving it a strong base with wide appeal. Plus, the white aldehydes make the fragrance smell clean, which is always a nice bonus, and you get hints of violet leaf and geranium.
The end result is highly elegant and suitably complex, giving it more appeal. It’s also fresh while maintaining some boldness, all without being overly intense. As a result, this is perfect for the young man on the go who wants an everyday scent that’s sophisticated without smelling too “old.”
Overall Rating
Plus, Yves Saint Laurent Y for Men is a long-standing favorite. It has a 4.5-star rating, and everyone loves how it gently lingers after application, ensuring you don’t have to reapply to wear it all day long. Plus, you can get it in three convenient sizes — 60 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml — allowing you to choose the one that’s right for you.
Sale
The YSL Y has notes of bergamot, ginger and sage for spice with violet leaf and geranium for freshness.
$78.33
Check price at YSL website See on Amazon
#3. Best for Winter: YSL L’Homme L’Intense
Review
Choosing a scent for winter is trickier than many men would expect. Cooler weather does alter how a fragrance develops. Additionally, when it’s cold, skin is usually drier, so it won’t hold a scent as well.
Thankfully, there’s Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme L’Intense, a scent that many consider the best YSL L’Homme flanker around. It’s essentially a pumped-up version of the classic YSL L’Homme, offering up a deeper profile and exceptional richness that’s the perfect answer to chilly days and nights.
When it comes to the notes, you still get the citrusy scent you’ll find with its lighter counterpart. But YSL L’Homme L’Intense is woodier, and there are touches of suede, leather, and bourbon to take it somewhere special. You also get a hint of smokiness, which feels perfect once the temperature dips.
Sizes
You can get it in 60 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml bottles, ensuring you can get the right size for any need.
Overall Rating
Customers appreciate that YSL L’Homme L’Intense has the staying power you need during the winter. Plus, the scent itself feels warmer than the lighter version, which is just a better match to the season.
Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme L’Intense
The YSL L’Homme L’Intense has notes of suede, leather, and bourbon for long lasting effect especially perfect for cooler weather.
Check price at YSL website See on Amazon
#4. Best for Summer: YSL Y Eau Fraiche
Review
During the summer, many men prefer a lighter scent that has a sense of freshness and vibrancy. That’s where Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau Fraiche comes into play. Its top notes include lemon, ginger, and a touch of pepper, keeping it lively. There are also touches of mint, lavender, and juniper berries, as well as a bit of cedar to keep it grounded.
Ultimately, this scent is incredibly crisp and light, so it won’t become overwhelming when the temperature is warm. But it’s also a very refined fragrance, making it suitable for work, play, and everything in between. This is also a strong choice for men who want to smell clean but aren’t a big fan of noticeable colognes, as it’s not so forward as to draw a lot of attention.
Sizes
As for the sizes, you can find all of the classics, including 60 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml bottles.
Overall Rating
Overall, customers agree that YSL Y Eau Fraiche is a standout, and with the 4.8-star rating, many even consider it the best YSL perfume for him, so keep that in mind.
Sale
The YSL Y Eau Fraiche has a refined clean smelling fragrance with top notes of lemon, ginger, and a hint of pepper.
$108.00
Check price at Pinoy Fragrance website See on Amazon
#5. Best for Night: YSL La Nuit de L’Homme
Review
When it comes to the YSL cologne L’Homme line, Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme will leave you feeling like James Bond. While it’s suitably fresh, it’s also highly masculine and a bit mysterious. There’s a sensualness to this fragrance.
Essentially, it’s the after-dark version of the classic, bringing extra depth and a touch of sexiness that’s perfect for date night, black-tie events, and various other special occasions.
Citrus notes and hints of florals keep the scent fresh, but they’re balanced off with patchouli, pepper, vanilla, cardamom, and cedar. Tobacco accents make it even deeper and more complex, which is what creates that air of mystery.
Sizes
You can get it in all of the classic sizes, including 60 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml bottles.
Overall Rating
This fragrance isn’t an everyday wear, as it’s a bit too heavy and bold for days spent out and about. But if you’re a guy looking for a signature nighttime scent, this could be your perfect option. Plus, it’s a favorite with customers, securing a 4.7-star rating. Customers think the smell is absolutely mesmerizing, and it’s got excellent staying power.
Sale
YSL La Nuit de L’Homme scent has a fresh masculine deep mysterious scent of cedar, cardamon, and coumarin for special nights.
$139.95
Check price at YSL website See on Amazon
#6. Most Unique: YSL L’Homme Cologne Bleue
Review
While every YSL cologne is arguably unique, Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme Cologne Bleue separates itself from the pack. The only way to describe what makes it stand out is the aquatic quality.
There’s a lightness that borders on tropical, thanks to the notes of blood orange, mandarin, grapefruit, and bergamot. But you also get touches of cardamom and black pepper, along with hints of lavender, thyme, sandalwood, and cedar.
Ultimately, YSL L’Homme Cologne Bleue is ideal for men who prefer a clean, uplifting scent that they can wear daily. It works well regardless of a man’s age, too, as it balances freshness and sophistication perfectly.
Sizes
As with most of the best YSL colognes, you can get YSL L’Homme Cologne Bleue in a variety of sizes. Finding 60 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml bottles is pretty simple, and you may even find smaller ones that are perfect for carrying while on the go.
Overall Rating
YSL L’Homme Cologne Bleue is a favorite among wearers, securing a 4.6-star rating. They adore the light, crisp aroma that lasts all day and that it’s particularly well-suited for daytime wear.
Sale
The YSL L’Homme Cologne Bleue has a citrus scent of blood orange, mandarin, bergamot, and grapefruit thats perfectly balanced for daily wear.
$82.98
Check price at YSL website See on Amazon
#7. Most Opulent: YSL Tuxedo
Review
For adventurous souls looking for a bold, head-turning scent, Yves Saint Laurent Tuxedo could be your perfect option.
The profile is both warm and spicy, featuring patchouli for depth. There’s also black pepper and vanilla to keep the scent intriguing, as well as cardamom and bourbon for a touch of refined heat. It’s luxurious, opulent, and oh-so mysterious, giving it that bit of sensual appeal.
Technically, YSL Tuxedo is classified as a unisex scent, so it can easily qualify as the best Yves Saint Laurent perfume for her or him in some circles. However, men don’t have to worry, as the scent isn’t feminine. Instead, it fits comfortably in the world of universal appeal, and there’s something to be said for that kind of versatility.
Sizes
One tricky thing about YSL Tuxedo is that it’s part of a specialty run. That means you’re limited on the sizes, with 125 ml being what’s available. It’s also spendy compared to many of the alternatives above, so it’s not always the best choice for the budget-conscious.
Overall Rating
Still, people absolutely love YSL Tuxedo, which makes it worth the investment in many cases. It’s bold, confident, and spicy, all while maintaining that hint of sweetness to draw people in closer.
Sale
The YSL Tuxedo oozes sensual appeal because of the warm and spicy patchouli scent, with hints of black pepper, vanilla, and bourbon.
$78.33
Check price at YSL website See on Amazon
What Makes YSL Fragrances Iconic and Special
Photo by Olena Bohovyk
Yves Saint Laurent is a company committed to quality, treating perfumes as if they’re genuine works of art and suitable forms of self-expression. The company is the creation of Yves Saint Laurent, a renowned fashion designer who began making his mark in the 1960s. Over time, the brand evolved, bringing in fragrances and other beauty products.
Since the beginning, YSL has been all about luxury. Elegance, sophistication, and style are at the core of everything the company does, and they’ve been hallmarks from the very start. From the introduction of Y, the first scent released, to its newer creations, the brand has worked to combine classic elegance with touches of the unexpected, all while maintaining a distinct sense of character and cohesiveness.
Daring and Unconventional
One reason that YSL fragrances stand out is that the company isn’t afraid to break away from convention. Subverting expectations by introducing notes and profiles that other companies don’t explore is part of how YSL develops new offerings.
Plus, YSL doesn’t steer away from making women’s fragrances feel powerful or adding a touch of softness to some of its men’s products. Along with opening doors for new scent profiles, it allows YSL to break from convention in new, exciting ways, all while maintaining surprisingly broad appeal.
Nonnegotiable Luxury Quality
YSL also believes that quality doesn’t just matter for its fragrances but the experience as a whole. When you handle the packaging and pick up the bottle, you know that every detail was planned meticulously to elevate the moment. The company aims for luxury across the board, and saying it consistently hits the mark is an understatement.
Ultimately, YSL became iconic, and it maintains that position today. It frequently partners with celebrities to help spread the word about new creations. Recently, Finn Wolfhard, Lil Yachty, Austin Butler, and Hunter Doohan all began introducing YSL’s latest men’s fragrance — Myslf — to the masses, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
How to Choose a YSL Cologne: Buyer’s Guide
Photo by Florian Berger
So, if you’re like most customers, you’re not just interested in just any Yves Saint Laurent cologne; you want to pick the best YSL colognes for you. But how do you pull that off, especially if you don’t have time to head to the store and check each one out in person?
Well, there are a few ways to find your perfect match.
1. Consider what type of scent you’re after.
Are you looking for a cologne you can wear every day that seamlessly transitions from day to night? Do you need a fragrance that works well during a specific season, or prefer something you can wear year-round?
Are you on the hunt for a special occasion scent, or do you need a cologne that works well even if you aren’t a big fan of fragrances? Asking questions like those can help you narrow down your options.
2. Think about the notes.
For some, specific aromas are intriguing, comforting, or inspiring. Think about how you want your cologne to make you feel.
For example, do you want a confidence boost? Then maybe a bolder scent with plenty of spice could be a strong fit.
Want to feel refreshed? Something lighter and brighter — like softer citrus notes and delicate herbal touches — might be your best bet.
3. How much attention do you want?
Finally, you need to decide if you want your scent to catch people’s attention — for better or for worse — or offer up wide appeal.
Less conventional choices can be head-turners, but they may not resonate with everyone. So, are you looking to take a risk, or would you prefer a safer option?
By knowing that, you can determine where you should aim, making it easier to find the right YSL cologne for you.
Differences Between YSL’s Colognes for Men and Women
Photo by Harper Sunday
As is the case with most fragrances, YSL colognes for men and women do stand apart in many cases. Typically,
- Women’s perfumes are sweeter, and they often have more floral and fruity notes.
- Men’s colognes often lean heavier into woods and musk, with notes of tobacco, leather, and bourbon being more common here than in women’s fragrances.
However, there are women’s fragrances that dive into spicier notes that are more often seen in men’s colognes. Black Opium by YSL is a prime example, featuring warmer aromas with a bit of coffee mixed into some of the more traditionally feminine scents of flowers.
Similarly, lighter men’s fragrances that lean heavier into citrus can be surprisingly gender-neutral, even if they’re balanced off with richer notes that are typically considered masculine.
And remember, YSL Tuxedo is considered a gender-neutral fragrance. It has notes of patchouli, bourbon, and black pepper, which you more commonly see in men’s scents. However, it’s not so masculine as to make it ill-suited to women, essentially creating a good sense of balance.
The Art of Fragrance Layering with YSL
Photo by Isaac Wolff
When you want to create a scent that’s uniquely yours, you can use a variety of YSL colognes to make it happen by embracing the practice known as fragrance layering. In the simplest scent, fragrance layering allows you to personalize what you wear by combining two or more existing colognes, perfumes, or other scent products.
Step 1: Select the heavy
Usually, fragrance layering involves selecting the heavier scent you want to use first. Those with strong notes of wood, leather, or musk tend to dominate, so you want to determine what the base is before adding a new layer.
Step 2: Add on the light
After that, it’s time to incorporate something lighter and brighter. For men, that usually means bringing in something citrusy or classically clean, like notes of fresh linen or gentle soap.
Ultimately, the goal is to keep things balanced while also elevating the scent. So, if you’re starting with YSL colognes, your base might be YSL Tuxedo, YSL La Nuit de L’Homme, or YSL L’Homme L’Intense. Then, it’s time for that brighter touch, which you may be able to get with YSL Y Eau Fraiche or YSL L’Homme Cologne Bleue.
However, you can also look outside of colognes when choosing another layer. Body lotions or essential oils can also introduce a new layer that just slightly alters the first cologne you select. That can make it easier to layer fragrance if you want your primary scent to be lighter or brighter or are going for just a slightly subtle customization.
Final Thoughts
Overall Yves Saint Laurent is an iconic brand in the fashion and fragrance world. YSL represents luxury, elegance, sophistication, and quality and is the perfect complement for men looking to expand their own well groomed styles.
YSL L’Homme eau de toilette is our top choice for several reasons. First, it’s highly sophisticated, offering up wonderfully warm notes with that hint of spice many men prefer. Plus, it’s elevated enough for special occasions but classic enough for everyday wear, making it incredibly versatile.
The YSL L’Homme Eau de Toilette scent has a woody and citrus fragrance that radiates timeless elegance.
Check price at YSL website See on Amazon
So with so many fine colognes brands available, which of these fine YSL options appealed to you the most? Let us know!
FAQs
Is YSL a Good Cologne Brand?
If colognes were like liquor, YSL would be a top-shelf brand. The company is known for its luxurious scents that are carefully developed to provide exciting but balanced experiences. Plus, it uses high-quality ingredients, and the products offer excellent staying power, allowing YSL to stand out from many competitors.
What Is the Newest YSL Cologne?
While YSL is always working on new scents, one of the newest ones on the market currently is YSL Myslf. This men’s fragrance features notes of orange blossom and bergamot balanced with woody aromas, musk, and patchouli.
How to Tell If YSL Cologne Is Real?
As is the case with many major fragrance brands, there are scams and knockoffs you may encounter when looking for YSL colognes.
If you want to make sure yours is authentic, only purchase YSL colognes from reputable retailers. Additionally, the bottle should feel heavy, as thick glass is characteristic of the real deal. The scent should also be long-lasting, and the packaging should be free of errors and inconsistencies. It’s also wise to check for a serial number and to make sure the one on the bottle matches the packaging.
