The running joke seems to be that everything YSL produces either A) can’t top La Nuit de l’Homme or B) smells exactly like La Nuit de l’Homme. I guess that’s a good think for YSL right? Basically saying that one fragrance they’ve made has the power to trump them all? Yeah, I’m not buying that either. Instead, there are a few fragrances from YSL that I really like, MYSLF included (not a pun).
The notes are simple. In the top there’s Calabrian bergamot as well as bergamot (not sure the difference or need to have two different ones, but ok). In the mid there’s Tunisian orange blossom and in the base there’s Ambrofix and patchouli. Ambrofix is a chemical used in a lot of newer fragrances lately and it’s said to have amber notes, wood notes, musk and balsamic notes as well as floral and leather-like. Yeah…I think that’s REALLY broad, don’t you think? While we’re here, let’s look at the exact rundown of the nuances:
- Ambery
- Iso e Super
- Ambrox DL
- Woody/Fresh
- Piney and nutty
- Cedarwood
- Floral
- Leather-like
- Slight tobacco note
- Dry musk-like aftertaste
- Balsamic amber-like
This is the EXACT definition from Fragrantica on what this Ambrofix chemical smells like. My guess is it’s a less-expensive chemical to use but obviously can fit many scent profiles and situations. Personally I think this chemical looks like someone took a soda cup and made a concoction of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, Orange and Mr. Pibb. Sounds like a good idea, but when mixed together it may not work like you planned. Here’s what I can tell you about MYSLF from my testing.
When you first spray this fragrance on, it will be reminiscent of something else you’ve smelled before, but you may not be able to put your finger on it. Maybe you will, maybe you won’t, but if you own a collection of more than 20 bottles of fragrances or have sampled the gambit from Decant House like I have, you’ll recognize the scent. It’s citrusy but not too citrusy - meaning it’s not a very sour or tart note in the beginning. My nose also picks up faint smells of cherries which makes me immediately think of Guerlain L'Homme Ideal fragrances and their DNA but it’s not an official note nor is it listed in the laundry list above. It’s bright and fresh in the opening but also dark and smooth with floral notes mixed in. The woody notes really come out in the mid and dry down, but that overall general sweetness remains from start to finish. I noticed on my skin I could still smell it well over 6 hours after I had sprayed it on and those around me really liked it and asked what it was. Overall, I’d say it’s a great fragrance in terms of longevity, sillage and complements.
As for the likeness, well you could open any bottle of what you have in your collection and spray around your skin until you find the target, but I cannot for the life of me figure it out. A friend of mine I think told me it was similar to Rasasi Hawas, but I think Hawas is way more fresh whereas MYSLF is a bit more dark and woody. At this point I’m determined to find the match but don’t think I have enough time to meet this deadline. Maybe a P.S. in the next one if I find it.
And finally, the whole “blue fragrance” comment at the beginning of this review. So, to categorize a fragrance as a “blue fragrance” doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to physically be blue, although that does help. To be a blue fragrances means it’s a fully versatile fragrance that can be used anytime, anywhere, any season, any situation. No exceptions. This fragrance I don’t believe is technically labeled or marketed as a “blue” fragrance but I’m here to tell you I believe it is. This fragrance really popped when it was warm outside and I started to sweat. I also think the dark/woody notes here are more than capable of throwing this fragrance in the colder fall and winter months.
Final Thoughts
“MYSLF is the expression of the man you are, with all of your emotions and nuances. A distinctly unique fragrance for those redefining what it means to be a man. A floral twist on a traditional woody fragrance. My scent, MYSLF.” This is direct from YSL and it’s true, including the part about “all your nuances” considering that Ambrofix note in there. All kidding aside, this fragrance is really nice and super versatile. I would keep this fragrance close to the front of your collection and you’ll find yourself never moving it around during season changes, I can promise you that. Give it a shot and let me know in the comments below what fragrance you think this matches to the closest. Have a great week and I’ll catch you guys in the next one!
