Our sense of smell can be a fickle friend. Preferences change with mood, age and even the weather. A scent that once left you cold may one day become a dear companion. In today's review we take a fresh look at Yves Saint Laurent's Libre Intense – a fragrance that did not impress us at first, but has revealed its true potential on closer acquaintance.
Libre Love and Libre Regret
The original YSL Libre EDP has a special place in our hearts, and its unique lavender accord captivated us. Libre Intense, which we met by chance some time ago, left us cold. Its warmth felt like a heavy-handed attempt to cash in on the success of the original. Later encounters with Libre's flankers, including the EDT and L'Absolu Platine, did not make us want to try Intense again.
Today, however, Libre Intense has surprised us. This time it feels like a more versatile interpretation of the Libre concept, with the potential to become a timeless classic. You can find the story of the whole Libre line in the article Yves Saint Laurent Libre: the scent of freedom and courage.
Libre Intense: peeling back the layers
Libre Intense, launched in 2020, built on the success of the original and offered a warmer take on it. At a time when the market was saturated with sweet gourmand scents and sharp florals, Libre Intense dared to be different. Its originality and careful execution resonated with many fragrance enthusiasts.
Libre Intense notes
Top notes: lavender, mandarin, bergamot.
Heart notes: lavender, Tunisian orange blossom, jasmine sambac, orchid.
Base notes: Madagascar vanilla, tonka bean, ambergris, vetiver.
The opening keeps the character familiar from the original Libre, but it has changed. Tonka bean and vanilla add noticeable warmth and create a soothing aura. A soft whisper of lavender and citrus (mandarin and bergamot) emerges, although the bergamot is more subdued than in the original EDP. The presence of vanilla is noticeable from the start and deepens as the scent develops.
As the heart notes take centre stage, delicate orange blossom and jasmine sambac peek through, but the persistent lavender somewhat outshines them. This keeps the floral notes from becoming too heavy and lets them play a supporting role. In the base the fragrance calms down, revealing a harmonious dance of tonka bean, vanilla and ambergris.
A change of heart: our final verdict
Dismissing Libre Intense at first turned out to be a mistake. A fresh acquaintance allowed us to appreciate its unique approach to Libre's DNA. The warmth of the scent is pleasant and comforting, especially in cooler weather. Although the lavender may feel too strong to some, it gives the fragrance a distinctive character.
All in all, Libre Intense is a scent that deserves a closer look. If you are a fan of the original Libre and appreciate warmer fragrances, Libre Intense is definitely worth trying. If, however, the lavender in the original is too much for you, Intense may not suit you best either. For a more floral, summery version, read the article YSL Libre Flowers & Flames.
Frequently asked questions
How does Libre Intense differ from Libre Eau de Parfum?
Libre Intense is a warmer, rounder interpretation of the original. Bergamot takes a back seat, while vanilla and tonka bean play a bigger role.
Is Libre Intense strong?
Libre Intense has moderate to good sillage and lasts a long time on the skin.
You can find Yves Saint Laurent Libre Intense EDP 50 ml in the ESSENSA online shop, and the brand's other fragrances in the Yves Saint Laurent selection.
