Libre Intense

Libre Intense, inspired by Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum Intense (2020)

Lavender is the backbone, as in the original Libre, but here it shares the stage with much more sweetness. Mandarin and bergamot give a short citrus lift before the heart settles into orange blossom, jasmine sambac and a smooth orchid accord. Because the lavender never disappears, the composition stays aromatic rather than purely floral. In the base, vanilla and tonka bean are pushed further than in the 2019 eau de parfum, with ambergris and vetiver adding a mineral, slightly woody dryness.

About the original

YSL launched Libre Intense in August 2020, a year after the original Libre, with Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaïm as perfumers. Fragrance references describe Libre as a modern feminine fougère, a structure historically associated with men's perfumery, and Intense takes that idea in a warmer, more sensual direction. Its full name is Libre Eau de Parfum Intense. Libre Le Parfum and L'Absolu Platine are separate variations of the line.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Yves Saint Laurent stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

It works best for someone who wants Libre's lavender with a sweeter, more enveloping finish. Vanilla and tonka are prominent, so a crisp, clean lavender this is not.

Related scents

• Yves Saint Laurent Libre
• Yves Saint Laurent Libre Le Parfum
• Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Libre

Notes of the original fragrance, as given in the launch information.

Top notes: Lavender, Mandarin, Bergamot

Heart notes: Lavender, Orange Blossom, Jasmine Sambac, Orchid

Base notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Ambergris, Vetiver

Mandarin and bergamot open it briefly, with lavender already present underneath.

Orange blossom and jasmine sambac form the heart, rounded by the orchid accord and still threaded with lavender.

The drydown is vanilla and tonka bean, made less sugary by ambergris and a line of vetiver.

How is Libre Intense different from the original Libre?

It keeps the lavender and orange blossom pairing but adds an orchid accord and noticeably more vanilla and tonka. The result is sweeter and more ambery than the 2019 eau de parfum.

Is this the women's Libre or L'Homme Libre?

This is the women's Libre Intense. L'Homme Libre is a separate men's fragrance, which we also make.

Does Libre Intense smell of lavender?

Yes, lavender runs through the top and heart, giving an aromatic edge against the vanilla.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Yves Saint Laurent and Libre Intense are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Yves Saint Laurent in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.