Jenna Holtz
10 min
277
After 13 hours of research evaluating 43 products, we picked Opium By Yves Saint Laurent For Men as our top choice.
Smelling good is not just an indication of good hygiene, it’s also a reflection of our personal style.
Why YSL?
If you’re looking for a new scent, the house of Yves Saint Laurent should be your next destination. The luxury brand has been crafting fragrances since 1964 and released its first fragrance for men in 1971.
YSL offers classic, timeless scents and variations for every season as well. So whether you’re looking for an opulent and sophisticated scent, seductive notes, or a rush of fruity whiff, YSL has something for you.
Now, for the best part:
There’s no denying that Opium by Yves Saint Laurent for Men is the winner among the 10 best of the best of YSL men’s colognes. It’s an exotic fragrance that doesn’t smell overpowering, too complex, nor unassuming. With its rich and spicy notes, its loyalists adore wearing it for formal occasions, special life events, and leaving a lasting impression.
Close runner-ups are the musky La Nuit de L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent for Men and the classic favorite, L’Homme Yves Saint Laurent by Yves Saint Laurent.
With these 10 best YSL colognes for men, you’ll definitely find a bottle (or two) that suits your lifestyle, personality, and style. Take a pick among our top selections.
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We love using this fragrance as our go-to after shave scent. It’s the perfect way to smell and feel clean and refreshed.
The scent lasts for only a couple of hours, so prepare to spray frequently as you go about your day.
It’s an intensely sultry scent with fresh and citrusy notes of coriander and geranium. The notes are coupled with sexy-spicy nutmeg and vanilla. Excellent for memorable romantic dates.
Ideal for special occasions and evening wear
A 100mL bottle is priced at about $190. It’s pricey but not bad for a special occasion scent.
It has a wearable oud fragrance that smells classy and sophisticated.
Unfortunately, the scent doesn’t last for long, so anticipate spraying on a few spritzes every couple of hours.
Powerful and popular, the expensive-smelling woody notes of oud gives the fragrance a bold character. Its top notes of aromatic, citrus-floral mandarin provide a crisp smell.
Its warm and intensely masculine scent is excellent for casual wear.
An 80 mL bottle is priced at a little over $110, making it a pricey perfume.
A little goes a long way. 2 to 3 spritz is enough to last almost the entire day.
Others may find this scent a bit too intense. The scent may not fit everyone’s preferences.
The blend of woody and oriental notes of black pepper, lemon, and bergamot provides an inviting and steamy vibe at first. As you go on your day, the scent transports you to the exotic and unconventional notes of artemisia
This elegant scent is excellent for formal and special occasions.
At about $80 for a 100 mL bottle, it’s not a bad price for a YSL fragrance.
It’s a casual scent but has a luxurious smell to it. Ideal to wear all year round.
its scent doesn’t last long, so expect to reapply after a couple of hours.
Bold, fearless, and adventurous, this scent will provide the courage you need to ask that special someone. With the clean and crisp notes of sage married with woody notes, you'll give off that approachable yet daring vibe.
The light fragrance is ideal for daytime and regular wear.
100 mL is priced at about $90, which isn’t bad for YSL fragrance, especially one you can wear all year long.
It has a clean and subtle scent that some reviewers regard as calming. Perfect for chic, sophisticated occasions.
The scent fades pretty quickly, so expect to reapply every couple of hours.
A popular choice for top notes, bergamot renders that sweet yet light orange scent. This makes it great for women perfume as well. The base notes include that outdoorsy aroma of balsam fir, warm balsamic scent of cedarwood, and earthy marine ambergris.
It portrays sophistication, hence it’s ideal for dressy occasions or important business meetings.
100 mL is priced at around $100, but it comes in 3 more size variants so you have the option to purchase a smaller one at a more affordable price.
It has a long-lasting scent and is perfect for both daily wear and special occasions.
YSL has discontinued this fragrance.
The exotic smell of nutmeg and pink pepper is perfectly toned down by the robust basil scent. Its top notes are then finished with the cucumber-like freshness of violet leaf. Fresh vetiver and spicy patchouli are incorporated into the mix, making it a sensual fragrance.
Ideal for both daytime and evening wear. Can be worn regularly or when attending special occasions.
It’s on the pricier range at around $280 for a 3.3 fl oz bottle. But you’re getting your money’s worth since it’s ideal for daily wear and special occasions.
It’s a timeless scent inspired by the iconic Greek sculpture of ideal young manhood.
We prefer the old formula for its highly masculine scent with a vintage 80s vibe. The new formula doesn’t come with a strong scent like the old one.
Its top notes of coriander, chypre, and cove offer connotations of floral, fruity, and fresh. The scent is vivacious yet restrained. Meanwhile, musky oakmoss and sweet and earthy ambergris provide its gallant masculine appeal.
This masculine scent is ideal for daily wear and is excellent for special occasions too.
At below $75 for a 100 mL bottle, it has great value.
It’s a classic men’s fragrance that’s favored by both men and women. A few spritzes go a long way, too.
It has a light, fresh scent that some reviewers find a tad too light.
This fragrance has a light floral bergamot scent coupled with spicy yet fresh ginger. It’s then finished off with the sophisticated woody vetiver. Classic and intricate indeed.
With its fragrance of contrasts, it is a unique combination of luxury, masculinity, and modernity that exudes a timeless elegance. Perfect for casual occasions all year round.
At around $75 for a 60-mL bottle, it’s quite pricey, but a little goes a long way for this fragrance. It could last for more than a year.
Has a great, subtle scent that’s buildable according to your preferences. It’s a favorite among reviewers.
The light scent doesn’t last beyond 3 hours, so expect to put on a few spritzes after a few hours.
The balsamic smell of cedar coupled with a slightly nutty cardamom scent makes for a powerful fragrance.
Ideal for daily wear and special occasions. Its light fragrance makes for a perfect cologne for spring and summer.
At about $95 for every 100 mL bottle, it’s a bit on the pricey level although it comes in 2 smaller variants for a more affordable bottle.
It has a classy, rich, and enchanting smell that you won’t find anywhere else. The scent even lasts until the next day.
Its exotic, spicy Oriental notes may not suit everyone.
Each spray gives off the smell of fruity and wild notes of black currant and spicy-aromatic galangal. Meanwhile, Sichuan pepper provides that unique aroma that renders its exotic Oriental character.
Its rich and spicy notes make it perfect for black-tie events and formal occasions.
At around $150 for a 100 mL bottle, it’s an expensive perfume, but you’re paying for its offbeat scent and its long-lasting power.
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Jenna is an Iowa native and former Chicago resident who is currently living her best life in the Tampa Bay area with her husband and fur baby. She has a BS in Political Science from the University of Iowa, as well a JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Jenna has a passion for running, brunching, home styling and, of course, her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. When she isn’t writing, Jenna loves to read, organize, and DIY.
Jenna covers everything from health and beauty to home and lifestyle, you name the product, she’s likely tried it. So if you’re looking for ways to enhance your beauty regimen or elevate your home, Jenna is your go to girl.
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10 Best YSL Colognes For Men
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