Libre by Yves Saint Laurent

If it lasted longer, I’d buy it instantly, but it fades after about four hours.

Exquisite, elegant, and as feminine as it gets. It’s not tiring; it’s sweet without being cloying and floral without being overwhelming… It’s perfect. If you like something sweeter, go for the Intense version.

A nightmare and a waste of money; it smells synthetic. I can’t stand those plastic white flowers, and the vanilla tastes cheap, like a gross air freshener. I don’t know how anyone can like this. I don’t usually write negative reviews unless a perfume is truly awful.

I liked Libre from the start. It’s bright, a bit provocative, sensual, bold, and magnetic. Definitely for those who enjoy being in the spotlight, shining, and conquering with independence and charisma. Based on the compliments, this perfume ranks first, from both men and women. The longevity and sillage are excellent.

I was at the gym when a girl two meters away took off her hoodie, and a delicious wave hit me that reminded me of Myslf (the perfume I wear). I couldn’t resist the curiosity and asked what she was using; she said it was this one. Great for women, for all ages, and for any occasion, in my opinion 👌🏼

Everyone recommended it to death, but it disappointed me terribly on blotter. I was looking for lavender, something different, but the citrus notes suffocated me. Maybe it works on skin, but on paper it’s a hard no for me.

I like it; it’s elegant. Not for daily wear, but perfect for a special occasion or gathering.

I feel like anyone who automatically thinks ‘rich’ when it comes to smelling good is thinking of this; it’s elegant without being cloying. It gives me a sense of calm. What I mostly detect is lavender with a touch of countryside or woods.

Very long-lasting, doesn’t disappoint. If you like the opening, that’s what it will stay, almost identical. Clean fragrance.

Unexpected elegance. I bought it blind for Juan López Becerril and he nailed it again. Libre opens with soft, non-overpowering lavender, blended with bigarade blossom and bitter tangerine peel, very sophisticated. The jasmine adds a refined floral touch. As it dries, the musk gives it a clean feel with an almost imperceptible whisper of vanilla. It’s unisex and perfect for the office. If you want to smell different and surprise, this is one of those. Singular and distinctive Tom Ford. Note: 9/10.

Smells luxurious and classy. At first, it’s unisex with a lavender note in the middle that balances it out. Once it dries down, it gets a bit sweet, but watch out: it’s not that cloying gourmand sweetness we’re all tired of. It’s not the most feminine option if that’s what you’re looking for. I love it for daytime, though it could work at night too. It’s super versatile, except in extreme heat, but for the rest of the year, it’s a steal.

It’s nice, but Zara’s Golden Decade smells the same and costs way less. I like the scent, but I won’t be buying it again.

Writing reviews on Fragrantica usually just gets thumbs down, especially for best-sellers. It shouldn’t be like that, especially if the notes are well-argued and don’t sound like insults. But there are people who criticize their favorite perfume as if you stole from an old lady or kicked their dog, and comments get filled with stars and exclamation marks until the review disappears. What can you do? Knowing this, I’ll be a bit negative about the perfume voted best in 2024 here. I think Libre is vulgar. That’s the bottom line. It doesn’t say anything to me; I’ve heard scents like this at the grocery store, not in high perfumery. I have nothing against low-end stuff; in fact, I love it and have classics like Eau Jeune or Herbíssimo Cedro in my daily routine. But what I don’t like is being sold 30ml of a run-of-the-mill aroma for 50 euros. Don’t throw that bone to another dog. It’s industrial lavender coated in musky vanilla, maybe to make it more “drinkable.” The white flowers are boring, bergamot is the only standout, and the citrus is faded. It’s super versatile, man, woman, alien… anyone can wear it, but it conveys nothing, it’s a juice that smells good and you forget it in five seconds. Why? Because Libre is banal and insipid. It doesn’t bother anyone, lasts long, and is pleasant, but it has the personality of a room freshener. If selling this mediocrity is so profitable, the industry has little reason to create something better.

To me, it’s unisex, even with a more masculine character. I don’t like lavender, but I admit it’s well-blended; I don’t love it, but I could wear it if it’s in just the right amount and doesn’t bother others. I see it more for cold weather, more for night than day in my opinion.

I went to try it and my boyfriend gave it a 7.25. He says the floral note is very noticeable. To me, it smells like an elegant woman, though I’m not sure if it’s entirely suitable for my age… I’m in my twenties.