24 rue de l'Université

Picture an outrageously expensive, too-beautiful-to-wear-often, buttery-soft suede drape jacket in some light-neutral colour so pale it would get stained almost the moment you look at it. You'd almost never dare to put it on - but you'd still want it. It's kind of too good for this world: not practical for real life, far too expensive for what it is, not sparked with wild original inspiration but still with a rather stand-offish, haute-luxe, high-fashion attitude. If it didn't smell like heaven you could just walk right past and forget about it. But ohmigosh it's just SO insanely smooth, lulling, reassuring, and gorgeous. Sweet, powdery, linear, unadventurous and ... dammit, I have to spit it out: pretty much nearly perfect. As a true sandalwood fanatic, and a big fan of the YSL exclusives, I'd been hunting this for many many months and felt lucky to gamble just a few ££££ on a kindly decanted 2ml sample. This tactic has backfired. Almost wish I hadn't tried it, as now I am riven with indecision: this is exactly the sort of overpriced, too-rare scent I should just walk on by and ignore with confidence. But I caaaaan't! because it's so attractive - despite the unreasonable price. It isn't the One True, transcendent, definitive sandalwood (Lutens Santal de Mysore will always occupy that niche for me) but it comes so so close. It's got an incredible, non-cloying, natural or natural-esque creaminess that just doesn't quit. That creaminess also found in fellow beautiful sandalwood-beasts like Cartier Oud et Santal or Caron Santal Precieux: the kind that feels like a virtual lotion, all unctuous and plump without ever feeling greasy. It lasts beautifully (performing like a champion for up to 12-16h) and has no obnoxious pickle, sweat or banana overtones (and both synthetic and natural sandalwood scents have gone off-piste in all those directions on me in the past.) It's totally unisex. It can earn compliments from complete strangers (!). Even the closing clunk of the (classy, minimal, heavy) bottle's magnetic cap is gorgeously solid. So much to love - but also to be frustrated by. Only you can decide. If you already own luxe-creamy-high-end sandalwoods like Affinessence Santal Basmati or Hermes Santal Massoia (or at a pinch Perris Santal du Pacifique) then adding 24 Rue de l'U would be ... not the best use of money. But arguably not crazy, because 24 really does have its own special charm. If it's impossible to find or afford, then don't be broken-hearted. But I'll be pining after it for a while yet, I'm afraid. Hard to express why this craving is so intense, because it's so smooth and middle-of-the-road - but it really does have strong, if whispered, charisma. A full or partial bottle at any discount would be an instant YES. Smells of luxury, in a totally low-key way: not vulgar and gold-plated nor spicy and opulent, but undeniably rich. If ever found at an affordable price there would be only one right action: to buy it on the spot.

I have been wearing it in and out for half a year so i feel i can add details to the reviews below. I don’t think it is worth the retail price; eventually i took a risk when having stumbled upon a lower-priced bottle. Then its lack of ‘performance’ has become increasingly clear over the last months - as if having finished 2 samples in no time wasn’t a warning enough. Sometimes when travelling this summer x autumn I sprayed from bottles with and without batch-codes (like mine), as well as from a bottle with the brand-name engraved on the lower side. To no good use, as I have registered only the opening as being more amped up. So if being at the same time subtle and assertive should fit it into the masculine (cologne) tradition, here it is translated as low-projection but noticeable sillage in a 4 to 6 feet area. As time flies moving perfumed body-parts might cause surprises for those around. Nevertheless I can only think of the analogy between the very first fashion shows orchestrated by YSL (which lasted for 3 hours according to literary sources) and the 20-minute catwalk shows of today...guess where I am putting it. The dress-connection could be more elaborate but I will spare you...suffice to say that it helps sticking other soft woody- and leather fragrances. So i have been applying 4-5 sprays repeatedly at around the interval observed above. Or, when feeling annoyed by sophisticated fashion aesthetics, overspraying (some 9 generous sprays) carries almost until the already mentioned 3-hour mark, the minor loss being that the careful initial and very contemporary balance appears off. Speaking of evolution in the case of a sandalwood-centered fragrance is somewhat irrelevant. For me it is still a remarkable scent because whenever I get the wafts of its drydrown i am able to evoke its burning opening faithfully...eventhough it is surely not there anymore. So there’s a nebulous relay between my memory of the scent and what I can actually smell. As a final note, if its online scarcity should mean anything, that would be success; an intertwining of these 2 factors is being exploited also by the fragrance cloning-realm.

I’m being stalked by this fragrance. Haunted by it. The smell wafts and follows me wherever I go. 3 weeks ago I sampled two spritzes of this fragrance on a card. 3 weeks later the smell is still lingering on my coat, my clothes, my wallet and it keeps getting better. I put the sample card in a coat pocket with my wallet, the scent permeated everything in my wallet and transferred into everything in my wallet and everything the cards inside touched. The performance and persistence is unlike anything else I’ve encountered. Clean warm wood, golden sandalwood with no traces of sour “vinegar” or “pickle” notes common to other more popular sandalwood fragrances. The sandalwood oil is supported by accords of warm new leather and a whiff of expensive incense. The whole scent reclines on a bed of warm inviting cedar notes. The result is a fragrance that is potent, smells ritualistic, spiritual, holy and at the same time luxurious, old world and expensive. As I mentioned this one will linger, it will follow you. Once tried it won’t let go until you go back for more. Yves Saint Laurent will not be satisfied until I give in and purchase this fragrance. Sadly it appears this particular bottle has been discontinued. When I finally broke down, sandalwood scent infused credit card in hand to order a $300 bottle. It was suddenly sold out Everywhere. To tide myself over I order a 30ml decant and if the sample I had is anything to go by, it should hold me over until I can find a full bottle. To summarize: there aren’t a lot of perfumes out there with this kind of performance and longevity and addictive quality. It is well worth seeking out. They don’t make them like this anymore.

This is an overlooked gem. I originally went for no.9 in this exclusive YSL range as I’m a sucker for a good amber and my partner went with no.24 after falling instantly in love with it. My love for no.9 wained after deciding I didn’t particularly like the vanilla in it (I’m not a sweet fan). Only after smelling him mysteriously wafting around the house like a smouldering but zen Japanese temple did I too fall for the charms of no.24. It’s the smoothest, creamy sandalwood with a gentle smokiness that keeps it wearable for all occasions. It has a creamed fig type of smoothness (I know fig isn’t a note but this smooth sandalwood is somehow figgy and incensy). It does remind me of the “divine odor” of Japanese temples where they burn wood as a sensory experience to evoke the presence of Buddhist divinities. For me, YSL’s no.24 evokes a similar sensory way of sanctifying the space you wear it in, whilst also encouraging behaviours of mindfulness and awareness. This is what Santal 33 should have been without the pickles, pretence and pantomime. Excellent craftsmanship and superb longevity, I can’t fault it. Not sure why Gucci Rush is even mentioned. My favourite straight-up sandalwood is Biblioteca de Babel by Fueguia 1833 but 24 rue de l'Université is certainly my favourite smoky sandalwood and has much better longevity, so you never know, this may take over as ultimate favourite.

First encountered this some years ago, worn by an acquaintance and it's been on my radar ever since. It can be hard to find, but I recently got a tester in Dubai. 24 rue de l'Université is elegant, versatile and totally unisex - a fusion of sandalwood, cedar, suède, and incense. Very sandalwoody, supported by a resinous incense note, and with a warm, velvety, leathery depth and resonance imparted by the suède. The sandalwood-cedar reminds me of one of those ancient temples in Kyoto, as the composition has a seductive, mysterious and meditative aura. Smells (tastefully) sexy on both men and women yet remains dignified enough to wear to a premiere or a funeral. Sillage is discreet and longevity is average in warm weather, moderate in cold. Fairly linear, the woods are the star throughout, yet this is not your typical sandalwood-centric fragrance: absolutely nothing like Rush for Men, Sacred Wood or Tam Dao - the only fragrance 24 rue de l'U (vaguely) reminds me of is Korloff Rouge Santal. Agree with the guy below who describes this as a "dry sandalwood". Probably not safe for a blind buy unless you collect high end designer frags, or are a sandalwood fanatic.

A beautiful creamy sandalwood (and probably also rosewood), with an aromatic note in the opening, and a subtle touch of suede and incense. The previous reviewer (dadude) gave a spot-on impression of that fragrance, and there's hardly a need to add anything to that review. It stands at the crossroad in between CDG Wonderoud, CDG Blue Santal and TF Oud Wood, with also similarities with Montale Dark Aoud and L'Arbre de Iunx: the difference resides in the nature and amounts of the various sandalwood substitutes used to make the sandalwood accord in these 4 fragrances. Performance is moderate (at best). Beautiful, but still, I would only recommend it if one finds a great deal, since its full reatil price is much too steep, factoring in also the modest performance. Still, it's cheaper and of better quality than Oud Wood, thus might be full bottle worthy anyways for whom looks for that. Best during Fall days, 20+.

I bought a bottle of this fragrance and I can say that I am so glad I did. This scent is just intoxicating and sophisticated. It is masculine and smooth. It wraps you into the velvetness of a confident man. The leathery scent you are getting from daim is prominent and beautiful. I had a very good sillage the first time I sprayed it on clothes and the scent remained on my skin after 2 days showering and washing my hands several times. It is not offensive at all. On the contrary it is so smooth and enjoyable. Scent: 8/10 Sillage: 9/10 Time on skin & clothes: 9/10 Overall: 9/10 PS: Some notes remind me of the second formulation of M7 by YSL. I am talking about the brown & silver bottle.

Between Kilian's Sacred Wood and Tom Ford's Oud Wood lies a luxurious creamy affair called 24 Rue. I've been testing this beauty out for a week now and as a sandalwood lover - I've simply fallen for it. Its not as refined or photorealistic as Sacred Wood but in my opinion, 24 Rue delivers something much more interesting as this beauty has suede, a touch of smoke, cedar and I honestly feel like there could even be some lavender as well due to the silky airy element that delicately hovers throughout its entirety. Just simply exquisite. Not much else to add here other than this is a definite must have for any fan of sandalwood.

My hair stylist let me sample this while I was getting my hair done and it’s so beautiful. I don’t find that I can wear many woody fragrances, they end up wearing me. Usually, when a fragrance has notes comparable to this, without any fruity or sweet notes to soften it, it’s too masculine and deep. This, however, is just gorgeous and I can see any put together man or woman rocking this without issue. It’s very sexy and it smells expensive. I’ve never tried Le Labo’s Santal 33 but I already know YSL’s take on sandalwood is better. I can’t stop smelling my wrist! YSL should make this a permanent fixture in their collection.

I got a sample of this about a year ago and tested it on paper a few times really liking it. Once the weather was finally cool I tested it on skin and it really came alive. It became so much richer and deeper with the leathery suede note, perhaps even very slightly animalic yet still smooth and mass pleasing. It became a must have for me as my favorite sandalwood scent. Like many others, I found out it was discontinued and quite hard to find. I finally hunted down a bottle of this masterpiece. If you enjoy sandalwood, you really owe it to yourself to sample this at some point, and make sure you try it on skin!

so many feelings from this perfume.. dark but also light and inviting, very mysterious but present, quite meditative. the only scent that i've found that i find to be signature scent worthy (for me) and if i had to get rid of my whole collection this is the only one i'd keep. beautiful sillage and presence. not overbearing, you will catch it here and there for hours. smoky, airy, sandalwood. hint of leather. airy but somehow dense. really makes you feel like something is in the distance. if i was forced to choose one scent for the rest of my life, this would be it.

The opening is very creamy, with some coconut (oh no!) and dill like sandalwood. Fortunately this moves on to a more salty sandalwood. This might be the daim? The sandal is not as pronounced as in the dry down of Lutens Santal Majuscule or Mona di Oros Santal Nabataea, but that is ok, this is something completely different. I really want this, but it is a bit to pricey. And discontinued it looks like. Edit: I love this fragrance! It is perfect. Now I own half a bottle an use it as soon as I can!

Done in the modern style in the sense that this will not offend even the most sensitive of noses, it’s transparent but has presence. It’s like Olfactive Studio’s Lumiere Blanche and Diptyque’s Tam Dao had a soft spoken child that still had their parents’ wonderful traits. It’s a beautiful and meditative sandalwood but also creamy, coconut-y, soapy, powdery but again, done with the lightest touch. A stunning sandalwood skin scent.

To me this is everything Santal 33 wishes it could be, it’s beautiful sandalwood with some balsamic notes and tinge of a powdery animalic smell its definitely not as dark as you think it would be it’s easy to wear. I’m not the biggest fan of that sandalwood santal smell but this is the first one I’ve smelled that I really liked, it’s not necessarily my style but I do really enjoy. I would give this a try if you’re able to! 8.6/10

Without question, the most stunning Sandalwood available. This is designer; however, it has the stunning qualities of niche. This is a BETTER version of Santal 33 from Le Labo, because THIS is a true blue Mysore Sandalwood, and it does NOT have any pickle smell. Unfortunately, this is a limited edition, and it is now out on the YSL site. If you are lucky, at the time of this writing, you might be able to find a bottle.

Best sandalwood scent - signature worthy . The sandalwood is so creamy it’s almost like lactonic woods - and Smokey sweet from the incense - I don’t get pickle juice and I don’t understand how people get pickle juice from sandalwood anyways. Not similar to santal 33 at all which is more dry and spicy , not as creamy and sexy as this one. I don’t think it’s completely a males perfume it is unisex leaning male

I love this scent in every way. Dry woods, and a slight incense tone. I don't see how people say that 6 is better than this. It's clean simple, beautiful woods with a very slight sweetness that really rounds off the beautiful scent. Smells like a quiet, yet rich and extremely powerful executive of a billion-dollar company. This to me is also a completely year-round type of a scent to me.

The more that I wear this, the more I love it. My all time favorite sandalwood fragrance. The cedar gives it just the right ‘tang’. I don’t really detect the Daim, but it’s there. I was a diehard 37 RDB lover, but this one knocked it from the top of my Le Vestiaire list. Glad that I live in Europe because I don’t see this going away any time soon. Will still buy a backup bottle.

This is absolutely sublime. Lots of incense and cedar, without being too loud, too aggressive and rude. Somehow it achieves to be airy and a bit soapy. This is the best out of three. A must try and if you can afford it a must have! The best, the most impressive and the most special woody perfume ever! Follow my scent journey on instagram instagram.com/scentsexual

I came here today to say, while going on a boutique tour, i noticed that YSL has these as their boutique exclusives. There were no other fragrances in that boutique, but the black bottle 3. I’ve had my 3 at the start of COVID, purchased right from YSL. At the time they ran for, if i can remember correct, $280. Give or take. Never knew they are exclusives.