Eau Libre

I remember this one very well. The ads too. The top model Marie Helvin and the beautiful guy in a sensual attitude with no vulgarity, just class and beauty. The scent was maybe the first marketed unisex fragrance, it was kind of an innovation for the time but Yves Saint Laurent was THE INNOVATOR. After Coco Chanel, he invented all remained to be invented in fashion and beauty. The fragrance was a dry citrus woody cologne, straordinarily long lasting. In the notes oakmoss it's not listed but I am pretty sure it was present. Eau Libre was different from the other citrus cologne around at that time (and today too it would stand as a novelty) as it was very dry, woody and aromatic, with a bitter undertone. If I had to make a comparison I would say the one which goes nearest to Eau Libre is Eau de Rochas, but Eau Libre had a carachter of its own. Eau Libre was a standpoint in perfumery; I have often wondered why it was discontinued in such a haste. Certainly Monsieur Saint Laurent gifted us with other chefs d'oevres, but I still regret the loss of this one. MASTERPIECE

I have bought bottle of this fragrance as I really wanted to know how the first commercially sold unisex fragrance smelled. I managed to buy a full bottle and when I first applied it on my skin I could definetely smell the aromatic side of it. I must say that I am by no mean a fan of aromatic fragrances. Maybe it is the wrong way to describe it but for instance I consider Gucci envy for men as one of them. Although I do not like the latest one I found eau libre very pleasant and subtil as well. I was really impress by the fact that the notes have not deteriorated over the years and it is such an amazing compliment to its creator. I find this scent as a perfect compliment for spring and summer. Enjoyable. To try at least once in your life!

One of my favourite scents of all time - I managed to buy a full bottle, still 'true', on ebay a while ago, also a small sample bottle, so I'm well stocked again after many years of really, really missing this timeless, subtle and wonderful scent. Why on earth was it ever discontinued?

It is the king of dry fragrances in my collection. Trust me it is as dry as vtg Chanel No19 minus the roses. It is good for a quick sniff in spring, but having to air it around on my skin outside nowadays it is not. Has the good old YSL dna, for that it is a keeper forever.

Great fragrance, opens with citrus, slightly Animalic, green forest and floral. Very kind, for the presence of many citrus notes, and seniority. If you find a well-preserved specimen, you find a Treasure. Thumbs-up!