Manifesto

Soft and warm, almost like a hug. At first spray, it smells mainly like vanilla and black currant. The bergamot and green notes are there, but very subdued. Within 20-30 minutes, all traces of bergamot and green notes disappear. At this stage the scent is instead heavily dominated by vanilla and tonka bean. This is nicely complimented by a backdrop of black currant. The jasmine just barely noticeable, and the lily of the valley is nowhere to be found. As the hours pass, this fades more and more into a pure vanilla-tonka bean mix. The sandal wood appears in the background to warm it up after several hours, but it stays subtle. This can feel like a very simplistic and linear perfume, since it smells mostly like vanilla and tonka bean throughout the whole wear. However, there is some complexity hidden in the background. To be honest though, I really don’t mind the linearity of it. It is a simple vanilla done very well. It starts or with a strong projection, that fades slowly. Total wear time is also very long, I can still sense the vanilla and tonka bean clearly after 12 hours. Generally it performs better on me when I use it sparingly. It is advertised as “[...] spontaneous, free spirited and courageous; a scent full of passion and emotion.”. I honestly don’t get that description. In my eyes, it is a very calming and soft vanilla. Almost like a hug or soft cashmere sweater in a bottle. In general I’m a fan of this type of scents. I don’t think it would be hard to find both people who find it boring, and headache-inducing. This is probably not a crowd pleaser. Sadly, it’s no longer sold where I live. I don’t think it is completely discontinued yet though, as it is still available on YSL’s website.

I bought Manifesto blind, based on my mother's description of it, and her assessment that I would appreciate it (she was right, aren't they always). I've worn it in heavy rotation over the winter, and absolutely adore the complex, comforting vanilla that it becomes on my skin. BUT THEN CAME TODAY. Queue up the angelic chorus because *dang*, it's serious y'all. For the first time I caught a whiff of some amazing berry stained scent while I was working out in the garden under the afternoon sun, and lo and behold it was Manifesto, kicking ass and taking names on the first warm day we have had after the longest, stupidest winter I've ever been forced to be a part of. Like, I had to wear socks this winter instead of sandals and go to the store in a panic to buy milk and bread with all of the other Southerners. I saw a slap fight break out over the last bananas in the super market you guys... The bitter cold was clearly making us uncouth. The horror!! But I digress. The black currant is gorgeous and subdued; my skin especially loves to blow that note out of proportion making it smell synthetic or worse, like the bottom of a litter box, yet it's tempered beautifully by the depth of the tonka, vanilla, and woods. I'll be wearing this bad boy out this Spring! It's not often you find scents that really shine and feel like they belong both as a beacon of hope during the dismal cold winters, and as a celebration of the glorious first days of a Southern Spring. Oh, and it smells nothing like BS Fantasy, nor does it smell like Pink Sugar. Not a fan of either, this is SO much more refined and complex, it certainly doesn't smell like the backseat of a 92 Corolla on prom night.

I first bought this perfume not long after it was released and I quickly fell in love with this soft woody vanilla, I find the green and powdery notes make it more interesting and mature than a more simple vanilla. It became a favourite and one of the few (if not the only?) perfume I bought several times. I remember it being quite long lasting, and projecting, I got compliments from people in bars, outside etc. I finished my last bottle somewhere between 2017/2018 and moved on. I wanted to repurchase it around 2020 but it was already hard to find and much pricier than before. There were rumors that it was being discontinuated, I was a bit sad but not ready to pay so much money for it. Recently I saw it was back again online, in cosmetic stores websites. Prices were decent, I also got a discount on one website where I usually buy my perfumes so bought a new bottle of Manifesto. I received it a couple days ago, the batch code indicates it was produced in May 2022, from the bottle it smelled exactly the same and I was excited to try it on my skin. On my skin though, it seemed the top notes are fruitier than in my memory and the scent is weaker, could it have been reformulated or is my memory playing tricks on me? I will let it sit for a few months and revisit it later, I noticed some scents, especially vanilla, seems stronger with time. I hope it will be the case for Manifesto, anyway I am happy to be in possession of a new bottle, I thought I would never wear it again.

I experienced Manifesto years ago when it first came out. I never, ever forgot how it smelled. I was younger at the time, a student and working part time so I couldn't spend the money on this fragrance. I finally managed to get my hands on it and I am just as in love with it as the first time I had experienced it. Manifesto is a sharp, strong and regal oriental vanilla gourmand with a tinge of spice and zest. The first spritz can be overwhelming as it envelopes you in it's cloud of jasmine, bergamot and musk. As Manifesto develops and dries down, it turns into this creamy, feminine vanilla that is sophisticated and slightly mature. I have always loved oriental fragrances and Manifesto is a beautiful embodiment of the kind. The black currant and green notes dissipate but linger in the background ever so slightly. Creamy tonka bean is quite dominant in the background. As the dry down develops I get a slight coconut vibe. The jasmine can come off a bit soapy but it works in keeping a steady freshness. Words cannot describe how much I love Manifesto. I love to wear it to bed, it feels like a soft and cuddly blanket. It makes you feel extremely feminine and unique. Although it is definitely not a safe blind buy, if you like the individual notes you will not be disappointed with Manifesto.

There's something so addictive about Manifesto, I can't quite put my finger on it. It's like the vanilla is woven into every fiber of the scent, not just vanilla as a base note. The blackcurrant, green notes, florals & woody notes have been "vanilla-fied," for lack of a better term. I love it for this, and it's also the reason I disliked it when it first came out. It was more than I had bargained for as a younger me looking for gourmand vanilla. Now, it's exactly the kind of fragrance I adore so much and I just knew I had to bring it back to revisit. Yes there's vanilla and noticeabley so, but it's constructed in such a way that could take some getting used to if you're not expecting equal parts floral, woody & green to vanilla. Some people might be turned off by it initially, but give it time. It's likely you will come around to it eventually. The bottle represents the scent well. Modern, timeless, elegant, stylish, feminine. It smells like something a modern-day princess would wear. The way it projects and the cloud it creates is like a twirling petticoat on a ballroom floor. I have a newer bottle and it is absolutely perfect. Performance is just how I like - moderate & lasting. I wouldn't change a thing about it. Love love love love. ♥️

I bought Manifesto when it first came out. I went into the perfume department eager to leave with a new fragrance and with little time to shop I hastily decided upon this one. I paid $80 for a 30 ml and I left the shop feeling in my gut that it was a bad purchase. It was touted a vanilla fragrance and vanilla was what I was after. I liked it well enough upon sampling, thinking maybe it needed time for the vanilla to come out. But that wasn't it. It was a dry, herbal green floral with a little swirl of alcoholic vanilla. A bit dated, powdery and musky with the classic YSL base. I brought it to work a few days later and ended up giving it to my friend who I hoped would find more to appreciate about it than I did. We don't work together anymore but we're still friends and I recently asked her what ever came of that perfume in the princessy bottle. She said she gave it to her daughter who gave it to her friend. I guess nobody wanted my Manifesto. I just hope somebody somewhere appreciated it. I smelled it again not long ago and I still don't like it. Good story. ;)

Just received my full bottle few days ago and I love it so much. I cant believe I use to dislike it. This is absolutely gorgeous fragrance. I have to disagree to the comment below. To me it smells nothing like Dior Addict. Dior Addict has dominant notes of Jasmine and Vanilla and slight clove/cinnamon like note a bit to it. I love it too and think its worth having both. Manifesto is much more powdery vanilla, tonka bean, I can smell heliotrope, even though its not listed here and lily of the valley which I think adds that femininity to this fragrance. Black current adds a bit of freshness and airiness to it. Its a feminine beautiful powder floral vanilla that will get you compliments. I also think the bottle and the color suits this fragrance very well. Its a shame it has been discontinued. I would strongly suggest to try it and get a back up bottle if you already love it before it disappears and prices will rise sky high.

A very authentic type of vanilla throughout wearing (the tonka bean is subtle) with the gorgeous cedar and sandalwood in the background, I don’t get much of the fruity notes, surprisingly the bergamot in this is subtle, but the green notes from the white florals keep this from being overbearing. This is very well blended and is a very sexy, warm, and feminine scent. It’s intimate yet still projects well, I’ve only worn this in a warm day and it surprisingly didn’t become cloying but I know this will most likely shine in the winter. I would consider this both a day and night scent. Yes I see the similarly between this and DIOR addict, they could probably be sisters but addict is stronger and heavier than this, this lacks the intense white florals that addict has. I love this, really considering buying another 90ml bottle. Gorgeous juice! Such a shame it’s been discontinued. This has quickly became one of my favourites.

Smells like your classic, intoxicating Mediterranean summer night with the intense and sweet jasmine. Indulgent and lazy summer days vibe. Totally a summer fragrance for me, and fall when it is warmer and sunnier. The vanilla and currants do not make the perfume sickeningly sweet, but I think they sort of add body and depth to the whole intense vibe of the jasmine. It's definitely more floral than it is sweet, but the sweet and earthy notes provide a ground for the floral notes to be perceived in a less sharp way. I can see why Black Opium can be seen as comparable to Manifesto with their intense and woody vanilla-y vibe but I think they are so totally different. Manifesto has this more colorful and lively vibe to it, fresher compared to Black Opium which is smokier and darker. I wish Manifesto was longer lasting, although I never tried the other versions like Elixir.

I saw this for the first time on display at the YSL counter today. I am a big fan of their fragrances so I was excited to see one I have not yet tested! I went to admire the simply beautiful bottle, it's a work of art. When I sprayed it on the card and brought it to my nose, I immediately thought 'Wow'. Yes, it is a very sweet gourmand but it's also mature (which I adore!) and more timeless than your usual sugary-sweet gourmand. It is a domination of warm vanilla and creamy black currant. I absolutely adore this fragrance and think it would be perfect for the winter. It's so warm and delicious. I can see why it would be disliked though. Some have said it's a disappointment and it doesn't smell like it's from Yves Saint Laurent. I have to disagree, I think it's a great expression of modernising today's woman who would be wearing a YSL fragrance. Thumbs up to this one!

Initial thoughts: Fresh dew on grass, Powdery vanilla, slightly vintage feel. It’s mostly a powdery vanilla. But more of a powdered sugar than a baby powder. The green notes in the opening are gentle and not sharp. Manifesto seems vintage like something from the early 1990s. Even the bottle looks like an Art Deco piece. I was surprised that it was first released in 2012. It might not be a trendy scent profile, but it is very beloved and I think it’s a real shame that this is discontinued. It’s a feminine and classy scent that is versatile. It is a more ladylike version of Dior Addict. It could be worn to work, or casually, or to something formal. It has moderate projection and longevity, and the silage flutters around you as you move. I normally find green vanilla changeling but this was a love. 8/10.

My baby!! I'm in denial that this is discontinued. How could they?!! For me, the black currant is the real centerpiece of this perfume. Yes, it's heavy on the vanilla and tonka, but the true black currant note is what brings depth and dimension to the other notes. It shows the potential of fruity notes to bring both a freshness and sophistication to a fragrance, rather than just flat sweetness. As others have astutely mentioned, it really does feel both warm and cold at the same time, with the florals and green notes dancing around the warm, rich vanilla. I just can't get enough of these gorgeous contrasts. Warm and cold, rich and strong with sillage, yet delicate and soft, ahh!! It's everything. I swear I'm going to write an essay called everything I love is discontinued. Lol

So, because everybody says, it ́s been discontinued, today I ́ve finally bought a bottle (90ml for EUR 90,-). It is true, it has been disappearing from the shelves (at least in Germany). What a shame - such a gorgeous scent! But I see why. It is not the kind of ladylike alluring scent, you would come up with today. I guess, you need to be into those lovely ladyperfumes of the 80' and own a little bit of this `grandezza`, to really identify with Manifesto. I need to confess: YSL has always been my very favourite fragrance house. I ́ve never had any inhibition to wear well oversprayed my Opium or Champagne or Paris or Cinema or Rive Gauche in any inappropiate occasion. I just needed to complete this collection of dramatic and unique fragrances today. Good decision.

When first sprayed, it smelled like a sun cream, which I hated. When I first smelled this fragrance, it was hate at first side. There was a note that annoyed my smell sensors. After waiting for an hour or two, the fragrance turned into a warm, woody vanilla tone which I fell in love with. It is almost addicting, it is no where to be fresh yet the intensity isn't something that is overwhelming. I plan on using this as my signature perfume in the future. Regarding notes, I don't smell the bergamot at all (to my relief, I am not fond of bergamot as a note). The vanilla scent is unordinary which is why I love this perfume so much. It is a type of vanilla that is woody-like instead of being sweet. Overall, very enjoyable perfume!

Oh my gosh? found this while i was looking for something in my mom's bathroom cabinet and am totally taken aback! at first i was like.. this smells a bit too mature for my taste, but the dry down was intense (in a good way!)... i kept sniffing my arm the rest of the afternoon, obsessing over this deep syrupy vanilla! really delightful green gourmand that's kinda winter perfect. excited to whip this out once it gets a bit colder. does it give grandma? we'll see, might be in need of a radical outfit pairing to bring out its edge. my mom says it's too intense for her, but she doesn't love smelling like a wood cake (citrus girly) .

I guess I've been asleep for the last few years, because I've seen this fragrance everywhere and just passed on it, because in my warped mind, I always thought, "oh that fragrance is old, so I probably wouldn't like it". My way of thinking about fragrances has changed so much lately and I'm starting to see that older designer fragrances are real hidden gems. This creamy, vanilla-marshmallowy frag is beautiful and I love it. It's just fabulous for a daytime, sweet fragrance that's not too load or over the top. I like wearing this one in the daytime then Love Don't Be Shy if I want to go out at night. Awesome day-night pair!

On my skin, I get a creamy woody vanilla with light green notes. Though that may not sound very feminine, on me It's quite feminine, classy and well blended. This was a blind buy but when I was thinking of the notes, I thought it would be a green vanilla like Mugler Aura (which I love) but this is different, lighter, airy but still interesting. When I first sprayed , the openning reminded me of Lacoste Pour Femme Timeless but it soon changed and developed. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and the performance is outstanding. Is it a safe blind buy? Perhaps not...may be best to test first.

there’s something about this scent that reminds me of Black women (in the US). maybe I’ve come across lots of Black women wearing this or maybe it’s the kind of creamy lotion-y vanilla that I associate with them? this is a compliment because I LOVE this fragrance and am currently trying to decide if I need to seek out an overpriced bottle since it’s discontinued. for me it’s a calming, feminine and slightly spicy green musky-vanilla (not gourmand at all). I prefer the L’Elixir but I also love the original which is easier to find right now. Manifesto is delightful and I’m very sad it’s gone.

Absolutely gorgeous perfume. The perfect balance between fresh and sweet. It has been my signature scent since 7 years now and it doesn’t fail to make me feel amazing every time I wear it. It was my signature scent back when my collection was as big as 3 perfumes and is still my signature scent now that my collection has grew to 30 perfumes. I can smell the green notes, the jasmine and the vanilla. Everything in perfect balance! Longevity is around 6-7h on me and sillage is moderate-strong. People are able to smell me and i’ve received compliments while wearing this.

This is not an extraordinary perfume, but it's extremely correct, I mean is not groundbreaking but it smells beautiful. I had two bottles of this one, and I remember that very well crafted vanilla scent, a mature one, like a Fantasy by Britney that aged very well. I got a soft powdery note, and some berries undertone. All in all, perfect for cold days, long lasting and lingers beautifully. I love it, and I bought Women's Secret (Eau my Secret) which is really really very similar.