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.

On paper , this was a little flat; I just smell green tea and vanilla. But omg on my skin, I get the tartness of black currant with a bright green notes of tea and freshness of the bergamot. The opening is super uplifting, energizing . Once it settles, I get more of the woody notes along with the elegant sweetness of powdery vanilla . Magnificent , timeless and classic creation. I think it’s suitable for all ages. Maybe someone 25+ , this is a sophisticated scent 💕

This is delicious! The vanilla is amazing, so real and tasty and it takes center stage. The citrus, green and wood elements balance perfectly together behind it. The tonka bean is not excessive. It's just creamy, sweet, earthy goodness. It's for a confident woman that has her stuff together and nothing to prove. Love this fragrance! It's one of those ones you smell the sprayer before applying and your eyes roll back a bit just appreciating how damn good it is.

OMG this one is amazing! I'm used to feel the sexiness of the black currant note in sexy dark perfumes like oriflame's divine sensual and my red, but this one is very different, they used this note with the green notes and bummm it's sexy and easy to wear ay time anywhere any season! Andddddd it's performance is amazinggggggggggggg and I can feel that it wraps me beautifully when I wear it! I don't know why is this discontinued? it's pretty successful already!

Beautiful 💟 It’s a vanilla bomb, well blended at first you smell the vanilla a green one, then the Jasmine i don’t really smell the lily. Cedar or black currant it so well blended After 1 - 2 hours it’s turn into a sweet soft some powdery vanilla juste beautiful ✨ The tonka / sandalweood is noticeable on dry down it remind me (Mademoiselle Rochas Couture) 🔥 This is a masterpiece perfume. Longevity is a beast on cloth it’s stay for weeks on skin a day 10h +

I love this fragrance. At the first spray I get a source smell because of bergamot. However, in a few seconds, It disappears. Afterthat, I get sweet jasmin with sandalwood and I feel sweet smoothness due to tonka bean and vanilla combination. I think it's very sensual and sexy smell. This fits at the age of 25 and over. It's quite feminen and strong. Longevity and sillage are intense. :) Dip note: It is one of my signature scents. :) 1010 <3

Manifesto is one of my favorite vanilla perfumes. Initially, I get the green and citrus notes on my skin. Within half an hour, the green/citrus vibe fades away and I'm left with the creamy vanilla with sandalwood and tonka bean. It lasts on my skin about 6 to 7 hrs with strong projection in the first few hours. And the bottle looks kinda vintage and gorgeous! It's a beautiful fragrance for the colder days. Overall, absolutely love it 😘

@nixi that's exactly my thoughts too I also love my vanilla heavy gourmand scents but this is like my vanilla when I wanna smell clean and not edible. D&g pour femme intense is very similar to my nose but cuts out the green notes. This is one of my All year round clean vanillas, I get why some may think this was masculine it reminds me a bit of libre too not as in a dupe smell but the cleaner more serious vanilla fragrance concept.

Perfect vanilla fragrance for me, a grown-ass woman and non-gourmand person. I don't own many vanilla scents, but as soon as I sprayed this one I knew it was a match and smelled like "me". I love wearing this in the winter. Feels so right to be wearing this on a cold, snowy day. I haven't tried it in the summer, but I would imagine it smells great in warmer weather. Why is this discontinued?? Sad face.

This Perfume is MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, I can smell Green, vanilla mature scent, The only little downside is that the projection kinda fades after a couple of hours but Longevity is good, I can smell it really well when I'm moving around throughout the day for more than 8 hours. It lasts really well on both my skin and clothes. And above all, it does make me happy. I'm so sad that it's discontinued.

I am still getting to know this fragrance and it’s nuances but right off the bat, this is the first fragrance I’ve ever smelled that comes close to Armani Lei (my very first love). Lei is around now but it was hard to find for years until recently (briefly discontinued I think?). Manifesto is now being discontinued so that’s that. But if you love this, you will probably love Lei (and vice versa).

It’s an absolute stunner of a fragrance. Has something classic but so so beautiful. The person a few reviews below comparing it to Angel MUST have received a fake cause it has absolutely no comparison to angel. And there are a SHITTON of fake manifestos going around (seriously.. so so many). I thought it was discontinued but i see now they are selling 100ml bottles again. Maybe a reformulation?

An absolute delight; a cakey vanilla & tonka gourmand preceded by a bright and lightly juicy black currant. Very creamy and inviting, reminds me a bit of a less spicy Dior Addict, especially on the drydown. Lasts for around 10 hrs on my skin, eternity on clothing. Best suited for cooler/cold weather. A shame it's been discontinued, this should have been added to YSL's permanent collection.

I'm so sad this was discontinued because it is my all time favorite perfume. I have to ration what's left, but every time I come back to it I am floored all over again, and left wondering why I ever buy anything else. I agree with the comments that Eau My Secret is a very good guilt-free dupe, and will probably become my go-to unless Manifesto ever makes a return.

This is the perfect vanilla without being TOO sweet. At first spray, the green notes are quite potent but quickly fades away into a beautiful powdery, fresh vanilla. This is mostly a skin scent type of fragrance. Sillage and performance, are not the best. Since this is discontinued its only worth getting if you can get it at a good price. 7.5/10 for me.

This fragrance is my new love, so gorgeous and special! Very unusual mixture of green and sweet scent but at the same time intoxicating smell. Slightly oriental but not too much. Very long lasting and definitely eye catching. Watch out you might be bitten if you wear this fragrance.:))) And the bottle OMG gorgeous! YSL realy surprised me this time.

This smells like al rehabs Golden, just a tad lighter. I do like it and I like Golden too. That barbershop smell does well with my chemistry. Fresh, sweet, and clean. This has pear in it that does make it lean more feminine than Golden. At least that's what I'm smelling, I see it's not a listed note but I do smell pear.

Ooh, I love it. Hard to find, though. To me this smells VERY much like L'instant EDT (Mine is a 2005 bottle, so I can't speak to the "bee bottle" versions.) If you're a hardcore fan of Manifesto, I would recommend to sample some of the L'instant variants from Guerlain, you will likely be satisfied with the similarity.

This is YSL best perfume in my opinion. It has to age awhile. You know it's ready when the liquid turns dark amber. It's smooth and slightly sweet. I get the vanilla (borderline caramel) and blackberries mostly. But there some greens and floral that balances this out. I believe that this might be discontinued now.

Another favorite of mine. Love every single drop of it. I can't imagine what happens if it suddenly discontinues.. I hope they won't do this crime. Beautifully done scent, long lasting, smells expensive and elegant. Nothing harsh or cloying in this gorgeous bottle. Absolutely perfection. Love it

This smells like a mature, grown-up version of Fantasy Britney Spears and an elegant vanilla cake. It smells sexy and comforting, and the powdery notes don't make the perfume loud. This lasts long on the skin, even during summer, but this can last up to a week when sprayed on clothing.

@imnoggod La voce viva is very close to Manifesto. Not identical but close enough. I was fortunate when travelling home from London last year they sold out Manifesto for half price 🥰. I like Manifesto a lot. But I'm surprised that lavender isn't mentioned, because it's a keynote.

I have fallen irrevocably in Love with this beautiful, warm, grown up, soft, ultra feminine, vanilla cloud of a fragrance. So much so, that I ordered a full sized bottle & a gift set all within 3 days of getting my travel spray This perfume is perfection. YSL’s very best.

Ohh It's one of my favorite perfumes. I have nice memories with this one... It's smooth, floral, sweet, elegant, sexy... I've heard it's been discontinued so get your hands on it if you like it because the price is not so bad yet. The bottle is precious too.

Dewy greens, sour black currant, gentle Lily of the Valley and toned down, non-edible, non-gourmand, cold vanilla that is similar to vanilla of Hypnose, but not as dominant. Lovely to my nose. I think it will be gorgeous in the early spring.

My Love. The best non-sweet vanilla/tonka scent I ever smelled. So lady like. Ultra comforting depression buster. A mothers scent. The green top notes make it so unique. Absolutely non-offensive. What else can I say? Come give me a hug.

I just noticed I have used up my entire bottle - and I have a few perfumes so I have really taken to this fragrance! Love it! Can't live with out it. Sophisticated, not too sweet, atypical vanilla. Gotta have another bottle.

Half vanilla and then tonka bean and black current share space with sandalwood and the florals. Mmm mmm I live for this perfume and it's one of those ones that make my eyes roll back in my head and drool like homer Simpson.

So addictive! I agree that it has similar qualities to Dior Addict, although not the same scent. There is something about non-gourmand vanilla frags that I find irresistible. Well done, YSL, now bring it back!

Such an easy reach if you like spicy vanilla scents. To me it smells like a more refined, grown up and less sweet version of Fantasy by Britney Spears. This one also layers really well with Crystal Noir EDT.

It's totally legendary!!! It's impossible not to feel feminine when you spray this perfume. It can't be a sporty woman's perfume, it's definitely a chic, "I'm a woman" scent that highlights her femininity.