What Does Myslf by YSL Actually Smell Like?
Alright, let's talk about Myslf by YSL — a fragrance that had people scratching their heads when it launched. The name is weird (yes, it's pronounced "myself"), the marketing was all about self-expression and being true to who you are, and honestly most of us just wanted to know: does it smell good?
Short answer: yeah, it actually does. But it's not what you'd expect from YSL.
Right off the spray, you get this bright, juicy orange blossom that's front and center. We're not talking about a subtle hint — it's full-on floral, almost feminine at first. Give it about 10 minutes and the neroli settles down, blending into this creamy, slightly sweet vanilla base that gives the whole thing a warm, cozy feeling. There's also a green, slightly herbal vibe underneath everything that keeps it from going full dessert mode.
Think of it like this: if Y EDP is the safe office guy, Myslf is his artsy friend who wears slightly oversized linen shirts and drinks oat milk lattes. It's modern, it's a bit different, and it genuinely doesn't smell like anything else in the designer space right now.
How Does It Perform?
This is where things get a little disappointing. Myslf isn't a beast mode projector. You'll get:
- Longevity: 5-7 hours on skin, which is decent but not amazing for an EDP
- Projection: Moderate for the first 2 hours, then it pulls in close
- Sillage: People within arm's length will catch it, but you're not filling rooms
For a $100+ designer fragrance, you'd hope for a bit more staying power. It's one of those scents that you'll stop noticing on yourself pretty quickly, even though others might still pick it up. Don't expect compliments from across the room — this is more of a "lean in close" kind of fragrance.
When Should You Wear Myslf?
This is a pretty versatile scent, but it really shines in certain situations:
- Spring and fall — this is where Myslf lives. The orange blossom pops in mild weather
- Daytime dates — coffee shops, brunch, afternoon walks. It's inviting without being aggressive
- Office/work — completely inoffensive and interesting enough to get noticed
- Casual everyday wear — throw it on with jeans and a t-shirt, it works
I wouldn't reach for this on a freezing winter night or at a packed club. It doesn't have the punch for those settings. This is a warm-weather, daytime, relaxed kind of scent.
The Honest Downsides
Let's keep it real:
- The floral opening can read feminine. If you're someone who wants to smell "manly," this might throw you off at first. The orange blossom is strong and sweet, and I've seen guys spray it once and immediately say "this is a women's fragrance." It's not — it's unisex leaning masculine — but the opening will test your comfort zone.
- Performance is mid. For the price, you'd want more projection and longevity. Reapplication is basically required if you want it to last a full day.
- It doesn't stand out in a crowd. This is a skin scent after an hour or two. If you want something that announces your arrival, look elsewhere.
- The dry down gets a bit generic. The opening is the star. Once it settles, the vanilla-musk base is pleasant but not particularly memorable.
Should You Buy or Skip Myslf?
Buy if: You want something different from the typical blue/fresh designer lineup, you appreciate floral scents on men, or you're building a collection and want variety. It's genuinely unique in the YSL lineup.
Skip if: You want beast mode projection, you're looking for a nighttime/winter fragrance, or you're the type who only wants "masculine" smelling colognes. Also skip if you already own a good orange blossom fragrance — there might be overlap.
Final Rating: 7/10
Myslf is a solid, interesting fragrance that does something different in a market full of sameness. The opening is genuinely beautiful, the concept is cool, and it works great as a casual daily driver. But the performance holds it back from being a must-buy, and once the top notes fade, you're left with a decent but unremarkable dry down. Good fragrance, not a great one.