YSL Introduces a New Limited Edition Libre: Vanille Couture 

The golden era of gourmands has a new vanilla to add to its portfolio and this time from YSL’s beloved Libre line. The line is incredibly popular with a few flankers and varying concentrations and collector’s editions. YSL has expanded Libre to other scented products including a hair mist and body balm for a multi-layered fragrance experience.

Vanilla has always been an integral part of the Libre fragrances, offering an elegant and smooth touch in the drydown. It was never a main character until 2022 when we got Libre Le Parfum. In harmony with spices, the vanilla in Le Parfum was less stereotypically vanilla, the sweetness primarily coming from a different source- honey. Though vanilla-forward, it wasn’t enough for the diehard vanilla fans. Vanille Couture seems to be aiming to satisfy the vanilla loving Libre fanbase with Vanille Couture.

Notes

The opulence of the fragrance is reflected in its bottle, the gold neck and bold YSL logo across the bottle getting a companion in the golden body of the bottle. It’s a hint for how the perfume within holds nothing back. This flanker is an ambery gourmand version of the YSL Libre we know and love. 

Though it’s a vanilla fragrance, the orange blossom doesn’t hide away in the background. It is quite dominant partnering with the other rich notes in this composition. It’s heavy and sweet with a headiness we expect from white florals. The fragrance uses vanilla caviar, the black seeds and pulp found in the vanilla bean. It makes for a more luxurious vanilla fragrance. It is more creamy with some aromatic properties for a fragrance different from the usual vanilla. The vanilla boasts a bolder profile rather than being too youthful or girly, making it more at home in Libre’s mature character. 

The rum absolute is present throughout, another rich note that heightens the luxuriousness of this perfume. There is a warmth in the sweetness it brings, combining with its spicy facets to recreate the aroma at a Christmas market. There’s a depth and comforting aura about it with a touch of something very seductive. 

Lavender disappears into the background, barely a whisper as the richer notes capture the senses. If lavender was your favorite aspect of the Libre DNA, its almost disappearance may come as a disappointment to you. For a more present lavender in a vanilla fragrance, I’d recommend the very popular Burberry Goddess– it’s fresher, but misses the unique depth and warmth from the rum in Vanille Couture. 

As we try to wring ourselves from the clutches of summer here in Dubai, YSL Libre Vanille Couture will have to stay in the drawer for a while before you can wear it outside. The performance is wonderful, lasting throughout the evening and leaving a beautiful trail behind you.

The gorgeous bottle is another reason to buy this perfume. True to the ‘couture’ name, it is an opulent golden jewel that would look great on your vanity. The textured golden bottle and the vanilla fragrance is limited edition, so grab it when you can.