Essens M048 — a Fragrance Inspired by Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF

A citrus fragrance — fresh, floral and noble

🏛️ The Legend of Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF

MYSLF was launched in 2023 and is often called one of the most discussed masculine fragrances of the decade. Created by perfumers Christophe Raynaud and Dorian Legeay, it offered a new vision of "masculine luxury". Not a heavy fougère and not a sweet gourmand, but a spicy-citrus composition with floral nuances and a woody-amber base. Within a few years MYSLF has become a signature fragrance of the YSL line and one of the most recognisable in modern mass luxury.

🔤 The name and the inspiration. "MYSLF" is "MYSELF" without vowels. A reference to the idea of being yourself, not following rules and not being afraid to express your individuality. The YSL concept is built on modern freedom — the fragrance is positioned as masculine, but its sound goes beyond classic masculine stereotypes and can appeal to a wide audience. Advertising campaigns with young models cemented the image — cinematic, modern, timeless. The dark glass bottle with a massive black cap and a laconic label became the visual code of the entire MYSLF line.

💎 The bottle. The MYSLF bottle is minimalism in the YSL style. Massive dark glass with a matte black cap and a laconic label. No elaborate details — only form, glass and the weight in the hand. The design is so recognisable that it has become the visual code of the entire line. The cap is engraved with YSL, the bottom bears the batch code. The bottle is pleasantly heavy, tactilely status-driven, but without ostentation — just like the fragrance itself.

🌿 The spicy-citrus profile with a woody-amber base. The main feature of MYSLF is the contrast between a sparkling citrus-spicy opening (bergamot, lemon, pink pepper) and a floral-spicy heart (lavender, cardamom, jasmine, pineapple). Many perceive it precisely as spicy-citrus with floral nuances — the spicy accent here is more pronounced than the floral base. This is not a classic fougère with coumarin and not a sweet gourmand luxury — bergamot and lemon give a fresh start, pink pepper adds sharpness, while jasmine, lavender, cardamom and pineapple create a complex floral-fruity symphony. Woody notes, amber, musk and tonka bean in the base complete the composition with a warm, slightly sweet backbone. In modern versions natural oakmoss is practically not used due to IFRA regulations — it is replaced by synthetic woody-mossy accords that retain a similar damp forest nuance.

The pyramid in brief. Top notes — bergamot, lemon, pink pepper. Heart — lavender, cardamom, jasmine, pineapple. Base — woody notes, amber, musk, tonka bean, moss. The signature effect rests on balance — the citruses never turn sour, the spices never burn, and amber and tonka bean give warm sweetness without cloying.

🌟 Status and flankers. Within a few years MYSLF has become a signature fragrance of the YSL line and one of the most recognisable in modern mass luxury — Fragrantica rating 4.2 out of 5 with 10,000+ votes. It ranks among the top sellers in Russia and Europe and is often called "the fragrance for those who value modernity and style". The original has spawned several flankers.

Versions of the fragrance. MYSLF EDP (2023) — the original, most balanced, with a citrus-spicy opening and a woody-amber base. MYSLF Le Parfum (2024) — denser and warmer, with amplified amber and lavender.

⚔️ Similar fragrances. By profile MYSLF is often compared to Dior Sauvage (more ambroxan-driven and "loud"), Bleu de Chanel (nobler and more restrained) and YSL Y for Men (spicier and more herbal). At the same time, many highlight the combination of spicy pepper, cardamom and pineapple — MYSLF sounds more "modern and universal" than typical mass-market luxury. But each of these fragrances has its own strength, and the choice depends on personal preference.

⏳ Longevity and sillage. Eau de Parfum. Longevity — on average 6–8 hours on the skin, but this is an average estimate. In practice, longevity is very individual — on warm skin the fragrance may unfold faster and sound quieter, while on cooler skin it lasts longer. Sillage is moderate but noticeable. For a full unfolding, 2–3 sprays are enough.

🍂 When and for whom. The fragrance is versatile and unfolds well in different weather. In warm weather citruses and spices give a fresh effect — it sounds light and modern. In cool weather amber, tonka bean and woody notes come forward, making the sound warmer and more enveloping. Ideal for the office, dates, walks and everyday wear. A fragrance for the modern person who values freedom, individuality and natural elegance without pomp.

📖 The Story of MYSLF Notes

Bergamot and lemon — a sparkling opening. Bergamot gives noble bitterness, lemon — fresh tartness, while pink pepper adds a light sharpness and piquancy. A bracing and intriguing start.

Lavender and flowers — a multifaceted heart. Lavender gives fresh grassiness, cardamom — warm spice, jasmine — sensual sweetness, pineapple — juicy tropical freshness, and lily — refined floral depth. A refined and harmonious middle.

Amber and tonka bean — a warm base. Woody notes give longevity, amber — amber warmth, musk — velvety sensuality, tonka bean — creamy spicy sweetness, while moss adds damp forest freshness. The trail stays elegant, multifaceted and enveloping.

👤 Portrait of the M048 Person

They are modern and self-confident without display. Their style is minimalism, dark tones, quality fabrics, minimal accessories. They don't follow rules — they create their own. This is a universal fragrance — suitable for both men and women.

They look good in black, grey, white, denim, sneakers, smartwatches. They love night cities, music, travel, contemporary art and moments of freedom. Their strength is in charisma and in the ability to be themselves in any situation.

Essens M048 lives with them all day — bergamot and lemon in the morning, lavender and jasmine during the day, and in the evening it warms with amber, tonka bean and moss. A companion fragrance for those who value modernity, freedom and natural elegance without pomp.

⚖️ The Original and Essens M048 Side by Side

Only the price and the bottle differ. The fresh citrus-floral character and woody-amber base remain recognisable from the very first seconds.

✨ Essens M048 is a citrus fragrance where sparkling bergamot and lemon intertwine with chocolate, pink pepper and fruity notes, while a warm base of lavender, cardamom, jasmine, pineapple and lily creates an enveloping trail. It captures all the magic of the cult Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF — a fragrance inspired by the legendary scent. Every drop carries the recognisable accord familiar to fans of the original and gives a feeling of freshness, modernity and elegance.

A universal fragrance for the office, dates and everyday wear. Try it and see for yourself.