Is Perfume Parlour Free Citizen a dupe of Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Libre?
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- L'Homme Libre
- Free Citizen
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
This YSL flanker was divisive - a love-it-or-hate-it affair, particularly down to its prominent violet leaf and anise notes. Those who adored it praised its distinctive fresh spicy vibrancy, but poor performance meant it never quite hit the mark for the masses. Fans clamored for its return after discontinuation, proving its cult status.
Free Citizen tracks YSL L'Homme Libre, holding onto that fresh-spicy 'blue' masculine spine of bergamot, violet leaf and anise over a patchouli-vetiver base, though the dupe renders it flatter and skin-closer, with the original's herbal-spice lift simplified and longevity cut short.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and summer.
Occasions
Its fresh spicy and ozonic accords, coupled with moderate to sometimes weak performance reported by users, make it ideal for office wear and casual daytime situations where it won't overpower. While some found it appealing for dates, its lack of strong sillage often limited its formal or club appeal.
Seasons
The fresh-spicy citrus-aromatic profile suits spring and summer best, with enough spice to carry into autumn.
Occasions
Clean and versatile, it works well for office and casual daytime wear and even light sport.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Nutmeg, Star Anise, Basil
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Free Citizen EDP
Import charges may apply
These shops deliver to the United States from the United Kingdom. How import charges work
Import charges may apply
These shops deliver to the United States from the United Kingdom. How import charges work
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