Yves Saint Laurent 2011 EDP

M ££ Favourite

L'Homme Libre

by Olivier Polge , Carlos Benaïm

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Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Libre is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2011, created by Olivier Polge and Carlos Benaïm. L'Homme Libre opens with Bergamot, Violet Leaf, Star Anise, and Basil, settles into a heart of Pink Pepper and Nutmeg, and dries down to a base of Vetiver and Patchouli. Yves Saint Laurent's L'Homme Libre carries a Favourite verdict, a woody-led wear.

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.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Fresh
  • Clean
  • Modern
  • Energetic
  • Subtle
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L'Homme Libre Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer
Also Works:
Fall

A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and summer.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Sport
Also Works:
Date

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.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

L'Homme Libre kicks off with an invigorating fresh blast of star anise and basil, sharpened by violet leaf and tart bergamot. The heart introduces a soft warmth with nutmeg and pink pepper, adding a subtle spice. The dry down settles into an understated woody base of vetiver and patchouli, maintaining that ozonic, slightly green character throughout. It's a clean, almost aquatic-like freshness, albeit with a spicy twist.

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Compare & Pair

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Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements L'Homme Libre Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.