Yves Saint Laurent 2001 EDP

F ££ Acquired

Nu

by Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud

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Yves Saint Laurent Nu is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2001, created by Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud. Nu opens with Bergamot and Cardamom, settles into a heart of Jasmine, Orchid, Pepper, and Incense, and dries down to a base of Musk, Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Frankincense. Yves Saint Laurent's Nu carries an Acquired verdict, a woody-led wear.

A tragically discontinued masterpiece, YSL Nu EDP still commands a cult following for its deep, sensual spice and incense. Many lament its loss, while others cherish their "hockey puck" bottles like precious relics. This is Y2K dark glamour, polarising but unforgettable.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Mysterious
  • Confident
  • Classic
  • Sensual
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Nu 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
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its strong sillage and deep, spicy character make it less suitable for office wear. However, its sensual and mysterious nature, coupled with many reviews highlighting its evening appeal, positions it perfectly for dates and formal events.

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.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

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

Nu opens with a striking, almost aggressive blend of pepper and cardamom, underpinned by the bright zest of bergamot. As it settles, a creamy floral heart of jasmine and orchid unfurls, entwined with smoky incense. The drydown reveals a velvety embrace of sandalwood, vetiver, and musk, leaving a lingering trail of warm, mysterious frankincense.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Nu Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Nu 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.