by Yves Saint Laurent
Nu Eau de Toilette by Yves Saint Laurent is an intimate, smoky, and softly spiced floral oriental with a cool, elegant presence. It opens with a bright, peppery burst of cardamom, bergamot, and neroli, lending a clean yet exotic sharpness. This quickly settles into a powdery, softly textured floral heart dominated by iris, jasmine, and orchid, creating a delicate, feminine veil. The base is where its character deepens—incense weaves through musk, vanilla, and amber, giving a mysterious, smoldering warmth without heaviness. The impression is one of modern sensuality: not sweet nor overtly masculine, with a persistent cool complexity that feels timeless and under-appreciated. It performs best in winter and night wear, where its sillage lingers moderately, and its longevity, while not explosive, is solid enough for daily wear with reapplication. The fragrance is a pale twin to Opium and a direct stylistic cousin to Black Orchid, yet more refined and chillier, with surprising accessibility even to those wary of incense or spice. It balances soft florals with incense depth, making it a rare, wearable unisex perfume with a quiet power. The bottle, a striking ultrablue, adds to its vintage allure.