Our take
What does L'Homme smell like?
In 2006 Yves Saint Laurent handed L'Homme to three perfumers: Anne Flipo, Pierre Wargnye and Dominique Ropion. The opening is bright. Bergamot and citron zest fizz over fresh Chinese ginger that feels almost foamy. Then the heart moves somewhere less expected for a mainstream men's scent. Violet leaf adds a green, faintly metallic note, while basil brings an herbal touch. White pepper gives a dry prickle. The base stays clean and soft, with Virginia cedar, Haitian vetiver and sandalwood rounded out by tonka. It smells like well-kept skin and good soap. Several spin-offs followed, including La Nuit de L'Homme in 2009. The original remains the airiest of the line, and the most restrained.
When to wear it
For the office in spring or summer, if you want to smell good without being noticed from across the room. Four sprays are not too many.
It belongs to the Woody, Spicy family. L'Homme is one of 35 creations by Yves Saint Laurent in our encyclopedia.
