We review products independently and our recommendations are genuine. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
YSL Tuxedo is an uber-classy scent. The name itself suggests this, and from its superb presentation, it sure looks like bottled elegance.
In this YSL tuxedo review, we break down this popular cologne to establish if it’s worth adding to your fragrance rotation.
The Story Behind Tuxedo Men’s Cologne
Tuxedo perfume was part of a luxury collection launched by Yves Saint Laurent in November 2015. Le Vestiaire des Parfums, or The Perfume Wardrobe line, comprises 5 scents and is a nod to YSL’s couture masterpieces.
The fragrances cater to both genders, with each scent a distinct interpretation of a centerpiece within the renowned couturier’s wardrobe. And so we have Tuxedo, Caftan, Blouse, Caban, and Saharienne.
Tuxedo is unique in that it bears a more masculine leaning than the other fragrances. It also possesses a dark and magnetic sex appeal, leading the brand to describe it as “an expression of impertinent seduction.”
Yet, Juliette Karagueuzoglou, the perfumer, managed to turn this formulation into a woman’s scent by blending masculinity with provocative femininity.
The result was a scent dripping with insolent sensuality and timeless appeal.
The precursor to this was YSL’s 1966 ground-breaking innovation in couture, a new androgynous cultural outlook. Traditionally a man’s garment, YSL reinvented the tuxedo, turning it into an evening outfit for women.
YSL Tuxedo Cologne
Our Verdict of YSL Tuxedo Cologne
Presentation
YSL Tuxedo perfume comes as an Eau de Parfum in a sheer, square-cut 125 ml (4.22 oz) flacon. The beautiful perfume bottle boasts an impeccably sculptured silhouette reflecting high luxury and modernity.
Apart from the attractive architectural design, the silver-coated glass bottle features a black cap reminiscent of “grain de poudre,” the texture of YSL’s tuxedo material, and the brand’s logo on the front. The lustrous flacon shines like a precious jewel – stylish yet timeless.
Scent
Tuxedo fragrance is characterized by a spicy aroma combined with smoked patchouli and ambergris. It opens with violet leaf, bergamot, and coriander headnotes for a fresh, welcoming aroma.
Sharp black pepper accords enriched with fresh cardamom and romantic florals quickly follow. The sensual spices enhance the fragrance, infusing an essence of mystery and cool sophistication. Finally, an earthy and woody base of lush patchouli, ambergris, and boozy vanilla wraps everything up in a deep, bold, and masculine ending.
The fragrance is artfully blended and well-balanced. Bergamot is responsible for the cologne’s fruity-citrusy aroma, while violet leaf lends a green vibe. As for the coriander, it offers a spicy, resinous, and woody scent accentuated by earthy patchouli. Ultimately, vanilla and amber round off with sweetness and warmth, respectively.
Fun Fact: Vanilla is a familiar note in perfumery. In men’s cologne, it comes off as sweet and playful yet sensual and tempting. The pleasant aroma is universally appealing, with some experts claiming it has aphrodisiac properties. So if you are in the market for a scent that can seduce and enhance arousal, look out for vanilla accords in the scent profile.
Performance
Tuxedo YSL perfume is enduring, and you can tell this from the compliments that come your way all day (12+ hours) when you wear this scent. That said, this is no projection monster. Instead, the perfume offers moderate projection.
Upon spraying it on, Tuxedo radiates a few feet away for the initial 3 hours. However, the longevity is outstanding, as already mentioned, and the scent lingers as an intimate scent for long after. This is an exciting fragrance that will undoubtedly add a classy touch to your profile and leave a lasting impression.
Versatility
YSL Tuxedo is a versatile fragrance that best suits passionate men and women. And from the name, you can tell it’s a formal fragrance. If you wear YSL Tuxedo with a baggy t-shirt and jeans or cargo pants, people will give you a funny look, particularly if you mention you are wearing a Tuxedo. You need to dress it up.
Therefore, you want to wear the cologne to professional environments – picture yourself in a power suit giving a business presentation – special occasions, formal dates, and black tie events. Climate-wise, winter, and fall are the best seasons to wear Tuxedo EDP though this could stretch into early spring.
And in case you are wondering why a woman would be drawn to this masculine fragrance, remember the floral core? The soft and beautiful rose and lily-of-the-valley tone down the earthiness and spices, making the perfume appealing to females too.
Overall
YSL Tuxedo cologne is a contemporary scent whose sophisticated aroma encapsulates matte patchouli enhanced by spices. It’s bold, charismatic, captivating, and unconventional, just like the iconic couture masterpiece it’s named after.
With its sleek black ensemble, the tuxedo is a fine mesh of shiny satin and matte grain de poudre fabric. The Tuxedo cologne thus brings to mind the refined detailing of the ultra-fine tuxedo suit.
The classy fragrance is elegant and masculine, with a lovely patchouli scent. This makes it an excellent olfactory signature and a definite must-have, especially for patchouli lovers.
While it’s undeniably bold, Tuxedo Eau de Parfum is like a perfect gentleman – precise, smooth, and understated with a delicate elegance that’s supremely enticing. Yet, you can’t miss the innate sensuality that oozes from every spritz, plus the bold outlook that captures the timeless contours of unisex eroticism.
The main downside to this fragrance is the price. The high-quality notwithstanding, it’s super expensive. Also, it’s a bit mature and might not appeal to a younger demographic. Besides, the high price point could be a major putoff.
If you enjoyed reading this review, check out this post: Best YSL Colognes for Men.
Top Notes: Violet leaf, Bergamot, Coriander
Middle Notes: Rose, Lily-of-the-valley, Black pepper
Base Notes: Bourbon vanilla, Ambergris, Patchouli
Pros
- Unisex fragrance
- Captivating, mesmerizing, and seductive
- A closet staple
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Not a strong projector