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Elysium
Helpful Review
4
Johann Strauss II Viennese Waltz
The Viennese waltz is a rotating dance in which dancers continuously turn to the leader's right (natural) or to the left of the leader (reverse), interspersed with non-rotating change steps to switch from the direction of rotation. If I close my eyes and bring my nose closer to the point of the wrist covered with YSL Tuxedo, I can see the graceful violet and the resolute ambergris dancing Johann Strauss II's Blue Danube waltz. He dressed in a tuxedo as dark as patchouli, she in a fluttering vanilla-coloured chiffon dress.
Although classified as a spicy chypre, I don't really recognize that kind of family. This is all about caramelized amber patchouli infused with light, juicy floral touches and soft spice. Also, the official description was misleading to me, as you will read later. This is what they say "L'eau de parfum Tuxedo contains the opaque texture of patchouli illuminated by the dark brightness of the spices." Indeed, when I smelled this perfume for the first time, something familiar came to my mind, but at that moment, I couldn't touch it; then, after wearing it, my memory took me back to a perfume I used in the past. This perfume is very reminiscent of Gucci II, especially the atmosphere of tea and violet leaves.
Initially, I am greeted by an alcoholic and leathery accord, more or less similar to boozy craft cocktails and suede. I don't get any citrus flavour from bergamot; instead, a handful of sour coriander and berries pops up. While these are all perfectly blended, I pick up a burst of wet violet leaf in the opening. I feel the sweetness, the hint of smooth patchouli, and I also sense the coumarin to give it an extra dimension.
The violet and patchouli hang in the middle and finish, and the heart almost feels like a gourmand, but the rose and lily of the valley seem to keep it on edge. The intermediate stage is captivating; I can't get my nose out of my hands.
The finish is woody and sweet, with a significant warm and toasted caramelized vanilla flavour, but it is also sensual, dark, and smooth, a type of romantic scent. If vanilla is delicious, like a crème brûlée, ambroxan and pepper give it a powdery amber cocoa sensation. Unfortunately, I'm one of those who get little patchouli—just a breath, but nothing more. I mean, it's not the signature I get from Chanel Coco Mademoiselle or Zino Davidoff, for example. In Tuxedo, it is not one of the critical elements, but only a complementary, clean, lightened part. It smells like dusty wood, softened and made slightly delicate.
Tuxedo is a slightly sweet, alcoholic, smoky fragrance with a creamy vanilla base. Very well blended. Just a beautiful perfume that smells like elements of a luxury cocktail party. The most dominant notes are leathery vanilla, salty and creamy ambergris, and green violet leaves. I even got a hint of smoke that sang out, a sort of fluid and shiny incense, bringing a slight sharpness to the warmth. YSL Tuxedo is just light and pleasant enough to be an everyday perfume and a memorable evening-outs for Fall and Winter months. The scent is so pleasing and not overwhelming. Longevity is not an issue, but projection might be better; I only get a couple of hours before it turns into a skin scent.
This review is based upon a decant I own since February 2021.
-Elysium