by Yves Saint Laurent
Elle Intense Eau de Parfum from Yves Saint Laurent presents a bold, darkly sensual profile with a strong focus on patchouli, amber, and woody-earthy accords. It opens with a crisp, slightly sharp fruity burst of litchi and raspberry, quickly giving way to a dense, ambery patchouli heart infused with jasmine, iris, and benzoin. The scent evolves into a sophisticated, smoky dry down that feels both elegant and edgy—reminiscent of Midnight Poison but with a sharper, less sweet profile. While some users find it dissimilar to the original Elle and question its intensity, many describe it as deeply layered, confident, and strikingly modern. It leans heavily toward evening and winter wear, with a medium-to-strong sillage that lingers well through the night. The longevity is generally moderate to long, though some note a rapid decline in projection after a few hours. The bottle is praised as sleek and luxurious, making it a standout handbag companion. For fans of dark, woody-ambery fragrances with a confident, modern femininity, this is a compelling choice.