Velours

Velours by Yves Saint Laurent is a soft, elegant, and deeply sensual fragrance that evokes the feel of velvety suede blended with warm amber, vanilla, and powdery iris. It opens with a sharp, slightly synthetic note reminiscent of plastic or paint, which some find off-putting, but this quickly evolves into a creamy, comforting core built on vanilla, amber, and woody-iris. The scent settles into a rich, luxurious drydown that is soft, powdery, and subtly sweet, with a faint medicinal warmth and a soft, creamy vanilla presence that avoids gaudiness. It carries a distinct leathery, smoky, and powdery air that closely parallels Dior Homme Parfum but with more creaminess and less pronounced powder. The fragrance reveals itself best over time—initially some find it strange or even plastic-like—but once it matures, many describe it as deeply soothing, calming, and quietly confident. It performs well in cooler weather, suits evening wear, and projects moderately with long wear. It feels elevated, modern, and artistic, reminiscent of Guerlain Cuir Beluga or L’Insomnuit in mood, though more opulent and less balsamic.