YSL Splendid Wood Fragrance Review: The Great Outdoors

Today I'm going to walk you through some first impressions on the Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Splendid Wood that was kindly forwarded on to me. It's a very bold square bottle, but elegant and with a prominent cubed cap. The dark juice is intriguing. I'm always a little more interested in the fragrances where the liquids are darker, whisky-coloured. 

The Opening 

I'm hit with something intense. It's creamier than I thought it would be. Perhaps I was anticipating something a bit more angular, or aloof. But it's actually immediately soothing. My mind rolodexes furiously to a place where it can identify and compartmentalise it. Once it knows what it should be filed under, it will be easier to dissect. To enjoy. After all, we all need to measure something new to something else right? 

But this, whilst soothing, isn't familiar. An important to distinction to make. 

The Notes

Accords Oud wood, cedarwood, Cardamom and Incense. 

The Settle 

Once it settles, I get to appreciate the Cedarwood is very present. It's beautifully enmeshed with a floral undertone of jasmine and once that blend sits in, I get some more woodiness; a little oud but nothing overly spicy that causes you to recoil. Some oud will of course. 

Dry Down 

This is where the YSL Splendid Wood does find its feet. Or perhaps I get to unlock and recognise moments from my youth, exploring a redwood forest with my parents, or a BBQ by a lake with mates. That smokiness comes through with more punch now. 

It has depth, it has purpose, and oddly, it has this wonderful timing. You're not in on the secret straight away. It lets you unfold it. You get to explore it like you would a walk through a new forest. You're not lost, but you're not altogether sure how far you are from the nearest public toilet. (Hey, guys that doesn't matter when you're in a forest though right?) 

Lasting

I got some very nice compliments on this one. As it's unisex I got a lot of interest from Tuula who is already wearing some. Because it has that comforting creamy blend going on, it's doesn't scream masculinity to me. Nor should it. But it lasted all day. The class of the fragrance is very evident. The price tag suggests luxury, the house name suggests elegance and this scent lives up to both of those reputations. I'm a fan. 

Ok smells a bit like

For me it is a comparison to Tom Ford Oud Wood, at a push.