Scent of the summer: YSL Beauty's first-ever alcohol-free fragrance, LIBRE L'eau Nue, makes a spectacular splash

Vogue Singapore

23-05-2025

More than just a fragrance, but rather, a sensation. These are the words that come to mind upon experiencing the LIBRE L'eau Nue for the first time; a distinct moment in time that plays out within one of the many villas located on the sprawling grounds of Anantara Desaru Coast. In a generously air-conditioned room, I lift the blotter to my nose and am enveloped instantly in a pleasant wave of heat. Succulent green mandarin and bergamot comes through first, bringing with it a jolt of vibrancy. Then, a gentle descent into sultry orange blossom. Its ambery warmth feels all-encompassing, leaving a distinct impression of sun-warmed skin and intimacy.
'LIBRE L'eau Nue is an exclusive exercise on LIBRE. We were lucky to compose with an alcohol-free base, an oil-in-water formula that reveals unique and exclusive olfactory properties, with ingredients that feel hand-picked,' elucidates Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaïm, the master perfumers behind the brand's exciting new scent. 'It is a flash of freshness wrapped in a juicy, sensual, sun-gorged note. An addictive fragrance you'll keep wanting to reapply.'
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Indeed, compelling is the best way to describe the LIBRE L'eau Nue. Its release marks a new frontier within YSL Beauty's aromatic arsenal, boasting a never-before-explored formula as well as a revamped bottle design that reflects this impressive milestone.
A boon for your complexion and tresses
It's safe to say that there are plenty of reasons as to why a brand would want to delve into alcohol-free scents.
In the case of YSL Beauty, it was primarily to meet the needs of consumers with sensitivities to alcohol. However, the maison didn't stop there—instead, inspired by Moroccan skin rituals, they decided on producing a perfume that would sink into the skin like a serum, granting unparalleled radiance and shine to both the hair and body. Delightfully lightweight and long-lasting, its spritz radius might be shorter than its alcoholic counterparts but is nowhere lacking in potency.
For optimal application, hold it close against the pulse points and press down gently. Its dry-down leaves behind a practically imperceptible sheen that dissipates within seconds, and without any residual tackiness. For those seeking a particularly indulgent time, knead the lightweight solution in as you would a massage oil. Skin is left feeling soft, supple, and well-scented—a must-have for a sweltering day out.
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With the sun serving as a central motif of the LIBRE L'eau Nue, it makes sense that its flacon, too, is designed meticulously to flourish in temperate climates. This exquisite creation by Susan Dalton comes in an opaque white vessel that shields the invaluable formula from heat damage. Its gold detailing, however, captures and reflects light beautifully, revealing a precision-cut glass V that underlines the décolletage of the YSL logo. Embedded deep within the glass of the bottle, 'it is as trim and streamlined as a tailored Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket.'
Summer lovin'
To embody the vigour and passionate qualities of the LIBRE L'eau Nue is YSL Beauty brand ambassador, Dua Lipa. In an official campaign video, the accomplished songbird is lensed diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean landscape, skin glistening under the light—in part due to exertion and, naturally, the LIBRE L'eau Nue.
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Get Dua Lipa's look here: