When another Libre flanker landed on my desk this summer, I admit I was skeptical.

The original holds such a special place in the world of perfume that each new iteration generates great expectations. But after months of wearing Flowers and flames, I can confidently say that this is not just another addition to the family – it may be the most sophisticated yet.

The scent develops beautifully, from the first spray to the final fade: you’ll immediately pick up bright lavender and citrus before the scent opens up to reveal its heart: a beautiful blend of coconut blossom resembling a coconut , desert lily and Libre’s signature orange blossom. from Morocco. As it settles on your skin, a rich vanilla emerges as a base, but don’t expect anything sweet: it’s a sophisticated vanilla that keeps everything grounded and warm. What’s impressive is that the tropical notes never seem overwhelming or too “vacation in a bottle.” Instead, they are so skillfully blended that the whole scent feels elevated and wearable for any occasion. It’s a perfect example of how YSL Beauty continues to reinvent the Libre family while retaining what we loved about the original.

What makes this scent particularly intriguing is how it adapts throughout the seasons. When I revealed it last week, the late summer heat was still lingering when I first sprayed it, and those tropical coconut blossom notes seemed perfectly in sync. Today, as the cold of autumn sets in, the fragrance reveals new depths. The spicy lily accord and rich vanilla base notes are incredibly appropriate for cooler days, while still retaining that memory of summer heat.

The true test of any perfume is how it wears throughout the day, and Flowers and flames excels here. The sillage is impressive without being overwhelming – you’ll feel delicious notes of it hours after application. I found it particularly striking at evening events, where the vanilla base notes seem to glow in the warmth of a room.

What is particularly remarkable is its longevity. Unlike many perfumes that fade in a whisper (and sometimes even a whisper is generous) after a few hours, Flowers and flames retains its character. The evolution from those first bright notes to a deeper, more intimate foundation is a journey worth experiencing. It’s the kind of perfume that makes you appreciate different aspects every time you wear it.

Why I like it: Let me tell you exactly why this perfume has earned a permanent spot on my vanity. When this first spritz of Libre Flowers and flames hits your skin, it’s pure luxury – but not in an overly difficult way. The flower of the coconut tree opens with this incredible brightness that kept me coming back all day for another inspiration. But here’s what really appealed to me: tropical notes usually scream “summer vacation” and seem completely out of place once the temperatures drop. Not this one. The perfumers at YSL Beauty have done something magical here: They’ve taken that beach warmth and transformed it into something that suits you, whether you’re sipping cocktails on a Brooklyn rooftop in July or taking a stroll in a pumpkin patch in November.

Perfect pairings: Free Flowers and flames offers exciting possibilities for layering scents, especially when transitioning between seasons. For an evening of pure luxury, I discovered that by layering it with Tom Ford’s Fatal Vanilla creates an intoxicating combination – the added depth of vanilla amplifies the warmth of Flowers and flames while adding a seductive smoky touch, perfect for nighttime occasions.

For daytime use, try combining it with Jo Malone’s. Vetiver & Golden Vanilla. Earthy vetiver grounds these tropical coconut palm notes, creating a sophisticated daytime signature that is both refined and unique. If you want to enhance the floral aspects without losing that warm undertone, layer it with Diptyque. Make son – the combination of tuberose and orange blossom creates an unexpected and harmonious blend, particularly striking for special events.

For those who prefer to work with the existing Libre collection, overlay Flowers and flames with the original Libre creates a truly spectacular multifaceted interpretation of orange blossom. The lavender in the original adds an aromatic freshness that complements the tropical warmth of Flowers and flames beautifully.

After prolonged wear over the seasons, Flowers and flames has earned his place as more than just a flanker. It’s a scent that challenges expectations of what a “summer” or “winter” scent should be. The warm, spicy notes that seemed perfect for August nights now feel just as at home on cool October mornings.

For those looking for a signature scent that transcends seasonal boundaries, this latest addition to the Libre family is worth your consideration. It’s sophisticated without being inaccessible, distinctive without being overwhelming, and above all, it’s a scent that grows with you.

He’s the rare flanker who could well eclipse his predecessor.