M7 (2002)
by Yves Saint Laurent

Having worn this avidly for over a year now, I have to say that M7 is the best designer representative for agarwood/oud scents. I am greeted by slightly dull and dated bergamot accompanied by the distinct medicinal cherry cough syrup accord that can get a little heady. But as the opening blows away and the scent starts to settle, I am left with a sweet, woody-ambery accord made up of oud, vanilla, and a little bit of smoky incense. The dry-down is one of the coziest and most substantial ones I've experienced. Ranks among my top 5 designer scents of all time.

I'm sure I was expecting too much from M7, given all the hoopla. I'd certainly hoped for a more forward and aggressive oudh. M7 goes on very dry, with a moderate touch of oudh, but develops a faint sweetness at its heart after the first half hour. It becomes a thick, dark, and woody scent, but the potentially jagged oudh note is cushioned, (even muffled,) by a strong soapy undercurrent. This leaves M7 smelling very tame compared to the Montale oudh fragrances, but probably broadens its appeal as well.

After a couple of hours' wear the oudh settles deep into the background while spices and vanilla take the helm. The soapy note that was apparent at the onset surfaces again during the woody drydown, which is far more tame than the oudh-seasoned opening.

*********************************************************

I have always enjoyed YSL fragrances but M7 to me is repulsive. It reminds me of a disinfectant like Iodine or Betadine. Somethng you smell in a hospital ER. Yes, it does have a certain spicy quality to it but the "medicinalness" to it outweighs everything else. Not for me!

This is beautiful! For colder weather and definitely in the evening. Great scent!

I like it alot its something sweet but with a different twist, it almost comes of as smoky throughout its process. I can't help but mention that the bottle is very cheap plasticy.