Quick Verdict

YSL Y EDP is the winner for most people who want a fresh, versatile designer scent with excellent performance. Its crisp apple and ginger opening, backed by a woody-amber base, makes it suitable for daily wear in any season. However, if you live in a colder climate or prefer a cozy, tobacco-leather scent for evenings and winter, Burberry London is a classic that deserves a spot in your collection. Both are excellent, but YSL Y EDP’s modern appeal and longevity give it the edge.

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Scent Profile Compared

YSL Y EDP opens with a burst of green apple, ginger, and lemon verbena, creating a fresh and slightly spicy top. The heart features sage, lavender, and juniper berries, adding an aromatic complexity. The base is a mix of amberwood, ambergris, tonka bean, and cedar, giving it a warm, sweet, and slightly salty dry-down. It’s modern, clean, and subtly sensual.

Burberry London is a completely different beast. Its top notes are a festive blend of lavender, bergamot, and cinnamon, immediately evoking a cozy, spicy vibe. The heart is leather, mimosa, and cashmeran, adding a soft, slightly powdery warmth. The base notes of oakmoss, tobacco leaf, and guaiac wood create a smoky, earthy, and woody finish. It’s rich, refined, and unapologetically traditional.

The main difference: YSL Y EDP is bright and energetic, while Burberry London is dark and contemplative.

Longevity and Sillage

YSL Y EDP is a powerhouse. On my skin, it lasts 8-10 hours with moderate to heavy projection for the first 3 hours, then settles into a noticeable skin scent. It’s one of the best-performing fresh scents I’ve tested.

Burberry London is more moderate. Expect 5-7 hours with soft to moderate projection. It’s not a beast, but it’s noticeable in close quarters. The scent becomes a skin scent after about 4 hours. If you want a scent that fills a room, go with YSL. If you prefer something intimate, Burberry works.

Best Occasions and Seasons

YSL Y EDP is incredibly versatile. It works for the office, a night out, or a casual day. Its freshness makes it suitable for spring and summer, but the warm base allows it to transition into fall. It’s not ideal for deep winter when you want something heavier.

Burberry London is strictly a cold-weather fragrance. The rich spices and leather shine in fall and winter. It’s perfect for formal events, romantic dinners, or cozy evenings by the fire. It would be overwhelming in heat.

Price and Value

YSL Y EDP is typically mid-range for a designer EDP. It’s widely available, and you can often find a good deal. Burberry London is more affordable, usually priced lower than many designer scents. Both offer good value for their quality. To decide, check current prices on Amazon or other retailers to see which fits your budget.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy YSL Y EDP if you want a modern, fresh, long-lasting scent that works for almost any situation and season. It’s the safer, more versatile choice. Buy Burberry London if you love classic, spicy, tobacco-leather scents and primarily wear fragrance in cooler weather. It’s a more unique, character-driven fragrance that stands out in a crowd. If you can afford both, they complement each other perfectly.