Austin Butler became a global star by disappearing into Elvis Presley. Then he shaved his head and terrified audiences as Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two. An actor that committed to transformation is bound to have opinions about scent, and it turns out he does.
The answer first: Austin Butler is the global ambassador for YSL Beauty and the face of the MYSLF fragrance line from Yves Saint Laurent. He launched the original MYSLF Eau de Parfum in August 2023, went on to front MYSLF Le Parfum, and has said that MYSLF Eau de Toilette Intense is his go-to everyday fragrance. In short, if you want to smell like Austin Butler, you are shopping in the MYSLF family.
But the more interesting story is how Butler uses fragrance. He has spoken about scent as an acting tool, a memory trigger and a way of feeling “cleansed” between roles. This guide follows that thread: first the MYSLF family tree, then how Butler thinks about smell, and finally how to choose and wear the version that fits you.
How Austin Butler Became the Face of MYSLF
In August 2023, YSL Beauty announced Butler as its newest global ambassador and the face of a brand-new men’s fragrance, MYSLF. Trade title Cosmetics Business reported that the launch centred on bergamot and orange blossom absolute and came in a refillable bottle. It was YSL’s first new men’s fragrance since 2017, which made it a big moment for the brand.
YSL positioned MYSLF as a statement about modern masculinity: a man who is comfortable with his contradictions, his emotions and his individuality. Butler, who moves easily between vulnerability and swagger on screen, was an obvious choice. The campaign was shot by photographer Gray Sorrenti, showing him in a leather trucker jacket and sharp tailoring, and the film was directed by Julia Ducournau, the Palme d’Or-winning filmmaker behind Titane.
Butler had his own reasons for saying yes. In an interview with Dazed, he explained that he had long admired the house of Yves Saint Laurent and was excited to work with Ducournau, one of his favourite directors.
The MYSLF Family Tree
MYSLF has grown into a small family since 2023. Each branch shares the same DNA, an orange blossom heart on a woody base, but expresses it differently.
The root: MYSLF Eau de Parfum (2023)
This is the original, created by perfumers Daniela Andrier, Christophe Raynaud and Antoine Maisondieu, according to Highsnobiety. YSL describes it as a floral twist on a traditional woody fragrance.
- Opening: bright, juicy bergamot.
- Heart: a large dose of orange blossom absolute, clean and slightly honeyed.
- Base: patchouli and ambery woods that keep the florals grounded and masculine.
- Character: fresh, polished and noticeably different from the blue, sporty scents that dominate men’s fragrance counters.
The deeper branch: MYSLF Le Parfum (2024)
Le Parfum took the MYSLF idea into richer territory. It is warmer, darker and more sensual than the EDP, designed for evenings and colder weather. Butler fronted this launch too, and it was the occasion for his in-depth Dazed interview about scent and character.
- Character: deeper woods and amber, with the orange blossom still present but wrapped in warmth.
- Best for: nights out, formal events and winter.
The everyday branch: MYSLF Eau de Toilette Intense
This is the version Butler has personally described as his current favourite. In an interview with Who What Wear, conducted at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, he called it “warm” and the perfect “everyday fresh scent”.
- Character: fresher and easier than Le Parfum, but with more warmth than a typical eau de toilette.
- Best for: daily wear, office, travel and casual evenings.
| Version | Mood | Orange blossom | Warmth | Best time | Butler’s link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MYSLF Eau de Parfum | Fresh, modern, floral-woody | High | Medium | Day to evening | Launch face, 2023 |
| MYSLF Le Parfum | Rich, sensual, ambery | Medium | High | Evenings, winter | Campaign face, 2024 |
| MYSLF EDT Intense | Warm but fresh, versatile | Medium | Medium | Everyday | Named as his everyday pick |
Want to understand the strength differences between these concentrations? See our guide to eau de toilette vs eau de parfum.
Scent as Method: How Austin Butler Uses Fragrance
Butler’s interviews about MYSLF are unusual because he rarely talks like a spokesperson. He talks like an actor. Three ideas come up again and again.
1. Smell as a shortcut to character
In the Dazed interview, Butler discussed how smells help him get into character and mentioned scents that evoke unusual materials such as asphalt and gunpowder. For an actor known for immersive preparation, scent is one more way to step out of himself and into someone else.
You do not need to be an actor to borrow this trick. Wearing a particular fragrance for job interviews, presentations or big nights out can act like a mental “costume” that puts you in the right frame of mind. We explore the psychology in our guide to aromachology.
2. Smell bypasses the thinking brain
Butler has also noted that smell seems to reach us more directly than our other senses. That matches what scientists know about the olfactory system, which connects closely with brain areas involved in emotion and memory. Read more in how the nose smells perfume and how perfumes trigger nostalgic memories.
3. Taste evolves
Butler has said his fragrance taste has changed over time. That is true for most people. The sweet, loud scents we love at 18 often give way to woodier, more nuanced fragrances later. MYSLF, with its mix of fresh florals and warm woods, sits right at that crossroads.
What About Elvis?
Because Butler spent years living inside the character of Elvis Presley, fans often ask whether he wears Elvis’s cologne. In interviews around the MYSLF launch, including coverage in the Evening Standard, Butler talked about scent memories and Elvis’s cologne. If you are curious about what the King himself wore, our dedicated article on what perfume Elvis wore covers the history. What Butler wears now, in his own life and on his own terms, is MYSLF.
Orange Blossom: The Flower Men Are Borrowing
MYSLF’s boldest move is putting a big, unapologetic flower at the centre of a men’s fragrance. That deserves a closer look, because it is why some men instantly love MYSLF and others hesitate.
What orange blossom smells like
Orange blossom comes from the white flowers of the bitter orange tree. It smells fresh, slightly sweet, a little honeyed and very clean, somewhere between citrus and white flowers. It is the same material that makes many classic colognes smell bright and soapy.
Why it works for men
- It is not new. Orange blossom and neroli have been in men’s colognes for centuries, from classic eau de Cologne to modern fresh scents.
- It reads as “clean”. Most people associate it with freshness rather than “perfumey” florals.
- It is grounded by woods. In MYSLF, patchouli and ambery woods keep it firmly in masculine territory.
If you enjoy that blend of flowers and woods, browse our edits of unisex fragrances and floral perfumes. And if you have ever wondered whether men can wear traditionally feminine notes, our article can men wear women’s perfume? answers it with a firm yes.
Austin Butler’s Road to MYSLF
| When | Milestone | Why it matters for scent |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Breakout as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis | Global fame and huge interest in his style |
| August 2023 | Named YSL Beauty global ambassador; MYSLF EDP launches | Becomes the face of a new men’s fragrance line |
| 2024 | Dune: Part Two; MYSLF Le Parfum campaign | Talks in depth about smell and character with Dazed |
| Later | MYSLF Eau de Toilette Intense | Names it as his everyday fragrance |
Butler is also a Cartier ambassador, but that relationship relates to watches and jewellery. There is no public evidence that he wears or promotes Cartier fragrance, so do not let that connection confuse your search.
Decoding the MYSLF Notes
Fragrance notes can sound abstract. Here is what each key MYSLF ingredient actually contributes.
Bergamot
A citrus fruit from southern Italy with a bright, slightly bitter, tea-like smell. It is the first thing you notice when you spray and gives MYSLF its clean, awake feeling.
Orange blossom absolute
An absolute is a concentrated extract made with solvents rather than steam. Orange blossom absolute is richer and more honeyed than neroli, which comes from the same flowers but is steam-distilled and smells greener and lighter. MYSLF uses the absolute, which is why its heart feels lush rather than just fresh.
Patchouli
An earthy, slightly damp, woody leaf oil. In MYSLF it acts as an anchor, stopping the florals from floating away and adding a grown-up, grounded edge. If you are curious, read about the best patchouli perfumes.
Ambery woods
Modern woody-amber materials give warmth, smoothness and longevity. They are why MYSLF lasts well on skin and clothes.
Layering MYSLF
Because MYSLF has a clear floral-woody structure, it layers well. Keep it simple and test at home first.
- For extra freshness: spray a light citrus cologne first, then MYSLF EDP on top.
- For a warmer evening: pair MYSLF EDT Intense with a soft vanilla or amber scent underneath.
- For a smoky edge: one spray of a leather or incense fragrance on the chest, MYSLF on the neck.
Our guide on making perfume last longer includes more layering tips.
Caring for a Refillable Bottle
MYSLF’s refillable design is one of its best features, but it needs a little care.
- Refill in a cool, dry room, away from direct sunlight.
- Make sure the bottle is completely empty or nearly so before refilling to keep the fragrance fresh.
- Store the bottle upright and capped to reduce evaporation.
- Keep it out of steamy bathrooms; heat and humidity degrade top notes. Read how to know if perfume has expired for warning signs.
Which MYSLF Should You Choose? A Simple Decision Path
Answer these three questions in order.
- Do you want one bottle for most days?
- Yes: go to question 2.
- No, I want a special-occasion scent: choose MYSLF Le Parfum.
- Do you love bright, noticeable florals?
- Yes: choose the original MYSLF Eau de Parfum.
- Not really, I want something softer: go to question 3.
- Do you want what Austin Butler says he reaches for every day?
- Yes: choose MYSLF Eau de Toilette Intense.
How to Wear MYSLF Like Austin Butler
Butler’s personal style is a mix of rock-and-roll and old Hollywood: leather jackets, slick tailoring, open collars. Your fragrance routine can follow the same balance of polish and ease.
For daytime
- Two sprays of the EDT Intense or EDP on the chest and neck.
- Pair with denim, a white T-shirt and a leather or suede jacket.
For evenings
- Two sprays of Le Parfum, one at the base of the throat and one on the chest.
- Wear with dark tailoring and an open collar.
General tips
- Spray on skin, not clothes. Orange blossom blooms beautifully with body heat. See where to spray perfume.
- Do not overdo it. Floral notes can feel loud in enclosed spaces. Our guide on how to wear perfume subtly helps.
- Use the refill system. MYSLF is refillable, which saves money and packaging over time.
- Mind the climate. The EDP and EDT Intense handle heat well; save Le Parfum for cooler evenings.
Wearing a Floral Scent With Confidence
For many men, MYSLF will be the first fragrance they own with an obvious flower at its heart. Butler’s whole campaign is about owning who you are, and the same attitude applies to wearing a floral.
- Remember the history. Classic men’s colognes have used flowers such as lavender, neroli, geranium and iris for centuries. Florals are not new to men; they were just out of fashion for a while.
- Balance it with your outfit. A floral-woody scent looks and feels great with leather, denim and sharp tailoring, which is exactly how YSL styled Butler.
- Start small. One or two sprays lets you get used to the scent and the reactions it draws.
- Watch the compliments. Orange blossom is widely liked. Many wearers find people comment on how “clean” or “fresh” they smell rather than “floral”.
Our guide on what makes men’s and women’s fragrances different explains why these categories are more about marketing than chemistry.
MYSLF in Hot and Humid Climates
If you live somewhere warm, MYSLF is a smarter choice than many heavy designer scents. The bergamot and orange blossom feel natural in heat, and the ambery woods stop it from disappearing too quickly. A few tips:
- Choose the EDP or EDT Intense for daytime and keep Le Parfum for air-conditioned evenings.
- Spray on moisturised skin so the fragrance does not evaporate too fast.
- Carry a small decant for a top-up rather than overspraying in the morning.
Common Mistakes With MYSLF
- Buying the wrong version. The EDP, EDT Intense and Le Parfum smell related but different. Sample each before buying.
- Judging it in the first minute. The opening is bright; the warmth and depth arrive later. Give it an hour.
- Spraying on clothes only. Orange blossom needs skin warmth to bloom.
- Expecting beast-mode projection. MYSLF is designed to be noticed, not to fill a room.
MYSLF for Different Ages and Lifestyles
One of the strengths of the MYSLF line is that it works across age groups.
- Gen Z and early twenties: the EDP feels modern, gender-fluid and fashion-forward. It sits well alongside the scents in our list of the best fragrances for Gen Z.
- Late twenties and thirties: the EDT Intense is ideal as a versatile signature. See our guide to perfumes for men in their 30s.
- Forty plus: Le Parfum offers the depth and maturity many men want as their taste evolves.
If MYSLF Is Not for You
Maybe you love Butler’s style but orange blossom is not your thing. Here are directions that keep the same mood.
- For a rock-and-roll edge: try leather and smoky woods from our list of leather fragrances.
- For a cleaner citrus feel: look for neroli and bergamot colognes in our guide to lemon perfumes.
- For a warm, sensual evening scent: explore amber and tobacco in the best tobacco fragrances.
- For a broader look at YSL’s men’s range: the classic YSL Y family is another popular choice, featured in our list of birthday gift perfumes.
MYSLF vs a Typical “Blue” Men’s Fragrance
Most best-selling men’s fragrances of the last decade belong to the “blue” category: fresh, citrusy, mineral and woody. MYSLF deliberately takes a different route.
| Feature | Typical blue fragrance | YSL MYSLF |
|---|---|---|
| Heart | Ambroxan, aromatic herbs | Orange blossom absolute |
| Impression | Sporty, mineral, clean | Clean, floral, softly sensual |
| How common | Very common | More distinctive |
| Best for | Gym, office, safe choice | Standing out with polish |
If you already own a blue fragrance and want something with more personality, MYSLF is an excellent second bottle.
Who Should Skip MYSLF?
- Anyone who strongly dislikes floral notes, even soft ones.
- Men who want a heavy, smoky or oud-led fragrance; look at our oud perfumes guide instead.
- Buyers who need maximum projection for nightlife; our beast mode fragrances list suits that goal better.
- People with very sensitive noses who prefer barely-there scents; see our edit of perfumes for sensitive noses.
Is MYSLF Worth Buying?
Here is a balanced view.
What we like
- A distinctive floral-woody profile that stands out from the sea of blue fragrances.
- A refillable bottle, which is better for the planet and your wallet over time.
- A family structure that lets you choose freshness or depth.
- A genuine personal endorsement from Butler for the EDT Intense.
What to consider
- The orange blossom is prominent. If you dislike florals, test first.
- Different versions vary noticeably in strength, so sample before buying.
- As a popular designer line, it is widely counterfeited. Follow our checklist on how to spot fake perfume.
You can explore the full range on the official YSL Beauty website.
MYSLF as a Gift
MYSLF is a smart gift for a man who likes fashion, film or simply smelling a little different from everyone else. Choose the EDT Intense for everyday use, the EDP for a fresh modern signature, or Le Parfum for a romantic or festive occasion. For more gift ideas, browse the Giftexo shop.
The Takeaway
Austin Butler wears YSL MYSLF. He is the face of the line, he launched the original Eau de Parfum in 2023 and Le Parfum in 2024, and he has personally named MYSLF Eau de Toilette Intense as his warm, fresh everyday choice. What makes his story special is the way he uses scent: as a memory, a mood and a tool for becoming someone new. Choose the MYSLF that matches your day, wear it with confidence, and let it become part of your own character.
Looking for more celebrity scent stories? Read about Harry Styles’ cologne, Johnny Depp’s colognes, or our hub of what perfumes celebrities wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cologne does Austin Butler wear?
Austin Butler wears YSL MYSLF. He is the face of the line and has said MYSLF Eau de Toilette Intense is his preferred everyday scent.
When did Austin Butler become a YSL Beauty ambassador?
YSL Beauty announced him as a global ambassador and the face of MYSLF Eau de Parfum in August 2023.
What does YSL MYSLF smell like?
MYSLF Eau de Parfum is a floral-woody fragrance built on bergamot, orange blossom absolute, patchouli and ambery woods. It is fresh, clean and slightly warm.
What is the difference between MYSLF EDP and MYSLF Le Parfum?
The EDP is fresher and more floral. Le Parfum is richer, warmer and more ambery, making it better for evenings and colder weather.
Is MYSLF refillable?
Yes. MYSLF was launched in a refillable black lacquered bottle featuring the YSL Cassandre logo.
Is MYSLF good for summer?
The EDP and EDT Intense work well in warm weather thanks to their bergamot and orange blossom. Le Parfum is better saved for cooler days.
Does Austin Butler wear Elvis’s cologne?
He has discussed Elvis’s cologne in interviews about his scent memories, but the fragrance he publicly wears and endorses today is YSL MYSLF.
