M7

M7 does not smell like a fragrance trying to be liked. It smells like a door opening somewhere it probably should not. The top is strange in the best way. Mandarin and bergamot give a brief flash of brightness, but it is not cheerful citrus. It feels like light hitting dark glass. Rosemary cuts through with a herbal, almost bitter edge, as if something green has been crushed between warm fingers before the smoke arrives. Then the oud steps forward. Dry, resinous, shadowed. It does not roar. It watches. The vetiver beside it gives the scent earth and control, like roots under black soil, keeping the oud from becoming too heavy or ceremonial. The base is amber and musk, warm but not soft in a sweet way. More like skin in a dark room. The amber glows underneath the wood, while the musk makes everything feel human, close, and slightly dangerous. The sillage is confident, smoky, and intimate with reach. It leaves a trail like incense on a coat after midnight. Longevity is strong, lingering for hours as the citrus disappears and the woods darken around the skin. Wear this somewhere low-lit. A late bar. A private table. A room with red walls, old leather, and conversations that should probably stay there. The allure is not clean charm. It is temptation with a locked jaw. M7 makes the wearer feel mysterious, controlled, and hard to approach for the wrong reasons. The right person will still try.

Really nice amberous, sweet, western oud (2nd generation brick bottle with sticker). I do get better performance than what people have said, not crazy but definitely better than what kafka said.

The closest version you can get now is 'Monsieur' by Frederic Malle, and the main difference is that there's no Oud in it.

medicinal in a cough syrup way, cozy and warm. not my cup of tea

Reviewing the currently available (in 2026) clear cube bottle "YSL M7" : Starts off very strong, resinous oud wood with spices and a cough syrup like sweetness. The first 90 minutes it is a bit off-putting, due to being so rich. It leans masculine but could be unisex. As it dries down it becomes powdery ambery vanilla, kind of like Lolita Lempicka without the anise note. I find this fragrance to be too intense for my liking, but it does get way smoother and more enjoyable if you stick it out to the 5 hour mark. Best occasions? Definitely a night out or cool day. Too potent and cloying for work. Longevity? 8hrs. Age range: Late 20s and up. Very distinguished, resinous scent. Not blind buy safe - sample first. Overall score: 7/10.

× The Oriental Oud Era: before 2000 Before this millennium started, in the world of perfumery, the Oud ingredient was the King of the Oriental Perfume Family, The original oud presence in perfumes was complex, strong, animalistic, funky and dirty in a masculine way. A symbol of power and greatness Even spirituality, because it has that depth, ancient vibes. × The Westernised Oud Era: after 2000 # The first stage: 2000 - 2010 I believe, M7 YSL 2002 started everything. But that stage provided real first-class blends, tamed oud in a way that amazed even Arabs and the Eastern countries, because oud kept its depth and woody character. Less animalic, less skanky smells...etc Another great example of this stage is Oud Wood by Tom Ford, 2007. > In the 1st stage, the most important ingredients that were mixed with oud are: wood, spices, heavy citrus, and herbs.. Etc # The second stage: 2010 to 2020 During this stage, oud perfumes began to evolve into more unisex, delicate, romantic, or silky scents. Etc > In the 2nd stage, the most important ingredients that were mixed with oud: Rose, Saffron, and leather.. Etc > Good examples for this are: - Oud Ispahan Dior, 2012 - Oud Malaki Chopard, 2012 # The third stage, 2020 till today We are living in a time when oud is mixed with (jammy tropical fruits such as mango and passion fruit) The oud has become sticky, sweet, and you hardly distinguish the type of oud used (is it Indian or Cambodian... etc.) Even in niche brands which should use original and natural ingredients as they sell at high prices, you can't tell which oud you are sniffing. > Good examples for this are: - God of Fire Stéphane Humbert Lucas, 2024 - Oud Cadenza Maison Crivelli, 2022 - Oud Maracujá Maison Crivelli, 2023 > In the 3rd stage, the most important ingredients that were mixed with oud: Red fruits, tropical fruits, and sweets such as caramel ===== Lament and Wish: "Now, for drama purposes, you need to imagine sad background music while reading the text below" Nowadays, we live in a time when the King of the Oriental Family has become just a jam in a jar. That poor king has been forced to change his gender under the pressure of trends and new moda. I pray this stage ends ASAP, and (The fourth stage) to revive the true spirit of oud,,, the deposed King of oriental perfumes. Regards

My how times have changed. In 2002 M7 blew people away… and not in a good way either. It was considered a complete disaster for YSL. Tom Ford was ahead of his time, as Western noses were not ready for agarwood yet - little alone oud - M7’s primary accord, and they said so at the fragrance counters. Nobody bought it, and YSL discontinued it only a few years later. Fast forward to today, to today’s oud-rage, to today’s noses much more versed and accustomed to Arabian and Asian ouds of the properly stinky variety, and take of whiff of M7 and wonder what all the fuss was about. There is an oily, bitter, and herbal green opening from bergamot and rosemary that fade within seconds, ushering in the agarwood accord that lacks any of the fecal or animalic smells of real-deal oud. There is nothing dirty, sweaty, funky, scatological, rotted, or otherwise here. However, there is plenty of the oily, bitter, slightly fruity, and dark woody aromas that we would later become used to with agarwood, the very brief top meant to provide a link to these notes of the accord. Once a little bit of time settles in, as if knowing that people were going to jarred by the agarwood and there was too much risk in subjecting them to it this long (which TF underestimated), some relief in the form of the classic and familiar woody vetiver steers the agarwood away from the waxy-medicinal-dark-woody end of the spectrum, and it will link to the base in the final dry down of a very pleasant musky and woody amber. M7 presents me with only a slight conundrum. On the one hand, it is a good, gentle, agarwood fragrance by today’s standards, but it isn’t an amazing fragrance as many in the echo chamber would have you believe. M7 has achieved its legendary status because it was a first, not because it is amazing. And with that, it probably hasn’t aged particularly well. Why would you chase after a very expensive and dubious bottle of this on the aftermarket when we are already saturated with agarwoods/ouds that will give you what you're looking for? So, then, comes the question of whether or not a perfume acquires points because it was a “first to do something”, even if that something wasn’t amazing from technical or experiential standpoints, and it hasn’t particularly aged well? I believe that it does. John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, and the Yardbirds, won’t be heard on the radio today, but they were pioneers and we (likely) wouldn’t have Peter Green, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, or Jeff Beck without them. Pioneers should definitely get props even if they don't have much relevance today. M7 belongs in your collection if you are a perfume historian of sorts, and that’s it. Otherwise, give it a smell if it comes across your path so that you can say you have smelled it; if you’re like me and lucky enough to have acquired a bottle way back when, you can sell it to cover a mortgage payment, or rarely wear it as a polite, office friendly agarwood scent; or, finally, chase after it if you have more money than sense or time to go looking for any of the other in-production alternatives. Solid perfume, but more hype than substance.

هذه المراجعة للاصدار الأصلي بالعبوة أعلاه و هو يختلف قليلا عن اصدار أود أبسوليو عطر ام 7 هو عطر عود بطابع غربي، خفيف و دخاني و مختلط بنوتات خشبية مع لمسة عنبربة مسكية، توظيف العود هنا شبيه بعمل توم فورد اللاحق و الأكثر شهرة عطر Oud Wood يبدأ العطر برائحة كثيفة تبدو مثل رائحة أشربة السعال أو كعصير مركز ثم يظهر العود بالطابع الغربي الخشبي الدخاني و يستمر حتى نهاية العطر مع لمسة سويتية من العنبر عطر يناسب الاستعمال الليلي في ليالي الشتاء و الخريف الباردة الثبات فوق الممتاز و يدوم لحوالي 12 ساعة و الفوحان جيد في اول ساعة ثم يقل تدريجيا و هو شيء متوقع من عبوة عمرها فوق ال 23 سنة التقييم 4.5/5

Recently, I stumbled across a 40/50ml bottle of M7 from 2002. A Smoky slightly sweet woody amber. Pretty simple but sometimes less is more. Will probably get the latest version and make a comparison, as too many people say how they have butchered this one and with how simple this scent is, maybe it's just looking at it with rose tinted glasses from the past. Also, anyone looking into the hype of this fragrance, please don't buy it at the ridiculous scalper prices (I didn't). You will most definitely be disappointed as this will not blow your mind in relation to the cost and hype. EDIT: Just received the latest clear cube bottle. The OG is slightly darker and sweeter. You could describe it as a smoky syrupy cherry cola, whereas the clear cube is very similar, just earthier (could be more patchouli) with a little less depth and sweetness. Overall, it's pretty decent and I would say the OG is better overall, but not enough to justify the price difference (You can buy around 400ml of the latest stuff at the same price as a 100ml vintage).

So Underrated. Everyone should have this in their collection. The best bang for your buck. I’m glad I finally got to try it

M7 marks a pivotal moment in the designer landscape, representing one of the earliest mainstream attempts to center a fragrance around oud. Released in 2002 under the banner of Yves Saint Laurent, it arrived at a time when oud was largely confined to niche houses and Middle Eastern perfumery, making its bold woody-resinous core feel almost rebellious in a designer context. Rather than chasing freshness or sweetness, M7 leans into warmth, dryness, and unapologetic depth, pairing bright aromatics with a dark, resinous heart. It has since earned a reputation as a cult classic, often cited as a turning point that helped usher oud into Western perfumery. Let’s step into the wearing experience and see whether M7 still feels as groundbreaking today, or simply like the blueprint that others have refined. Opening: The opening is woody, balsamic, and aromatic. The primary notes I get are oud, amber, vetiver, and rosemary, with oud and amber immediately commanding attention. The oud sets the tone with an intensely dark and woody accord, underscored by a distinctly earthy, almost soil-like nuance. It carries a subtle animalic undertone that adds depth and masculinity without veering into barnyard territory, giving the fragrance an unapologetic richness right from the start. Amber joins closely, presenting as warm, smooth, and softly resinous, casting a gentle glow beneath the darker woods. It is not sticky or overly sweet, but rather balsamic and radiant, adding dimension while remaining restrained. Vetiver reinforces the woody backbone with a dry, slightly smoky texture that feels rugged and grounded rather than grassy or bright. It introduces a faint bitterness that keeps the composition serious and structured. Lastly, rosemary rounds out the opening with a sharp, aromatic lift, slightly camphoraceous and herbal, adding clarity and definition without introducing citrus freshness. Together, these notes create a bold, confident opening that feels both assertive and refined. Dry Down: The dry down is woody, balsamic, and powdery. The primary notes I get are oud, amber, musk, and vetiver, with oud and amber remaining central to the composition. As it settles, the oud mellows considerably from its darker, more earthy introduction. It retains its woody character, but becomes smoother and less animalic, shifting toward a more polished, Western interpretation reminiscent of the style found in Tom Ford’s Oud Wood. Amber grows slightly richer and more prominent in this stage, deepening into a warmer, sweeter balsamic presence that adds body and cohesion. Musk emerges as a clean, powdery layer beneath the woods, introducing a soft, skin-like warmth that smooths the sharper edges of the woods. The powderiness is subtle and refined rather than dusty, giving the base a more wearable, gently cosmetic texture. Finally, vetiver lingers faintly in the background, offering quiet whispers of smoky woodiness that help maintain structure without drawing focus. The overall effect is a transition from bold and earthy to smoother, warmer, and more approachable. Performance: In the first hour, projection is very strong and capable of filling a room, immediately announcing its presence. Sillage follows with a dense, noticeable trail that reinforces its bold character. After a few hours, projection softens slightly but still about 6 feet, with the trail remaining clearly perceptible. By the seven to eight hour mark, projection settles much closer to the skin, noticeable primarily within arm’s length, and the scent trail becomes faint. It transitions into a skin scent around that same time. Taken as a whole, M7 offers strong early projection with respectable longevity, maintaining presence before gradually softening into a more intimate wear. When to Wear: M7 is best suited for fall and winter, where its dark woods and balsamic warmth feel most natural. Its rich oud and amber core make it an excellent option for special occasions such as date nights, formal events, or any setting where a more refined and commanding presence is appropriate. There is a mature sophistication to it that allows it to dress up effortlessly, pairing well with tailored clothing and cooler air. That said, its depth and character make it less adaptable for casual daytime settings, where it may feel overly serious, and it would not be my first choice for office wear due to its boldness. M7 works best when worn intentionally, in moments that call for confidence and a darker, more composed aura. Blind Buy: M7 is not what I would consider a safe blind buy. While it represents a more approachable, Western interpretation of oud, the note still carries an earthy depth and subtle animalic nuance that may catch some off guard, particularly in the opening. It does not lean sweet or overly polished from the start, and that darker, soil-like character could feel intimidating to those who are unfamiliar with oud-based fragrances. At the same time, it never becomes harsh or abrasive, which places it in an interesting middle ground between daring and wearable. Because of that balance, sampling is strongly recommended. Spending time with it on skin will quickly reveal whether its bold woody core feels sophisticated and compelling, or simply too assertive for your personal taste. Final Verdict: M7 genuinely surprised me. The opening delivers a bold, earthy oud that feels daring for a designer release, especially from YSL, and paired with the amber it creates a rich, sophisticated impression that feels undeniably luxurious. As it transitions, it softens into a smoother, more Westernized oud profile reminiscent of Oud Wood, though it retains enough balsamic depth from the amber to avoid feeling redundant. Performance also outpaces Oud Wood by a noticeable margin, adding to its appeal. There is a distinct vintage character to M7, yet it still feels contemporary enough to hold its own today. I thoroughly enjoyed wearing it, and while it may not be an everyday reach, I can absolutely see myself picking up a vintage bottle if the opportunity presents itself. Scent: 10/10 Longevity: 7/10 Sillage: 7/10 Versatility: Average Compliment Factor: Average Gender: Masculine Value: Fair

The original M7…Nothing can compare or compete… endless notes that are not shown here, yet all blended to perfection. Masculine. Yet sweet. Deep. Intoxicating. The total opposite of something flat and hollow. Blind bought this at the time as the advertisement was… phwoar… (look up the original, uncensored print ad) and the bottle dark, intense. That frosted brown glass, obscuring what’s inside, beckoning you to find out what lay beyond… On first spray you instantly know this is special, it’s quite shocking just how good it is. You’re hit with disbelief at what exactly you have come across. Then you’re taken on a journey through the cascade of notes. It is an actually symphony, building upon itself. The more it develops the more it reveals, yet it remains mysterious and sensual. Not linear but smooth perfection. It feels like you’re soaring yet you’re falling deeper. Projects strongly, long lasting. It did something to my brain, like a key into a lock. Imprinted, unforgettable. I feel privileged having experienced the original M7. Encompasses everything a men’s scent should have, nothing is missing. Exquisite. The holy grail of men’s fragrance. ♥️🔥🤎🖤🫦💯👏👑

the fragrance is so amazing, a master piece, quality-wise? The frag deserve higher price

A masterpiece. Shaikh aura. (Arab Tribal Chief Aura). (La Collection M7 Oud Absolu) is great, but the OG M7 2002 is greater and like no other perfumes.

In very simple word it was beast. I got lot of compliments even from male friends.

Ambery, dry woody oud, musk, and a distant bergamot smell. Quality is fair for the price you can find a bottle at. If you don't own a musky amber/oud fragrance this one is worth a try. Not sure if this one is full bottle worthy for me, but I haven't smelled much like this, and I would be open to always keeping a decant of this

There's nothing happy about this cologne. I enjoy fragrances that make me happy. Much more pleasant in the drydown (vintage version). Extremely masculine. I'm in my 60's, and even I feel this has too much of an old man feel to it.

Bold enough to catch one's attention while also subtle enough to avoid being seen as vulgar by any means. It definitely leaves to the imagination. Classy and sublime

A "grungy" take on the Third Man/Caron idea (vintage formulation of M7).

Starts off kind of like a pedestrian, old school cologne. Nothing too exciting. However, it evolves over time and ultimately morphs into something quite pleasant. Compared to a lot of contemporary releases, this one is relatively mature.

@EauMyGoodnessMe After 9y when the 1st time it launched in 2002 :)

Which year did this change from the red bottle to the current square roja style one?

For me at least there's something very unique about this fragrance, very hard to describe. The only fragrance that this reminds me of is regio. It's definitely a love for me.

Very forgettable scent ughhh!! it opens with a harsh, almost burnt woody note that lingers in a way that's more smoky than seductive. It honestly smells like over-charred firewood. Not sure how to describe it exactly, but it’s definitely not pleasant or memorable in a good way.

Yes, this one has Oud, more unrestrained than Oud Wood — the latter is more like a mist, while this one speaks out loud. Compared to the somewhat similar Encre Noir Extreme, the Extreme version is much more leathery; M7 seems to have leather too, but of a different kind and less of it. This is a smooth yet distinct scent. You could say it’s like Oud Wood Extreme or Encre Noir Extreme if they hadn’t gone so heavily into the leather. One might even call it Encre Noir Absolute… I see Morillas made it, with Ford probably supervising. This scent is more in-your-face than La Nuit EDP. However, it lacks the scratchy note and has an Oud sweetness that torments you—but for me, this note isn’t bad or uncomfortable, as it reminds me of the pioneer spirit and camps. So I could wear an Oud that is well wrapped—not "for a girl" like Oud Wood (which is akin to Ombre Leather, the "leathery girl")—but more in the direction of M7. I perceive M7 as a full-bodied Oud Wood, which unnecessarily hides behind a fresh stream (which gives it a certain, almost bridal character), but it lacks the idea of how to become a strong, challenging scent. I probably need to try Oud scents considered the most controversial or simply the best (M7…, Oud for Greatness, or something like that). ⸻ Over time, I say it doesn’t come close to Oud Wood in any way; it’s its old, unfinished version.

I can't speak for the older formulation, but the newer formulation is very forgettable. Like a ghost of it's former self.

My two favorite perfumers designed this!!! I gotta try it! I knew about the history of Tom Ford and everything, but I didn't know that Alberto Morillas and Jacques Cavallier designed this!!!

This is the first (2002) of the wave of popular synthetic “oud” fragrances that we’re still in today. Masculinity in perfume these days means woody, smoky, amber-y dark Orientals, often with an oud note (or a perfunctory allusion to oud). And M7 was the one that started it all. It’s surprisingly sweet! Ambery, ominous, and almost boozy. there’s a richly fruity aspect to some of the amber facets. It’s not very “oud”-y, to my surprise, though. Smoky, but none of the funky or medicinal notes of real oud or even a lot of synthetics! It’s less distinctively oud-y than Tom Ford Oud Wood, for instance, which I’ve heard is 100% synthetic. As an example of the “dark smoky amber masculine” genre, it’s pretty darn good. It’s smooth, radiant, and easygoing. And – amazingly – it doesn’t have the ugly blaring woody-ambers that you see in basically every newer fragrance of this genre. The drydown is just woodsy smoke and a little musky fuzz. It lands gracefully.

Really miss this one. I don't get any medical notes here. Just a unique fragrance. Really miss it

YSL's M7 is a groundbreaking and seductive fragrance that redefined modern oud in Western perfumery. Opening with a rich, slightly medicinal burst of mandarin and rosemary, it quickly unveils its star note—dark, resinous oud—blended seamlessly with warm amber and smoky vetiver. The composition is deep, woody, and slightly sweet, with a smooth, almost syrupy texture that feels both bold and luxurious. Though later reformulations softened its impact, the original M7 remains a daring and sensual masterpiece, embodying raw masculinity with a sophisticated, avant-garde edge.