Estee Lauder • Youth Dew • Fragrances

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*TOP REVIEWER* Olfactoria on 5/9/2013 9:37:00 AM more reviews by Olfactoria

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

An undeniable five lippies from me-- not because this is the most overtly pretty or wearable fragrance in my lineup, but because it is powerful, distinctive, at times contentious and hard to pull off, and at other times simply gorgeous. I have worn this fragrance longer than any of my others; it has held my interest as would a very challenging but mind-blowing philosophy text. Sometimes a sniff from the bottle is all I can handle, but when I am in a Youth-Dew mood, nothing else will suffice.


I own the bath oil and the EDP in the opaque blue bottle (which, per many fragrance bloggers, is a reformulation for the better, and I agree). I like both, but find the EDP actually more wearable in warm weather, as it amps up the citrus-cola top notes. The soap used to be sold separately, and was a divinely spicy-cool bathing experience; now you can only get it in gift sets and it isn't as heavenly as before.

YD is a fascinating beast. It is glamorous and sophisticated, with its resinous balsamic base anchoring deep, plush roses and lilies. It is also earthy and incense-like with a clean, loamy patchouli finish. It melds with my chemistry in a way that more modern, synthetic-laden fragrances don't, making it feel like a part of my personality. Others enjoy smelling it on me, but it is most definitely a try-on-for-a-day-before-buying scent, as some people's skin really brings out the funky indole notes and YD crashes into gaseous failure.


Easily the most magnificently signature-worthy of my fragrances... But I can't wear it every day. A certain level of confidence and self-possession is required to pull it off. In working on having more of that :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* Kysyona on 4/3/2013 12:25:00 PM more reviews by Kysyona

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This is good on dry cold surfaces. Moisture, oil and temperature turns it into a chicken curry takeaway! where the actual youth dew is supposed to be found - i cannot fathom, unless it means being spiced up, baked, put into the ground and be reborn from the ashes! The comment about the tulip bulbs in the soil is spot-on, and I mean it in a good way: there's everything one could take from the earth in this fragrance - all the spices and elements that have ever been harvested and mined. It is bountiful, awakening and energizing, but for me this turns into plain curry halfway through the drydown. I am still convinced that it takes a special skin chemistry to pull this one off and I am absolutely sure that on the right skin it can be gorgeous: give it a try, on the skin - not on the clothes or paper! I will use my sample on the pillows and duvets before putting the bed linen on and see what happens! I give it 3 lippies for originality of composition: you just don't forget easily something like that!
Update: nope, doesn't work on fabric: it is only barely there, 0 sillage, maybe 0,1 if I press both nostrils flat and deep into the pillow case. ah well...
Assotiated city: Bombay
Associated persona: Ghandi!!

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Seemi on 3/25/2013 8:26:00 PM more reviews by Seemi

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

i know fragrance is subjective and what one person may love another may hate. I feel Youth Dew is a wonderful full bodied warm heady concoction it makes me feel all warm and snuggly each time i catch a whiff throughout the day. I must add it is powerful stuff and must be worn cautiously and not to douse oneself in it as that will cause many to duck and dodge you. All in all Estee Lauder knew her stuff and I for one am hooked on YD i will always wear this magnificent scent no matter what.

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MaggyB on 1/29/2013 2:56:00 PM more reviews by MaggyB

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

Someone I know had an overbearing teacher who wore this. The students called it "the scent of fear" because they could smell her coming down the hall lol! I think it may be ok if used sparingly and not "layered" like lasagna. Perfume is such a personal thing that I don't think people in the next zip code should be able to smell it. I like perfume but this stuff makes me gag.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ningurl on 1/29/2013 8:28:00 AM more reviews by ningurl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This is the ipidemy of old lady stench. I sold fragrance for years and not one single man said he enjoyed it. Only rich little old ladies with fur coats would purchase this. When you're trapped in a small space with some old woman, and you can't figure out what that smell is, it smells musty and sophisticated, yet sucks all the air out of your lungs, you can bet its Youth Dew.

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svprior on 1/29/2013 8:20:00 AM more reviews by svprior

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

Men love this perfume - and luckily I love it too! :-D I totally disagree with the reviewer above. I'm not a little old lady nor do I own a fur coat. Youth Dew is complex and full bodied, with delicious coca cola notes. It is strong - but it changes character through the day and dries down to a lovely powdery warm scent. Best way to apply, is spray into the air and walk through it - needs only a light application.

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*TOP REVIEWER* TerracottaSun on 1/20/2013 6:03:00 PM more reviews by TerracottaSun

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I understand perfume preferences is a personal choice but how anyone could possibly like this great-grandma smelling stinch is mind blowing. This has got to be the most wicked, offensive, rancid smelling scent in the market. My friends' 80 yr old mother told me that's all she's ever worn, I couldn't get myself to buy it for her for Christmas, I just couldn't do it so I bought Versace Bright Crystal instead just to enlighten her on what nice perfume should smell like. This perfume takes the word "gross" to a whole new level. Granted, everyones' sense of smell may vary but damn!...........how is it possible you find this appealing? How?

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MimiMonstermash on 11/30/2012 3:14:00 PM more reviews by MimiMonstermash

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

WHAT THE HELL ARE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT!! This is such a beautiful, complex, and magical perfume at an OK price. I am in love<3! I am a young 19 year old, and i do not think this perfume smells like dead people. I was hoping so much that it wouldn't smell as BAD as people said it would! I was so scared, but this.. this is pure classiness! I am a lover of complex fragrances such as Chanel No. 5, Lolita Lempicka, Tabu, Shalimar, Chanel "Coco" (the first one, not the Coco Mademoiselle), Opium, Hypnotic Poison, Poison, and so much more. THIS perfume, deserves just as much credibility as those other perfumes that i mentioned.
I bought the bath oil (which i recommend more because its a higher concentration meaning you can just apply a tiny finger bad and it will smell as if you sprayed one or two times), and its amazing!! THAT IS ALL YOU NEED, ONE SMALL DAB on either your neck, back of knees, your wrist, or in between your breast and THATS IT!

This perfume smells of patchouli, amber, jasmine, orange, cinnamon, cloves, tabacco, woodiness, ( i get a bit of civet smell), musk, (some aldehydes). I just applied it 20 mins ago so im sure the smell will change to its different notes. BUT THIS PERFUME IS GREAT!

For people that say this is an "old lady perfume", i like do disagree a bit with the wording. Older type of fragrance from a different time, YES. Only old ladies wear this perfume, NO. I wear Tabu, a perfume that smells just a bit similar to this and i have gotten compliments from many males my age, my fathers age, and my grandfathers age. So there is no logic in saying men will dislike this. I am sure those "old ladies" are still getting hit on by those old gentlemen!

I guess now a days, the fragrance companies have changed due to the 90's gourmand movement, creating an audience that likes fruity, candy, sweet smells. Sadly, in my opinion, people now are so used to having people smell so simple, so... ONE note. This perfume is for people who are NOT AFRAID of having a complex smell and sultriness.

I can see this as a unisex perfume because it does have a sort of hippie incense bit to it. I once met a black man who has some hippie musky fragrance on, and let me tell you, HE SMELLED FREAKIN' GREAT!

I do see my mother and grandmother wearing this. My mother (who is 41 years old) says it smells great, and my father who is 42 also agrees. I dont consider them old folk.. i dont know anyone in their young 40's to be old..

Instantly, i get the image of a seductive, spicy, witty, smart, sexy, beautiful woman walking down with lovely hair, red beautiful lips and long eyelashes wearing this. If someone were to make love to someone wearing this, IT WOULD BE A LOVELY smell.

anywho.. i think i have written so much.. so let me just get down to the nitty gritty.


I AM a NINETEEN YEAR OLD YOUNG WOMAN who WEARS "Youth Dew", and gets compliments on THIS PERFUME by many people!

So if you want to smell like the above stated, wear this!

Expand your fragrance experience to complexed smells, soon enough, you will not go back!

PS. I do admit, "Youth Dew" is not a good name for this.. It needs a darker, velvet, mysterious name. "Youth Dew" doesnt give it justice.

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*TOP REVIEWER* pinknika on 11/24/2012 1:21:00 AM more reviews by pinknika

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

WHAT THE @&$?!. ?? THIS is "youth dew"? Ummm I think there's some kind of mistake. Like my other review for Cinnabar, I cannot find out why anyone appreciates this scent. It's just so stuffy, and old, and crotchety. No offense but why do these scents appeal to old women? Is it because they are so old they can't detect how bad they smell? Their sense of smell diminishes when you get older?? Is that what's gonna happen to me when I get that age? Good freakin grief. The good news is my mom agreed, she was grossed out too and this lady is in her early 50's who loves Bulgari, Donna Karan, Chanel, Givenchy...Anyhoo!!! I'm just shocked. I don't get it, and maybe I have to be 80 years old to understand. Bleh.

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tyekristopher on 11/5/2012 5:22:00 PM more reviews by tyekristopher

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Oh youth dew... The name alone doesn't appeal to me... the girls at estee lauder counter spray themselves down with this and I'm not talking two sprays either I'm talking like standing under a waterfall in youth dew... YUCK it is so strong and cloying... Nothing about this gets me excited... nothing youthful about it at all.... I always hold my breath when I go by the counter...

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*TOP REVIEWER* blooiejagwa on 10/17/2012 6:57:00 PM more reviews by blooiejagwa

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I LOVE this fragrance. It's so comforting, spicy, wonderful. It smells "old world" if you know what I mean, with that richness, darkness and depth to it. I can't pull it off unfortunately, and I will probably never wear it in public, but I need one bottle around for the comfort aspect. I don't know anybody who wears it. I just find it so snuggly, cozy, warm, evocative, and lovely.Absolutely wonderful. Ladies who can pull this off and wear it daily, high five, you smell gorgeous. All the people who love this, please don't bother being defensive in your reviews, you have great taste. Don't feel you have to justify it to those who don't get it. It's a beautiful perfume, and if someone doesn't get it at first "sniff", they won't get it no matter what.

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BeautBetty on 10/1/2012 2:30:00 PM more reviews by BeautBetty

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I also hate when people spray this very strong formula on; you need to be close to the air conditioner!. But I wouldn't want EL to come up with a fresher one to sell to the younger crowd.

BUT, the oil is amazing. I bought mine at an estate sale. Use dab behind ears, elbows and the wrists

All fragances like this will smell strong-similar to Opium or Calix, Carolina Herrera

I read somewhere that Estee Lauder would spray a fragance into the room and then walk through it. Whether she did or not, I think it would definitely work for this

Just keep it light. Use a cotton ball to spray and then put on. Again! it is not Bath and Body Works stuff, which some I adore, they are gone by the time you leave the house

more for a special evening, a "don't forget me date" essence. NOT for work.

and more likely will appear to older and not younger ladies-but there's a fragance out there for those and everyone in between

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*TOP REVIEWER* glowing500 on 10/1/2012 1:30:00 PM more reviews by glowing500

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I've never bought this.



Would I EVER buy this? Oh...HELLZ...NO!



This stuff smells like old-lady-in-a-bottle. What are they talking about..."Youth Dew"? Just call it "OLD LADY FUNK" and call it a day!




Whenever I am unfortunate enough to catch a whiff of this, I think of bent, stooped old ladies sitting around the retirement home. It smells like old fashioned hair powder (whatever that smells like) and just general "oldness"...ha...ha...WHATEVER THAT SMELLS LIKE. I guess I have never smelled "oldness" but I have come pretty dayam close when smelling Youth Dew.




Years ago I worked a Clinique counter across from the Estee Lauder counter. Little old ladies used to love to come in and douse themselves with this rank smelling concoction. Ugh...I would get dizzy from the fumes.



I just can't shake the "old ladies love Youth Dew" equation in my mind. Forever and ever, until the day I meet my maker, I will associate the scent of Youth Dew with people aged 80-plus. My grandma used to love this stuff. It lingered on her clothes, in her bedroom on ME when she bent to hug me when I was a kid. UGH! That horrid smell used to get on MY clothes too!



My mom insisted on replenishing Grandma-ma's stash every Christmas and on her birthday. "Can't we buy Grams something else" we kids would whine...like how about something that does not smell like it died two weeks ago! "Now kids, you know how much Grams looooves her Youth Dew...don't be so selfish...this is for Grams....NOT FOR YOU....you little turds"!



Errr...riiight...like couldn't we just tell Grams that they stopped making this shiat years ago????

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Pyrettablazed on 9/12/2012 2:26:00 AM more reviews by Pyrettablazed

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Strong as can be, not for everyone out there. MUST work with your body chemistry!! Must be 100% committed to wearing:)

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*TOP REVIEWER* ceen on 5/3/2012 4:39:00 PM more reviews by ceen

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Potent, 'full on' stuff: definitely not one for the faint-hearted or those of a delicate disposition. Offensive.

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LilEdie on 4/10/2012 2:13:00 PM more reviews by LilEdie

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I adore Youth Dew. When my mom would go out when I was younger, she used to spray some behind her knees & then get ready to leave & between the spray behind the knees (which I thought was such a sexy place to spray perfume) & the earthy, sexy smell of the Youth Dew, I just thought THIS is what it means to be a beautiful, sexy woman.

She stopped wearing it for a while until I found an old bottle of it in her bathroom & tried it out for myself. The smell is not for everyone. With so many perfumes being so light, fruity, & citrusy now, I can see why people aren't used to such a musky or "heavy" kind of perfume. I like it though b/c it takes a certain kind of woman to wear it. You have to kind of EARN the right to be the kind of woman who can pull off Youth Dew but, like it or not, it's sexy as hell.

It's a vintage kind of perfume so you have to be ready for that if you're going to try it. I like it but it's like I would never wear Chanel No. 5 because I think it's WAY too strong, but it's the classic perfume of all time so what do I know? Perfumes were just different back in the day.

I have half a bottle left but am disappointed to have read that Estee changed the formulation so now it doesn't smell the same so it's like the end of an era which (no pun intedned) stinks!

Also, if you have the old formulation (or with any vintage perfume), spray it into the air & walk through the mist b/c if you spray it directly on your skin it WILL be way too strong. Worth a shot if you can find an old bottle somewhere.

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*TOP REVIEWER* cocorocha on 3/23/2012 10:35:00 AM more reviews by cocorocha

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Youth Dew is a very,very well blended concoction od oriental/animalistic/leathery/sweet components that really isn't for everyone....
first of all don't EVER SPRITZ YD ON YOUR HAND AND PUT THAT HAND CLOSE TO SOMEONE ELSE'S NOSE ASKING - ''WELL HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS?''...it is not a perfume to dig your nose into, after a first spritz....because it smells like sweetened sh.t mixed with animal sweat and stale fruit...by God that's what it smells like to that someone you forse your wrist upon...
this is a scent that needs time...and alot of it...it starts to smell right after couple of hours when top notes evaporate and get one with your skin (or unfortunatelly for many people-not)...
starts off with a distinctive sweet cola smell followed by civet, vanilla and unbearable musky scent ...but wait.....after a half an hour smell it again....and after an hour or so-again...
you can smell the most exquisite powdery and magical scent that is almost mythic in the presence...YD will be noticed by everyone, but only a few will be able to differenciate a scent that turned them off after the initial spritz...it's an ancient brew of the most gorgeous resins, balms and sweet patchouly,heavy on sillage and with powdery, rich and veeeery sexy drydown..
it is ''an old fashioned'' smell, fine damsels won't probably see the overall beauty in it and that is causin so much controversy surrounding this particular scent....
for me- YD is magical, unique and scent that is exclusively a ''signature scent'' type of perfume...it is not the one you put just so, in occasions that demand something carefree and light...it is a nightime, bedtime smell, prior to sensual sex -smell, alone in the house and chilling-smell, and grand dame-smell...(requires as much time as f.e. Black Orchid.....also from Mr. Ford, damn him:DD)
it's a must try, and be sure to put it on at least a half an hour before you leave your house....
just like with A.Elixir, you have to have the nose, soul and guts for it..
other than that- a freakin masterpiece...
and, o yeah- I really dont give a rats ass whether someone in my presence likes it or not....but no one said-omg, you smell bad...au contraire, people said I smelled so good they could devour me....
what can I say...that's the animal in me....

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Neopatra on 2/20/2012 12:10:00 AM more reviews by Neopatra

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I like the cologne okay, but to really experience this fragrance the way the original designer intended it, get the bath oil and wear it as a perfume oil. The elements all come together much more smoothly and it is elegant-- voluptuous and lasting, without being overwhelming.

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watsonsmummy on 2/19/2012 6:53:00 PM more reviews by watsonsmummy

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

In a word, tenacious.

I encountered Youth Dew at the CCO in its adorable blue bottle with retro brown lettering, 1.8 oz for $24. I tried a spritz and walked around for an hour or so. A really nifty scent I could only describe as cola kept wafting to my nose. I decided to buy it if only for the bottle and to add another classic to my collection.

When I got home I spritzed once on my wrist and settled in to enjoy it. I checked the Turin & Sanchez perfume guide and was amused to see that Sanchez described it as an "animalic cola". I detected a very spicy, earthy rose. It actually reminded me of the Bathed & Infused perfume "Funeral".

Then something unfortunate happened. I discovered that Youth Dew has a powerful vertiver base note. Vetiver grabs my skin and won't let go. I hate it. Of course, it would not wash off and even the next morning that evil vetiver clung to my wrist.

I give Youth Dew props for being brazen, interesting, and for the bottle. Absent the vetiver I would wear it sparingly and occasionally. This is the second fragrance I have tried that I would not wear to work (the first being Carnal Flower).

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*TOP REVIEWER* Plinko on 2/17/2012 8:12:00 AM more reviews by Plinko

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Skin chemistry is fascinating. Fragrance SA's always try to steer me to light, fresh, sweet, floral or citrus scents. I'm a willowy blond, and I guess I don't look like the type that can pull off a bodacious fragrance. However, on my skin, paler scents disappear and are almost pointless. It is the full-bodied, voluptuous scents that really bloom on me. This particular blend of balsam and spice works beautifully with my chemistry. Like most Lauder fragrances, it is a silage power house, and just a dab will do.

I would never characterize this as an "old lady" fragrance. I've never understood that description. My grandmother is 93, and she smells fantastic. I know some sixteen -year- olds I wouldn't want to be stuck in an elevator with. At any rate, Youth Dew is a very puzzling name to me. When I think "dew", I think fresh. I think of freshly picked bouquets. Youth Dew does not conjure freshly picked anything, but rather ancient spices that have simmered and brewed. I'll let someone else have the sweet. I'll take the spice, thank you.

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