
Youth Dew by Estée Lauder is a women's fragrance first launched in 1952 or 1953. It was initially marketed as a perfumed bath oil, but soon women began wearing it as a daily perfume. Youth Dew has been described as having top notes of orange, spice, and florals, heart notes of clove, rose, and cinnamon, and base notes of amber, vanilla, and patchouli. The scent has been called bold and heavy and not for the faint of heart. Reviews are mixed, with some finding it repulsive and others saying it's phenomenal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Overall scent | Sweet, amber/vanilla heaviness, mossy/spicy/bitter herbaceousness, balsamic, oriental, floral, powdery, spicy, warm, leathery, syrupy, bold, heavy, strong, sweet, woody, brown |
| Top notes | Citrus, aldehydes, orange, spice, bergamot, peach |
| Heart notes | Clove, rose, ylang-ylang, cinnamon, cassie, jasmine, orchid |
| Base notes | Amber, tolu, patchouli, olibanum, oakmoss, Peru balsam, benzoin, vanilla |
| Other notes | Vetiver, musk, jonquil, carnation |
| Longevity | Long-lasting, lingers well into the next day |
| Seasonality | More suitable for winter, to be worn sparingly in summer |
| Bottle design | Blue, lovely, classy, classic, larger than expected |
| Value | Good value for money, worth the price, amazing quality |
| Size | Perfect for everyday use |
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What You'll Learn

Youth Dew's notes and scent
Youth Dew by Estée Lauder is a complex, oriental fragrance with a unique, evocative scent. The perfume has been described as having a "baby-powdery" scent, reminiscent of "Impulse Incense". It is a heavy, syrupy fragrance with a bold, spicy, warm balsamic scent.
The opening notes of Youth Dew are a blend of citrus and aldehydes, with top notes of orange, spice, bergamot, peach and aldehydes. This soon gives way to a heart of voluptuous, rich spices, including cinnamon, cloves and a touch of incense, intertwined with opulent florals such as rose, jonquil, ylang-ylang, jasmine and orchid. The scent then develops in layers, with base notes of balsamic, patchouli, vetiver, amber, musk, vanilla, tolu, olibanum, oakmoss, peru balsam and benzoin.
Youth Dew has been described as having a "brown" scent, reminiscent of the 1970s with notes of patchouli and old bookshops. It is a unique, glamorous and nostalgic fragrance, with a mysterious, old-world feel. The perfume has been called one of the sexiest fragrances ever created, with a sensual and timeless appeal.
The scent is long-lasting and lingers well into the next day. It is a bold, heavy fragrance, best suited to the winter months and sparing use in the summer. Youth Dew is an affordable, timeless scent that evokes a sense of luxury and glamour.
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$42

Customer reviews and opinions
Other customers describe Youth Dew as spicy, animalic, and a bit like Coca Cola. One customer notes that the perfume contains clove, orange, and vanilla notes, which may contribute to the Coke-like smell. Another customer mentions additional notes of candied mandarins, mink fur, body sweat, incense, and jasmine.
Some customers have emotional connections to the perfume, either positive or negative. One customer mentions that Youth Dew was their grandmother's favourite perfume, while another says it reminds them of an awful human they knew.
Overall, customers seem to have mixed opinions about Youth Dew. While some appreciate its unique scent and emotional associations, others find it too heavy or reminiscent of unpleasant memories.
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Youth Dew's history and inspiration
Youth Dew by Estée Lauder was first introduced in 1952 as a scented bath oil that doubled as a perfume. It was created as an affordable fragrance that women could buy for themselves, rather than relying on men to buy perfume for them as a special gift. The founder, Estée Lauder, wanted to change the perception that perfume was only for special occasions.
The fragrance is rich and complex, with top notes of orange, spice, bergamot, peach, aldehydes, and lavender; heart notes of clove, rose, ylang-ylang, cinnamon, jasmine, and orchid; and base notes of amber, patchouli, vanilla, musk, and other scents. It has been described as spicy, warm, balsamic, oriental, sweet, and heavy.
Youth Dew has been called one of the sexiest fragrances ever created and continues to entice with its sensual, yet timeless appeal. It has a strong presence and longevity, making it an iconic choice for those who appreciate bold and assertive fragrances. The perfume has a vintage vibe and has been compared to the scent of old bookshops, church incense, and glamorous grandmas.
The success of Youth Dew lies in its unique positioning and affordability. It encouraged women to buy perfume for themselves and to wear it every day, rather than reserving it only for special occasions. The fragrance has a rich heritage and has been worn by generations of women, becoming one of the iconic American Legend perfumes.
Youth Dew has left its mark in popular culture as well. It is said that Joan Crawford met her husband while dancing, wearing Youth Dew brushed in her hair. The scent captivated him, and he claimed, "I can't stop dancing with you. You smell so amazing!".
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Similar perfumes
Youth-Dew by Estée Lauder is a rich, deep, warm, enveloping, and dramatic fragrance. It is a bold, intense, and unforgettable scent. Youth-Dew is neither youthful nor dewey, but it has a lot of characters and a vintage vibe. The perfume is spice-rich, ambery, and woody, with top notes of aldehydes, orange, spicy notes, peach, narcissus, and lavender; heart notes of cinnamon, clove, cassis, ylang-ylang, rose, sandalwood, orchid, and lily of the valley; and base notes of tolu balsam, Peru balsam, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, incense, and vanilla.
- Yves Saint Laurent Opium: This fragrance has a similar spice-rich, ambery, and woody character as Youth-Dew, with a vanilla sweetness.
- Chanel Coco: This perfume has a graceful and sophisticated character, with a mossy-green bouquet and a warm, classic melody of florals.
- Guerlain Samsara: Samsara has a similar spice-rich, ambery, and woody character as Youth-Dew.
- Dior Poison: This fragrance is a classic and polarizing scent, heavy and intense, with a retro charm.
- Clinique Aromatics Elixir: Aromatics Elixir is another classic and polarizing fragrance, with a retro feel.
- Mugler Angel: This perfume has a similar retro charm to Youth-Dew but is a more modern fragrance.
- Chanel No. 5: While not as similar as the other fragrances listed, Chanel No. 5 has an old-fashioned character with aldehydes that are fatty but not as intense as Youth-Dew.
- Nicolai Eau d'Été: This fragrance is similar to Youth-Dew's Coca-Cola-like scent, with notes of citrus, cinnamon, and benzoin.
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Differences between old and new Youth Dew
Youth Dew by Estée Lauder is a women's fragrance that was first introduced in 1953. Over the years, the scent has undergone some changes, and there are notable differences between the old and new versions.
The original Youth Dew contained real clove oil and oakmoss, giving it a rich, dense, and long-lasting scent. In comparison, the new formula is said to be thinner, flatter, and less deep, with a more synthetic chemical composition. It is also described as being less spicy and less strong, with a lighter colour. Some people have expressed disappointment with the new formula, claiming that it doesn't last as long and doesn't smell the same as the original.
One of the distinctive features of the original Youth Dew was its cloying, powdery scent, which could be detected even with a tiny spray. The new formula, however, is said to be less long-lasting, with a weaker scent that fades quickly and requires reapplication throughout the day.
The original Youth Dew was known for its dark colour and strong, spicy notes. The new version is paler and less spicy, with a more subtle scent. Some people have described the new Youth Dew as having a more musty spicy smell, with less prominent floral notes.
Despite the changes, some people still appreciate the new Youth Dew. One person described it as a fantastic "facelift" on a classic scent, and another commented that it is reasonably close to the original scent, although slightly more musky.
In conclusion, while both the vintage and reformulated Youth Dew have their admirers, there are noticeable differences between the old and new versions. The original Youth Dew is characterised by its rich, dense, and long-lasting scent, while the new formula is thinner, lighter, and less intense. These changes have led some long-time wearers of Youth Dew to seek out older bottles or alternative fragrances.
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Frequently asked questions
Youth Dew by Estée Lauder is a bold, heavy, and syrupy fragrance with notes of rose, spices, patchouli, and incense. It is described as a very spicy, oriental scent with a leathery, amber dry-down.
Youth Dew has top notes of orange, spice, bergamot, peach, and aldehydes. The heart notes are clove, rose, ylang-ylang, cinnamon, cassie, jasmine, and orchid. The base notes are amber, tolu, patchouli, olibanum, oakmoss, peru balsam, benzoin, and vanilla.
Youth Dew has received mixed reviews. Some people describe it as a beautiful, captivating, and sexy fragrance, while others find it repulsive and overpowering. It is considered a unique, evocative, and nostalgic scent, reminiscent of the 1970s. Some reviews mention that the formula has changed over time, impacting the scent and longevity.








































