Austin Butler, Global Ambassador, Explores Personal Resonance in New Woody-Floral Scent
For Austin Butler, the acclaimed 33-year-old actor and global ambassador for YSL Beauty, fragrance has always been more than just a scent—it’s a journey, a memory, and a connection to self. This profound understanding comes to the forefront with the debut of YSL Beauty’s latest masculine fragrance, MYSLF Absolu, a woody-floral cologne that the star says offers a full-circle moment, echoing the cherished aromas of his childhood.
A Lifelong Connection to Scent
From a young age, the allure of scent captivated Butler. He vividly recalls the anticipation of adulthood, marked by the distinct fragrances his parents wore. “My dad wore cologne, my mom had her perfume, and there was a feeling of like, ‘when I grow up, I can wear those smells,’” Butler shared exclusively with PEOPLE. This early fascination laid the groundwork for his current prominent role in the world of luxury perfumery.
The Evolution of MYSLF: From Eau de Parfum to Absolu
Butler’s partnership with YSL Beauty began with the brand’s first woody-floral masculine scent, MYSLF Eau de Parfum, which launched in 2023. This was followed by the campaign for MYSLF Le Parfum in 2024, described as a “more intense, and sensual version” of its predecessor. Now, in 2025, he continues his collaboration, fronting the campaign for MYSLF Absolu, a richer iteration distinguished by its invigorating hit of ginger. The new fragrance intricately blends top notes of bergamot, ginger, and cardamom, a heart of orange blossom, and a grounding base of warm woods and patchouli. Butler finds that this complex profile evokes a blend reminiscent of his parents’ fragrances—his father’s peppery and woody, his mother’s sweet and floral.
A Serendipitous Connection: Orange Blossoms and Childhood Memories
The resonance of MYSLF Absolu runs even deeper, connecting Butler to the very origins of the house of Yves Saint Laurent. The legendary designer, who founded his eponymous fashion house in 1961 and launched his inaugural fragrance just three years later in 1964, held a special affinity for Marrakesh. Butler notes how Saint Laurent’s house in Marrakesh was surrounded by orange trees, filling the air with the scent of orange blossoms—a detail that struck a powerful chord with the actor. “The house that I was brought home when I was born and then I lived until I was probably 12, had an orange tree in the backyard,” Butler recounted, highlighting the serendipitous connection to the fragrance’s core notes. “So, the smell of orange blossoms and oranges were a huge thing for me as a kid.”
Fragrance as a Ritual and an Anchor
For Butler, applying fragrance is a deliberate ritual, akin to selecting an accessory to define the day. He recommends applying MYSLF Absolu to the wrist and neck, advising others to observe how the scent evolves on their skin throughout the day. While he suggests its intensity makes it “good for the nighttime, when you’re going to go out,” he also finds it adaptable for morning wear, likening its versatility to the simple pleasure of enjoying pancakes at any time of day. “It really is like an accessory, isn’t it? In the same way as when you’re getting dressed and you’re like, ‘Who am I going to be today? What part of myself am I going to turn the volume up on?’” he mused.
Beyond aesthetic appeal, scent serves a crucial role in Butler’s peripatetic life as an actor. He employs fragrance as a tool for character understanding and, more personally, as a “through line” to maintain a sense of home and groundedness amidst constant travel. “When making movies it’s kind of like you’re in the traveling circus,” he explained, citing recent work that took him from Chicago to New York City. To counteract feeling “untethered,” he carries familiar scents, including incense, which he lights nightly to bridge the gap between different locations and projects.
Simple Grooming, Intentional Wellness
Butler’s overall grooming routine remains notably simple, yet his wellness practices are deeply intentional. While he’s recently adopted a facial cleanser and moisturizer into his daily regimen—a shift he attributes to professional encouragement—his mental well-being takes precedence. He dedicates time each morning to silence, a practice he finds essential for internal reflection before the demands of the outside world set in. Additionally, inspired by his mother, he maintains a consistent gratitude journal, cultivating an appreciative mindset that helps him identify beauty and reasons for thankfulness throughout his day.
Authenticity and Self-Expression
The two-year partnership with YSL Beauty, centered on the MYSLF campaigns and their message of bold self-expression, feels profoundly “serendipitous” to Butler. He recalls the honor of receiving the initial call, noting how it coincided with his discovery of Yves Saint Laurent’s own quotes on individuality and authenticity. This alignment between brand philosophy and personal values has solidified his connection to the MYSLF franchise. Ultimately, for Butler, feeling his “best self” boils down to living with integrity: “When I say I’m going to do something and I do it. When I’m the same person in private that I am in public… when you’re able to treat everybody—including yourself—with kindness.”
MYSLF Absolu is now available for purchase, inviting wearers to discover their own unique connection to this deeply personal and aromatic journey.
