South Slope by Michael Malul
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter this past weekend! It was the perfect time for me to debut my new fragrance, Michael Malul's South Slope, which I picked up for just $30 at TJ Maxx. After giving it some wear, I’m excited to share my thoughts on this scent. Upon first application, South Slope introduces a fresh and uplifting opening, reminiscent of a clean, fruity body wash—ideal for warm days when you want to feel invigorated. Within 3 to 5 minutes, the initial citrus notes start to fade, revealing sweet, woody undertones. As the fragrance develops, a classic masculine lavender emerges, seamlessly blending with the woodiness. This mid-stage lasts for about an hour before transitioning into the drydown, which remains quite similar to the middle notes, but with a slightly richer and creamier texture. In terms of performance, South Slope delivers a solid projection for the first 45 minutes, after which it settles closer to the skin. You can expect to catch whiffs of it for up to four hours, making it perfect for those who enjoy fresh fragrances without overwhelming performance. Comparing it to YSL's Y line, particularly the Y Eau de Parfum, South Slope shares a familiar DNA but leans towards a fresher, less sweet profile. Interestingly, when I had my wife compare the two, she preferred South Slope for its more subdued sweetness, finding the original Y a bit intense when over-applied. Overall, if you’re seeking a versatile fragrance that you can wear on any occasion—even in high heat—I highly recommend trying out Michael Malul’s South Slope.