YSL Beauty whisked us on a summer escape to the Desaru Coast to celebrate the launch of their newest LIBRE L’eau Nue fragrance.

A true escape from the city, YSL Beauty swept us away to the sun-drenched shores of Desaru Coast to celebrate the launch of their latest olfactory creation: LIBRE L’Eau Nue—the house’s first-ever alcohol-free fragrance to join the iconic LIBRE family.

The journey began with a convoy from Kuala Lumpur, as we braved the five-and-a-half-hour drive through moody, rain-soaked highways. But like a poetic sign, the skies cleared the moment we arrived at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort, our seaside sanctuary for the next two days. The fresh scent of sea air, the rhythmic crash of waves, and the unmistakable sense of freedom set the tone for what was to come.

Among the guests were a bevy of familiar faces and friends of the brand—Jane Chuck, Jack Goh, Juwei Teoh, Nia Atasha, Sherry Amin, and more—each of us gathered to immerse ourselves in the world of LIBRE.

Upon checking in, we were greeted in our suites with the empowering vocals of Dua Lipa’s “Freedom,” a track created specially for YSL Beauty, playing softly on the television. The panoramic view of the sea beyond our balcony completed the picture-perfect welcome. Awaiting us inside were some of YSL Beauty’s cult favourites—the Loveshine Lipsticks and the Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum—as well as new treasures to discover. What immediately caught our eye was the Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss. After weeks of anticipation, we finally got our hands on it, and it certainly lived up to the buzz: a high-shine gloss with a tingling sensation stronger than most, but fleeting—and entirely worth it for the instantly fuller, more hydrated lips. Alongside it, a bouquet of fresh blooms and the hero of our trip: LIBRE L’Eau Nue.

What sets L’Eau Nue apart isn’t just its formulation—it’s the texture. As YSL Beauty’s first alcohol-free fragrance, it doesn’t mist on like your typical EDP or EDT. Instead, it caresses the skin in a hydrating oil-in-water emulsion, leaving behind a delicate glow. It’s sensorial, nurturing, and familiar—the signature LIBRE scent is still there: notes of orange blossom, bergamot, and green mandarin that dance on the skin in the most intimate of ways.

Our first evening was marked by a beachfront welcome dinner, an idyllic setting straight out of a summer dream. A long, viking-style table dressed in blooms stood on the sand, illuminated by golden dusk light. We indulged in a three-course meal inspired by the key ingredients of LIBRE L’Eau Nue, as waves lapped the shore just metres away.

Day two brought sunshine and a sensorial discovery session, allowing us to dive deeper into the fragrance’s composition. Guided by YSL Beauty experts, we explored the core notes individually—experiencing the subtle nuances that distinguish the various LIBRE iterations. Since L’Eau Nue is alcohol-free, we were also taught new ways of applying the fragrance: spritz it into your hands, warm it slightly, and run it through your hair for a soft, lingering trail; or spray directly onto the skin and gently rub it in, letting the scent melt and glow as it merges with your body’s warmth. A pro tip for seasoned LIBRE lovers? Use L’Eau Nue as a hydrating base layer and then mist your favourite LIBRE EDP over it for amplified projection and longevity.

Then, the focus shifted to beauty as we previewed YSL’s summer essentials—each product chosen to help recreate Dua Lipa’s sunkissed look from the campaign. The radiant glow began with the All Hours Hyper Bronze and the Couture Mini Clutch in Peachy Nude, perfect for adding warmth and dimension to the skin. For eyes that could withstand the tropical heat, the Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara in Black delivered bold, flutter-proof lashes. A touch of shimmer came from the Couture Mini Clutch Eyeshadow Palette in Over Brun, offering a golden nude finish that caught the light beautifully. To complete the look, the Loveshine Lip Oil Stick in Rosewood Blush gave lips a sheer, glossy wash of nude—effortless and luminous, just like summer itself.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we made our way to the final event of the trip—Sunset Mocktails & Music. In the spirit of the alcohol-free fragrance, we took part in a mocktail-making class using the very ingredients found in L’Eau Nue, an inspired sensorial twist. With our creations in hand, we watched the sky turn lavender before being led to dinner. Then, as night fell, DJ Ashley Lau transformed the beach villa into a pulsing summer soirée, spinning tracks that kept the waves and the party moving well into the night.

In typical YSL Beauty fashion, the trip was not just about launching a product—it was about living the essence of LIBRE: bold, free, and utterly unforgettable.