Austin Butler, the actor renowned for his compelling performances, is embracing a new chapter in his career as he takes on the ambassador role for Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Beauty’s latest fragrance, MYSLF Eau De Toilette Intense. This woody-musk scent aims to evoke warmth and personal connection, reflecting Butler’s own journey of self-discovery both on and off-screen.
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In a recent campaign for the fragrance, Butler is featured in a vibrant video that pairs his day-to-day life with a remix of Billy Idol’s classic “Dancing with Myself.” The film captures various moments of freedom: dancing in the rain, connecting with friends, and celebrating individuality. The creative vision behind this project was crafted in collaboration with director Romain Gavras and choreographer Damian Jalet, both of whom Butler admires greatly.
Expressing his enthusiasm for their partnership, Butler stated, “I wanted to work with Romain for a long time, and he really wanted to lean away from the idea of a dramatic campaign and have fun.” He continued, praising Jalet’s work in the acclaimed “Anima” music video, which had inspired him from the start.
The fluidity of Butler’s movements in the campaign, reminiscent of his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s biographical film, showcases how far he has come. He noted that the experience of playing such an iconic figure “opened up a feeling of more freedom and maybe less self-consciousness with dancing.”
Discussing the fragrance itself, Butler revealed that MYSLF Eau De Toilette Intense bears a unique mixture of orange blossom, musk, and wood, which he describes as akin to a “second skin.” He appreciates the lightness of the perfume, declaring, “In this season as the sun is shining, it suits me well.” Fragrance, Butler explained, has become a critical tool in helping him connect with his characters.
Butler shared an anecdote from a past experience in theatre, where he felt that scent could evoke emotions in ways that directly bypass the conscious mind. “The first time I experimented with that, I was doing a play, and every day in rehearsal I would put on this oil that had a smell with the idea of it connecting to whatever emotions that you’re digging into every day,” he said.
Moving beyond fragrance, Butler is gearing up for a significant role in the much-anticipated reboot of “Miami Vice,” where he will co-star with Michael B. Jordan. He regards Jordan as “the best,” and is excited about this collaboration. Following “Miami Vice,” Butler is set to portray the controversial cyclist Lance Armstrong in an upcoming biopic, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
While Butler enjoys the arts, he admits that he is not one for multitasking. “It’s not my strength. I like to obsess about one thing,” he explained, likening the feeling of focusing on a single project to the calm of settling into an airplane seat for a long journey.
When it comes to his daily grooming routine, Butler prefers simplicity. “For many years, I would just splash water on my face. Now, I’ll put a little moisturiser on or face oil or something like that,” he said. A recent addition to his regimen is taking cold showers, a practice he finds invigorating despite its initial discomfort. “I never feel like doing it, but I found that it wakes me up in the morning,” he shared.
As day turns into night, Butler values the importance of unwinding. His evening routine includes switching off screens and indulging in reading. Currently, he is engrossed in “All the Colours of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker, a book recommended by a well-read friend.
Looking ahead, Butler has clear ambitions for the next five years. He expressed a desire to continue collaborating with individuals who inspire him. “I hope to feel peace, I suppose. Content. There’s a lot of noise in the world, so I want to get to that point of inner stillness,” he concluded.
MYSLF Eau De Toilette Intense is set to launch in the United States on May 15, marking another exciting chapter in both Butler’s career and YSL Beauty’s fragrance collection.