There’s a particular kind of man Austin Butler has become very good at playing lately: mysterious, emotionally unavailable, could probably disappear for a few days without texting anyone back. Which, coincidentally, is also the exact energy of YSL Beauty’s new MYSLF Eau de Toilette Intense, a woody-musk scent of which he's the new face.
When I met Butler at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre ahead of the fragrance launch, he’d just gotten back from filming the campaign in Mexico City with director Ramón Rodríguez. "Ramón is wonderful and really creative," he says. "He had this idea of moving away from the dramatic feeling fragrance campaigns can sometimes have and instead making it playful and fun. Even the song choice, ‘Dancing with Myself,’ was a play on the name."
Butler, IRL, seems to be in his introspection era. He's prioritizing his rituals, and mentions he's reading When Things Fall Apart, a book famously helpful for anyone going through heartbreak. If he's not texting you back, it's probably because he recently spent two weeks sailing around the Bahamas with an 83-year-old friend named Tom, who taught him both how to sail and how to navigate the storms of life.
Ahead, Butler opens up about staying grounded, smelling softer and leaning into his feelings.
What’s your signature scent right now?
“Well, currently, it’s this new one—MYSLF Eau de Toilette Intense. It feels, in a way, softer and more like a second skin.”
You're a Leo. Do you relate?
“Leo. I feel like when people know about the details, they tend to go, ‘Oh, that makes sense.’ I think the fire-sign part—I do relate to that. I’m passionate. But if Leos are supposed to like being the center of attention, I don’t actually relate to that part. I don’t really like being the center of attention.”
How would you describe how you’re feeling right now in three words?
“Grounded. Grateful. Content.”
Why do you think you’re feeling that way right now?
“I just got back from a sailing trip. I was on a sailboat for two weeks in the Bahamas, so there was a lot of sunshine and a lot of time with friends. It was my first time sailing, actually. I have a friend, Tom, who turned 83 on the boat, and he taught me how to sail. Spending time with somebody who’s lived a lot more life gave me perspective on the chapters of life.”
What were some of the biggest takeaways?
“He walked me through chapters of life that were tragic, and then chapters afterward where he had to go through those things in order to get to something beautiful. There was this feeling of, in the midst of the storm, knowing it’s what makes your roots grow deeper. Trees need the wind in order for their roots to grow deeper. I was really embracing that—and also knowing the sun will come out.”
You mentioned having mentors in your life. What do you value most in those relationships?
“I like to surround myself with people who are honest with me and give it to me straight. No sugarcoating things. People who have perspective. A lot of them aren’t in the industry at all, and I find that really refreshing.”
What’s the best thing you’ve read lately?
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön. “There’s a line in it where she says, ‘Lean into the sharp points and let them nail you into the present moment.’”
What does that mean to you?
“I think especially now, there’s so much that can distract us from what we’re actually feeling. Everything is so good at distracting us. But if you’re able to really breathe into what you’re feeling—even when it’s uncomfortable—that’s when real presence comes in. Suddenly, you’re actually hearing life instead of distracting yourself from it.”
What’s one movie you never get tired of watching?
The Big Lebowski. “I was actually just talking about it this morning. It’s one of my favorite movies.”
You flew to Mexico City to film the new YSL Beauty campaign. What was your favorite part of the city?
I love Mexico City. It was my second time filming there. The food is incredible, the architecture is amazing—we went to a few museums while we were there.
What do you love doing when you’re alone?
“I like to read, play music—piano or guitar—cook, see the sunshine, watch movies.”
Can you cook?
“I can cook. I keep it pretty simple. Roasting vegetables, grilling things. For a while I had a wood-fired oven and I loved making cedar-plank salmon in there.”
What are you listening to right now?
“There’s this Tyrone Davis song, ‘Ain’t Nothing I Can Do.’ I’ve also been listening to ‘Maureen’ by Sade.”
What’s currently in your algorithm?
“Usually cooking things, home things.”
How would you describe your home aesthetic?
“Cozy. I never turn on overhead lights at night. Once it starts getting dark, I turn the fireplace on and light a bunch of candles. I just like it so much more. It feels calmer. Softer.”
If you had one day where you had no obligations, no work, what would you do?
“Getting a lot of sleep the night before. Waking up knowing I’m going to spend time with people I love. Probably doing something active, like going for a hike or a bike ride or a motorcycle ride. Watching movies. Eating great food. Laughing with friends. Some kind of adventure. Being around an animal.”
Do you have pets?
“Not currently, but there’s a cat that comes over and hangs out with me sometimes. I feed him and we hang out.”
What are you manifesting for 2026?
“Prioritizing sleep. I tend to be a night owl, but lately I’ve been trying to find a healthier balance. On a really good night, I’m asleep by nine or ten. Historically, it’s been more like two or three in the morning. But I like the idea of the sun going down, winding down with it, eating dinner, and going to bed early. I always feel better when I do.”