There’s not too much Troy Sivan I can not do it. Over the weekend, he was nominated for that first-ever Grammy. He has impeccable taste in interior matters. His new album, Something to give to yourself, is 100/10. He even launched perfume brand TSU LANGE YOR with his brother Steele a few months ago.
When it comes to beauty, perfume is no joke. It combines chemistry and precise creativity, and there’s not much room for error. But TSU LANGE YOR, TLY for short, was received with aplomb. Described as fragrances for “self and sanctuary,” the fragrance brand did away with tired celebrity tropes and instead offered unique scent blends. For example, there’s Pool, a sunny blend of gin, glowing skin and SPF. Or the namesake TLY 5575, a verdant blend of forest pine, shies, woods and vetiver.
Steele and Troye are clearly doing things right; THE National Gallery of Victoria has just launched the brand as part of its design store offer.
We spoke exclusively with the two men to discuss the brand a few months later, the business-family matrix and beauty rituals in general (skin, hair and drag makeup included… because everyone who saw this excerpt will know what we’re re-referencing).
Keep reading for the interview.
So where did the idea for TSU LANGE YOR come from?
Troy: The idea of TSU LANGE YOR was born from my passion for interiors and a deep sense of homesickness I felt during the tour. It’s a physical manifestation of the comfort and personal touch I crave in the spaces I live and work in.
Tell me about the name…
Steel : The name “TSU LANGE YOR” honors my family’s heritage, meaning “long years” in Yiddish. It’s a tribute to my great-grandmother and a blessing for a long and fulfilling life, which is the spirit we infuse into our brand. We also like “TLY” for short.
What was your creative process behind the brand?
Troy: This has been one of the highlights of the whole project so far for me. Each perfume was a journey of collaboration and exploration. We sought to evoke memories and emotions that resonate with the feeling of home and nostalgia. I love the idea of a scent wardrobe – a scent suited to the weather, mood and patterns of the day – so I saw this first collection as us dipping our toes into these key moods.
What surprised you most about creating a perfume?
Troy: I just think about how difficult it is and how long it takes. Scent is personal, intense and emotional for people. It’s also extremely dynamic. During the testing phase, I would ask friends and family to wear the perfume while I hung out with them to try to experience it second-hand and at different wearing times. I would of course wear them myself too… It’s a painstaking art form that combines science, creativity and patience.
So, what’s your favorite in the TLY range?
Troy: I have a special connection with TLY 5755 as a room fragrance – it’s the candle and an oil burner blend that I use most at home Australia and there are some really special memories attached to it.
Steel : I’m completely addicted to POOL, which was a surprise to me. In the past, I gravitated towards woody and spicy notes. But POOL is so delicate and green…it’s an exciting start. I’ve also noticed that it often surprises and delights people when they smell it on me, which is fun.
What is it like working with your sibling?
Troy: Everything went very well, we both know our roles and we give ourselves the means to carry them out. There’s never really been a question about what a “Troye call” versus a “Steele call” is.
We are both fiercely protective of our family and have the type of loyalty to each other that I think is unique to siblings. Because of this, it has been very easy to deliberate on big decisions because we know for sure that the other person has our best interest at heart.
On the broader topic of beauty, what is your overall philosophy?
Troy: My overall philosophy on beauty is one of authenticity and expression. There are no rules…beauty truly comes from within. If that sounds nice and hot, go for it.
Tell me about skincare, do you have a routine?
Troy: Yes I do! It’s quite simple and aims to keep my skin healthy and hydrated. I’m very lucky that my skin has been mostly even for most of my life. I start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a serum, then a moisturizer. I make sure to use Solar cream every day as well.
The only skin care product that changed your life for the better?
Troy: A high quality moisturizer has been a game changer for me. This is crucial for keeping my skin in balance, especially with constant travel.
We’re obsessed with blonde right now: who colors your hair?
Troy: Haha! I just became a brunette again! I wanted to give my hair a break and let it relax for summer. My favorite colorist in the world is probably Jenna Perry.
And what styling product is included in the composition?
Troy: This may sound gross, but the best product for me is a little natural fat. The third or fourth day after a wash is prime time. I have curly hair that, when too clean, can easily become fluffy. So I’m probably leaning towards hair creams, pastes and maybe a volumizing powder to give a little lift…
Tell us three beauty lessons you learned from your incredible transformation in the One of your daughters film clip ?
Troy: The contour of the nose changes a face, the tape is amazing and the shape of the eyebrows is very important.
What is self-care what do you both look like when you’re exhausted?
Troy: For me, self-care involves stepping away from the hectic pace of life and giving yourself some rest. Whether it’s a day spent in bed, a long bath with our Tsu Lange Yor candles, or simply some quiet time with a good book, it’s about recharging mentally and physically, preferably in Australia with friends and family.
Steel : Troye and I are completely different here: When I’m exhausted, it’s usually from a long period of sitting behind a screen, so I recharge by getting as much exercise and movement outside as possible. I like running, surfing or playing ball with friends.
What about traveling: Is there anything you do or bring with you to make a hotel room feel more like you?
Troy: I always take a piece of home with me, like a candle. I also think I unconsciously spread some clothes around to make the space feel a little more lived in.
Have you recently traveled to Paris together… who has the best in-flight beauty routine?
Troy: Certainly me.
Steel : Little do I know: sleep plays a big role in a successful beauty routine and that’s all I do on long flights.
Finally Troye, congratulations on the new album! Can you describe it to us in one sentence?
Troy: THANKS! Something to give to yourself is an album of reflection, hope, dance music, sex, loneliness and community.
