Ylang 49

Flower of Flowers Originating in the Philippines, ylang ylang means “flower of flowers” or “fragrance of all fragrances.” This fragrance is traditionally used in aromatherapy to sharpen the senses and to temper depression, fear, anger - in fact, Ylang ylang has several other benefits proven by scientific research, such as alleviating anxiety and lowering blood pressure in some people. Who new? If Ylang is the Flower of Flowers, then this is the Ylang of Ylang's. Both, for Ylang lovers and Ylang newcomers - this is a baptism. As such, This scent is vastly underrated. Both as a ylang scent and as a Chypre. Ylang is a beautiful note that is actually a difficult one for me to wear. In general I have heard about many perfumers who have difficulty with this note. Not here though, if you remove ylang from this chypre it doesn’t work. At the same time, this ylang is different than many other ylang scents and as such - is in its own league and definitely for me the best Le Labo creation, a house which is rich in luxury and reputation. Now as a chypre, there is tremendous competition against many masterpieces but again, this stands alone. It is a modern chypre, earthy, bright, blossoming and sweet all at the same time. This masterpiece is masterfully blended. It will change with the weather and season. When I wear this at times colours that come to mind are Gold and Crystal, at times I see Green and Gold or Grey and Yellow. Finally, I would like to thank a friend of mine on fragrantica for recommending this to me. I don't think I would have found it on my own but good thing we are never alone. "After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world." - Christian Dior 4.91/5

What!!!! I haven't reviewed this until now???? What is going on??? I think it's a reflection on just how much I overlook this brand as a collection primarily about gimmick and marketing, not that there's anything wrong with that, but Le Labo were somewhat of a trendsetter and many, many, lesser pretenders to he minimal, laboratory aesthetic were spawned due to their success, but in fairness the fragrances are remarkably good and pretty original on the whole. This is one Ylang 49, upon a recent (probably 2-3 years ago lol) return to trying them again, turns out to be one of the best. It's like an energized, vibrant topped, classic, chypre type perfume but with a kind of exoticism about it. Like many Le Labo perfumes, the name is often a red herring and might discourage people who think they don't really like Ylang or at least don't think they want a Ylang centric perfume, even if they do like it, (I find Ylang supporting role more crucial as a rule) wouldn't be something for them....I'd urge you to reconsider this perfume, because it's an absolute gem!!! Mossy, earthy but bright and also fun and with lush florality. I actually want to get it, and it's rare I say that these days, not because there's not good perfume around, just because I'm skint and have a shitload already but I could honestly say that this would be something timeless to grace my collection, I get the Aromatics Elixir connection some have made above, (praise indeed BTW because that is fantastic!) but it's way less stuffy and fundamentally different in many ways too. Feels more modern. I love this.

The most luxurious perfume from Le Labo in my opinion. Not for the faint of heart. Brings out the best of me, all dressed up and ready for the night. It's confidence in a bottle. Woodsy, creamy, a bit earthy, with a powdery dry down. Extremely SEXY. Can a man wear this? Absolutely, but wear some kind of LEATHER, if not it will lean very feminine. The patchouli is toned down by the gardenia and sandalwood. I don't like to use the phrase OLD MONEY, but that's what it smells like. Heather Chandler vibes. This perfume is masculine and feminine at the same time, powerful yet soft. It's beautiful by itself, but I like to layer with Chantilly by Gritti, it sweetens it up to perfection. Making it very RICH daddy's girl, a total snob, with a RBF, but the sweetest person ever. Everyone wants to be around you because of your amazing AURA. You can also layer with Brazilian Crush 62 (body mist) chefs kiss. If you're a GUY, you can layer with Acqua di Gio Absolu, nothing too heavy, nothing too light, something with fruit and wood. Similar to La Panthere by Cartier, without the strawberry. Less intense, very sensual... So breathtaking, a NIGHT time perfume. For some reason it reminds me of MARFA. I love it. BISOUS

I don't know how to explain this scent better than saying, old Hollywood glamour, classic, red lipstick, immaculate cat eye eyeliner, seductive, elegant. Thjis scents is not my usual preference, and I tend to dislike all florals. I didn't understand my fascination with this one until I looked it up and found that it is listed under chypre. and I guess I'm destined to fall in love with chypres in their different forms because many of my preferred perfumes fall into that olfactive family. The smell is mysterious yet confident, I envision a person that knows what they want. Like I said, I imagine a dark or black dress, maybe a fur coat, classic vibrant red lipstick. The gardenia and ylang ylang are so well done in this formulation that it suited a non floral person. The oak moss and vetiver gives it a fresh green opening and balance along the journey. I smelled aldehydes that aren't mentioned, however it is not soapy or harsh, on the contrary it is versatile and elegant. The sandalwood is very obvious on the dry down and it is a very pleasurable journey. Sillage 7/10 longevity 8.5/10 lasted about 5 hours on my skin

I bought the Le Labo Discovery Set with the option to redeem a 50ml and this was the fragrance that I picked up. To note, I already own Santal, Thé Noir and Baie so they weren’t considered. Everyone knows that the name of the fragrance isn’t necessarily what you get with the scent, and it’s true for this one. I get a retro-style patchouli (same patchouli as I get in Baie however not as ‘watery’) with a creamy gardenia and fuzzy oakmoss - it’s divine. Just know that this is nuclear, and up close it can be a little challenging but boy in the air this is BEAUTIFUL!! Once I sanitised my hands three times and I could still smell it on the back of my hand. For some reason this reminds me of my friend however I know she has never owned this, but has owned Black Orchid and White Patchouli by Tom Ford so maybe there’s similarities (I know Black Orchid has been referenced before). I’ll wear this year-round, however would really complete a formal occasion look when you’re dressed to the nines and want to turn heads! I’m a man and I’ll wear this comfortably.