Ylang in Gold

Ah, it's not as full on as Mancera Holidays, & is more beautiful for it - love this, although it's not my usual thing. It reminds of spending ten days in Ko Samui, a while ago - wherever we went back to our villa mid afternoon, the scent of the ylang flowers would permeate through the sun drenched air, in an almost narcotic way, (I hv red hair, green eyes, & cannot tan - the weather there is challenging for me - it makes me tired,) but I always thought how lovely those flowers were in the mid afternoon heat, the scent was so uplifting & a little unexpected. The mint & artemisia in this also remind me of that holiday, this whole composition reminds me of islands in Thailand - & they themselves are so different from other parts of East Asia - this couldn't be mistaken for another perfume I think - even if it reminds some ppl of parts of other perfumes it's pretty unique bc it's quite subtle comparably - it has a nice balance to it - that keeps it refined & beautiful. Personally, I don't like peach in perfumes, & find Chopped Casmir good on others but could never wear it - too sandalwood/ambre forward, & a bit too vintage - but the tiny amount of peach in this doesn't bother me at all, & this doesn't hv a vintage vibe I don't think, I wasn't familiar with Vanilla Fields, although I was born in the mid eighties - this is vanille in the base, & gorgeous with it - but though it has a similarity with Hanae Mori Butterfly (blue) - this is much better, I feel. Maybe it's a smidgen overpriced, for what it is, but it's v good quality - many M Micallef hv far too much of an Arabian perfume vibe for me, & some are so super sweet I just wouldn't wear them - myself I love many East Asian perfumes, & very clean perfumes, but this is my favourite of this brand, & of the v sweet perfumes - it is, quite sweet, but doesn't overstep what I find bearable - although this is not something I wear in the daytime - it's a nighttime perfume for me & something I enjoy on occasion - am sure it's signature scent worthy, if that's what you want - but that sweetness would be too much for me day to day, & it's a little full on for daytime, for me, & I wear so many perfumes - it's nice to hv some with different vibes for evenings I think, so I use this when the occasion suits. When I say full on - it's not full on, as Holidays or similar is - this is more refined, more subtle - wear lightly & it's beautiful - too much though, would be cloying - is it niche quality? Kind of yes - if you can get it for a decent price & it is what you want, then it's pretty good; I wouldn't pay actual full price for it - occasionally the discounters had it though, so I decided it was worth trying. Ylang itself is often something which makes perfumes smell 'vintage- & is to be avoided mostly, for me- but here it works so well - almost a tinge of banana pudding with a little caramel - which is literally the vibe of those flowers in Ko Samui & the other islands nearby - & all over a beautiful vanille base, nothing cheap about that vanille either, as some of the recent designer releases in the extreme drydown reveal an almost celebrity perfume base - lookinv at JPG La Belle for example, (that base, ouf..) & with a tiny hint of oakmoss which is charming - this has a lovely layered & rich but not too rich vanille base, it's so good. A true vacation inspired perfume - an island vacation in a bottle - & during these rubbish pandemic restrictions it's been nice to hv a little armchair travel by way of this perfume. Beautiful bottle too - & the 'gold glitter' isn't too much so, on the bottle, or on your skin, at all. All is fairly restrained - it's luxurious, in a chic way - nothing to obvious, as long as you apply with a light hand - whereas some v sweet vanille perfumes are too much, too 'try-hard' - this is elegant & beautiful with a sweet vanille vibe.

M. Micallef – Ylang in Gold I love this fragrance in the summer. To me, it is the embodiment of a woman — almost a goddess-like presence. The opening reveals a fresh yet softly sweet rose. It isn’t sharp or heavy; rather, it feels luminous and refined. Bergamot enhances this brightness, adding a delicate sparkle that keeps the sweetness transparent rather than dense. At the heart lies a radiant blend of ylang-ylang and jasmine, gently illuminated by a touch of orange blossom. The florals feel solar and warm, yet never overwhelming. They unfold with elegance, creating a sensation of light rather than weight. The true magic, however, happens in the drydown. Musk and vanilla melt into creamy sandalwood, forming a smooth, golden warmth that feels as if sunlight is emanating from the skin itself. There is a tactile softness — almost a glow. What fascinates me is the presence of actual gold in the composition. The skin truly seems to shimmer, enhancing the sensation of a luminous aura. On my skin, the creaminess and tenderness of the vanilla become more pronounced, while the jasmine reveals a subtle animalic nuance that adds depth and sensuality. Ylang in Gold is incredibly feminine — powerful and gentle at the same time. The blend is seamless; no single note dominates. Instead, each element supports the others in perfect harmony. It is certainly not for everyone. The composition is complex, slightly rebellious in its confidence, and unapologetically radiant. It is not childish, nor does it have any artificial “bubblegum” character — at least not on my skin. Perception is always subjective. On me, it feels like a golden aura — luminous, sensual, and unforgettable. And I truly love it.

Honestly, when I received this perfume from France and sniffed it for the first time, I didn't like it. But in a split second I realised why I didn't like it. That is because I base my opinions about perfumes, on what other perfumes they remind me of. There's always another perfume to make referrence to. And then if it smells like something I already like, then I know I like it. Ylang in Gold had me feeling insecure and unsure of myself... because it doesn't remind me of ANYTHING AT ALL. It doesn't remind me of any other perfume, or any place, or anything that has happened to me in my life, so on and so forth. It is a completely clean slate! I felt like a fish out of water. But then I quickly realised that this is exactlty what I want and what I need! A clean slate to build brand new memories and brand new experiences on! Ylang in Gold is so very exquisitely done, that it reminds of no other! I don't know how this is possible... but they made it possible! I have found my signature scent for life. One that I can REALLY build foundation on and TRULY call my own! This perfume is both sweet and sharp at the same time and to equal degrees sharp and sweet! This is the only thing I am capable of describing it as! A butterfly meets a bee. The love child of a bee and a butterfly! I will have to build all of my other opinions every day as I go through life wearing it. A true signature scent, a perfume like no other. A fragrance that has to be built with one's own experiences in life. Exquisite. Exquisite. Exquisite. A masterpiece. I am so glad that it is so expensive. That way not everyone can have it!!

This is very close to Chopard Cašmir, so it's hard to write a review without comparing them, but I'll give it a try for those who haven't tried Cašmir yet: This is a sunny, happy vanilla scent with an airy, creamy ylang-ylang that is especially prominent in the opening along fruity notes like peach. In the heart powdery florals come out to play and give the scent a face powder vibe, but in the end the vanilla wins over them. Everything has a dry, almost dusty overlay of coconut and sandalwood that make this a little less summery than the notes suggest. This is not a beachy or very foody coconut. I can't detect any of the green and herbal notes from the list. For those who do know Cašmir, I think this is a more fine-tuned, modern version of the same concept with the amped-up ylang-ylang and fresher fruit notes. This is not as oriental and balsamic as Cašmir, instead it has a tropical feel, so it doesn't feel that wintery. I have a (now very low) bottle of Cašmir in my collection for over a decade and don't plan to repurchase something very similar when I finish it, but I still really enjoy the general scent profile. Ylang in Gold is more sophisticated and nuanced and feels softer in character, but not necessarily weaker. If I had to chose between the two now, I would pick this. If you haven't tried both, definitely do before you decide if the big price difference is worth it to you.

Was lucky to get a sample of this from a friend, and it's really nice. I'm not the hugest fan of ylang ylang when it's done in a traditional floral but if there is added sweetness and a little gourmand character, I'm all for it. I love the warmth this perfume has. With the added coconut and vanilla and hint of fruit, I get the feeling of a thick, rich, white suntan lotion being rubbed onto warm skin that is getting hot in the sunshine on the beach. I also own Chopard Casmir and Hanae Mori, so I can totally see the resemblance to those as well. I wasn't thinking it at first, but once I saw the comparisons here, I was like, yep, I see it. Of course it's not an exact replica, but it's definitely a sibling, or maybe a half-sibling, with a tropical sunscreen/coconut/ylang ylang twist. Between the three, I think I like YiG the most! It is warmer, thicker, and sweeter than HM, although HM is my second favorite, and then Casmir last. Casmir is really nice but it is a little thin/watery for me, so I like how the others are thicker and richer. HM is so nice but I never really reach for it, and I can see myself wearing YiG more often, so I would rather buy a full bottle of YiG :)

Heavenly, intoxicating, sensual, sexy, and sophisticated. I love ylang and vanilla, and Ylang in Gold is perfect. Silky smooth, airy, and not too sweet. Lactomic and creamy. To me, this is a date fragrance, specifically on a summer vacation at night. It's great for special ocassions too. But it's definitely one for all seasons, cold and warm. It has a balanced scent profile and far from cloying or heavy, so it's the ideal gourmand for summer. People told me it smells like vanilla ice cream or a dessert. I got the 100ml+travel size set for 190SGD and it's so worth it. It's not a beast mode frag, it's soft, with weaker projection, but I don't mind it. But if someone hugs you, they'll definitely notice how yummy you smell. Update: Wore this in cool, rainy weather and it's so cozy and delicious. You can never overspray this as it's so soft. So gorgeous, the vanilla is musky, slightly woody... what a masterpiece. Makes me feel so beautiful, put together, but not trying too hard. The downside: performance is weak! It's base heavy, so it doesn't project and the sillage is tiny. Longevity on me is around 6-8 hours only. I wish they would make Ylang in Gold Intense!

Ylang in Gold is sublime. This perfume takes me back to our first vacation after the lockdown was lifted last year in July. We went to Samui island in the south of Thailand, staying in this gorgeous beachfront pool villa. And right above the villa gate, there was a Ylang-ylang tree covering over it like a roof that comes with this drooping yellow flowers which give such an incredible fragrance, especially in the late afternoon when you came back from the beach and first thing that welcome you back in was this wonderful scent of ylang-ylang. It was a scent of happiness, very aromatic, rich, sweet, fruity, custardy-like with a hint of banana or caramel apple. And Ylang in Gold smells just like that. Upon my first sniff, it smells like sunshine, bright yellow, a little sticky and warm. It's fruity sweet with all sorts of tropical fruits blasting out in the introduction, yet it's quite soft and round, nothing pungent or sharp at all. Then Ylang-ylang comes out very realistically in here, plus having sandalwood, coconut and vanilla blended very well in the background makes it more like a tropical paradise in a bottle.

The opening to this one makes it smell very traditional, very perfume-y. I think it's the combination of the aromatics and the underlying sweetness. After a few minutes the aromatics are all gone and what I get is the most beautiful banana pudding scent. This is not long lasting on my skin unless I overspray. After a while it dwindles to a soft banana-vanillic skin scent. I absolutely love it - I love finding unique sweet scents that aren't in your face. Ylang in Gold is understated, sophisticated, and versatile - I'd wear this daily (I tend to do so) & also on a night out. I think it's sweetness makes it a suitable winter perfume, but it blooms and changes in the warm weather to become more tropical. I prefer it in warm weather. The only thing I dislike is the shimmer, but I'll deal with it. I bought a full bottle of this straight from M. Micallef, I loved it so much!

OMG! This is so sensual and alluring but at the same time light and airy. Very feminine. I am in love from first sniff...it was a blind buy and I am happy I took a chance. All notes blended to such perfection that its hard to point out separate ones in this composition. It’s definitely smokey (incense like note, probably from sandalwood), I get vanilla and coconut cream, tropical touch of Ylang ylang, musk, magnolia and lily....and so much more...there are definitely fruits in composition It’s heavenly and it’s very complex, each time you smell you pick up different dimension of this perfume This perfume is especially awesome to wear in warm weather! It gives sunny/tropical/beach paradise vibes. Quality and performance are decent. On my skin it last 6-8 hours for sure and projects far enough for people to notice... I think this is a must in every fragrance collection

I don't know what the heck type of bug spray you people are using but I would love some. I've never really used bug spray in my life but in the UK it smells harsh, chemical and absolutely nothing like this. This is sweet, dreamy, creamy golden florals with a soft banana-vanilla candy floating through it. It's not in your face, it's a distant waft from your favourite holiday in the pages of your travel journal. A breeze on a shoulder in a warm September on an island where your eyes close and smile through dappled shimmering sunshine lids. I think it's a gorgeous scent. I was originally mistaken thinking it didn't last long but a good 4-5 sprays and I sense this around me and on my clothes for a decent amount of time. It survived a hot wash cycle on my tshirt. The powderiness is incredibly comforting. Straight into my top 5. I never want to be without this 🤍💛✨✨✨

“ The Boxer Dropper “ - if any of the ladies here are looking to catch you a man. I strongly suggest this fragrance. Even if you don’t like it. You’re man- men - or soon to be man will love it. I put this on before going to dinner with the hubbie. He hadn’t smelled it yet. By the time we got into the car he was looking at me like I was an steak on a platter waiting to be devoured. Literally, I thought he’d bite this time 😳 The entire night he kept sniffing and sniffing me telling me “ you are in trouble little girl” 😳😳 Micallef should put a warning label on this one and Mon Cristal. And I mean big time. Statistics say- Vanille is the most loved fragrance by men. This one has loads of Vanille and Ylang Ylang. Personally, I love it. But I can see where some might find it too much because this is a Vanille and Ylang Ylang atomic bomb. In a sexy and classy way 👌🏻

Spectacular fragrance. One of my favourites. Such a feminine blend! It starts bubble gummy but it is obvious it is a floral. The most prominent notes on me are ylang and vanilla. This duo totally rocks. It is anchored by a gentle dose of sandalwood and caramel that sweetens it even more, still it is well-balanced. It is sweet, very sweet, but not too sweet or sickening. It is just right. A total heaven. This is thanks to a rose - her royal petals a canvas for the other notes. Every time I wear it I am delighted. It is perfect for winter but gorgeous also in spring. A versatile fragrance. Can be worn during a day or night. I have the version with gold particles and they will shine in the sun or artificial light but they are super small, a golden dust. I see they uglified the bottle. Mine has the Swarovski jewels. I hope the inside is the same at least.

So I have just bought this after a one test wear because it was an absolute love at first sniff!! This never happens to me. Only other frag I have had it with is D&G Velvet Amber Skin. Instant wow. Anyway, I have been wracking my brain trying to think of what this reminds me of, and I've just seen it in the smell-a-like list. It smell just like Casmir - Chopard. But not today's formulation, it smells like the OG from back in the 90s. In fact, this smells more like the OG than the current formulation of Casmir! I used to wear it all the time and absolutely loved it. This is almost identical to it, but it is in no way the beast that Casmir was, its softer on projection sadly, and not as spicy. It's like a really creamy, soft-spicy-vanilla suntan lotion, but I feel this can be worn all year round. Yes it's expensive, but I am in luuuuvvve! 😍

I can see why some people don’t like it. I blind bought it confident that I would like it (the hype for this scent is unreal), and was sooooo devastated from the first spray. I think I was expecting more of the coconut or caramel but all I got were the old school yellow flowers and vanilla. Butttt something in me felt that this needs its chance, and yeah now when the summer came I’m in loveeeee. It’s old school but smells so freaking goood. I get the sweet banana cream scent from the opening, and the sandalwood that gets more dominant as you wear it. I’m not reaching for it constantly, but when I do i can’t stop sniffing myself. I understand that it’s not as appealing as more modern and stylish scents, but try to give it a chance, it can switch from hate to love (or even addiction) :)

Orgasmic. Absolutely spectacular. Ultra-feminine. With perfect performance. A rich blend of gorgeous vanilla with ylang ylang and orange blossom. It has many facets, be it caramel or rose and bergamot. It makes me happy. My review is for the jewelled bottle with golden dust. Maybe the bad reviews are for the new bottle as I read the notes differ? The old version in the transparent bottle with jewels and golden particles is undoubtedly constructed with: Top notes: Caramel, Rose, Bergamot Heart notes: Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Orange Blossom Base notes: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk I am making a note of it since the new bottle contains totally different ingredients and the bottle look here changed, maybe the notes will follow. The new version should have its own page per Fragrantica policy.

Amazing, beautiful scent. This was actually a love at first sniff for me. I read a lot of posts and reviews comparing it to Casmir. I have both and love both but ylang in gold is leagues ahead in quality. Ylang in gold smells like sunshine itself. It is so well blended that it's hard for me to single out its different notes. I get mostly ylang, litchi, smooth creamy vanilla and musk. Compared with Casmir, ylang in gold is definitely made of higher quality ingredients, smoother and more floral. Casmir, on the other hand, is spicier, more resinous and has more vanilla. Ylang in gold actually reminds me of Orchidee vanille, not in actuall scent but in the same type of feel. Both are balmy florals smoothed out with light fluffy vanilla cream.

Beautiful, just beautiful. Ylang in Gold is sweet, strong and intoxicating. A happy smell, but not a light one. The ylang ylang is extremely strong on me, especially during the first hour. Sillage and longevity are impressive. My first thought, when I sprayed this: Ylang in Gold is a lot like Chopard's Casmir. I own a vintage bottle of the latter, and the similarity is striking. That said, Ylang in Gold is more subtle (as subtle as such a look-at-me-scent does get), and it does not have Casmir's weird canned-peach note. I clearly prefer the Micallef to the Chopard. But they are also far apart in price... My thanks to E. for her generous samples :-)

This is a very beautiful powdery and lactonic fragrance. It smells exactly like banana custard. The only thing is, it doesn't project that well. It only projects on the first few minutes after spraying, and becomes a skin scent after an hour. This fragrance lasts 4-6 hours on me (but on an intimate level), but sometimes, it just completely disappears in less than an hour. If you want to make a statement with this perfume, you need to be generous with your spraying. If you were to ask me if this is a safe blind buy, definitely a BIG YES! It is a unique fragrance, but still in most people's comfort zones.

Happiness in a bottle to me. Warm and tropical ylang ylang, sweet-coconut, vanilla, sweet musk and sandalwood, somewhat akin to banana pudding but the tropical florals preclude this from becoming exclusively gourmand. I’ve repurchased multiple times, it’s my go-to warm weather fragrance and puts me in a wonderful mood each time I wear it. Undeniably sweet yet well blended and playful without being adolescent. The type of vanilla used by Micallef is amazing as it intensifies in the bottle overtime, lending a hand to its longevity. Not for everyone, but this is a lifelong forever love for me! ☀️🍌🥥🍮

This perfume is an absolutely lovely, mouthwatering lush tropical scent with ylang ylang at the top (which adds the banana scent). You can catch the blast of fruit at top also, but I would not describe necessarily as fruity. It dries into a creamy and decadent delight with the coconut and vanilla. Although I love this fragrance and think it is beautifully done, it is quite strong. A couple of sprays will do it for the day. I also have Hanae Mori (which is said to be a dupe), and while they are similar - Hanae is much more subdued (ie better for the office) and has its place.