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Ylang-ylang is a floral note that is featured in a whole lot of different perfumes. But, that’s usually as a feature or supporting note, instead of being the star itself. However, for some folks out there, the yellow flower is something that they love and want it front and center in their fragrance. This page is going to serve as my running list of the best of the bunch.
What are the Best Smelling Ylang-Ylang Perfumes?
Ylang, Fruits and Vanilla
Ylang in Gold– Ylang in Gold from Micallef is a very popular pick out of the ylang-ylang offerings. It’s actually quite fruity and has a nice vanilla/coconut creaminess to it. Then, even a light floral powdery undertone.
Ylang is the strongest within the composition, but it doesn’t stand alone. The peach note is probably the most noticeable fruity aspect of this fragrance, but even early on the coconut and some citrus gives it a slightly tropical feeling.
The latter stages are vanilla, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, and just a general mix of the sweet and floral notes. Really, those notes smell like an impression, rather than being anything distinct.
There are other editions of this perfume. For a woodier, less vanilla and fruity based version, try Ylang in Gold Nectar.
Sunny, Salty Floral
Embruns d’Ylang by Guerlain– This one is a high-end ylang-ylang fragrance from Guerlain. The company itself, seems to be the only one selling full bottles right now. With the price, you’d do well to track down a sample on eBay or somewhere else.
Anyway, Embruns d’Ylang is a bright and beach yellow floral fragrance. It has a coastal sea salt/sea spray note that gives this one a nice dynamic with how it plays off of the ylang-ylang note. Though, I didn’t feel this was super salty when I smelled it once.
It’s a bit sweet, but that saltiness seems to pair with the wood, upon first applying. Then, some jasmine. The ylang-ylang feels pretty thick in this and it has a rather strong sillage, at least early. Still, I’d try before buying to see if it vibes with you.
Citrus Spice and Ylang-Ylang
Ylang Ylang Nosy Be– Nosy Be opens things up with a spice and citrus blend up top. Grapefruit and cardamom seem to be the two main attractions. But, with some lemon and orange blossom thrown in.
The floral heart and vanilla note will really help to smooth this one out and give it a creamier sort of texture to the aroma. Ylang-ylang does dominate the floral aspect of course, but the orange blossom sticks around along with a bit of jasmine.
Yet, even with the vanilla Ylang Ylang Nosy Be doesn’t feel super thick or heavy. It’s fresh with a naturalistic sweetness. Drier once the vetiver and woods show up later on. This is the EDP version. There is a pricier Extrait de Parfum, but I haven’t tried, so it may be somewhat different.
Ylang and Carnation…with some Vanilla
Aqua Allegoria Ylang & Vanille by Guerlain– So, this offering from Guerlain is actually a fairly simple affair. The ylang-ylang is joined by the title vanilla, but also: jasmine and carnation. Just, those two will come in stronger at different times.
First, the ylang-ylang and jasmine. Later, that carnation really shows up. Even though, it’s actually a top note…whatever.
I don’t find the vanilla to be all that heavy versus something like Ylang in Gold or Nosy Be, even if it’s been given a title listing by Guerlain. Sharp aroma upon opening, but this perfume will soften up within a pretty short time frame.
I think that this has been discontinued now. So, you may need to dig for a bottle.
Sweet Creamy Ylang-ylang
51 Pour Femme Parfum– 51 Parfum from Roja Dove isn’t a pure stand alone ylang-ylang fragrance, but it does have a strong ylang note and is a fantastic wear.
Up top, you’re going to get raspberry and bergamot, giving it a fruity sweetness. This is joined by our target note, vanilla, and a host of white florals. Early on, it feels more like a bouquet than specifically focusing on the ylang-ylang.
But, as it dries down the white floral mix will take a step back. The dry down will be creamy and smooth, with hints of woods and spice. Vanilla and cashmere wood are here, maybe some light amber and musk.
Another expensive one, though, 51 Parfum is a great fragrance with enough ylang-ylang to grab a spot here.
Gucci Bloom
Profumo di Fiori– This is one of the entries from the Gucci Bloom series. Profumo di Fiori isn’t a pure ylang-ylang stand alone, but has a definite role within a blend of other floral notes.
Jasmine, tuberose, and Rangoon creeper are all there, as with most of the other scents from the Bloom lineup.
The jasmine has a bigger role early on, in my experience. The Rangoon creeper is lighter. Then, it will be more of the tuberose and ylang-ylang. It’s floral, but has a thicker substance to it, with a tropical vibe from our yellow flower.
It feels bright and has a creamy warmth to it, with enough woodiness to make things interesting. I don’t think that it’s ‘mind-blowing’, but this is a fantastic release from Gucci.
A Yellow Mix
Poeme by Lancome Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, Poeme, 3.4 Ounce
However, while it is quite floral, it doesn’t strike as a really ‘green’ bouquet because it is all tied together by the vanilla note and the inclusion of tangerine and plum.
The floral notes do indeed dominate, blend well together, but there is enough fruitiness in Poeme to keep it interesting. Peach really seems to survive for pretty much the entire run.
Lots of tuberose and mimosa fill up this scent, but when all the notes come together you have a clean, somewhat soapy, and sweet fragrance that can go all day.
Add to that, at times rose, ylang-ylang, and other floral ingredients will make an appearance. The ylang-ylang is mostly present past the opening act. Again, it’s a major player here, just not the sole star of the show.
So, if you want a blended use of ylang-ylang to use on other days, this Lancome can be a great fit.
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Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides.