A little over a month ago I was reading on one of my favorite sites, CaFleureBon, that CaFleureBon editor Michelyn Camen and perfumer Laurie Erickson had teamed up to create a new perfume based on a concept developed by Michelyn. I knew that whatever these two created was going to be incredible and was even more excited to learn that the featured note was going to be my beloved ylang-ylang. You can read more about Michelyn’s and Laurie’s inspiration and their creative development process at CaFleureBon. As there was a draw as part of the announcement, I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek sniff…but even better, it’s now available for sale!
WHAT I SMELL: Yin & Ylang opens with a snappy bergamot and semi sweet blood orange, but quickly moves into with this very lovely and deepened fruitiness which then becomes moves even deeper revealing this ultra creamy and über sexy ylang ylang. For an opening, this is surprising as it’s weighted with a layered sheen of wax which seems to pour up from the depths below. Jasmine and tuberose take a back seat to the ylang ylang, but sit on the side revealing themselves after around ten minutes as the fragrance begins to lighten after its initial seduction. As the fragrance lightens, a hint of soured light sharpness (sandalwood?) begins to make an appearance. However, given another twenty minutes and the fragrance looses any hint of sharpness and the creamy florals really begin to project off my skin. The fragrance then blends so fluently with the base notes creating this dreamy and slightly honeyed backdrop for the exquisite florals. I’m not sure what this says about me, but I find Yin & Ylang to be sensual, yet very comforting at the same time.
Fragrance Notes from the Sonoma Scent Studio website:
Bergamot, blood orange, soft aldehydes,beeswax absolute, ylang complete oil, jasmine sambac absolute, tuberose absolute, rose damascones, ginger CO2,Mysore sandalwood oil, oakmoss absolute, amber, patchouli,vanilla, musk.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: seduction
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YIN & YLANG: glorious, enraptured, lush
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT YIN & YLANG: Now Smell This, CaFleureBon
BOTTOM LINE: I had the pleasure of meeting Michelyn last fall at Sniffapalooza and she is lovely and charming in every way and she knows the perfume industry like few do. Knowing Michelyn, I knew upon hearing about this new creation that it would be a hit; and I was right. Sometimes great ideas and collaborations don’t always make for a good fit. In this case, Michelyn and Laurie have created a timeless beauty that starts off with a strong seduction and leaves you with a lasting love.
- Bone Rating: 4.5 out of 5 possible bones
- Scent: Floral
- Classification: Feminine
- Expense: $55 for 17ml or $100 for 34ml from the Sonoma Scent Studio website
April 22, 2014 at 9:49 pm
Steve, you hit the nail on the head from every angle. I also found it to be both sensual and comforting, which is a strange combination but a lovely one indeed.
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April 23, 2014 at 5:58 am
Nancy, I guess it’s quite the compliment if you can create something that fits both sensuality and comfort! You don’t see that very often.
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April 22, 2014 at 10:10 pm
I need to place an SSS order soon! Coincidentally, Michelyn will be at Sniffapalooza again in May and I look forward to meeting her! There was not one whiff (no pun intended) of this being part of the swag but wouldn’t it be a great idea for a post-launch surge?
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April 23, 2014 at 6:01 am
I think so. It might just be part of Sniffa…you never know. Darn I wish I was going!
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April 22, 2014 at 10:26 pm
Steve, I agree with Nancy! You hit it dead on. The way it was intended to be captured by the creative mind (Michelyn) upon conception of the idea…and the only perfumer capable of bringing it to fruition. Seduction followed by an everlasting love. A timeless classic born from a fantastic collaboration. Loved reading your blog.
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April 23, 2014 at 6:03 am
Thanks for the kind words Sandi and thanks for the retweet BTW. Yes, I agree. I think that Michelyn and Laurie need to team up again. I’m craving a good and creamy Jasmine fragrance….ladies are you listening?
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April 22, 2014 at 11:49 pm
You’re review is right-on, it is complicated and sexy. I too adore ylang-ylang. I just got my 3ml sample last week and I love it! A FB is in my very near future!
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April 23, 2014 at 6:04 am
Annina, if I see Ylang-Ylang listed in the notes, my radar goes up immediately. A FB is on my list too. Thanks for stopping by!
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April 23, 2014 at 3:25 am
Sounds absolutely perfect to me! 🙂
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April 23, 2014 at 6:04 am
Ines, nothing can ever replace my beloved Givenchy Ysatis for ylang-ylang, but this comes pretty darn close!
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April 23, 2014 at 8:38 am
I’m really looking forward to trying Yin & Ylang. Laurie and I figured out how to send a little sample vial over the Ocean to Poland.
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April 23, 2014 at 5:36 pm
I hope you like it as much as I do Lucas. I need to get to know Sonoma Scent Studio better as if the other fragrances are this good, then I’ll be happy!
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April 24, 2014 at 3:06 am
My favourite one is Sienna Musk 🙂
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April 23, 2014 at 12:16 pm
I’ve also read the article on CaFleureBon and yes, it’s on my must-try-soon list. Ylang Ylang is one of my favourite scents too. How can I resist? Now I need to find the way to get it over here to Spain.
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April 23, 2014 at 5:37 pm
I didn’t check their site to see if they ship overseas. If only we wouldn’t have these silly shipping issues across the globe!
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April 23, 2014 at 2:40 pm
I am so glad you “fell in love” and thank you for all your kind word. Laurie is a joy to work with and I couldn’t be more pleased to collaborate with such an amazing talent. To discuss the comfort and sensuality that your alpah noses were picking up… SSS had two scents I wore for many years-Opal milky skin scent and Femme Jolie which was inspired by one fo my top 5 perfumes of all time Shiseido Feminitie Du Bois. They couldn’t be more different and Yin and Ylang doesn’t smell like either but that duality was what I was going for. I am really pleased that you got the “classic” aspect as well. Not a fad, not a trend, but a perfume to love for many years. Hajusurrari I look forward to meeting you at Sniffapalooza. Nancy and “Mr. Hound” I will miss you both
I am working on a new collaboration ….for 2015 to be continue… no jasmine though
xxx-Michelyn
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April 23, 2014 at 5:38 pm
Michelyn – You’re going to have a tough time topping Yin & Ylang. But for some reason, I have the feeling that you will with your next creation 🙂
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