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