If you were one of the many people who watched the Sex and the City movie, you probably heard Samantha mention ylang-ylang and wondered what it is!
Ylang Ylang is an extraordinarily fragrant and popular plant species. Some refer to it as Cananga Odorata, or the Madagascar Oil Tree (although it isn’t technically a tree), which belongs to the family of Monimiaceae, also known as the ylang-ylang.
This tropical tree is known for its sweetly fragrant flowers in large bunches. The ylang-ylang flower’s sweet fragrance is floral and reminiscent of jasmine or gardenia. In aromatherapy and skincare, Ylang Ylang’s sweet smell is described as both soothing and spicy and has a slight licorice aroma.
This evergreen tropical plant originates from Asia and the Pacific Islands, where it can still be found in abundance today. The ylang-ylang tree is part of the same family as the olive and produces an orange-yellow flower with a strong, sweet aroma. It is used for perfume and in scented candles.
In addition to its use in perfume and candles, its flowers are used in potpourri and flavor foods. Furthermore, Ylang-ylang oil is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety.
Let’s dive into the intriguing world of Ylang Ylang and explore more about what type of scent this tropical tree has to offer.
Does Ylang Ylang smell good?
Ylang ylang is a yellow star-shaped flower with a heavy and sweet scent. Some people describe it as a floral (sometimes described as jasmine-like or banana-like) scent with sweetness and spiciness elements. Others feel it has a more tropical smell because it is often used in exotic perfumes.
Because it is a heavy scent, it can be overwhelming, and some people find it off-putting. But many people report feeling some degree of euphoria when smelling ylang-ylang. Most women like the smell of ylang-ylang and often use it with other soothing scents, such as vanilla or sandalwood. However, men sometimes find the scent too firm, so they use a small amount first to get used to it.
Benefits of Ylang Ylang
Apart from having an exotic scent, Ylang ylang has plenty of health benefits. It is extremely popular in Asian countries for soothing skin conditions and lowering blood pressure. Here are some other reasons why Ylang Ylang is famous!
1) The health benefits of ylang-ylang essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antidepressant, antiseborrheic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, nervine and sedative substance.
2) Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil possesses antidepressant properties and is therefore useful for those who are suffering from depression and anxiety.
3) The oil has a soothing effect on the nerves and helps in the treatment of nervous disorders like convulsions, insomnia, neurosis, shock and stress-related conditions.
4) It is effective in healing skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. It also helps in reducing excessive sebum secretion from the sebaceous glands that often leads to acne.
5) Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil is also used for treating circulatory conditions like hypotension.
6) It can be used as a hair tonic if you have dry and brittle hair or if your scalp tends to be dry or flaky. It has emollient properties that help to nourish your scalp and promote healthy growth of hair.
What does Ylang Ylang smell like in Perfumes?
With its sweet, rich and delicate fragrance, it is one of the most popular scents used in perfumes. In addition, the scent of ylang-ylang is often described as sensual, romantic, and calming.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of the petals from yellow flowers. This oil has a sweet smell that reminds us of the tropics with hints of vanilla while still being very fresh smelling at the same time!
The fresh, floral scent of ylang-ylang can add a new dimension to any perfume. This is why many perfumes contain ylang ylang as a middle note or base note. In perfumes, ylang-ylang is usually combined with bergamot and rosewood essential oils to have a sweeter scent.
Best perfumes with Ylang Ylang as top notes
Ylang Ylang perfumes are highly sought after in the market, not just by women but by men too. Its distinct scent is appealing to many people when mixed with other fragrances. Some popular perfumes contain the ylang-ylang scent, which is an important note.
Oscar by Oscar de la Renta for women
The top note starts with a fresh, fruity citrus burst and blends seamlessly into the sweet core of floral notes – Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, and Tuberose. A stunning base of sandalwood, amber, and exotic spices rounds out this exquisite concoction.
This fragrance is a perfect blend of oriental freshness and sheer femininity. It leaves a lingering impression on the senses. Oscar by Oscar de la Renta is a classic, refined fragrance brilliantly appropriate for day or evening wear.
The subtle yet complex bouquet offers richness of fruity fragrance without heaviness, and a hint of spice gives it modern appeal while remaining elegant and feminine.
Edwardian Bouquet Floris for women
One of the oldest niche lines globally, Edwardian Bouquet by Floris is a timeless masterpiece. This classic Edwardian Bouquet perfume was produced in the early 1900s, when British society was very much in love with flowers, a sentiment that continues to this day!
Launched by the design house of Floris in 1901, Edwardian Bouquet is classified as a refined, floral fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend of hyacinth, citrus, and woodsy perfume oils. It is recommended for evening wear.
It is a floral-green chypre that is famous in its day and reminiscent of the heady scents worn by the ladies of the early twentieth century, probably because it includes an unusual top note of hyacinth exaggerated by green notes. Next, the heart is rose with jasmine and ylang-ylang, followed by oakmoss, musk, sandalwood, powdery notes, and patchouli.
Saffron Amber Illuminum for women and men
Saffron Amber by Illuminum is an Oriental Spicy fragrance for women and men. Inspired by this untamed, exotic, and rare spiciness, Illuminium has created a warm, smooth, and spicy scent.
Just like the rare spice, with its abundant aroma and substantial impact, our perfume sinks into the skin in an explosion of aromas. The long-lasting amber base wraps you in a sensual dream.
Top notes of Bergamot, coriander, and peach are bright, citrusy, and succulent. Middle notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine, and saffron imbue the perfume with an exotic spiciness that is feminine and masculine. Base notes of musk and amber add a hint of mystery and a musky warmth to the blend.
It has a lightness to it that makes it feel very fresh but also has a subtle sexiness to it because of the musk. It’s playful, spontaneous, and fun—perfect for this time of year!
Jasmine Rouge by Tom Ford for men
This Eau de parfum is inspired by the Jasmine Rouge flower found in India. It is a precious blossom that Tom Ford discovered while traveling and one that he has been drawn to ever since. The Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge story begins with a beguiling note of cinnamon.
It is laden with spice, which gains its warmth from cardamom with a dash of Bergamot and pepper to create a synergistic top note. A rich floral bouquet builds from the heart, drawing out jasmine sambac, ylang-ylang, and neroli oil, each of which can be found in Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood, one of his most iconic scents.
The sweet and powdery scent is anchored by French labdanum, amber wood, and leather. A radiant celebration of opulent jasmine flowers and intoxicating ginger, Jasmin Rouge is a charismatic fusion of delicate floral and smooth, warm woods. A sensual, warm floral fragrance with an unexpected edge.
Charogne Etat Libre d'Orange
From the house of Etat Libre d’Orange, Charogne is an animalic leather and amber Oriental fragrance. This fragrance is a rich woody oriental with spices and florals. Top notes are Bergamot, pink pepper, cardamom, and ginger. Middle notes are lily, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and osmanthus. The base is precious woods with hints of vanilla and musk.
Prepare yourself for the ultimate olfactory experience. This rich, woody fragrance combines spices, florals, and resins to create an animalic yet sweet Oriental. It’s an unmistakable scent that’s powerful without being overpowering. If you want to smell as fresh as you feel, then try Charogne.
This fragrance makes a perfect gift for yourself or someone special in your life who loves spicy Oriental aromas. It is also appropriate for casual wear to professional functions both day and night.
Final Note
Ylang Ylang is a unique scent that can be used in many different ways. It can be used on its own or combined with other scents to create a more complex perfume.
When it is used on its own, it has a very distinctive aroma that stands out when smelled. However, when blended with other scents, it can give your perfume more staying power and make it last longer.
Even though Ylang Ylang is a very versatile scent, it is best when paired with a more classic aroma to blend its sweet but, at the same time, a little woody scent. This means that even though Ylang Ylang stands all by itself and can last for several hours, it is best paired with another flowery aroma to give it more staying power.
Ylang Ylang is genuinely a unique scent that can complement your perfume collection. So, all in all, if you like floral scents, give Ylang Ylang a smell. You won’t be disappointed!
