CaFleureBon Ylang Ylang in Perfumery “The Flowers of Flowers” + 12 Niche Ylang Ylang Perfumes Draw

dwarf_ylang_ylang_by_magenta_moon-d2zw0un

dwarf ylang ylang by magenta moon

To stand under a ylang ylang tree is to inhale peace and serenity from the bloom  known as  the “flower of flowers.” The scent is intensely floral, sweet and yet a bit earthy, with a definite creaminess.  The flower itself can be leggy and awkward or beautifully arranged in swirls and curves along the branches.  The six petals are long and narrow with a greenish-yellow color and they develop a pinkish-red center as they age also growing more deeply yellow.  The name in Tagalog when spelled ilang means wilderness but when ilang-ilan is used it means rare. Rare… referring to its beautiful and delicate scent.

ylang_ylang perfumes

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina)  blossoms yield an essential oil that is often distilled in stages to yield four categories, extra, first, second and third, or all at once for the complete.  Flowers are picked in the morning for distillation from trees that are topped to grow horizontally for easier picking. The distillation is carried out in water so the delicate flowers can float without damage to the petals. The very first fraction is the extra and may be 30-45% of the total, then comes the first, second, and third, in stages.  The extra is quite a powerful scent with a sharp yet sweet floral fragrance.  Good extras will have a creamy sweet note early in the evaporation fading to a balsamic/spicy floral scent. Most people use the extra and the third fraction with the third having a slightly less intense aroma with a slight minti-ness. A beautiful absolute is also produced from the solvent extracted concrete.  The scent of the absolute is described as intensely floral, sweet and diffusive with the floral topnote fading to a long-lasting floral/spicy and balsamic dryout. Cananga oil comes from a related variety called macrophylla and is a bit more harsh yet floral and long-lasting making it good for soap and other less expensive products.

chanel no 5 ylang illustration by lucile prache

Chanel no 5 Illustration used with the permission of Parisian Artist Lucile Prache (Check out her art on Etsy)

Ylang ylang absolute and essential oils are key ingredients in many floral perfumes, and was important in the creation of Chanel No. 5 as a balance to the overdose of aldehydes.  Both the absolute and essential oils blend excellently with rose, jasmine and tropical notes such as coconut. Ylang ylang by itself or when used with other  ingredients has a wonderful complexity and appeal and can be a perfume all on its own. Ylang Ylang is also used in men's fragrances to tone down sharper notes without adding the floralcy of rose or jasmine.

ylang ylang distillery nosy be

The ylang ylang tree is in the Custard-apple family, native to Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as indigenous to many tropical areas on the South East Coast of Africa; notably Madagascar, the Comoros Islands and Nosy Be where much of the ylang-ylang used in contemporary perfume is cultivated and harvested.  It naturally grows up to 60 feet tall with long drooping branches but is kept short when used to essential oil production.  Ylang Ylang tree bark is used for timber and the flowers for adornment.

Uvaria odorata ylang ylang tree

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina) Botanical illustration

The tree flowers year-round in some places, usually during the rainy season in the winter and produces dark fruits that look like olives.  These fruits are important food for birds in the area. A related species, the ylang ylang vine (Artabotrys hexapetalus), has smaller flowers that do not twist. Ylang ylang flowers are pollinated by moths and so are most fragrant at night. The aroma builds to its highest level at sunrise when the flowers are picked, often by hand, and laid to dry in the shade for a short time before going directly to the distillery.

ylang trees

Ylang Ylang trees

Parts of the ylang ylang tree have been used in their native habitat for generations for beauty and for medical purposes.  In Indonesia the flowers are spread on the marriage bed of newlywed couples and in the Phillipines are strung on leis along with the sampaguita (jasmine sambac) and also used to adorn religious images.

tahitian beauty

Indonesian women will often hide a flower in their hair.Fresh ylang ylang flowers are mixed with flowers of jasmine sambac, rose, champaca and pandanus leaves for religious and festive ceremonies in Java and Bali. Flowers are put away with clothes or scattered on bedding for their scent. Ylang ylang is valuable for medicinal and aromatherapeutic usage. Many cultures use ylang ylang as a remedy for skin conditions such as acne and scars; it is also used to alleviate stress, anger, and anxiety.  Dried flowers may be used against malaria while fresh flowers made into a paste may be used to treat asthma.

elise pearlstine ylang ylang photo

Photo: Elise Pearlstine (all rights reserved)

Rubbing the leaves of the tree on the skin may be good for itching. Recent studies of ylang ylang in aromatherapy show that the essential oil may have a harmonizing effect instead of strictly relaxing or sedating. One particular study showed a significant reduction in blood pressure and pulse rate that was accompanied by increased attentiveness and alertness. However, overuse of ylang ylang oil may lead to headaches.

petrovsky-ramone-fashion_photography-8-1-720x518 ylang in perfumery

Petrovsky & Ramone fashion photography

It has long been known to be an aphrodisiac and a treatment for impotence. Margaret Mead found it to be commonly used as an aphrodisiac by Pacific Islanders. In the Philippines it is a symbol of the divine feminine and sensuality and is the basis of a myth about feminine beauty.

Indonesia - Traditional Dayak tribal culture, Borneo

 A gifted gardner named Dumaleg and his wife Amara could not seem to have children.  They visited a local managanito or soothsayer who told them that the gods were unhappy that Dumaleg had married for they wanted him to raise plants and flowers, not children. However, the managanito interceded with the gods and shortly thereafter the couple had a baby girl but on the condition that the girl never be allowed to marry even though she would be as beautiful and fresh as the flowers from Dumaleg’s garden.  They named their daughter Ylang Ylang and raised her away from the eyes of men.

Paul Jacoulet Une Belle de Palaos

Paul Jacoulet UneBelle de Palaos

However, one day when the parents were away from home a young man spotted Ylang Ylang over the courtyard wall and introduced himself.  He continued to visit Ylang Ylang several times and she was careful not to touch him.  One day he brought her a bouquet of flowers to express his feelings and their fingers touched when she took the bouquet.  Immediately she disappeared and became the first ylang ylang tree in the world.

Although sometimes called the “poor man’s jasmine,”  ylang ylang is indeed the flower of flowers and has no rival in the world of perfumery. Like the warm wind off a tropical island with just a hint of spice and verdant richness, ylang ylang carries the sweet, fresh scent of tropical flowers.

Elise Pearlstine, Monthly Contributor and Perfumer for Tambela

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

For our Ylang-Ylang Perfume draw

micallef-ylang-in-gold perfume

The Queen of ylang ylang perfumes (and a CaFleurebon  Best of Scent 2012) 100 ML Parfums M.Micallef Ylang in Gold, with Madagascar Ylang ylang (perfumer Jean Claude Astier).  Available at Parfum 1

xerjoff homme x17 xj 15 ml

 15 ml of  Xerjoff XJ 17/17 Homme Courtesy of Xerjoff USA

40 notes exotic ylang

40Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang sourced from Madagascar: NosyBe and Comoros Islands.  A CaFleureBon Best of Scent 2011 (Perfumer Miriam Vareldzis) USA ONLY

 

LInvisible strange invisible perfume ylang

 ALL NATURAL Strange Invisible Perfumes L'Invisible with hydro distilled organic Madagascar Ylang ylang (Perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis) -USA ONLY

bijou romantique  etat libre d'orange by mathilde bijaoui

50ml Etat Libre D'Orange Bijou Romantique  thanks to EuroScents USA madagcar ylang ylang. Perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui.  Available at Luckyscent

ylang ylang  house of matriarch  alpha

ALL NATURAL 15 ml travel House of Matriarch Alpha with ylang ylang from The Comoros Islands (perfumer Christi Meshell)-USA

 

malmaison jo annebassett

  ALL NATURAL One ounce of Malmaison by JoAnne Bassett ylang ylang extra Madagascar- USA

dshperfumes hand of buddah

ALL NATURAL 30ml DSH Perfumes Hand of Buddah EDP (perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz) available at indiescents.com -USA

summer varies  wing & a prayer

ALL NATURAL 1.7 oz  Summer Varies from Wing & A Prayer with Madagascar ylang ylang (perfumer Jane Cate) USA and for our International readers Jane is offering a one ounce perfume oil

LittleStarsBottle

30 ml of Little Stars by Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes  which was Perfumer Ellen Covey's very first fragrance -madagascar ylang ylang complete USA

sarah_horowitz eau de light nosy be ylang

15ml of Eau de Light by Sarah Horowitz Parfums …Nosy Be Ylang Ylang  This is a custom perfume. Mark Behnke reviewed it here (Perfumer Sarah Horowitz Thran)-USA

magnolia2small

and from our author Elise Pearlstine of Tambela 10 ml EdT of Magnolia with ylang ylang complete from Madagascar-USA

ylang ylang flower

To be eligible for our Ylang Ylang in Perfume draw, please leave a comment about what you learned from this article and as many of the fragrances you would like to win (Country restrictions, so  let us know if you are an International reader). Be sure to include at least one ylang ylang natural perfume when you post your choices. Draw closes June 21, 2013

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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85 comments

  • I loved reading the Phillipino myth- those stories always have that touch of truth, sadness and wanting woven with beauty. However its always the women who suffer-dosent pay to be too beautiful if you are involved in a fairy tale …I'd be in to win these, I have a US and International address – Parfums M.Micallef Ylang in Gold, Summer Varies from Wing & A Prayer,  Strange Invisible Perfumes L'Invisible all sound divine

  • I can see why Indonesian women will often hide a flower in their hair probably for the beautiful scent. I can also see why the flowers may be put away with clothes or scattered on the bed for their scent.Surprising to me was the use of them in traditional medicine against skin conditions also anger, and anxiety.  Dried flowers may be used against malaria while fresh flowers made into a paste may be used to treat asthma is also something that was very surprising to me. But then again I can see their use in medicine as seems to be the case with many plants and flowers.   I would love to be entered in the draw for one of the following…..Etat Libre D'Orange Bijou Romantique, DSH Hand of Buddah EDP and 40Notes Exotic Ylang

  • sara levy says:

    I was fascinated to learn about all the countries ylang ylang grows within. Also its use as sn anti asthma treatment..
    I would like to win ylang in gold xeroff dj. Exotic ylang ylang sip. Linvisible bijou romantique house of matriarch alpha malmaison hand of buddah summer varies little stars. Eau de light and magnolia. I live in the us. Thank you!!!!

  • I knew absolutley zero about the Ylang Ylang plant and this was fascinating. From the way it grows, the smell, the distillation, medicinal purposes and even the history. Wonderful article. Even read it to Mom. Oh how I wish I could grow a tree or vine here in Oklahoma. I do live in the US and several are appealing. The Xerjoff XJ 17/17 Homme; DSH Hand of Buddah; Alpha; and M. Micallef Ylang in Gold. Thanks for a super draw.

  • I'm always interested to learn about how the perfume notes I love are used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy to treat different ailments. Fascinating to know that it's used to reduce stress, anger, and anxiety – and is effective enough to show a significant reduction in blood pressure and pulse rate. Thanks once again for enlightening me.

    I'm in Canada so I'd love to win M. Micallef Ylang in Gold and Etat Libre d'Orange Biijou Romantique. I don't see any naturals that will ship outside the US but the one I'd choose would be Little Stars by Olympic Orchids. Thanks!

  • Thank you Michelyn for including my Summer Varies Perfume in your wonderful artricle about ylang-ylang. I loved reading abotu the other perfumes that use this wonderful essential oil.

  • Excellent article

    Ylang ylang can be iffy for me if overdone. I look forward to trying out your suggestions, especially Ylang in Gold and L'Invisible. Your draws are always generous!

  • Heather F says:

    I enjoyed learning about the medicinal and aromatherapeutic qualities of ylang-ylang, particularly that it can be/was used to treat asthma.  I would love Ylang in Gold or SIP's L'Invisible.  Thanks as ever for the draw!

  • I have never smelled ylang ylang and frankly never knew much about it
    I loved the painting of the materials used for Chanel and always associated no5 with aldehydes
    The myth of the Gardner was quite sad so I would need any of the following to cheer me up as ylang is supposed to be uplifting
    Ylang in Gold
    Bijou Romantique
    Strange invisible perfumes L’invisible
    Eau de light
    Magnolia
    Exotic Ylang
    Malmaison
    Beautifully written and lovely illustrations

  • Ylang Ylang to me is the quintessence of a tropical flower.It’s floral,creamy,spicy,and narcotic and has that distinct element of distant jungle rot common to the tropics.I have a beautiful Ylang Ylang absolute and extra that I use often.Just by itself it’s a perfume I really enjoyed this comprehensive article and found the medicinal uses fascinating.I can certainly see how Ylang Ylang could be used as an anti stress and anti anxiety treatment.It’s tropical sunshine in a bottle! I would love to win the Ylang in Gold,the Xerjoff,the 40 notes Exotic Ylang Ylang,the L’Invisible,the Bijou Romantique,the Maimaison,DSH Hand of Buddah,Summer Varies,Little Stars,Eau de Lignt and Magnolia.Thanks for the fabulous draw!

  • MontrealGirl says:

    Finally, an article on the elusive yet ubiquitious ylang-ylang!  Even the pronunciation was a mystery to me, let alone the pure smell.  Thanks for the fascinating research and overview.  The bit that intrigued me the most was it use in the treatement of malaria.  I used to live in the tropics and the treatement at the time was the horrible, bitter tasting quinine.  This sounds like a lovely alternative.  Thanks for the introduction to the beautiful art work of Lucile Prache too.  Please enter my name in the draw.  International address (Canada). I would like to win M. Micallef Ylang in Gold and Etat Libre d'Orange Biijou Romantique.  It is a pity that the all natural House of Matriarch Alpha, which also sounds interesting, does not ship internationally. 

  • I was interested in the distillation process, having heard about "fractions" before, but never really knowing what the term meant.  Now I'm curious to know what the first and second stages of ylang ylang distillation are used for!  I'm in the US, and I'd love to win Ylang in Gold, L'Invisible, Bijou Romantique, or Malmaison.

  • I never knew there was ylang ylang in Chanel No 5. Now I'll need to re-sniff it the next time I'm near a tester to see if I can detect it. I'm in the US, and I would choose Parfums M.Micallef Ylang in Gold, 40Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang, Strange Invisible Perfumes L'Invisible, or House of Matriarch Alpha. Thanks!

  • Your story about the gardener named Dumaleg, wife Amara and picture above helped me realize tribes in Sabah and Sarawak mystical carvings are Ylang Ylang. It is etched everywhere in their culture, from shields to Sarawakian sape (guitar) from body tattoos and to the ancestry supernatural.

  • I do not have much experience with ylang ylang, so reading this article was very useful. I am impresed that ylang ylang plays such an important role in medicine and that it treates a few diseases.

    I would like to win Summer Varies and Ylang in Gold for I do not live in the U.S.

    Thanks!

  • Interesting that the plant is most fragrant at night/ towards morning. I am also surprised how tall it is. I have only one choice – Micallef Ylang in Gold (intl.)

    Thank you!

  • I also don't have much experience with ylang ylang. Interesting that it's called "the poor man's jasmine". I do like jasmine so I'm maybe I would like ylang ylang.

    Would love to try the M. Micallef Ylang in Gold (lovely bottle!!) ,40 Notes Exotic Ylang, Wing &  a Prayer Summer Varies, Olympic Orchids Little Stars, or Etat Libre d'Orange Bijou Romantique. Thank you for the draw.

  • I didn't know that ylang ylang was believed to be an aphrodisiac by Pacific Islanders, an interesting fact discussed by Margaret Mead.  Also, that rubbing the leaves of the tree reduces itching (something I need for these dang insect bites!)  The myth of the gardener was sad.

    Beautiful choices: M. Micallef Ylang in Gold, Exotic Ylang Ylang by 40 Notes, SIP L'Invisible, House of Matriarch Alpha, DSH Hand of Buddha

     

  • I hadn't even heard of this flower until a few months ago when I started getting interested in perfume, so I'm surprised at its widespread use in famous perfumes like Chanel No 5. The Philipino myth is particularly fascinating!

    I would love to explore this note in more depth!

  • I didn't know it was an aphrodisiac and cure for impotence. That would be an interesting experiment.

     

    I'm in the EU and I would like to win Summer Varies and Ylang in Gold.

    ty

  • I learned a lot about Ylang Ylang today and I especially enjoyed the short story about the gardner and his wife with their daughter Ylang Ylang.

    I live in EU and I would love to win Ylang in gold and the Summer Varies perfume oil.

  • Ylang Ylang suffers from the always the bridesmaid and never the bride syndrome for me as rarely does a perfume showcase this bloom's gorgeous scent by itself. This article cheered me up and with the recent interest in Ylang Ylang in some brands, I am glad interest is being piqued.I love Ylang's disturbing creaminess as it instantly reminds me of the Indian Ocean islands where I grew up. I was amazed to read that it had healing properties and even had aphrodisiac qualities: even its name has an erotic feel to it! I am an international reader and would love to win Wing and a Prayer's Summer varies or Ylang in Gold..

    Thank you for this draw!

  • Hi there, wow Ylang ylang, I have many philipinos colleagues and they said they have ylang ylang growing in their back yards some of them did not know the importance of it, that Chanel uses it in No5.I like that story of Dumaleg and his wife Amara I was telling my colleague next me me that I learnt a new thing about the philipines and ylang Ylang. it reminds me of the story of repunzel.

    One another note they have good ylang ylang grown in Mauritius aswell there is a place called "domaine ylang Ylang".They distill the oils there too.I have yet to try it, i am travelling there next month and hope to be able to try the Mauritian Ylang ylang.

    I have an International address, a Uk and an US address aswell and if chosen i would go for exotic ylang ylang

    thank you

    Jamal Dookhy

  • This is a very interesting article! I did not know

    it was used for healing; and is an aphrodisiac.

    I am in the US

    M.Micallef – Ylang in Gold , DSH – Hand of Buddah

    Lovely illustrations!        Thanks!

     

     

  • Kelly Rose says:

    Loved the article. 

    I did not know Ylang Ylang grew large enough and had wood that could be used as timber. I also learned that it blooms at night. 

    I love Elise's Magnolia. (If you haven't tried it, you must!) I'd like to win that one.

    I'd also like Hand of Buddah, Ylang in Gold, Eau de Light, Summer Varies, Exotic Ylang Ylang.

    Great article! Thanks for sharing it with us.

  • I found the medicinal uses of ylang-ylang most interesting–for irritated skin/acne, malaria, asthma, etc.–as I had no idea it could be applied in such ways, though I had heard of its use for alleviating stress/anxiety and as an aphrodisiac.

    The story of Dumaleg and the beautiful daughter who became the first ylang-ylang tree was both lovely and sad.

    I enjoy ylang-ylang very much as a note and am especially interested in its use in natural perfumery, so I would love to get my hands on Ylang in Gold, Exotic Ylang Ylang, L'Invisible, Malmaison, Hand of Buddah, Summer Varies, and Magnolia.  I am in the USA.

  • I am fascinated that there is a place called Nosy Be! And it makes this amazing smell. I think I'd like every one of those perfumes, but particularly Ylang in Gold, the Xerjoff, 40Notes, and the natural ones from DSH, Strange Invisible Perfumes, and Joanne Basset. I live in the US.

  • I love ylang ylang and its so seldom written about
    It was interesting to learn that the trees bear fruit that are like olives and that ylang ylang is a night blooming flower
    My preferences would be for exotic ylang ylang and sip linvisible

  • I did not know that there were 4 different stages of distillation and how much which was used would affect the final product.  I am in the US and would prefer Summer Varies, Eau de Light or Magnolia.  

  • It was interesting to read that the blooms are most fragrant at night, as the plant is pollinated by moths. I also did not know that the plant produces fruit that is eaten by birds.  Loved the magenta moon  painting of dwarf ylang ylang at the top of the article. If a winner, my choices would be: Ylang in Gold by Parfums M.Micallef, 40Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang, L'Invisible by Strange Invisible Perfumes, Bijou Romantique by Etat Libre D'Orange, Alpha by House of Matriarch or Eau de Light by Sarah Horowitz Perfumes. Thank you for the drawing. I live in the USA.

  • I've heard of this flower before, but pretty sure I could not recognize the smell. Very informative article, as always. I'm always interested in  how flowers are used for medicinal purposes. I love the artwork you featured by Lucile Prache and I'm going to check out her other work. I live in the U.S. and would love to win Exotic Ylang Ylang and Little Stars. Thanks so much!

  • Oops! Forgot to include a natural scent. Thanks, Michelyn. I would like to include DSH's Hand of Buddah.

  • Another excellent and very informative article! Thank you

     

    They're not one, but two things I haven't know before.

     

    First it is ylang ylang medicinal and aromatherapeutic usage. Well, I could imagine relaxing effects of ylang ylang. But it's much more than this. Now I know that It can be used in treament skin conditions, itching, malaria and eben asthma.

     

    Along with my psychology studies I've done sociology too. And Margaret Mead along with Ruth Benedict was one of my favorites researchers. I ddn't know that ylang ylang was examined by Margaret. 

     

    I am an international reader, so if I'm lucky to win I'd select something form those: M.Micallef Ylang in Gold, Etat Libre D'Orange Bijou Romantique, Summer Varies from Wing & A Prayerk.

    Thank you, Marcin

  • I did not know it was a member of the Custard-apple family nor that it can grow to 60 feet tall! Amazing. I live in the USA. 

    I would absolutely love:

    M.Micallef Ylang in Gold

    40Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang

    DSH Perfumes Hand of Buddah EDP

  • I found it interesting that ylang ylang is in the custard apple family, because to me custard apples do not smell nice. I liked the bit about Indonesian women working the flowers into their hair for the scent.  I would be happy with any of these but in particular Ylang Ylang in Gold, DSH Hand of Buddah, SIP  L'Invisible, or Tembula Magnolia. I already own Malmaison and Bijou Romantique. Thanks for the draw!

  • Beautiful article!! I really enjoyed the myth from Philippines about Dumaleg and Amara  I am a sucker for stories like this! Ylang is such a pretty flower and I must say Bijou Romantique is one of my favorite perfumes based on it! I hope I do win especially Ylang in Gold as I am an international reader!!

    Thank you!

  • I had no idea Ylang Ylang could be used medicinally.  The story about the gardener was lovely and sad.  I live in the US.  I would love to try Ylang Ylang in Gold, DSH Hand of Buddha, Bijou Romantique, Magnolia, Summer Varies, Exotic Ylang Ylang, L'Invisible, Eau de Light. Wonderful article and  Beautiful Illustrations .

  • Wow, I had no idea all ylang flowers have 6 petals, not less, not more. And how interesting that ylang-yland trees belong to Custard-apple family. Ylang-ylang must be one of the fewer plants pollinated by moths. Plus it seems ylang not only in the past but also currently is being used in acne treatment

    If I win I'd like to be considered for:

    Micallef Ylang in Gold

    Xerjoff XJ 17/17 Homme (if it's for the international too, it doesn't say 'USA only")

    ELd'O Bijou Romantique

    None of All-Naturals can be shipped to Poland but I would chose Malmaison

  • I've discovered that the yellow  flowers on  Gaugin's girls are ylang ylang…. 

    I would choose Bijou Romantique or Summer Varis (oil).

    (international reader)

  • this is a bit embarrassing to admit, but in all this time i did not realize that cananga is the latin name for ylangylang, and that this is, therefore just a different name for the same plant.

    ack!

    well, now i know.

    i would love to win michelyn's fave ylang in gold, or 40notes exotic ylang ylang, or dsh hand of buddha, or elise's magnolia.

    and there you have it.

  • I liked learning that it's a member of the custard apple family, since ylang ylang has creamy and fruity facets! Seems fitting. I'd love to win the Bijou Romantique or L'Invisible. I'm in the US. Thanks!

  • Elise, one of your best articles so far and a note I am only beginning to explore. I don't know about the aphrodisiac properties really,I have never smelled a live flower to be sure. I appreciate the information you provided on the fractions of the distillation. I only have experience with the extra so far which to mynose smells like suntan lotion. Very keen on testing the others too.

    Xerjof XJ 17/17 Homme (which I am not sure it is offered to internanional readers the way it is written, so sorry if I am mistaken)

    Summer Varies by Wing and a Prayer

    Ylang in Gold by Micaleff

     

    I am an international reader

  • I learned that ylang ylang has been used as a remedy for acne, and that info will help….my friend. =)

    Xerjoff xj, L'invisible, Bijou Romantique or Hand of Buddah

    USA

     

  • leathermountain says:

    Interesting that jasmine and ylang ylang flowers are used together in leis, while perfumers also combine materials from these two flowers.  Fascinating that ylang ylang is in leathers and tobaccos, and in general in lots of scents that don't list the note.  I loved learning about some of the differences between the extra, first, second, third, and complete versions of the essential oil.  The science teacher in me wants to know more!

    I'm in the US, and my preferences are L'Invisible, Eau de Light, Summer Varies, Magnolia, Hand of Buddha, Bijou Romantique.

  • wefadetogray says:

    I actually learned so much! but I got a bit of a sad feeling when reading Dumaleg's story.  I can imagine the floral beauty of his daugther, Ylang Ylang, always hidden from the eyes of men which is so sad but that the touch of one single man made for her dissapearance and conversion into the first ylang Ylang flower is terifying.

    I am in the US.  I'd love to try Hand of Buddha, L'Invisible, Exotic Ylang Ylang, Bijou Romantique.

    Thanks for the wonderful post and draw 🙂

  • I was amazed to learn that there was so much folklore around one of my favorite scents and that it could be used medicanally! (It is definitley an apjrodisiac in my household, and I was tickled to learn I was not alone in that!)

    I'd love everyone of these, but especially Ylang in Gold, Exotic Ylang Ylang, Malmaison, Magnolia and Little Stars.

     

    I live in the US.

     

    Thanks!

     

  • What a beautiful flower, I found it interesting that there are so many cultures that use the fresh flowers in everyday life and that it has started myths and traditions also.

    And where is Nosy Be??

    I am international and would love to win Ylang in Gold and the perfume oil of Summer Varies.

  • helical gnome says:

    I love Ylang Ylang.  After reading this post I can see why it has been traditionally associated with femeninity and beauty and how this can be linked to its aphrosidiac powers.  I dont see Ylang Ylang as a poor man's jasmine at all but as an individual flower in its own right and beauty

    I'd love to try Eau the Light, Hand of Buddah, L'Invisible, Bijou romantique.

    Thanks for the draw.  I am in the USA

  • I am not really up on ylang ylang as a fragrance but I know my uncle uses the essential oil non his pillowcase for relaxation. Guess he is on to something. I found the entire post interesting as I knew practically nothing about ylang ylang and had never heard the interesting folk tale. I don't have any ylang ylang centric perfumes in my collection either. I would love to try any of the scents and I do live in the US. My top picks would be M. Micallef Ylang in Gold, SI L’Invisible, House of Matriarch Alpha, Sarah Horowitz Eau de Light.  Thank you. 

  • Thank you for the interesting article! I learned many things, but the facts that struck me the most were regarding the harvesting at dawn, when they are most fragrant, and also how it is distilled in stages. I am a chemist, so the extraction methods are particularly fun to learn about. I live in the US, and my top picks would be M. Micallef Ylang in Gold, Sarah Horowitz Eau de Light, Bijou Romantique, SI L'Invisible, and Little Stars.

  • My favourite part of the article was the myth about the first ylang-ylang tree! I live in South Africa and my first choice would be the M Micallef, 2nd, the Etat Libre de Orange and third, the perfume oil from a Wing & a Prayer!

  • What a lovely article, Elise and with such beautiful images.  If I didn't love Ylang Ylang already I would fall immediately. I have to say that I learned about the usage of ilang-ilan meaning rare.  How wonderful.

    I have to enter the draw for the Artscent Museum, so I will choose the Micallef Ylang in Gold, Exotic Ylang Ylang 40 Notes and Xerjoff XJ 17/17 for men.  Thank you for the draw itself and for presenting my Hand of Buddha.

  • I had no idea dried flowers may be used against malaria while fresh flowers made into a paste may be used to treat asthma. A paste that treats asthma, huh? Wonder how that works, very interesting.

    I would choose Ylang Gold, Little Stars and Summer Varies, I live in the U.S.

    Thanks!

  • This was so fun to write since I love ylang ylang, both on the tree and in the bottle.  As usual, I learned a few things as well.  Thanks for reading everyone!

  • I didn'y know that there are four different stages in the ylang ylang distillation. I can imagine the scent in the air during this process!

    As I'm not living in the USA I have no much choice: Bijou Romantique, House of Matriarch Alpha or Hand of  Buddah.

    Thank you!!!

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    This article has helped me learn about the role of Ylang Ylang in Chanel 5 which I didn't know about before but even more surprising was the use of Ylang Ylang in men perfumes..I def. have at least one women perfume with Ylang Ylang but I can't recall the name but I don't remember testing any men fragrance in which the Ylang Ylang note might have been pronounced. Of course, this article mentions Ylang Ylang is basically used to dampen sharpness of other notes

    My first choice is Micallef Ylang in Gold and other choices are
    40Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang, Xerjoff XJ 17/17 Homme, and Etat Libre D'Orange Bijou Romantique.
    Among natural perfumes, my choices are DSH Hand of Buddah and Eau De Light by Sarah Horowitz 

    I am based in the U.S.

  • GregorySop says:

    From USA: The Ylang Ylang flower is actually a flowering tree that grows 60ft tall and is in the Custard-Apple family…which explains its creaminess decribed in the article.

    Micallef Ylang in Gold

    Xerjoff XJ 17/17 Homme

    Bjou Romantique

    Malmaison by JoAnne Bassett

    DSH Hand of Buddha

     

     

     

  • why, I have learnt the story that you shared, never would have gotten that from any other source, I beleive.

    I also learnt Ylang ylang is good for toning down sharp notes, will try that.

    and intend on making a freeze dried coconut tincture, and trying that in combo with ylang ylang sounds delicious.

    I am have family in the US who would recieve my perfume and send to me when they come visit), and would like to win (If I am to be so lucky one of the two -I only use natural perfumes.

     Strange Invisible Perfumes L'Invisible , Malmaison by JoAnne Bassett

    Thank you again for an informative article and an exciting chance to win

    Hemla

  • Until I read this article I thought ylang was just for women tropical floral pperfume I started to investigate and learned many of my favorites have ylang ylang as an ingredient including amouage silver for men and many by Bruno acampora. I always get compliments on these so maybe there is something to the aphrodisiac eeffective would be thrilled to win any of the fragrances really

     

     

     

  • Michelle U says:

    So what I think is very interesting and learned from this article: I had no ideea that Ylang Ylang it is used in the treatment of asthma and malaria. I know Ylang Ylang is used in aromatherapy but I had no idea that it ca be used also in medicine and that is awesome!

    My picks:

    Etat Libre D'Orange Bijou Romantique

    Ylang in Gold M.Micallef

    Malmaison JoaAnne Basset

    House of Matriarch Alpha

    Xerjoff XJ17/17 Homme

     

    Thank you for this giveaway! Wish you all the best! 😀

    P.S. I live in the E.U. ^_^

  • I enjoyed the Philippine myth about the first ylang-ylang tree and learned about the harmonizing effect af Ylang. In my experience, I find it very soothing, relaxing and energizing at the same time.  I live in Canada and my choices are : first the perfume oil from a Wing & a Prayer, second M Micallef Ylang in gold, third ELO Bijou Romantique. Thanks for the wonderful post and generous draw!

  • I was interested to learn that the oil was distilled in different stages and how many places if was grown. Great article! I live in Canada. 

    My choices would be:

    Parfums M.Micallef Ylang in Gold, Xerjoff XJ 17/17 Homme, Etat Libre D'Orange Bijou Romantique, House of Matriarch Alpha, Eau de Light by Sarah Horowitz. 

    My girlfriend loves ylang ylang scents!

     

     

     

     

  • I love Elise's articles – so informative, evocative, and inspiring!  I always love learning about how our botanicals grow, so I enjoyed learning more about the ylang ylang tree and how it grows – cut to grow squat, most fragrant at night, and a relative of the custard apple (which makes scent sense!).  As someone who often finds floral absolutes too intense, I love having ylang ylang in my life – its freshness is such a nice compliment to its narcotic richness, and it plays so well with others.

     

    I would be thrilled to win any of the naturals, most of all L'Invisible or Alpha, but also Hand of Buddah, Magnolia, Summer Varies, or Malmaison.  Thanks for the draw and for these wonderful articles!

  • This is another wonderful draw. Thank you. I enjoyed the article as I didn't know much about ylang ylang, but do enjoy it in perfumes. It was fascinating to learn that in studies, ylang ylang was shown to increase attentiveness and alertness. It's aphrodisiac, as well as soothing qualities are what I might expect but I'm happy to learn about these unexpected effects.

  • This is another wonderful draw. Thank you. I enjoyed the article as I didn't know much about ylang ylang, but do enjoy it in perfumes. It was fascinating to learn that in studies, ylang ylang was shown to increase attentiveness and alertness. It's aphrodisiac, as well as soothing qualities are what I might expect but I'm happy to learn about these unexpected effects. (oops forgot the perfume choices) They are:

    100 ML Parfums M.Micallef Ylang in Gold (have always wanted to try this)

    40Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang

    Strange Invisible Perfumes L'Invisible

    I am in the US.

  • I was interested to learn that the dried flowers could be used against malaria! What a thing! I live in the U.S., and while I would be happy to try any of these wonderful fragrances, my fave choices in order are:

    Parfums M. Micallef Ylang, Exotic Ylang Ylang, Strange Invisible l'Invisible, Bijou Romantique, Xerjoff XJ 17/17, House of Matriarch Alpha, Hand of Buddha and Eau de Light.

     

  • Great article, I love ylang ylang in perfume, but had not idea of its medicinal qualities.  When I think of plants for healing and itching I automatically turn to aloe vera.  It looks like I need to try ylang ylang too!  For my choices (and I am in the US): M. Micallef Ylang in Gold, Xerjoff XJ 17/17 Homme40Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang and DSH Perfumes Hand of Buddah EDP.  Thanks so much for the wonderful draw.

  • Toriflora says:

    I was surprised to hear there's ylang ylang in Chanel 5 as I never smell that note under the crystaline aldehydes. It was also interesting to learn about the various medicinal uses of the plant…such a useful and lovely gift from Nature!

    The perfumes listed that most appeal to me are (in no particualr order) Micallef Ylang in Gold, Strange Invisible Perfumes L'Invisible, Elise Pearlstine of Tambela Magnolia and DSH Hand of Buddah.

  • I didn't realize Ylan Ylang was a prominent note in CHanel No. 5. I loved the sad little story about Ylang Ylang becoming a tree after being touched by a man.

    I have some ylang ylang essential oil and it is so heady! I love it.

    I'd like to win:

    40 notes Exotic Ylang

    SIP L'Invisible

    Sarah Horowitz Eau de Light

    Tambula Magnolia

  • I'm in the US. I really love hearing about the medicinal properties of these flowers and materials! I want to try ylang ylang for itching now! Especially when so many itching products smell horrible. And no wonder ylang ylang is an aphrodisiac – it's a divine flower and one of my favorite notes.

    Honestly I'd be happy with any of the prizes, so I'll rank them from the ones I'm most interested in to least: 40notes Exotic Ylang Ylang, ELDO Bijou Romantique, Strange Invisible L'Invisible, Olympic Orchids Little Stars, M. Micallef Ylang in Gold, Sarah Horowitz Eau de Light, Joanne Bassett Malmaison, Tambela Magnolia, Xerjoff XJ1717 Homme, House of Matriarch Alpha, DSH Perfumes Hand of Buddah, A Wing & A Prayer Summer Varies.

  • I find myself reaching for ylang ylang scents when feeling stressed out, angry or anxious, so it makes sense that it is used to treat these conditions. This is my favorite floral note! I would like to wear a flower hidden in my hair like the Indonesian do, and I enjoyed the fable of the gardener, his wife, and their daughter who became the first ylang ylang tree. I would love any of these wonderful prizes, especially 40notes Exotic Ylang Ylang, Strange Invisible L'Invisible, M. Micallef Ylang in Gold, Sarah Horowitz Eau de Light, DSH Perfumes Hand of Buddah, or A Wing & A Prayer Summer Varies. Thanks so much for the generous draw! (Located in the U.S.)

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    I always enjoy the notes in perfume articles, they are good read. I’ll learn a lot from them. But I always feel attracted to ask the myths behind every flower. In this case I love the myth of the beautiful girl named Ylang Ylang that according to legend became the first tree. I am impressed as well of its aromatherapy properties that even balance you.
    I live in the US and my choices are
    Xerjoff Homme
    DSH Hand of Budah
    Strange invisible perfumes l’invisible
    40 Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang
    Thanks

  • Very intresting folk story about the first Ylang Ylang tree.  I did not know all of the medicinal uses for Ylang, for asthma and acne.  Ylang has to be one of my favorite essential oils.  Thank you for the info and the draw.  L'Invisible- one of my favorite perfumes, Malmasion, Alpha and Hand of Budda.  I live in the US.

  • tomate farcie says:

    I didn't know that the yang yang tree is in the custard apple family.  My chwould be, Bijou Romantique, Gold, Malmaison, Hand of Budda, Eau de Light.  I'm in the US.

  • Igor Kipnis says:

    Its always interesting to learn about the brief history of notes in perfumery and this time its ylang ylang. The way the ylang ylang builds up overnight to be most potent in the early mornings brings me memories of going out fishing when I was younger at lakes during summer mornings and smelling the wild trees (althought wasn't ylang ylang); I immediately remembered that when I read about that during distolation process.

    Great draw and would enjoy any of these: 

    Parfums M.Micallef Ylang in Gold

     15 ml of  Xerjoff XJ 17/17 Homme 

    40Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang 

    Strange Invisible Perfumes L'Invisible 

    50ml Etat Libre D'Orange 

    15 ml travel House of Matriarch Alpha 

     Malmaison by JoAnne Bassett

    30ml DSH Perfumes Hand of Buddah EDP 

    1.7 oz  Summer Varies 

    30 ml of Little Stars 

    15ml of Eau de Light by Sarah Horowitz Parfums 

    10 ml EdT of Magnolia 

  • The Myth behind the flower..someone already said it perfectly.  How the 3rd distillation has a faint minty quality.. Thank you Elise for sharing your knowledge in this thorough article.

    Strange Invisible, L'Invisible

    ELDO, Bijoux

  • I had no idea about the multi-stage distillation, or that the products of each stage actually smell different. Also, I had not seen the flower before…pretty but odd, and slightly reminiscent of Buddha's Hand citron. Great piece!

    I'd be thrilled to win any of these, but my first choices would be Parfums M. Micallef Ylang in Gold, Sarah Horowitz Eau de Light, ELdO Bijou Romantique, DSH Hand of Buddha, House of Matriarch Alpha, or Strange Invisible L'Invisible. Thanks for the fantastic draw!

  • It's hard to pick what I learned in this very informative post, since I learned so many things!  I found the description of the distillation process, and the common use of the 'extra' and 'third' extractions in perfumery to be especially interesting.  I was also struck by the fact that women in Indonesia used to hide the flower in their hair.  My selections would be:

    M. Micallef Ylang in Gold

    40 Notes Exotic Ylang

    Malmaison by JoAnne Bassett

    Summer Varies from Wing and a Prayer

    Thanks for the great draw!

  • You tend to forgot that those "pests" you often curse usually have a very important role to play in nature, in this case the moth as the pollinator of those amazing flower.It was also very interesting to discover all the wonderful health benefits ylang ylang can provide.

    Malmaison JoAnne Bassett
    House of Matriarch Alpha
    Xerjoff XJ17/17 Homme

    All scents I would love to try. US here

  • To me ylang ylang has been a part of street food. They are sold as charred snack with mint sauce in Kuwait. So it is amazing to find out the health benefits you mentioned in the article. 

    Would love

    Etat Libre D'Orange Bijou Romantique

    DSH Perfumes Hand of Buddah EDP

     Strange Invisible Perfumes L'Invisible

    thanke

    USA

  • What's wonderful article and I enjoyed reading  it immensely .i learned ylang ylang trees grow very tall and the flowers are best picked at night when moths pollinate them. The myth of the ylang ylang who turned into the tree was fascinating 

    i would love to wwin ylang in gold, xerjoff homme, bijou romantique,,sip llinvusible truly any prize would be welcome as I have yet to try tthese thank you for a lovely read with stunning art

     

  • Thanks for that great article ! I’m always on the hunt for Ilang-ilang fragrances, my favourite one being Ilang Ivohibe.

    And I’ve never agreed with that “poor man’s jasmine” nickname. I love both of those flowers the same he he. 😀

    I’ve learned a lot of things with this article, among them :

    – the meaning of ilang and ilang ilan
    – what the absolute smells like, as I only knew the scent of the distilled one
    – that the flowers are picked up when the sun rises
    – that the tree leaves are good for itches
    And the beautiful story of Dumaleg,Amara and their daughter 🙂

    I live in Belgium, my choice would be Ylang in Gold by Micallef.