Sonoma Scent Studio Yin and Ylang¹ is a perfume of contrasts. It focuses on bright notes like citrus, aldehydes and florals followed by darker notes like musk and woods. Now, I wouldn’t say that this is an innovative concept. Basically, this is the formula of top, middle and base notes. However, Yin and Ylang does stand out. It’s a showcase of the different angles of white florals. They can be bright, light and airy. They can also be dense, velvety and dark. Yin and Ylang showcases all of these aspects in one lovely perfume.

Yin and Ylang opens with a citrus juiciness that makes my mouth water. This fresh citrus mixes with white florals, reminding me of fresh orange blossoms. The heart includes heady florals, yes, even ylang-ylang! It’s heady; yet, it’s grounded with woods and an acrid incense. Many white florals smell “bright”, but Yin and Ylang smells like white florals at dusk. The white flowers cast shadows. Big white florals are guided into the darkness with a musk, patchouli and sweet animalic notes. The florals are syrupy, like an ambrosia, mixed with fruits and tropical spices. This nectar is accented by the animalic sweetness of beeswax and bitter, green moss. There’s a hint of powderiness that isn’t cosmetic. It’s more like a powdery incense.

I like Yin and Ylang because it reminds me of vintage perfumes (i.e. Chanel No. 5 or Givenchy Amarige) but Yin and Ylang is less polished, easier to approach. Because of this, it feels more modern. If those vintages were clothes, they’d need special undergarments. This is more comfortable, looser fitting and breathable without skimping on any of the glamour. The Scented Hound says in his review (link below), “I’m not sure what this says about me, but I find Yin & Ylang to be sensual, yet very comforting at the same time“. And I don’t know what it says about me either because that’s how I feel as well. Yin and Ylang is like “cozy glamour”.

Notes listed include bergamot, blood orange, aldehydes, ylang-ylang, jasmine sambac, tuberose, beeswax, rose, ginger, Mysore sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, vanilla, amber and musk. Launched in 2014. PERFUMER – Laurie Erikson

Give Yin and Ylang a try if you like ylang-ylang or white floral perfumes. Or if you like perfumes like Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiére, Chanel No. 5 Elixir Sensuel, 40 Notes Exotic Ylang Ylang, Chantecaille Frangipane, Givenchy Amariage Harvest Ylang Ylang 2008 and/or Estee Lauder Private Collection Amber Ylang-Ylang. This perfume does have the DNA of the other perfume’s in the line. This means that if you have good luck with SSS perfumes, this is worth trying.

Projection is average. Longevity is above average.

Yin and Ylang comes in a few sizes with the 1.05 oz bottle retailing for $105 at Sonoma Scent Studio. Samples are also available for purchase.

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – The best of ylang-ylang. Excluding the more difficult to obtain vintage Chanel No. 5, Yin and Ylang is my favorite ylang-ylang focused perfume. It has everything I want from a ylang-ylang or even a white floral.

¹This perfume was a collaboration between Sonoma Scent Studio and Michelyn of the perfume blog, Ça Fleure Bon. You can read more about that here. 

And here’s my brand overview of this line.

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*Disclaimer – Sample provided by the brand. I am not financially compensated for my reviews. My opinions are my own. Product pic from the brand. Sylvie Vartan pic from www.fanpix.net.