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Ylang 49 by Le Labo

Hey ULGers, Here’s a funny thing. A couple of years ago Surrender To Chance had a couple of sale days where you could buy 8ml of things for much cheaper than normal. Seriously good discounts. So I spent a truckload. Sometimes buying a couple of the same thing, many blind. Yeah, so I know YOU KNOW how that usually goes. One win to every 10+ WTF. Anyway, one of the things I bought a couple of was Ylang 49. Because it’s only tangentially ylang I was thoroughly let down and they got lost amongst the many. Then as I was packing for London it went in the bag. OMG! With all expectations removed it is bloody fabulous. Full disclosure: Someone I was spending time with HATED it on me and found it hippy patchouli heavy hell. Me, nope, LOVED IT!

I think part of my loathing it earlier is my general side eye cringe and snort at the Le Labo mix-just-for-you bulls**t. It’s so annoying. The juice then needs to macerate in your bottle and takes up to a year to smell like the tester you tried in store. (yes, I know you know all this but it rubs me wrong)

In their favour, the simple Le Labo bottle that is used by so many companies is one of my favourite. Clean lines, easy to hold, nice and hefty.

Ylang 49 by Le Labo 2015

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Ylang-Ylang Patchouli Oakmoss Tahitian Gardenia Vetiver Benzoin Sandalwood

The opening is all cool white florals and grassy greenery. A little more fresh than you would expect from something ylang named but well within purview.

The opening lasts about two minutes and already patchouli has pretty much taken over the field. At about 5 minutes Ylang 49 goes completely quiet on me. It’s so weird. Like a complete drop out of fragrance. When it comes back, not very long later, it’s a complete patchouli bomb with some quiet backing players. Dark, earthy patchouli that feels like walking through the cold still air of underground water cave complexes. Strange, beautiful, slightly dank and cool. Nothing tropical or ylang-ish at all.

Ylang 49 by Le Labo

Later Ylang 49 does get a little sweeter and creamier but still the patchouli is king. Lasting power is excellent and it has excellent projection, even though I as wearer only notice it in huffs.

Is Ylang 49 something you love?
Portia xx

10 thoughts on “Ylang 49 by Le Labo”

  1. I have never even casually sampled any Le Labo.
    Given a choice I’d rather cash in my Perfumistae membership card.
    The schtick, the bullsh1t, the prices….. all push me away from the brand, even though it’s now owned by Lauder.
    I do like a goth/hippie headshop patch but I can get that at a fraction of the Le Labo

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  2. I love Ylang 49, I think it may have been the first Le Labo I bought. I get a ton of vetiver in it too. It sings in the summer heat.

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  3. Ylang 49 is my favorite Le Labo, the only one I have a full bottle of. I’m not a fan of hippie patchouli but I don’t really get that when I wear this – it’s more of a rosy chypre to me. I can smell it all day. I tend to wear it on long car rides on sunny days as the warmth seems to enhance it. Glad this one turned around for you!

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  4. I’ve had issues with Le Labo because of the snobbery the few times I approached a counter (basically ignored me). But a good friend sent me her travel spray and my daughter added it to her collection. I seem to remember that it reminded me of sweet bananas. Don’t remember patchouli and I love patchouli.

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  5. Ooh, I have a small decant of this myself, and remember it not smelling particularly like Ylang-Ylang, so it has stayed unused in the drawer for years. Am going to get it out and hunt the patchouli now….!

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