The best ylang-ylang perfumes

Diptyque Eau Mohéli eau de toilette, €105

The ylang-ylang flower takes centre stage in Diptyque’s Eau Mohéli eau de toilette. The star-shaped yellow flower is highlighted in this unisex fragrance, accompanied by notes of pink peppercorn, ginger and vetiver. This is a slightly woody fragrance that shows ylang-ylang in a new light.

Annick Goutal Songes eau de parfum, €150

Annick Goutal transports the wearer to the island of Mauritius with its Songes eau de parfum. Inspired by a night-time stroll along Bel Ombre beach, it combines both white and yellow flowers to give a heady, floral fragrance. Notes of frangipani flower, jasmine sambuc and ylang-ylang give exotic sensuality while vanilla and spices complete the fragrance.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Apom Pour Femme eau de parfum, €165

Lovers of oriental fragrances are sure to fall for Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Apom scent for women. Created with accords of orange flower from Tunisia, and cedar wood and ylang-ylang from Madagascar, it is a celebration of sensuality. Using only these three notes, it is floral and sweet, with the cedar adding a delicate, woody edge.

Dior J’adore eau de parfum, €60.50

Launched in 1999, widely acclaimed J’adore has become a global bestseller. The perfume has been skilfully crafted, with a bouquet of ylang-ylang, damsak rose and a duo of jasmines producing an exotic, floral and slightly fruity fragrance. This is a sensual yet fresh perfume and it is easy to see why it is so popular.

Le Labo Ylang 49 eau de parfum, €152

Le Labo puts ylang-ylang in the spotlight with its Ylang 49 eau de parfum. Floral ylang-ylang is combined with accords of patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver and sandalwood to take the fragrance to a more sensual territory. These darker notes give the perfume a woody, earthy side for an interesting take on traditional ylang-ylang scents.

Aerin Tuberose Le Soir, price on request

While tuberose takes centre stage in Aerin’s Tuberose Le Soir, the fragrance also has other rich, sensual floral accords including ylang-ylang. Luxurious and exuding elegant warmth, this is a perfect evening scent.

Guerlain Samsara eau de parfum, €184  

Guerlain’s Samsara is one of the house’s most famous fragrances. Sandalwood, jasmine and ylang-ylang combine for a radiant yet woody oriental scent.

Acqua di Parma Mandorlo di Sicilia eau de toilette, €82

Ylang-ylang combines with green almonds for the heart notes of Acqua di Parma’s Mandorlo di Sicilia. Created to evoke sweet memories of the Sicilian way of life, this is a beautiful, powdery fragrance with a vanilla and musk base.

Chanel No 5 eau de parfum, €166

Chanel No 5 is probably the world’s most famous perfume and it has enjoyed a cult status since it was launched in 1921. Instantly recognisable, the fragrance is made up of distinctive notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine and rose, with the former giving the scent its beautiful, sensual feminine quality. At the heart of Chanel No 5 is ylang-ylang, harvested from Madagascar and Mayotte.

Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge eau de parfum, €179

Ylang-ylang has often been compared to jasmine, both acclaimed for their powerful, highly fragrant properties. Tom Ford’s Jasmin Rogue is a spicy, floral scent unveiling a new facet of jasmine with top accords of bergamot, middle notes of yang-ylang and base notes of Mexican vanilla and amber. Sensuous and rich, this is an expensive-smelling fragrance.