Thwarted: Le Labo Lys 41 and Ylang 49

First off, let me reveal the winners of the samples of Bulls Blood, chosen at Random.org:

Commenter #17 BridgetC
Commenter #36 Beth
Commenter #47 Beth

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Now, onto our regularly scheduled program.

I stopped at Barney’s on Saturday at their premiere of these two new fragrances by Le Labo, and chatted with the ever-charming and handsome Fabrice Penot about the scents. I can see why they did both of them- they’re like a yin and yang of white flowers: Lys 41 is all bright sunniness while Ylang 49 is all dark sultry looks. Unfortunately I didn’t think to ask for samples (the usual result of chatting with tall handsome French guys with the gallic habit of standing just a smidge closer to one than Americans are used to except in amorous situations) so I went to the Le Labo store on 3rd to ask for some. They were out, so I can’t do a really in-depth review until I get them.

We can talk about the ones that I really love from this house. Vetiver 46 is a great vetiver with hints of peppery woods. Patchouli 24 is almost a misnomer: the patchouli is in there but this is smoky birch, leather and just a hint of Vanilla. I love this especially on a crisp day. Oud 27 is a great perfume and one of the most interesting Ouds out there- the oud is more of a theme unifying the scent, like a bass line in a song. It’s a minor tragedy that Aldehydes 44 went down with the Titanic that was Barney’s Dallas, because I loved its ride from champagne-fizzy opening to sad, slightly desperate dry down. (I initially thought it should be the LA Scent- it was Faye Dunaway doing a sitcom in a bottle.)

But my favorite by far is the LA exclusive, Musc 25. I’ve written about it several times but it’s a truly great scent that really I think captures something of LA. I am also proud to write that in a way I had a (tiny) hand in it’s direction: Fabrice emailed me that my suggestions of experiencing LA led him to a drive along Mulholland that led to some minor adjustments to the scent. The bottle I have was actually a thank-you from him, which was lovely of him. Especially since I’d have to cancel cable and internet for the year to afford it.

Ah well such is life. Have any of you tried any of Le Labo’s scents? Which did you like? Which didn’t work? Let us know in the comments.

Image: Fabrice Penot