Estee Lauder • Private Collection Amber and Ylang Ylang • Fragrances

*TOP REVIEWER* YoHarajuku on 2/5/2013 5:42:00 AM more reviews by YoHarajuku

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Liked it but didn't fall in love. A great smooth sophisticated fragrance. In my opinion expensive and exclusive perfumes need to have a punch to justify the cost but this just doesn't have it.

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MariaEffy on 12/31/2012 7:10:00 PM more reviews by MariaEffy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Warm, intimate and inviting, the perfume's basic notes are ylang ylang and rich amber, accentuated with sandalwood and vanilla. Often I find that after a while I find it smells like...cake! Which is not a bad thing :)
It stays on for al ong time, but close to the skin, it's not the type of perfume that fills the entire room. In my opinion this is also a good thing, I don't like my perfume to be overpowering.

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*TOP REVIEWER* dioraddict84 on 11/20/2011 11:29:00 PM more reviews by dioraddict84

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This is a really great sexy scent from Lauder. It's harder to find but worth it once you do! It has all the notes I love in a spicy fragrance, oriental, whatever you call it. This is simply sublime!

op Notes

Ylang Absolute
Italian Bergamot
Geranium Oil

Middle Notes

Bulgarian Rose Absolute
Cinnamon Ceylon
Incense

Base Notes

Vanilla Bean
Sandalwood
Amber

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

StationaryBikeFatty on 12/28/2010 8:20:00 AM more reviews by StationaryBikeFatty

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Loving this scent. A reviewer below me described as a "cuddle scent", which I tend to think of as a skin scent. My favorite fragrances are Bulgafi Jasmin Noir, Prada and Tom Ford Black Orchid. However, all three of these fragrances are difficult to wear during the day. I love that Amber Ylang can be worn during the day as a deep amber but doesn't have the same potency those other fragrances have that makes me shy away from them as day scents. (I work very closely with clients and children and cannot wear something that would be off putting toward anyone.) This fragrance however is not so insipid that it fades or loses fragrance quality as the day goes on, nor is it an "easy" floral.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* SensualSusanna on 9/19/2010 8:53:00 PM more reviews by SensualSusanna

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

A very pretty feminine amber. Some ambers, to my nose are very masculine; this one is very feminine without being flowery. It's creamy and sweet(er) but not too sweet... and the ylang-ylang takes the amber to a very feminine level and makes it all woman!! Again, without being overtly floral. An almost edible scent. Best for cooler weather. Gorgeous as a cuddle scent; it's a very nice, pleasing scent that I don't think would offend anyone, unless it's oversprayed. Super long lasting and even detectable the following day on skin, as well as, clothes. However, I agree with the reviewer below that there's nothing unique enough to earn it 5 stars! 4 is really good for me and I still vote it full bottle worthy.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* tabloid on 3/4/2010 2:10:00 PM more reviews by tabloid

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I like it but I don't love it - it's a soft, warm, cozy scent which is quite pleasant (damning with faint praise?) but it doesn't have that WOW factor which makes a fragrance unique and unforgettable.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Eiomer on 3/1/2010 4:04:00 AM more reviews by Eiomer

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

I bought this perfume online completely blind!! I had never had the pleasure of smelling it. In the UK it is only available in exclusive department stores and I live in rural Herefordshsire ( bit like Hobbiton!) and as I am of a spontaneous and impatient nature I bought it on it's description alone. I have the habit of finding my signature scent only to find it gets discontinued eg Aroma Allegoria Exalting by Guerlain and Winter Delice also Guerlain. So you can see where I was coming from being desperate to get my hands on AYY. It was delivered this Friday. Waited until Saturday morning bathed and excitedly sprayed all my pulse points. Now, I am not as olifactorily sophisticated as you lot, I do not know the terminology forgive my ignorance please; I was immediately intrigued by the ( I can only describe it as sophisticated and aromatic) burst of this fragrance. Look I cannot even properly distinguish amber from ylang ylang - I know, I know all your eyes have just went to the ceiling and yes I am of the certain age where I type every syllable because I do not do text speak. But please just bare with me. The "dry down" as you lot describe did not excite me, do not get me wrong it was pleasurable but not exciting. I went to a party that evening and spent the whole evening sniffing my wrist, comparing the scent that lingered on my cashmere sweater dress( yes really a cashmere) and yeah it complimented one another . I lost the fragrance for a few hours completely. when I found it again it was warm amd comforting, the lovely powdery vanilla that lingered towards the end of the evening haunted me somehow and I still can't place it. Look, to cut a long story short (if there are any of you still with me!) I am still out on this - yes I like it is very well made that I do know, I wanted to love it and I am still trying to love it. I felt peaceful wearing it - do you know what I mean?? My husband did not even comment at all, he always homes in on new fragrances.

Can any of you point me in the right direction on finding a replacement for Aroma Allegoria Exalting????? OMG I'd so be your best friend and my bank manager would also be your best friend!!!

6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

smake on 2/3/2010 5:55:00 PM more reviews by smake

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

gorgeous.
a warm spicy blend of ylang absolute, cinnamon, incense, vanilla bean, sandalwood and amber. I agree with other comment - this has probably more staying power in the parfum, but is 4 times the price of the edp spray that i have. I have taken a lippy off for this reason.
the small glass bottle is minimal, with a hammered gold cap - nice. I was looking at buying the mj Lola and found this by accident, glad that that happend.
btw the lola bottle design is atrocious imho.

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*TOP REVIEWER* zeynepd on 10/17/2009 5:31:00 PM more reviews by zeynepd

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

Very nicely done and smooth - almost to the point of doing itself a disservice.Warm and cozy but doesn't impress me enough to be FBW.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Angela1013 on 9/11/2009 7:15:00 PM more reviews by Angela1013

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I have this in edp, it is quite sensual and morphs in different fazes of creamy amber, musk, moss, ylang ylang gives it a supple sweetness but the dry down is just a powder scent. I first sampled the perfume spray, the notes are more refined and long lasting with an incredible dry down, which is why I purchased the edp not realizing it wouldn't be the same experience as the perfume. The pure perfume spray is the way to go with this one and is as large as the edp and well worth the price imo.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* drvogue on 7/21/2009 5:56:00 PM more reviews by drvogue

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Something in this vaguely reminds me of Agent Provocateur's Strip. It's soft, it's sweet, it's powder and vanilla. It may not be the smartest kid in class but it's a crowd pleaser (and yes, I'm part of that crowd).

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

covenant on 7/21/2009 12:14:00 PM more reviews by covenant

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I read about this recently, and finally had a chance to be in a Nordstrom to try it out. I love woody warm fragrances that are not too overpowering or sweet. Example: Prada Tendre is one of my favorites--it's soft, warm, powdery, and not too strong. I really liked this new EL scent. It is definitely a scent you want to wear with a 'soft touch', as it is strong at first, but it softens fairly quickly into this beautifully rounded and blended warm floral. And it lasts a long time on my skin!I am picky, and a fragrance has to wow me if I'm going to spend money on it. I am picturing this a a perfect Autumn fragrance. Beautifully done.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kcgirl on 7/20/2009 9:41:00 AM more reviews by kcgirl

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I kind of ran onto this by accident. I was purchasing Sensuous Dry Oil Spray at Nordstroms & just saw the Amber Ylang Ylang. I just sprayed on my upper arm (the only non perfumed place) and later 2 hours or so, I smelled the most heavenly fragrance I've ever smelled. You can bet I'll be purchasing this.

I'm a Magical Moon addict, but this may be as good or better.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Kelly9 on 5/19/2009 9:57:00 PM more reviews by Kelly9

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This smells sooo much like one of my favorites from long ago, Coty Wild Musk! Not today's sharp and overly synthetic Wild Musk, but the dreamy velvety/musky/slightly floral scent I remember from almost 20 years ago. Private Collection makes it even better by adding a light vanilla to the party; and the quality is outstanding, like all EL fragrances. It lasts all day and smells great on clothes the next day. It is the kind of scent I'd like to find on my scarf or coat collar, or cashmere sweater.

I would buy this again, and it has a place in my perfume rotation for sure. I just don't wear it much now as I prefer spicy frags at the moment.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* myolderbrother on 3/26/2009 6:09:00 PM more reviews by myolderbrother

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Amber evoked memories of my grandma; she would have worn and loved this scent. She often wore Opium and Cinnabar. I received it as a GWP and it smelled lovely and familiar. When I tested it on my skin, I was reminded of the reason why I don't wear the same scents as my grandma!!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* KelseyP on 2/27/2009 11:19:00 PM more reviews by KelseyP

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Really, really enjoy this scent - had to take off a lippie for a weird phase in the middle where I get that ever so slightly off plastic estee lauder thing - what is that? Cashmeran? Other than that, absolutely gorgeous opening - for me it's reminiscient of the boozy amber/ vanilla notes in SDV tempered by the exotic creamy floral warmth of the ylang. I live for the drydown... it's amazing, and the first scent in a *long* time that my dh has commented on - he loves the smell and tells me it smells like "vanilla". True enough. But exotic amazing vanilla!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* condesadepitimini on 2/27/2009 8:31:00 AM more reviews by condesadepitimini

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Lemming killed!
I was so longing to try this one int he PC series, as I really appreciated the perfect blending & rare ingredients of Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia (yes it gave me migraine but I purchased the Body cream and, prob. 'casue it's less concentrared, works wonders & I totally adore it).
I am a sucker for Amber and I thought I would love this one even better. I was wrong!
As for another reviewer below, to me, this was such a huge disappointment.
A loud, generic, mainstream frag. Plastic-like, artificially smelling. Powdery. I am sure I have smelled this elsewhere, reminds me of Roma (but Roma was way better).
Very mainstream. I do not like it at all, offends my nostrils.
Beautiful bottle, though.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

webvira on 2/24/2009 12:40:00 AM more reviews by webvira

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Smells like old lady. Definite baby powder smell. Too bad.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lvpoetess on 2/23/2009 1:24:00 PM more reviews by lvpoetess

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

Love this one. On me I smell lots of vanilla, plenty of amber, and very little ylang (but enough to make me happy.) Staying power is decent - about 6 hours, and it does lingers softly after that for a bit. Really lovely and soft, a nice new direction for estee lauder!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ca_sent_beau on 2/6/2009 4:23:00 PM more reviews by ca_sent_beau

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I had high hopes for Private Collection Amber and Ylang Ylang. Especially since the first fragrance in this series, the Tuberose Gardenia, was very well crafted - but then, I am not a white flowers gal, so it was not for me. Ambery fragrances are more to my liking, and I was eagerly anticipating Amber Ylang Ylang. Alas, a huge disappointment. Nothing of Tuberose Gardenia's virtuosity here, a rather loud and crude fragrance. The first spritz reminded me of Salvador Dali's Laguna, the next few minutes I was thinking to myself "where is the closest washroom so I can scrub it off". I tried to be nice to the SA who kindly gave me a sample and did not share my thoughts. I always thought that it is not possible to mess up an amber badly, since amber is something smelling nice and agreeable no matter what: The result might be more suited to a room spray/candle rather than fine fragrance, but it would smell bon nevertheless. Boy was I wrong! It is possible to mess up an amber, make a screeching thing out of it like fingernails on blackboard: Private Collection Amber and Ylang Ylang.

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