First Impressions – YSL Babycat – One of the things I like to do is try overhyped scents about six months after they first burst onto the scene. I allow the hype to die down and the commotion to subside. Inevitably, after sampling “hype train” scents, I’m left disappointed. Though, I’m tough to please. I had the chance to try the much-acclaimed Babycat recently, and for some reason, I was champing at the bit to give it a bashing.
Surprisingly, it’s reasonably good. But I do have some quite significant reservations. Firstly, it’s a vanilla scent, and vanilla scents, especially cupcake sweet ones, are always a hard sell for me. Fortunately, at least at the outset, Babycat is only moderately sweet, not too vanilla-heavy. Instead, channeling his inner Italian waiter, Dominque Ropion raids the pantry cupboard injecting the opening with a savoury rush of pepper-flecked spices.
Soon, the pepper spice marries up with balsamic elemi, further dampening the vanilla’s sweetness. Inevitably though, everything subsides, and the vanillic sweetness permeates through, particularly in the base. The vanilla becomes dark and smoky in between times, fusing with an excellent incense note. Both notes dance around a smooth suede accord which injects an elegant sophistication into proceedings. Very nicely done.
As I was wearing Babycat, I couldn’t help thinking it reminded me of something. Eventually, it dawned on me it’s very similar to Vanagloria by Laboratorio Olfattivo (also by Ropion). Vanagloria is less sweet and smokier than Babycat. But they are incredibly close. For the record, Vanagloria preceded Babycat by a year. The duplication is an issue, but my major qualm with Babycat is the price. I can’t figure out why the scent is so expensive for the life of me. Is that the price we pay to get something decent from these brands nowadays? Essentially, YSL is competing with Chanel, Hermes, and Dior’s higher-end lines with their pricing here, and quite frankly, none of the perfumes in their Le Vestiaire des Parfums line measure up to the quality of those brands.
Essentially, I like my vanilla scents almost devoid of sweetness. Eau Duelle by Diptyque is one of my favourites. And as it dries down, Babycat becomes sweeter and sweeter. Dominique Ropion may be a master perfumer, but in this case, at least for my taste, he’s no master chef. He’s merely tweaked the recipe from a previous scent. So, no Michelin stars for Ropion’s restaurant, but Babycat is worth a try for vanilla lovers. Still, if it were me, I’d be happier with the much less expensive option in Vanagloria.
Have you tried Babycat? Was it worth the hype? Which vanilla scents are Michelin star fare in your book?
Note: The bottle image of Babycat is from Google. All other images are my own.
Great review! Babycat is nice, but not groundbreaking as you said, and way overpriced indeed. The secret of the hype intrigues me: is it the fact that it’s hard to get? I suspect that the fact that it’s always sold out make people wish for it. Some sort of FOMO… because the scent itself is just ok… congratulations to the marketing strategists!
Thanks very much, Tetê. Yes, it does seem to be awfully difficult to track down. I’m wondering if it might be discontinued? That in itself might be a rumour that will get people to buy more bottles, with the possible fear they may never see the scent again. Though, I can’t say I’d be dashing out to add any of this YSL line to my collection.
I was intrigued by Babycat merely for its name ( yes I am shallow like that LOL) but I am not in a rush to sample it. I think many perfume houses have become too expensive for me, including Chanel. I’m shocked at the prices of a small Exclusive bottle now. I’m also intrigued by your choices for favorite vanilla. especially the SMN, a line that I am eager to explore as I currently own Melograno. As for my favorite vanillas? Dame Perfumery Black Flower Mexican Vanilla, Pacifica’s Vanilla Vera Cruz and Pacifica’s Island Vanilla. They are all heavy on the vanilla so perhaps too sweet for your tastes.
Yes, Chanel recently put their prices up too. The 75ml bottles are getting up there in price. The Santa Maria Novella line is fantastic, Melograno is another one I enjoy. I’ll have to try your recommendations, though like you say they may be a little on the sweeter side.
If you can get your hands on Dame Perfumery I would recommend you try some of his other offerings. They are well done and highly affordable.
Haven’t smelled Babycat, but I also liked Tabacco Toscano when I smelled it and Pi as well. Bal à Versailles may have been the best vanilla I’ve smelled, although I don’t wear it. I prefer a smooth vanilla with slightly spicy facets, also not too sweet.
Glad you like them too! I need to sample your recommendation some time.
All your images are top-notch, dear Daniel. And your review is insightful, as always. I’m yet to try this one. Eau Duelle and Givenchy Pi are rather good, as are Atelier des Ors Lune Feline and Rochas Moustache.
Thanks as always, Rich. Love that Rochas!