Black Opium Eau de Parfum

6.8

Yves Saint Laurent

$$
Fall, Winter
Evening, Night Out
YSL Black Opium perfume bottle with a glittery black finish and vibrant pink centre label, set against a deep magenta background with soft bokeh lights.

Overview

Black Opium Eau de Parfum opens with a vibrant blend of pear and pink pepper, transitioning to a heart of rich coffee and jasmine, grounded by a base of vanilla and wood. This complex yet inviting composition weaves together elements of sweetness and warmth, perfect for chilly nights. It exudes a modern balancing act between edgy energy and sophisticated elegance.

Key Details

Perfumer :
Yves Saint Laurent
Year :
2014
Family :
Oriental Vanilla
Origin :
France
Gender :
Women
Occasion :
Evening, Night Out
Season :
Fall, Winter
Longevity :
Good, 6-8 hours
Projection :
Moderate
Concentration :
Eau de Parfum
Sizes :
30ml (1 oz), 50ml (1.7 oz), 90ml (3 oz), 150ml (5.1 oz)
Price Range:
$79 (£67)
Top Notes:
Pear, Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom
Heart Notes:
Coffee, Jasmine, Bitter Almond, Licorice
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar, Cashmere Wood

Rating

6.8
We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best fragrances in the world. Our ratings are designed for everyday perfume enthusiasts and are based on the factors that matter most to you:

Scent Profile: Appeal and versatility.
Longevity: How long the fragrance lasts.
Projection: The fragrance’s ability to fill the space around the wearer.
Uniqueness: How distinctive and memorable it is.
Value for Money: The balance between cost and quality.

Ratings are carefully calculated based on expert assessments, global reviews, and user feedback.
Scent Profile
8.0
Longevity
6.5
Projection
7.0
Uniqueness
6.0
Value for Money
6.5

Reviews

Public Review Sentiment

Many praise Black Opium for its 'intoxicating sweetness' and 'sultry blend of notes,' and describe it as 'a warm, enveloping scent.' However, some critique it for 'not being as unique as expected' and 'too sweet for some tastes.' It's celebrated for its youthful appeal but often considered overrated by critics. Overall, it remains a favorite for those who enjoy sweet, vanilla-heavy perfumes.
Review Count:
1,283

When to wear

Evening Out

Perfect for a night out in town, this fragrance pairs well with stylish dark attire and glamorous evenings, enhancing emotions and ensuring you leave a lingering trail.

Formal Event

This fragrance is elegant enough for formal events, including galas or receptions, with its warm vanilla-woody profile that complements sophisticated settings.

Casual Hangouts

Adds a glam twist to casual hangouts with friends, making ordinary evenings festive and memorable.

Intimate Dinner

Ideal for an intimate dinner date, creating an aura of mystery and allure that complements close encounters.

Layering Tips

Enhance With Musk: Pair Black Opium with a musk-heavy fragrance to add a deeper, mysterious allure. Suitable for women seeking added complexity.
Freshen Up With Citrus: Combine with a citrus fragrance for a refreshing twist. Ideal for daytime wearers who enjoy a burst of freshness.
Deepen With Woody Notes: Layer with woody scents to create a more grounded, sensual base. Perfect for those seeking a more luxurious feel.

The "Deep Dive"

The Dry-Down

Black Opium's dry down reveals a cozy blend of creamy vanilla, sweet coffee, and soft woody notes, creating a sophisticated but comforting profile. As the intense initial sweetness fades, the fragrance mellows down into cozy woodiness wrapped in a subtle patchouli veil. The coffee note lends a lingering familiar warmth while vanilla softens it gracefully. By the end, a faint cashmere woody aroma is all that remains, making it ideal for nighttime wear.

Who should wear it?

This fragrance appeals to bold, youthful women who love sweet, oriental scents. It's for those who enjoy making statements with their scents and feel confident embracing gourmand aromas. Ideal for evening or night-out occasions, it’s perfect for feminine personalities who enjoy classic sweet fragrances with a touch of mystery.

Celebrity Picks

None. You're in an elite class of fragrance lovers—this is a hidden gem you've discovered before it goes mainstream.

Pricing

Black Opium is available in multiple sizes to suit various needs: 30ml (1 oz) for $79 (£67), 50ml (1.7 oz) for $98 (£82), 90ml (3 oz) for $121 (£102), and the largest 150ml (5.1 oz) for $160 (£135). The price increases with size, offering better value per ml for larger bottles, catering to diverse consumer demands and usage preferences.

Simlar Scents

Love this scent? Discover three similar fragrances at varying price points — whether you're after a budget-friendly dupe or a premium alternative.

La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme

A floral gourmand fragrance with notes of pear, blackcurrant, and praline.

Britney Spears Private Show

Offers a creamy blend of coffee, whipped cream, and sensual musk.

Prada Candy

Features a rich caramel accord with hints of musks and benzoin.

FAQs

Is Black Opium suitable for daytime wear?
While it's more popular for evening occasions due to its rich, sweet profile, Black Opium can be worn during the day if you enjoy bold scents.
Does Black Opium have strong coffee notes?
Yes, the coffee note is prominent and adds a distinctive, energizing element to the fragrance, especially in its heart notes.
Is Black Opium a good gift option?
With its popular blend of sweet and sophisticated notes, it's a great gift choice for someone who appreciates modern, gourmand fragrances.
What age group typically uses Black Opium?
While it appeals broadly, Black Opium tends to attract young adults to those in their mid-30s, who enjoy sweet, bold fragrances.
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