Do You Need YSL Black Opium In 2024? The Most Tantalizing Scent Right Now
YSL Black Opium.
One of the most seductive fragrances on the market.
In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and anything else you need to know.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- YSL Black Opium is one of the best perfumes for women.
- YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum has average longevity and above-average projection.
- Black Opium smells like a sundae enjoyed with a cup of black coffee.
- Black Opium Extreme has a more prominent coffee note and less sweetness than EDP.
- YSL Black Opium Perfume is a must-have for small and large collections.
How Does YSL Describe it?
Here is the product description, “Black Opium Eau de Parfum is the seductively intoxicating women’s fragrance. The opening notes of adrenaline-rich coffee and the sweet sensuality of vanilla recline into the softness of white flowers, creating a long-lasting perfume.
This seductive women’s perfume is inspired by the edgy and daring woman. Emboldened by the strong scent of coffee, the sensuous, warm floral vanilla perfume captivates the senses with a sweet vanilla base and a burst of floral at the heart of the fragrance.”
What Does YSL Black Opium Smell Like?
What’s the easiest way to describe the scent? A sweet vanilla ice cream with coffee and almonds sprinkled on top. The first spray smells like a spiced latte.
An awakening coffee note is the focal point, with fruity pear and pink pepper on its edges. They’re fleeting, but stop the coffee note from becoming too much.
As the scent develops, white floral notes and bitter almond smooth glue it all together. The main idea is a creamier spiced-latte aroma. Your cappuccino has foam on it now.
This aroma will lead to the dry down, becoming better along the way.
As the dry-down starts, the base will pick up woody nuances. They sit underneath all, giving the scent depth. The final and best addition is the heavy vanilla note. It is sweet and warm with an edible-like aroma.
The rest of the wear is coffee and vanilla with hints of spices and wood.
The official YSL Black Opium notes:
TOP NOTES
- Pear
- Pink Pepper
- Orange Blossom
MID NOTES
- Coffee
- Jasmine
- Bitter Almond
- Licorice
BASE NOTES
- Vanilla
- Patchouli
- Cedar
- Cashmere Wood
YSL Black Opium Performance
How Long Does YSL Black Opium Last?
It lasts consistently 7 hours on the skin.
Black Opium has an above-average projection. The first 2-3 hours, it projects intensely. It isn’t airy so that it won’t fill up a room, but it is rich and dense, so wherever you walk, you’ll leave a solid trail.
Is YSL Black Opium Versatile?
YSL Black Opium Perfume works for all occasions. However, it is primarily only worn in colder temperatures. As I mentioned before, be careful with the sprays; it is heavy and dense. In high heat, it can really expand and choke people out.
Is YSL Black Opium Unique?
Black Opium has average uniqueness, but it is interesting.
Is YSL Black Opium Seductive?
This gets above-average compliments, and it is extremely likable. Other women always want to know what you’re wearing.
Is YSL Black Opium Worth It?
Yes, it is worth it. It is one of the sexiest women’s fragrances on the market. It has decent performance, and its smell is out of this world.
It is slightly more expensive than most designer fragrances, and you can only wear it half the year. Those are downsides; if you want one perfume, Black Opium isn’t for you. However, it is a must-have for all small to large collections.
How do The People Rate YSL Black Opium?
Don’t just trust me; what do the masses think? This information is pulled from fragrantica.com. Providing a general estimate of what others think.
At the time of writing, Black Opium has 20,916 votes with a rating of 3.92 stars out of 5. Based on the cost-for-value metric, it is rated evenly between neutral.
Here are the top three pros and cons:
PROS
- Perfect for winter season
- Initial dark and mysterious scent
- Enjoyable for those who like cream in their coffee
CONS
- Resembles nothing of the original opium fragrance
- Sweet and cloying scent
- Initial smoky coffee not fades quickly
How Does YSL Black Opium Extreme Compare?
We’ve talked everything about the Eau de Parfum version, but how does Extreme compare?
Black Opium has 26 flankers, so I will only review the most popular one. Here is a video if you are interested in learning about a few more.
Extreme
Edgy and courageous women inspired Black Opium Extreme.
The big picture difference between EDP and Extreme is that Extreme is more intense. The coffee is heavier, and there is less sweetness.
The perfumer of Extreme described the perfume as “black coffee undertoned by cocoa absolute, a luminous floral heart of orange blossom and sambac jasmine.”
Like the EDP version, the opening is prominently coffee with hints of spice notes. Different from EDP, there are notes of cocoa.
The opening is comparative to a chocolate blend of black coffee. As the scent develops, it retains the floral heart from EDP. Into the base, there is a stronger patchouli note. If you are unfamiliar with patchouli, it has a woody aroma.
Black Opium Extreme Performance Review
- Longevity: 4 – 6 hours
- Projection & Sillage: Average
- Versatility: Same as EDP
- Uniqueness: Same as EDP
- Compliments & Likability: Same EDP
- Cost for Value: Less than EDP
YSL Black Opium Extreme Performance Rating = 6.2/10
YSL Black Opium History
YSL was created to tailor to the tastes of beautiful women. The founder famously said, “Women should be put on a pedestal with the world at their feet!”
Now 50 years later, YSL clothing and fragrances are still expressions of free-spirited and independent women.
YSL released the original opium fragrance in 1977. The original Opium had even more controversy than Black Opium Eau de Parfum (EDP). However, it sold out in days. Though Black Opium was an overnight success, it didn’t stop there.
In 2014, after 37 years, YSL released Black Opium EDP. Black Opium EDP is a rock ‘n’ roll interpretation of Opium. It highlights YSL’s dark and mysterious side. One year after its release, Black Opium EDP was the UK’s best new fragrance for women.
Since Black Opium EDP, 26 other flankers have been created. It seems excessive, but the Black Opium line now appeases all tastes.
FAQ’s
Where Do I Buy YSL Black Opium?
I recommend well-known discounters: fragrancenet.com and Amazon. These are the cheapest option. The second-best alternative is YSL’s Official Website.
How Many Sprays Should I Apply?
I recommend 2. If it is really cold outside, you can apply three. As I’ve mentioned before, be careful with the sprays. You want to avoid getting sent home early from work because you suffocate people with your aroma.
Who Uses YSL Black Opium?
Black Opium is a young women’s scent.
Which Black Opium is the Strongest?
The extreme version is stronger than the EDP version. Both are strong in their respects; you have to pick which strength you want. Coffee is the prominent note in both, and in the Extreme, it is amplified.
However, the EDP will be stronger if you are looking for ultra-sweetness.
Is YSL Opium Long-Lasting?
YSL Black Opium’s longevity is slightly above average. It does not have beast mode performance but will get through an entire work or school day.
Black Opium Similar Scents?
If you like Black Opium, try Zara Gardenia 2017.
Which Black Opium is Better?
They are both fantastic. You have to decide which is more to your taste. The EDP version is a better choice if you enjoy sweet perfumes. However, if you like strong and more seductive perfumes, then Extreme is the better choice.
Final Words
YSL Black Opium is one of the best women’s perfumes of all time. It performs slightly above average and works for all occasions. It is limited to cold temperatures because of its dense nature.
It is sweet, sexy, and seductive. Coffee dominates the perfume and creates a gourmand-like nature.
Would I recommend YSL Black Opium? Yes, of course. It is an excellent choice for a woman on a date or trying to get a date. When it comes to the Extreme version, it is edgier.
What do you think of YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum?
Black Opium is an excellent cologne and the best for Women. Yet, don’t just limit yourself to Black Opium. Check out MFK Baccarat Rouge 540.