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Yves Saint Laurent

Black Opium Eau de Parfum

GourmandFor herEDP8–10 h
9.0
Editor score

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium remains a standout in the women's fragrance category, combining an addictive coffee-vanilla accord with floral…

  • Addictive gourmand scent
  • Long-lasting formula
  • Iconic glamorous bottle

Note pyramid

TopPearPink PepperOrange Blossom
HeartCoffeeJasmine
BaseVanillaPatchouliCedarwood

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Overview

How Black Opium Eau de Parfum wears

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium is a seductive and addictive women's fragrance that captures a bold, modern femininity rooted in contrast and allure. Opening with the unexpected jolt of black coffee intertwined with pink pepper, it immediately signals that this is not a conventional floral or gourmand scent, but something charged with energy and mystery. The coffee accord gives it an electric, invigorating edge that wakes the senses, setting the stage for the deeper, more sensual notes that unfold as it settles on the skin.

At its heart, Black Opium reveals a creamy, sweet bouquet of white flowers, particularly jasmine, layered with a soft, powdery vanilla warmth. This blend of floral femininity and dessert-like sweetness creates a magnetic tension between innocence and seduction, making the fragrance feel simultaneously comforting and provocative. As the scent develops, cedarwood and musky undertones emerge in the base, lending it a smoky, woody depth that lingers sensually on the skin long after application, perfect for evening wear or nights when confidence needs amplifying.

Presented in its signature black glass bottle adorned with a gold tassel and the iconic YSL emblem, Black Opium's packaging mirrors the fragrance's personality: glamorous, rebellious, and unapologetically bold. It has become a staple in modern perfumery, beloved for its ability to transition from daytime wear to late-night allure effortlessly. Whether worn as a signature scent or layered for special occasions, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium embodies a fearless, addictive energy that lingers in memory just as persistently as it does on the skin.

Performance

Wear profile

  • Longevity8–10 h
  • Projection3 / 5
  • Versatility83
  • Value71

Typical wear on skin

0 h36912 h

Expect roughly 8–10 h from a EDP. Skin type, weather and how many sprays all move this number.

In the bottle

Key details

  1. 01Top notes of pear and pink pepper
  2. 02Heart of coffee and jasmine
  3. 03Base of vanilla, patchouli and cedarwood
  4. 04Available in 30ml, 50ml, 90ml bottles
  5. 05Iconic black and gold flacon design
  6. 06Long-lasting Eau de Parfum concentration

+What we love

  • Seductive gourmand-oriental scent profile
  • Impressive longevity, lasts 8+ hours
  • Elegant, eye-catching bottle design
  • Versatile for day or evening wear
  • Sillage is noticeable without being overpowering
  • Widely praised signature scent for many wearers

−Worth knowing

  • Coffee note may be too strong for some
  • Pricier than many mainstream fragrances
  • Scent can be polarizing - love it or hate it
  • Sweetness may be overwhelming in hot climates
9.0Editor score

The verdict

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium remains a standout in the women's fragrance category, combining an addictive coffee-vanilla accord with floral sophistication. Its bold character and lasting power make it a go-to evening scent, though its intensity means it's not for those who prefer subtle, understated fragrances.
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