Black Opium

Black Opium, a Coffee Gourmand

Black Opium became a phenomenon for good reason. Our version keeps its energetic, sweet character, opening with pink pepper, pear, and orange blossom before diving into a heart of coffee and jasmine over a warm vanilla and patchouli base.

The Story Behind the Scent

YSL built Black Opium as a bold, youthful successor to the classic Opium, swapping heavy spice for a jolt of black coffee and sweet vanilla. The idea was a scent for the night, energetic and a little rebellious.

It struck a chord immediately and became one of the best loved gourmands of its era. The coffee gives it edge, the white flowers keep it feminine, and the vanilla makes it moreish. Our interpretation follows that same recipe, from the sparkling opening to the warm, sweet finish.

How Our Version Compares to the Original

The original is a modern designer bestseller. Here is how our version compares.

Who It’s For

This is for anyone who loves a bold, sweet, sexy scent. It suits evenings and nights out, comes alive in cooler weather, and is a favourite for those who like coffee and vanilla gourmands.

Notes

Top notes: Pink Pepper, Pear, Orange Blossom

Heart notes: Coffee, Jasmine, Bitter Almond

Base notes: Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar

How it Smells

It opens sparkling and sweet, with pink pepper and juicy pear lifted by a touch of orange blossom.

The heart is where the coffee kicks in, rich and slightly bitter, balanced by jasmine and a hint of bitter almond.

The base is warm and addictive, with vanilla, patchouli, and cedar giving a sweet, cosy finish that lasts for hours.

Common Questions

What does Black Opium smell like?
It is a sweet coffee gourmand. Pink pepper and pear open it, black coffee and jasmine fill the heart, and a warm vanilla and patchouli base makes it addictive.

Is this the same as the YSL original?
No. This is our own interpretation made to capture the feel of the original. It is not produced by or affiliated with Yves Saint Laurent.

How long does it last?
Built at up to 40% perfume oil, it is long lasting, with the coffee and vanilla staying on the skin for hours.

What size is the bottle?
Every bottle is 50ml, made in the EU as an eau de parfum concentration.

When should I wear it?
It is at its best in the evening and in cooler weather, though fans happily wear it any time.

Would it make a good gift?
Yes. Its bold, sweet, crowd pleasing character makes it a very popular choice.

Disclaimer

Black Opium and Yves Saint Laurent are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Parfumour is not affiliated with, associated with, or endorsed by Yves Saint Laurent. Our fragrance is an independent interpretation inspired by the original, created to evoke a similar scent experience. All trademark names are used for descriptive and comparison purposes only.