Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum (100 mL):

Fragrance Profile & Background

• Launch Year: 2014; an “Oriental‑Gourmand” creation by perfumers Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, and Honorine Blanc.
• Mood: A bold, seductive fragrance built around a coffee‑vanilla axis, packaged in a sparkly black bottle meant to evoke nighttime allure (bottle described as “black diamond”)

Note Pyramid

• Top: Pear, pink pepper, orange blossom – bright, fruity-spicy
• Heart: Coffee, jasmine, almond, licorice – rich, aromatic, slightly gourmand

Longevity & Projection

• Longevity: About 10 hours on average; some users report 8–9 hours.
• Projection: Strong performance, especially in colder weather, projecting up to around 1 meter initially. Enthusiasts note its projection lasts for hours .

Character & Cycle

• Opening: Syrupy, vibrant coffee-vanilla with a luscious hint of pear and spice—always memorable.
• Mid-phase: Transitions into a sweet vanilla‑jasmine heart with cozy gourmand depth.
• Base: Evolves into creamy warmth with cashmere wood and patchouli, mellowing into an intimate yet seductive skin scent.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Irresistible gourmand allure with coffee‑vanilla sweetness.
• Long-lasting and confidently projecting in cool weather.
• Highly popular and attention-grabbing; ideal for nights out or date nights.

Cons

• Might feel overly sweet or synthetic to some; less suited for warm seasons.
• Longevity may vary by skin type—some find it fades quickly on skin though clothing retains it.

💬 Community Insights

“Black Opium is pretty much what modern designer mass‑appealing perfumery is about… syrupy thick and heavy… screams night out”

“On me it vanishes in minutes… becomes non-existent… perfume lasts longer on clothes—moisturize before spraying”

Ideal Use Cases

• Seasons: Best for autumn and winter, evening outings. Too heavy for hot days.
• Occasions: A standout for night outs, date nights, clubbing, and special events.
• Audience: Suits those (20s–40s+) who enjoy gourmand, seductive scents with confident projection.