Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium

for women

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium is an oriental favorite with sweet vanilla, coffee warmth, and a lively edge that feels made for nights out.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium

1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
$123.00 USD
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Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium
$123.00 USD

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Genuine branded fragrance, new and sealed. Securely shipped from the US.

Ships from the US

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Genuine & sealed

100% genuine branded fragrance, new, sealed and in original packaging.

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Unopened items may be returned under our returns policy.

Scent Dossier

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium is a warm oriental fragrance built around vanilla, coffee, and soft woods, with a brighter touch from pear and orange blossom. It wears with a sweet, inviting character that feels more playful than heavy, making it a strong pick for date nights, parties, and evenings out. This is the kind of scent that adds personality without turning overly dark, especially if you enjoy gourmand warmth with a confident feminine feel.

Accords

Vanilla
Coffee
Sweet
Warm Spicy
Woody
See the Closest Scents to This Profile

A Scent For

This suits someone who likes fragrance with clear presence and a sweet, confident personality. It makes sense for shoppers who want a feminine evening scent that feels fun, flirtatious, and easy to enjoy rather than challenging. If you prefer cozy vanilla with a coffee edge, this is a very solid pick. Less ideal for someone who wants a barely-there skin scent, a crisp fresh profile, or something especially understated for daytime office wear.

Occasions

Date Night
Evening Out
Party

Seasons

Fall
Winter
Spring

Olfactory

Oriental

Time

Night

Sillage

3/4
Strong

Longevity

4/5
Long Lasting

When and Where

Reach for Black Opium on Fall and Winter nights, with Spring evenings also fitting nicely when the air is cooler. It feels most at home on date nights, parties, and nights out where a sweeter scent adds to the mood. With above-average longevity and noticeable but not overwhelming trail, it handles social settings well. I would skip it for hot weather, gym use, or very quiet close-quarters situations if you are sensitive to sweetness.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Orange Blossom
Pink Pepper

Middle Notes

Coffee
Jasmine
Licorice

Base Notes

Cedar
Patchouli
Vanilla

Deeper Detail

How it Opens

Black Opium comes in with a sweet, lively rush that feels energetic rather than dense. Pear adds a juicy brightness, orange blossom gives it a soft floral lift, and pink pepper brings a mild spark that keeps the sweetness from feeling flat. The overall effect is warm, feminine, and attention-getting without being harsh. It quickly sets a dressed-up mood, but still feels fun and approachable instead of overly serious or formal.

How it develops

Once it settles, the coffee becomes more noticeable and gives the fragrance its signature cozy depth. Jasmine keeps the middle from turning too edible, while licorice adds a slightly darker, more grown-up twist. In the drydown, vanilla stays front and center with cedar and patchouli adding a dry woody base; patchouli here reads earthy and deep rather than dirty. It stays rich, sweet, and warm on skin instead of becoming airy or clean.

History

Black Opium launched in 2014 from Yves Saint Laurent and quickly became one of the brand’s most recognizable modern women’s scents. Positioned as a bold, nightlife-friendly oriental, it leans into sweet vanilla and coffee rather than classic powdery dressiness. Many wearers describe it as a go-to choice when they want something feminine, warm, and clearly noticeable without feeling too formal.

Perfumier

Nathalie Lorson Marie Salamagne

Country of Origin

France

Year Created

2014

Our Verdict

Buy it if you want a warm, sweet evening fragrance with coffee, vanilla, and enough woody depth to keep it from feeling sugary. Skip it if you want something airy, ultra-fresh, or subtle enough to disappear into the background.

The Closest Scents to Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium

Black Opium is known for its bold vanilla and coffee accord with a warm spicy, sweet edge. This edit explores the same rich, indulgent territory, featuring fragrances that share its gourmand warmth and depth. Each recommendation offers a distinct take, whether through floral brightness, added spice, or a creamier texture, so you can find a new favorite with a similar captivating presence.

The Only One echoes Black Opium's sweet, warm spicy character with vanilla and coffee notes, but introduces a powdery iris and violet opening that softens the edge. The base adds caramel for a creamier, more dessert-like finish. It is less coffee forward and more floral gourmand, making it a versatile option that still delivers the same date night confidence.

Read the Full Profile →
Sweet
Powdery
Floral
Vanilla
Warm Spicy
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party

Good Girl shares Black Opium's coffee and vanilla foundation but takes a distinctly different turn with a prominent almond top note and a rich cacao base. The white floral heart of tuberose and jasmine adds a lush, almost creamy texture. It is sweeter and more chocolatey, with a touch of warm spice from cinnamon, offering a more decadent gourmand experience.

Read the Full Profile →
White Floral
Sweet
Warm Spicy
Amber
Cacao
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party

Good Girl Legere lightens the Good Girl formula while keeping the almond and coffee notes that connect to Black Opium. The addition of ylang-ylang and lemon brightens the opening, and dulce de leche in the base adds a milky, caramel sweetness. It is less dense than the original, with a fresher floral profile, yet retains that addictive gourmand pull.

Read the Full Profile →
White Floral
Sweet
Warm Spicy
Citrus
Powdery
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party

Donna Born in Roma shares Black Opium's vanilla and white floral character, but replaces coffee with a fruity black currant and pink pepper opening. The base is woody with cashmeran and guaiac wood, giving it a modern, slightly sharper edge. It feels more playful and everyday wearable, while still delivering the same warm, sweet core that fans of Black Opium will appreciate.

Read the Full Profile →
Vanilla
White Floral
Woody
Fruity
Warm Spicy
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Everyday
Everyday
Dior Addict

Dior Addict

for women
$210.00

Dior Addict aligns with Black Opium through its rich bourbon vanilla and orange blossom notes, but focuses more on amber and sandalwood for a smoother, less spicy profile. The jasmine sambac is present but not as dominant, and the base is creamier with tonka bean. It is a more linear, cozy vanilla scent that feels sophisticated and less sweet.

Read the Full Profile →
Vanilla
White Floral
Sweet
Woody
Amber
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal

This intense version of Donna Born in Roma deepens the vanilla and adds benzoin for a resinous, amber warmth that connects to Black Opium's cozy base. It skips the fruity top notes and goes straight to a rich, almost boozy vanilla with a hint of jasmine. It is more straightforward and gourmand, with a darker, more seductive feel perfect for night outs.

Read the Full Profile →
Vanilla
Amber
White Floral
Sweet
Warm Spicy
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party
Xerjoff Lira

Xerjoff Lira

for women
$148.00

Lira shares Black Opium's sweet vanilla and warm spicy accords, but introduces a bright blood orange and lavender top that makes it feel airier. The caramel and musk base adds a soft, dessert-like quality without the coffee note. It is more citrus forward and less dense, offering a versatile gourmand that works both day and night.

Read the Full Profile →
Sweet
Vanilla
Citrus
Warm Spicy
Caramel
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Everyday
Everyday
Travel
Travel

Libre Intense connects to Black Opium through its vanilla and warm spicy profile, but stands out with a prominent lavender and orange blossom duo. The base adds ambergris and vetiver for a slightly aromatic, less sweet finish. It is more floral and herbal, with a touch of powderiness, making it a fresher, more daring alternative for evening wear.

Read the Full Profile →
Vanilla
Amber
White Floral
Aromatic
Warm Spicy
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party
Nishane Ani

Nishane Ani

for women and men
$185.00

Ani matches Black Opium's vanilla and warm spicy accords, but introduces a unique blue ginger and pink pepper top that adds a sparkling, slightly green freshness. The base is rich with ambergris and sandalwood, creating a creamy, resinous depth. It is less coffee focused and more unisex, with a sophisticated, woody vanilla character that feels luxurious and long lasting.

Read the Full Profile →
Vanilla
Warm Spicy
Amber
Woody
Powdery
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Dior Poison Girl

Dior Poison Girl

for women
$120.00

Poison Girl echoes Black Opium's sweet vanilla and almond like warmth, but features a prominent bitter orange and lemon top that adds a citrusy twist. The base is creamy with tonka bean and sandalwood, while the rose and neroli heart keeps it floral. It is brighter and more playful, with a candied sweetness that feels youthful and energetic.

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Sweet
Vanilla
Citrus
Floral
Amber
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Party
Party

Love, Don't Be Shy shares Black Opium's sweet, warm vanilla and white floral character, but adds a sugary, almost marshmallow like quality from sugar and caramel notes. The honeysuckle and orange blossom make it intensely floral and sweet. It is less coffee driven and more gourmand floral, with a powdery, romantic feel that is perfect for date nights.

Read the Full Profile →
Sweet
White Floral
Vanilla
Amber
Powdery
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Party
Party
Parfums de Marly Carlisle

Parfums de Marly Carlisle

for women and men
$398.00

Carlisle connects to Black Opium through its vanilla and warm spicy accords, but introduces a green apple and saffron top that adds a fruity, leathery complexity. The base is woody with patchouli and vanilla, while the heart features osmanthus and violet. It is more aromatic and unisex, with a sophisticated, slightly smoky character that feels modern and versatile.

Read the Full Profile →
Warm Spicy
Vanilla
Woody
Sweet
Aromatic
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal