Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Perfume

Five years ago this month, YSL launched Black Opium, a fragrance that has been one of the most famous women's fragrances over the past ten years. As one of the most famous fragrances in 20th-century history, YSL Opium was initially launched in 1977 and was created by Jean Amic and Jean-Louis Sieuzac. Although the French luxury brand has been on the market for more than three decades, it was looking for a scent that would capture a young generation's imagination (and wallets).

A contemporary yet addictive perfume was what modern perfume lovers were looking for. Thus, YSL took the risk (some might say sacrilegious) of taking this oriental icon in a gourmand direction with YSL Black Opium. Black Opium has been such a success that it has spawned many flankers and limited editions, the most recent YSL Black Opium EDP Intense.

Packing/Presentation

The Black Opium is presented in the same bottle as the original YSL Opium, which underwent a redesign in 2009. The Black Opium comes in a black bottle covered in sequins, which befits the inspiration it has for its rock 'n' roll identity.

Scent Notes

It is the original Black Opium Eau de Parfum that I have.  The fragrance is a mixture of a captivating floral gourmand scent twisted with dark, roasted notes of coffee to give it vigor and vitality. The fragrance is a perfect marriage of energy and sensuality with just a hint of YSL. With its signature accord of black coffee, it is complemented by sensual vanilla, enriched by generous amounts of white flowers and orange blossom, set on a base of patchouli and soothing white musks. The scent combines a hint of light and dark for a women's fragrance that bewitches with its trail of light and dark.

This was created by Marie Salamagne, Nathalie Lorson, Olivier Cresp, and Honorine Blanc.

• Top notes: pear accord, mandarin essence 
• Heart notes: vanilla, orange blossom, white flowers 
• Base notes: black coffee accord, cedarwood essence, white musk, patchouli

Inspiration

Yves Saint Laurent first introduced Opium in 1977, a fragrance that would become a global phenomenon. Opium was the beginning of a revolution, and femininity has a whole new meaning: sultry, provocative, captivating. With it being 2014, Opium's legacy continues to dazzle: Yves Saint Laurent Beauty unveils Black Opium, which re-invents desire in a new, contemporary light, reshaping it to fit the modern woman. YSL Beauty muse Zoë Kravitz embodies the Black Opium woman. 

Perfumers

The perfume was created by a team of the best perfumers globally. It was developed together by Antoine Lorson (Dior Midnight Poison EDP, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue EDT, Mugler Angel EDT, Sarah Jessica Parker SJP NYC EDP) and Marie Salamagne (Ala*a EDP, Giorgio Armani Cuir Noir EDP, Le Labo Another 13 EDP) with Olivier Cresp (Dior Midnight Poison EDP, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue EDT

Personal Impressions

In this fragrance, the note of pear is the first to stand out. The fruity and sweet fragrance of the pear sets the tone for the rest of the scent. The scent is complemented by the presence of pink pepper and orange blossom in the background, which adds to its spicy and floral qualities. A powerful dose of coffee is quickly revealed following the introduction of the floral and spicy notes. These notes give YSL Black Opium an intense and spirited character. There is no doubt that by continuing with the white floral theme, there is no omission of the jasmine note, which adds to the heady sweetness. There is also a touch of almond which adds to the gourmand feel.

One of the other distinguishing ingredients of YSL Black Opium is its vanilla accord, along with the pear, black coffee, and white floral notes. This natural ingredient is a staple of gourmand fragrances, as it adds smoothness and, of course, sweetness to the scent. Patchouli is a critical ingredient that completes the formula. Black Opium EDP is undoubtedly a sweet scent, but by balancing sweetness with floral freshness, the creators of this EDP have managed to avoid the worst excesses of the genre. I would call this scent a cozy, incredible, crowd-pleasing scent that has earned its reputation as a modern classic. The original Black Opium (i.e., the vintage versions) was renowned for its staying power and sillage, but Black Opium EDP is a tamer beast and might require more reapplications periodically.

The perfume was created by a team of the best perfumers globally. It was developed together by Antoine Lorson (Dior Midnight Poison EDP, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue EDT, Mugler Angel EDT, Sarah Jessica Parker SJP NYC EDP) and Marie Salamagne (Ala*a EDP, Giorgio Armani Cuir Noir EDP, Le Labo Another 13 EDP) with Olivier Cresp (Dior Midnight Poison EDP, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue EDT.

Who Would Like YSL Black Opium

Fans of the original YSL Black Opium were aghast when YSL Black Opium was launched in September 2014 in such a trendy, youthful way. But as time has now gone on, it has become an increasingly popular version of the classic. What is more important, however, this fragrance has ridden the crest of the gourmet wave and, as a result, has gained a whole new audience of those who enjoy their fragrance addictions to be sugary.

Where To Wear YSL Black Opium

YSL Black Opium is a reasonably versatile fragrance but seems to be at its best at night and in the year's cooler months. It would be best to ask your colleagues what their favorite scents are before you wear them to work. The popularity of this fragrance is undeniable, but it has also provoked reactions such as “love-it-or-hate-it.”