Let me start with a personal disclaimer. I do not like sweet perfumes at all. Especially vanilla based. And this is HEAVY on the vanilla. So I did not like this perfume for me, at all. I prefer to wear unisex fragrances, sometimes even men’s, because I prefer fresh, woodsy, and citrus scents. Sweet fragrances give me headaches. However, everyone who smelled it on me loved it, except my fiancé who also hates sweet perfumes. However, my mother loved it, so I happily passed it onto her and she has worn it every day since. The perfume comes in a gorgeous bottle that looks beautiful on a vanity or shelf, and as strong as this perfume is, 1 ounce would last a long time, because I wouldn’t wear more than one spritz at a time. My application method was to spritz it once in ... MoreLet me start with a personal disclaimer. I do not like sweet perfumes at all. Especially vanilla based. And this is HEAVY on the vanilla. So I did not like this perfume for me, at all. I prefer to wear unisex fragrances, sometimes even men’s, because I prefer fresh, woodsy, and citrus scents. Sweet fragrances give me headaches. However, everyone who smelled it on me loved it, except my fiancé who also hates sweet perfumes. However, my mother loved it, so I happily passed it onto her and she has worn it every day since. The perfume comes in a gorgeous bottle that looks beautiful on a vanity or shelf, and as strong as this perfume is, 1 ounce would last a long time, because I wouldn’t wear more than one spritz at a time. My application method was to spritz it once in front of me, and then walk through the mist. I applied this at 5PM and when I got undressed that night around 1AM the scent was still very obvious, so no fading, which I appreciate in a perfume. The scent is very sweet and vanilla heavy. To be honest, it reminds me of the grown up, sophisticated sister of the old Bath and Bodywork’s “warm vanilla sugar” that was so popular when I was in middle and high school in the late 90s/early 00s. Fans of vanilla and sweeter perfumes will no doubt, love this perfume. I’m very glad I got to try it, and happy my mom loves it and will get tons of use from it.

I’ve recently been moving away from heavy floral scents and branching out and trying a lot of different scents that I would have never tried before. I’ve tried the original Black Opium fragrance and really enjoyed it, was even about to purchase it but just hadn’t hit the place order button yet. I’m glad I didn’t because I like this one SOOO much more. It’s so different from anything I’ve ever worn before and I think it’s great for anyone especially someone looking to move away from floral scents. If I could describe this fragrance in one word it would definitely be sexy, you just walk with a little extra spice when you’re wearing this. It’s also intoxicating and luxurious! If I’m just wearing sweats and spray this on I just feel more sexy. On me personally it smells ... MoreI’ve recently been moving away from heavy floral scents and branching out and trying a lot of different scents that I would have never tried before. I’ve tried the original Black Opium fragrance and really enjoyed it, was even about to purchase it but just hadn’t hit the place order button yet. I’m glad I didn’t because I like this one SOOO much more. It’s so different from anything I’ve ever worn before and I think it’s great for anyone especially someone looking to move away from floral scents. If I could describe this fragrance in one word it would definitely be sexy, you just walk with a little extra spice when you’re wearing this. It’s also intoxicating and luxurious! If I’m just wearing sweats and spray this on I just feel more sexy. On me personally it smells like a powdery spice. It wears ALL day and by end of day you can smell a bit more of the vanilla notes. I often have trouble with my fragrances lasting on me throughout the day, finding that after an hour or 2 I can’t really smell whatever I applied. The staying power on this is amazing, it lasts all day! I got so many compliments wearing this perfume. I have been using this everyday since I got it ( and a little goes a long way, so the bottle will last you a while) but I also think it would be the perfect date night perfume! Sometimes fragrances that are in the sweet category tend to turn a bit odd on me, where it smells sickeningly sweet and like bad candy ( if you have this problem you know the smell) this one did not do that at all thankfully! This is definitely a new staple in my routine. I would highly recommend trying this fragrance out!

The design of the bottle should be noted separately, I really like it. There are great fragrances, but with a completely forgettable design. This is not the case, it is recognizable and just perfect for this fragrance. In appearance, the bottle slightly resembles asphalt, which is why I have associations with a big city and light rain. It is very successful, evening, original. Although this is not the first thing that is important in the aroma, it also plays a role. It is much more pleasant to have something interesting in the collection. As soon as you take the perfume in your hands, it feels like you are putting some kind of elixir on yourself. Immediately after application, the fragrance may seem a bit harsh, although pleasant. This is normal, many flavors do not ... MoreThe design of the bottle should be noted separately, I really like it. There are great fragrances, but with a completely forgettable design. This is not the case, it is recognizable and just perfect for this fragrance. In appearance, the bottle slightly resembles asphalt, which is why I have associations with a big city and light rain. It is very successful, evening, original. Although this is not the first thing that is important in the aroma, it also plays a role. It is much more pleasant to have something interesting in the collection. As soon as you take the perfume in your hands, it feels like you are putting some kind of elixir on yourself. Immediately after application, the fragrance may seem a bit harsh, although pleasant. This is normal, many flavors do not open immediately. When I applied this perfume for the first time, after an hour and a half it subsided slightly, became more calm, but at the same moment it did not lose its bold zest and I liked it. The sharpness is gone, but a viscous caramel sweetness with coffee and other notes that complement the composition remains. I feel this aroma slightly sweet, a little coffee, but the sweetness is not vanilla and not banal, it is just pleasant, not suffocating, at the same time there is a note of nobility, something expensive, bold, making it clear that this is not an ordinary sweet aroma, it's special, you can also feel a slight note of pepper. But not repulsive and rude, but interesting and alluring. I want to breathe it in and enjoy it. But as I already wrote, you need to give a little time for the aroma to open and become calmer. If you try to describe it in one sentence - a warm fragrance with viscous sweetness and successful subsequent notes that add to their originality, which is why the perfume does not seem just sweet and coffeey, but feels very interesting. ☆•● DURABILITY FOR WHOM ●•☆ ► The aroma is quite persistent. In the morning the next day, it can still be felt quite a bit, it feels a little longer on clothes. That's a very good hold, in my opinion.

Incentivized Review: I received this product complimentary from Influenster in return for my honest opinion. I tested out the YSL Black Opium Le Parfum. I really enjoy the original so I was curious to see how this one compares. It comes in the original Black Opium packaging so there’s not much to say about that, the difference is inside the bottle. This parfum is labeled within the warm spicy family with notes of coffee Jasmin and Vanilla bourbon. The most overpowering scent has to be the vanilla because unless I read the notes, I would’ve never smelled the other stuff. I love the smell of coffee, but I didn’t get that at all. If I could describe this parfum it would be a dark vanilla, if that makes sense. I almost feel bad giving my opinion about this parfum ... MoreIncentivized Review: I received this product complimentary from Influenster in return for my honest opinion. I tested out the YSL Black Opium Le Parfum. I really enjoy the original so I was curious to see how this one compares. It comes in the original Black Opium packaging so there’s not much to say about that, the difference is inside the bottle. This parfum is labeled within the warm spicy family with notes of coffee Jasmin and Vanilla bourbon. The most overpowering scent has to be the vanilla because unless I read the notes, I would’ve never smelled the other stuff. I love the smell of coffee, but I didn’t get that at all. If I could describe this parfum it would be a dark vanilla, if that makes sense. I almost feel bad giving my opinion about this parfum because I can’t help but compare it to the original. I am in no way saying it is bad, but the original left a lasting impression on me. I remember thinking “wow, this smells amazing!” This new one smells delightful and I wouldn’t be mad if it was gifted to me, it just smells like a decent scent (not something memorable). I do like how it doesn’t give me a headache and it does smell delicate. It is long lasting and I did get compliments while wearing it! If I had to rate this 1-10… 10 being the best thing I’ve ever smelled, this is a solid 7.5. If I was set on purchasing Black Opium, I’d probably gravitate towards the original.

I was hesitant about receiving this because I hate the original Black Opium. I found the OG super cloying a couple years back when I received a free deluxe sample from Sephora and I hated it. I love gourmand scents but it was far too syrupy and artificially sweet to me so I wasn’t excited for this but upon smelling it and testing it out for the week I’ve got to say I’m surprised. Not only do I like it but I REALLY like it. I’m not the type to dabble in designer anymore because I usually wear my niche fragrances and the only designers that get a pass for me are the good girl fragrances from Carolina Herrera and Donna born in Roma from Valentino. Other than those I swear by my niche loves. So imagine my surprise when this designer scent I figured I would hate turned ... MoreI was hesitant about receiving this because I hate the original Black Opium. I found the OG super cloying a couple years back when I received a free deluxe sample from Sephora and I hated it. I love gourmand scents but it was far too syrupy and artificially sweet to me so I wasn’t excited for this but upon smelling it and testing it out for the week I’ve got to say I’m surprised. Not only do I like it but I REALLY like it. I’m not the type to dabble in designer anymore because I usually wear my niche fragrances and the only designers that get a pass for me are the good girl fragrances from Carolina Herrera and Donna born in Roma from Valentino. Other than those I swear by my niche loves. So imagine my surprise when this designer scent I figured I would hate turned out to be something I like. It’s heavy on the vanilla but I love me some bourbon vanilla in a scent so it gets a pass. The hint of coffee and fruits are just enough to give this some yummy depth. To me I don’t smell any floral aspect I just get this creamy vanilla with some pear and a nice heart or maybe a blonde roast type of coffee at the base. On my skin it works and I think it’s amazing. Better than the original by light years and if someone loves vanilla like really loves vanilla then this one is your bestie because all the other notes are just supporting characters in this deep gourmand vanilla bomb. It’s not a beast mode fragrance but it’s moderate and fills the immediate area surrounding your personal space bubble. The lasting power is good for a designer. It’s worth the money.

First, I need to disclose that I received a free, full-sized bottle of this product in return for my full, honest, personal testimony. I wasn't biased on either end of the love/hate spectrum, so I tried my best to keep an open mind before/during/after spritzing and smelling frequently throughout the day. I'm a bit knowledgeable with fragrances in a generalized way, as I'd worked with them and closely next to them for a number of years during my employment with the company Sephora. That being said, I remember many of the YSL fragrances (pour homme pour femme), I recall them being known for their strength (potency of fragrances) as well as their notes being on the stronger side (strong scents). I also recall YSL in general being 1 of our top sellers for men women's ... MoreFirst, I need to disclose that I received a free, full-sized bottle of this product in return for my full, honest, personal testimony. I wasn't biased on either end of the love/hate spectrum, so I tried my best to keep an open mind before/during/after spritzing and smelling frequently throughout the day. I'm a bit knowledgeable with fragrances in a generalized way, as I'd worked with them and closely next to them for a number of years during my employment with the company Sephora. That being said, I remember many of the YSL fragrances (pour homme pour femme), I recall them being known for their strength (potency of fragrances) as well as their notes being on the stronger side (strong scents). I also recall YSL in general being 1 of our top sellers for men women's fragrances, so I tried to also keep that in the back of mind when giving this Black Opium Le Parfum a go. I was kind of disappointed with the overall scent/notes, I barely smelled coffee, and for whatever reason, I was inundated by the sweet smell of artificial vanilla. So much so that it directly reminded me of a completely different fragrance/brand. For anyone familiar with the fragrance, Pink Sugar by Aquolina, this is the most similar fragrance that jumped to mind as soon as those notes hit my palate. Needless to say, the longevity of the YSL BLACK OPIUM Le Parfum far exceeds that of Pink Sugar, hands down. The point is, if you're a person who is finicky about fragrances, super-picky, ultra-sensitive, and/or prone to headaches/nausea brought on by fragrances that are too strong, this is NOT the one for you. I never considered myself ultra-sensitive to scents of any kind, but I guess I am, as my stomach began churning inside, the exact reaction my body has if/when I ever enter a Yankee Candle Shop (the small store locations inside shopping malls; not the large standalone stores). It immediately struck me as super-youthful (minus the large price tag), or something a much more mature woman would wear (age 70 or above), like the crazy-fun old lady down the street who wears blush like it's going out of style has on every piece of jewelry she owns, as she heads out of her Boca home to play cribbage with the girls.

A sensible take on a vanilla scent

Full disclosure: I’ve never purchased an Yves Saint Laurent parfum and had no idea what to expect when I received an email from Influenster that I’d be receiving this to review. Honestly… I tend to avoid any fragrance with the following listed: warm and sweet gourmands or vanilla in either scent type or key notes as most fragrances pulls sweet on me and I hate smelling like baked goods all day. Super surprised to find this parfum didn’t pull crazy sweet nor did it make me feel like a walking cookie all day. I’ve read other reviews saying this was super strong and only for sexy date nights… I didn’t find that with me. It starts out… almost masculine, like how cologne smells with first sprayed, then lightens up by the time I’m done getting ready, about 15 minutes. I ... MoreFull disclosure: I’ve never purchased an Yves Saint Laurent parfum and had no idea what to expect when I received an email from Influenster that I’d be receiving this to review. Honestly… I tend to avoid any fragrance with the following listed: warm and sweet gourmands or vanilla in either scent type or key notes as most fragrances pulls sweet on me and I hate smelling like baked goods all day. Super surprised to find this parfum didn’t pull crazy sweet nor did it make me feel like a walking cookie all day. I’ve read other reviews saying this was super strong and only for sexy date nights… I didn’t find that with me. It starts out… almost masculine, like how cologne smells with first sprayed, then lightens up by the time I’m done getting ready, about 15 minutes. I mainly smell vanilla with a hint of coffee, but nothing floral and that could just be my pH balance levels. The coffee balances out the sweetness of the vanilla which makes it more age appropriate/work appropriate in the office world. And it’s not overpowering as no one has commented on it in the office (no comment means it doesn’t offend anyone which is a good thing). I also… feel like by midday… I can’t smell it anymore which I’m fine with as it means it doesn’t bother me. It’s a sensible take on the vanilla scents we all loved in our adolescences. Surprisingly I’ve worn it everyday since first trying it last week, no migraines or intrusive comments so a total win. Suggest getting a sample and trying it out for a few days to see how it reacts to your pH balance before purchasing. I’ll be repurchasing this when I run out as it’s the only vanilla fragrance in my collection and it’s nice to have something a little different on an occasion.

I absolutely LOVE this version

The extreme version is exactly what I’d hoped for when I bought a bottle of the original black opium EDP last Christmas. My mum used to wear the original and it was so powerful. I’d love to sample that to see what it’s like now. I have autism, and use fragrance for grounding when I am in busy environments (mature student at university) The original Black Opium was really nice, you’d get a whiff here and there, but I couldn’t smell it on myself enough, for my needs. I bought this on a star gift offer at half price, a total blind buy, hoping the dialled up version would be everything I’d hoped for because I love the DNA of black opium. It is EVERYTHING I had hoped for, I use 6-8 squirts, I get a lot of compliments. Perfume needs to counteract sensory overload to some ... MoreThe extreme version is exactly what I’d hoped for when I bought a bottle of the original black opium EDP last Christmas. My mum used to wear the original and it was so powerful. I’d love to sample that to see what it’s like now. I have autism, and use fragrance for grounding when I am in busy environments (mature student at university) The original Black Opium was really nice, you’d get a whiff here and there, but I couldn’t smell it on myself enough, for my needs. I bought this on a star gift offer at half price, a total blind buy, hoping the dialled up version would be everything I’d hoped for because I love the DNA of black opium. It is EVERYTHING I had hoped for, I use 6-8 squirts, I get a lot of compliments. Perfume needs to counteract sensory overload to some degree for me, and this scent is bold, intriguing, dark and mysterious. The florals compliment the coffee so beautifully. I can’t drink coffee but I love the smell and it is very prominent in this. The Jasmine adds a beautiful, light floral which contrasts beautifully with the intensity of the coffee, I’m generally not a fan of vanilla, and patchouli has to be mixed correctly, but it adds lovely earthiness here, the vanilla adds creaminess, and rounds everything off beautifully. I can still smell this on clothes the day after, it’s amazing on a scarf, and my partner loves it. Most importantly it helps me with sensory overload. I ended up buying 2 at half price. I’m trying to ration it because as a student it’s a splurge but I love it soooo much. It’s delicious. I need to smell the original opium again. This reminds me of that in that it’s very powerful, original and distinctive. For me, wearing it is a very pleasant sensory stimuli which helps counteracts one’s such as noise. This one fully ticks all my boxes. I hope this is a flanker which stays around.

Vanilla bomb

Thanks Influenster for the chance of trying this perfume at no cost. I was not impressed with YSL Black Opium line so I was not expecting anything receiving this bottle. However, surprisingly this flanker Le Parfum was a great fragrance beyond my expectation Design 8/10: very elegant bottle taking same design as the original. I didn’t like the sparkling part of the original bottle; it looks tacky and cheap to me. The glossy black bottle on Le Parfum looks more expensive to me Scent 9/10: Vanilla Vanilla Vanilla!! All I can smell is 50 shades of vanilla. I love vanilla so this is a major plus. I did not smell much of the signature coffee note in the original. Maybe towards the end but it very faint in the background. The open is strong mixed of cinnamon and vanilla. ... MoreThanks Influenster for the chance of trying this perfume at no cost. I was not impressed with YSL Black Opium line so I was not expecting anything receiving this bottle. However, surprisingly this flanker Le Parfum was a great fragrance beyond my expectation Design 8/10: very elegant bottle taking same design as the original. I didn’t like the sparkling part of the original bottle; it looks tacky and cheap to me. The glossy black bottle on Le Parfum looks more expensive to me Scent 9/10: Vanilla Vanilla Vanilla!! All I can smell is 50 shades of vanilla. I love vanilla so this is a major plus. I did not smell much of the signature coffee note in the original. Maybe towards the end but it very faint in the background. The open is strong mixed of cinnamon and vanilla. Then it develops to beautiful creamy mix of vanilla and jasmine/orange blossom (still very vanilla dominant). The base is soft with vanilla heavy and little hint of the coffee note. I did not scent any pachouli as listed though. Sillage 7/10: very strong in the opening then dies down around 3 hours and become skin scent within 6 hours Longevity 9/10: Strong with opening and last long very long on me. Noted that my skin is not the type that hold fragrance. Anything last more than 5 hours on me consider having good longevity. This one last more than 6 hours on my skin and i still can smell strong vanilla linger on my sweater sleeve the next evening (i put on in the morning the day before) I have tried both the original and Le Parfum on both arms and Le Parfum is still lingering while the original has long gone. Overall 8.5/10: If you enjoy the DNA of the original Black Opium and want something more quiet but still sweet and soft, much of a classy lady, Le Parfum is definitely your choice out of all their flankers. Four types of vanillas used make this one such a warm, creamy vanilla extract essence. I love it and will definitely repurchase when this 50ml bottle run out. A keep for my collection.

Vanilla fragrance done right!!

First of all, I had heard so many amazing things about the Black Opium fragrance in all of its different strengths and variations, so I was absolutely thrilled to finally get to try it myself! I will tell you right away, it did not disappoint! I’m a self admitted fragrance snob, and I tend to be really picky with what I choose to wear. First and foremost, I don’t want to smell like an 80 year old lady. To me, the perfect scent has to be mellow, yet powerful. Powerful yet delicate. It’s a tall order, I know, I’d just rather not stink up a room as I walk in. I’d much rather waft and wait for others to wonder who smells so delicious. This perfume is the perfect mixture of what I need in a fragrance. It’s strong, but not overbearing. There are definite top notes of ... MoreFirst of all, I had heard so many amazing things about the Black Opium fragrance in all of its different strengths and variations, so I was absolutely thrilled to finally get to try it myself! I will tell you right away, it did not disappoint! I’m a self admitted fragrance snob, and I tend to be really picky with what I choose to wear. First and foremost, I don’t want to smell like an 80 year old lady. To me, the perfect scent has to be mellow, yet powerful. Powerful yet delicate. It’s a tall order, I know, I’d just rather not stink up a room as I walk in. I’d much rather waft and wait for others to wonder who smells so delicious. This perfume is the perfect mixture of what I need in a fragrance. It’s strong, but not overbearing. There are definite top notes of vanilla, but in a more sophisticated way. The scent lasts and lingers all day, and a little goes a long way. It’s such a delicate and feminine scent, yet it’s so powerful in its staying power and definitive aroma. You’d definitely be able to distinguish this fragrance from any others, because it’s not like any overly sweet vanilla perfume you’ve smelled before. I absolutely recommend this fragrance, especially if you’re a fan of vanilla. It’s vanilla done right. I can tell that this bottle will last me a while, and I’m so happy because I’ve been wearing it on the daily. Don’t think, just buy it! It’ll be your new favorite too!