February Empties 21/29
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This is the YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum.
I finished a sample / one time use size. This is described on their website as “A warm & spicy fragrance with Coffee, White Flowers, & Vanilla.” I only got to use this once because the sample was so small. Honestly after the first spray I did not like this! It kind of took me back a little - it was way too floral for my liking. But after it settled and sat on my skin a little longer I started to like it, this is just a really overpowering scent. If I had sprayed any more than what was in this tiny bottle (and it wasn't even full at that) it would've given me an awful migraine. So a little of this goes a VERY long way. I don't smell the coffee in this at all. Defienetly florals with a whisper of vanilla. I do love that this is really long lasting! I could smell it on me all day. This was just so strong I don't think I could repurchase this - and I cant justify spending this kind of money on a perfume. I got a free sample, but a 3oz bottle is $172!!
Having tried various perfumes over the years, I can relate to the experience of receiving a small sample and being unsure about a fragrance at first. The YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum is known for its bold scent profile, often described with notes of coffee, white flowers, and vanilla. Despite the website’s emphasis on coffee, many users, including myself, find the coffee note subtle or even undetectable, with the floral and vanilla elements standing out more prominently. From my personal experience, powerful fragrances like this one can be a double-edged sword. A little spritz does go a long way, but if over-applied, it quickly becomes overwhelming, which can result in headaches or sensitivity issues, especially for those prone to migraines. This perfume’s lasting power is impressive—I have noticed it lingering gracefully throughout the day, which is a huge plus for anyone looking for all-day wear without reapplying. The financial aspect is also something to consider. Perfumes in this category, especially designer ones like YSL Black Opium, come with a premium price tag. At around $172 for a 3oz bottle, it’s essential to weigh how much value you get based on your personal taste and how often you’d wear such a potent scent. If you are someone who prefers lighter, subtle fragrances, this may not be your best choice, but for fans of bold and long-lasting perfumes, it could be worth sampling multiple times before deciding. When trying new perfumes, especially those described as warm and spicy with floral twists, I recommend wearing the fragrance for a few hours to see how it evolves on your skin. Sometimes initial impressions can be misleading, as the top notes often differ significantly from the dry down. In this case, despite initial floral overpowering notes, the vanilla warmth becomes more apparent over time. If you’re interested in exploring this perfume based on the review, consider starting with a sample or a travel-size bottle before investing in a full-sized spray. This approach helps avoid buyer's remorse and allows you to test the scent in different environments and seasons, as some fragrances react differently to heat, humidity, or cold. Ultimately, choosing a signature scent is a very personal decision that balances aroma, longevity, strength, and price.
My fiancé loves when I wear this paired with Versace Noir. At first to me it smelled very floral but now I do smell the coffee note!