Is Dossier Ambery Vanilla a dupe of Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium?
Black Opium EDP
Yves Saint Laurent by Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, Honorine Blanc Original Acquired
Black Opium EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| F | Gender | F |
| 2014 | Year | 2022 |
| ££ | Price Tier | ££ |
Ambery Vanilla EDP
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
A powerhouse modern gourmand - Black Opium is an unapologetically bold, sweet, and sultry signature. The coffee-vanilla core is addictive, making it a go-to for nights out or whenever you want to command attention.
This "dupe" is a divisive one. Fans say it perfectly captures the spirit of its inspiration with a slightly brighter, less intense floral edge. Detractors find it generic, screechy, and sometimes even plastic-smelling. Try before you buy.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
The deep sweetness, warm spicy notes, and rich coffee-vanilla core make this ideal for colder weather, especially fall and winter. Its heaviness can feel cloying in heat but works nicely in spring evenings.
Occasions
The bold, sweet, and sensual profile is best for dates and nights out, while formal settings suit its opulence. It's too attention-grabbing for the office and not appropriate for sporty or active scenarios.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.
Occasions
Given its strong sillage and prominent sweet and spicy accords, this scent leans more towards evening and cooler weather occasions. It's likely too intense for a professional office setting but makes a statement on a date or a formal event.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 9 of its 10 notes, including Pear, Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom
Adds mandarin, drops almond and cashmere wood
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Black Opium EDP
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Refills and gift sets (3)
International (4)
Import charges may apply
These shops are outside the United Kingdom. Prices in your currency are estimates (ECB rate 7 Oct); the shop charges its own price, shown in brackets. How import charges work
Ambery Vanilla EDP
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International (4)
Import charges may apply
These shops are outside the United Kingdom. Prices in your currency are estimates (ECB rate 7 Oct); the shop charges its own price, shown in brackets. How import charges work