Is Maison Alhambra Opera Noir 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 | £ |
Opera Noir EDP
While both share a clear coffee-vanilla DNA, Black Opium distinguishes itself with a smoother, richer profile, justifying its premium price. Opera Noir, despite its budget-friendly appeal, can be inconsistent, with a potentially off-putting metallic opening. If you prioritize a refined, guaranteed experience and are willing to invest, Black Opium is the clear winner. However, if you're budget-conscious and willing to gamble on a dupe that might just surprise you, Opera Noir is worth exploring, but be prepared for potential performance issues.
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Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Black Opium
- Opera Noir
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a guaranteed crowd-pleasing gourmand.
- Longevity and projection are your top priorities.
- You prefer a smoother, more refined scent profile.
- You don't mind paying more for quality.
- You're on a tight budget but love the Black Opium DNA.
- You're willing to risk inconsistencies for a bargain.
- You enjoy discovering hidden gems.
- You want a bolder, more daring opening.
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 Black Opium dupe kicks off with a fruity, metallic tang that divides opinion, but give it time to dry down. For many, a patient wait reveals a genuinely seductive, coffee-vanilla blend that punches well above its price point. It's a bit of a lottery, as some find it short-lived.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Pear
35%
vs
38%
Pink Pepper
32%
vs
61%
Vanilla
30%
vs
56%
Coffee
28%
vs
65%
Jasmine
25%
vs
34%
Patchouli
25%
vs
25%
Cedar
22%
vs
18%
Vanilla
30%
vs
56%
Patchouli
25%
vs
25%
Cedar
22%
vs
18%
Cashmeran
23%
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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 winter and autumn.
Occasions
The alluring vanilla, coffee, and white floral accords make it ideal for dates and evening events. While some find it suitable for work, its seductive nature and mixed performance reviews mean it's not a go-to office scent. It's too rich for sport, but can work casually if applied lightly.
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 7 of its 11 notes, including Cedar, Patchouli, Vanilla
Adds almond and cashmeran
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)
Gift sets (3)
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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