Is SMEL. Black Opium a dupe of Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium?
Black Opium EDT
Yves Saint Laurent by Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, Honorine Blanc Original Favourite
Black Opium EDT
| EDT | Concentration | EDP |
| F | Gender | U |
| 2015 | Year | - |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Black Opium EDP
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Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Black Opium
- Black Opium
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
A sparkling, fruity twist on the Black Opium DNA that trades the original’s darkness for juicy brightness, soft florals, and a breezy, wearable energy. Sweet but never cloying, it is perfect for daytime or whenever you want a flirtatious lift.
Black Opium leans on YSL's coffee-vanilla signature and gets the instantly recognisable opening right - but the original's white florals and cedar-patchouli base give it a smoky, addictive depth over eight-plus hours that this dupe trades for a much simpler, faster-fading sweetness.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Woody Notes
52%
Musk
48%
Base Notes
Coffee
27%
vs
46%
Jasmine
24%
vs
47%
Orange Blossom
23%
vs
25%
Woody Notes
52%
Musk
48%
Pear
28%
Blackcurrant
28%
Tea
25%
Citrus
22%
Mandarin
21%
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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 juicy fruits, tea, and bright florals make this EDT lively and airy for spring and summer, while the coffee and musky woods give it enough depth for fall. It is less plush and warm than the EDP, so less ideal in the coldest months.
Occasions
With its moderate projection and playful fruity-floral brightness, this is an excellent choice for daytime, dates, or casual situations. Its softness and sweetness suit the office, but it is not formal or sporty.
Seasons
The sweet coffee-vanilla base is a cold-weather, evening scent that feels too heavy and sugary in hot summer conditions.
Occasions
Bold and sensual enough for a date or a night out; too sweet and attention-seeking for a conservative office environment.
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 3 of its 10 notes, including Jasmine, Coffee, Orange Blossom
Adds blackcurrant and citrus, drops cedar and patchouli
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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