Is Yodeyma Elixir 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 | 2020 |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Elixir EDP
Black Opium and Elixir are near-identical takes on a gourmand profile, but the key difference lies in price and subtle nuances. Black Opium boasts a richer, more complex formulation, resulting in better longevity and projection. Elixir, being a dupe, delivers a similar experience at a fraction of the cost, sacrificing some depth and performance. While both share the addictive coffee-vanilla DNA, Black Opium has a smoother blend, whereas Elixir can be a touch sharper initially. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and desire for the original's refined quality.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
- You want the original's superior quality and longevity.
- You appreciate a smoother, more refined gourmand blend.
- You're willing to invest in a signature scent.
- You want better projection and a lasting impression.
- You're seeking an affordable alternative to Black Opium.
- You want a budget-friendly daily fragrance.
- You enjoy the core coffee-vanilla scent profile.
- You don't mind a slightly sharper opening.
- You want a 'close enough' dupe for casual wear.
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.
Yodeyma's most-recommended Black Opium dupe: coffee-vanilla-liqueur DNA with the bitter-almond and woody base that defines the YSL original, at supermarket prices. Community-attested as one of the closest faithful reproductions in the UK budget dupe market.
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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
The coffee-vanilla DNA leans cold-weather - warm spices and boozy depth feel heavy in summer heat but sit comfortably from autumn through winter, with peak presence after dark.
Occasions
Evening-focused: the projection and the come-hither sweetness read date-night or night-out before they read boardroom. Casual fine in cool weather; office only if you spray light.
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 8 of its 11 notes, including Vanilla, Coffee, Almond
Adds cashmere wood and licorice, drops liquor
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
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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