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Black Opium Eau de Parfum bottle Black Opium EDP
EDP Concentration EDP
F Gender F
2014 Year 2020
££ Price Tier £
Elixir Eau de Parfum bottle Elixir EDP
Our Verdict

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.

ScentArt

View Liquid → Black Opium EDP
View Liquid → Elixir EDP

Which Should You Buy?

Choose Black Opium if...
  • 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.
Choose Elixir if...
  • 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.
Our Verdict - Black Opium EDP
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.
Acquired
Our Verdict - Elixir EDP
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.
Acquired

Scent Profile

How They Wear

Showing: Overall Blend

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Black Opium EDP
Elixir EDP

Notes

Shared Notes
Pear 35% vs 36%
Pink Pepper 32% vs 27%
Only in Black Opium
Orange Blossom 32%
Only in Elixir
Coffee 37%
Shared Notes
Jasmine 25% vs 15%
Almond 23% vs 42%
Only in Black Opium
Coffee 29% Licorice 23%
Only in Elixir
Liquor 42%
Shared Notes
Vanilla 30% vs 29%
Patchouli 25% vs 34%
Cedar 22% vs 37%
Only in Black Opium
Cashmere Wood 23%

Accords

Black Opium Elixir
85%
Sweet
100%
Oriental
85%
Vanilla
70%
65%
Warm Spicy
39%
Coffee
54%
50%
Woody
25%
40%
Fruity
35%
Balsamic
30%
Powdery
Sweet shared
85%
100%
85%
70%
Warm Spicy shared
65%
39%
54%
Woody shared
50%
25%
40%
35%
30%

Performance

Black Opium Elixir
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Moderate
Projection
Moderate
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Season and Occasion Fit

Black Opium

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring

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

Best For:
Date
Also Works:
Casual Formal

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.

Elixir

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter

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

Best For:
Date
Also Works:
Casual Formal

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

How alike these two fragrances smell, scored from their full scent profiles.

Overall scent match
71%
Key Similarities

Both lean sweet, warm spicy, woody

Key Differences

Subtle differences in overall composition

Where to buy

Black Opium EDP
Elixir EDP
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