Yves Saint Laurent 2017 EDP

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Black Opium Floral Shock

by Nathalie Lorson , Marie Salamagne , Olivier Cresp , Honorine Blanc

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Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Floral Shock is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2017, created by Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, and Honorine Blanc. Black Opium Floral Shock opens with Bergamot, Lemon, Freesia, and Pear, settles into a heart of Orange Blossom, Jasmine, and Gardenia, and dries down to a base of Musk, Coffee, and Amberwood. Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium Floral Shock carries a Favourite verdict, a floral-led wear.

This flanker is a divisive one - some adore its lighter, fruitier twist on the original's DNA, while others find it too generic or surprisingly unpleasant. If you're after a fresh take on Black Opium, it might just be for you, but don't expect a 'shock' of florals.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Playful
  • Fresh
  • Sweet
  • Feminine
  • Elegant
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Black Opium Floral Shock Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Office

Its lighter, fruitier profile and moderate projection make it suitable for most casual outings and even the office, a step up from the original. However, its sweetness and flirtatious character might feel out of place in very formal settings or during intense physical activity.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Citral Geranial from Lemon

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Black Opium Floral Shock opens with a bright, juicy burst of pear and zesty citrus, swiftly followed by a creamy bouquet of white florals including gardenia and orange blossom, kissed by a sunny 'solar' note. A subtle, unsweetened coffee hums underneath, grounded by amberwood and musk. It's a sweet, floral-fruity gourmand with an intriguing depth.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Black Opium Floral Shock Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Black Opium Floral Shock Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.