Yves Saint Laurent 2017 EDP

F ££ Statement

Black Opium Pure Illusion

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

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Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Pure Illusion is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2017, created by Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, and Honorine Blanc. Black Opium Pure Illusion opens with Orange Blossom, Pink Pepper, and Pear, settles into a heart of Jasmine, Coffee, Licorice, and Almond, and dries down to a base of Cashmere Wood, Cedar, Patchouli, and Vanilla. Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium Pure Illusion carries a Statement verdict, a sweet-led wear.

This one's a bit of a head-scratcher. Is it the original Black Opium in a new outfit or a subtly different beast? The community's divided, but what we do know is that the bottle's a stunner and the scent, whatever its lineage, offers a comforting, sweet embrace.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Cozy
  • Clean
  • Warm
  • Confident
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Black Opium Pure Illusion 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
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall Winter
Also Works:
Summer

Built on sweet, vanilla and coffee - a composition that sits best in spring, autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

With its sweet and bold profile, Pure Illusion leans more towards evening and social events than the office. Its comforting warmth makes it a strong contender for casual outings, especially during colder months, and its sophisticated depth works well for formal occasions or a romantic date.

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.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Bitter almond Benzaldehyde from Almond
  • Vanillin from Vanilla

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

Opens with a sweet, juicy burst of pear and orange blossom, kissed by a hint of pink pepper. The heart deepens with an addictive swirl of bitter coffee and nutty almond, softened by jasmine and a whisper of licorice. It settles into a warm, creamy base of vanilla, patchouli, and rich woods, leaving a sensual and deeply comforting trail.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Black Opium Pure Illusion 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.