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Black Opium Illicit Green
by Yves Saint Laurent
Black Opium Illicit Green presents a smoother, slightly fresher variation of the original Black Opium, with a pronounced upfront sweetness and a delicate balance of green mandarin, pear, and fig leaf notes. The opening showcases a juicy, floral-fruity character with a crisp citrus edge, offering a more refined and approachable version of the iconic gourmand profile. As it develops, the vanilla, coffee, and patchouli base emerge with a creamy, slightly deeper character, bringing the scent into familiar territory — though with a softer, less aggressive presence than the original. While the fig note is subtle and fleeting, the overall composition retains the signature sweet vanilla-coffee DNA, with a touch of white floral and warmth that makes it feel both cohesive and comforting. Performance is moderate, with projection fading to a soft, skin-scent level after a few hours, but lingers significantly on clothing.
Pros
- +A more wearable, less overwhelming version of Black Opium for those sensitive to strong gourmands
- +Fresher and cooler opening with citrus and green notes, offering a lighter feel year-round
- +Retains the addictive vanilla-coffee heart while feeling more refined and elegant
Cons
- −Longevity is weak, especially on skin; fades quickly even with generous application
- −The fig note is faint and largely unnoticeable to many
- −Still feels like a close rehash of the original, offering little novelty despite the name