If you're a fan of YSL Black Opium then you'll *love* these seriously musky and floral swaps—all for under $30
YSL's Black Opium is widely regarded as one of the best perfumes for women, but with such widespread acclaim also comes a rather hefty price tag—which is where these Black Opium dupes come in.
The scent itself is the perfect fall perfume thanks to its rich and warm notes of coffee, vanilla and white florals that deliver the dreamiest musky but sweet aroma that truly captivates the senses. And while that's nice and all, one fluid-ounce bottle will set you back $95 (we know, ouch).
So, if you love Black Opium but aren't so fond of the price tag, these three sweet and sultry fragrances smell just like the OG, but all for under $30!
The 3 best Black Opium dupes
Before we discuss the merits of these Black Opium alternatives, let's first deconstruct the OG, iconic scent itself. The fragrance features a soft but complex mix of black coffee, white flowers and vanilla, which give the wearer a very sensual and hypnotic scent that truly lasts. It's perfect as an office scent or just as an everyday signature, though it is definitely an investment purchase.
Luckily though, there are a few similar perfumes on the market, from the likes of ZARA, Sol De Janeiro and Dossier that offer a similar gourmand vibe...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium
RRP: from $95 for 1 fl oz | Notes: black coffee, white florals and vanilla
Sol de Janeiro After Hours
RRP: $24 for 3.4 fl oz | Notes: Black currant, midnight jasmine and amber woods
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ZARA Gardenia
RRP: $27.90 for 6 fl oz | Notes: white flowers, orange blossom, coffee, peach and raspberry
Dossier Ambery Vanilla
RRP: $29 for 1.7 fl oz | Notes: pink pepper, licorice, jasmine, orange blossom, cedarwood, vanilla and coffee
Starting off strong, Sol De Janeiro's After Hours scent is a very close replica of Black Opium (as well as Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb, if you're into that), with its blend of blackcurrant, pear nectar, midnight jasmine, patchouli and amber woods. Though it does miss those coffee and vanilla hints, I can confirm—having spritzed it—that the dry down is very reminiscent of Opium.
Perfume lovers over on TikTok have also named ZARA's perfume, Gardenia as a close match, with its notes of white flowers, orange blossom and coffee—along with fruity bursts of peach and raspberry.
Dossier's offering was actually inspired by the OG itself, with musky top notes of pink pepper, followed by jasmine and orange blossom which then make way for the base note of vanilla, coffee and the addition of cedarwood.
The reviews prove that it definitely stands up to its designer counterpart, with one shopper saying: "Smells almost identical to YSL Black Opium at a fraction of the cost," though the general consensus is that it doesn't last as long—but many do state their happy to reapply when the perfume costs $30.
