Review of Black Opium Le Parfum by Sarah Chabal

Sweet, vanilla, warm spicy, coffee, white floral, powdery, cinnamon, citrusy, balsamic, fruity, feminine, sensual, seductive, sexy, sultry, chic, classy, elegant, sophisticated, charming, whimsical, enchanting, captivating, dreamy, divine, delightful, alluring, intriguing, tempting, intoxicating, addictive, inviting, cozy, comforting On me this opens with sweet, fruity, and syrupy pear, warm spicy cinnamon, and radiant green mandarin. As it begins drying down the lush jasmine sambac and sweet and citrusy orange blossom intertwine with the top notes. The dry down is really beautiful with lots of rich and sensual vanillas, a boozy vanilla bourbon, rich and earthy coffee, delicate and powdery vanilla orchid, and just a touch of patchouli adding to the depth. This is really well balanced and blended. The notes that are the most prominent on me are the vanillas, coffee, cinnamon, and pear, followed by the orange blossom and green mandarin. This is such a gorgeous fragrance! It’s my favorite of the entire Black Opium line, as well as my favorite YSL fragrance! I’m not a huge fan of the OG, although I do own it. I also own the Glitter flanker as well as this Le Parfum version, and love both of them. I do think that it’s quite similar to Kayali Vanilla 28 (1 of my top favorites!), but obviously this has the addition of the coffee accord. This reads as a smooth and creamy vanilla latte with lots of cream, and sprinkled with cinnamon. The fruity and floral notes are noticeable, but overall I definitely get a vanilla latte vibe. Le Parfum is quite vanilla forward without being overpowering. The other notes really do enhance the vanillas as well as adding an interesting and delightful twist to them. This feels gourmand, but not over the top, or too overly sweet. It’s something that I imagine to be loved by a wide variety of people. I do think that it’s quite similar to Kayali Vanilla 28 (1 of my top favorites!), but obviously this has the addition of the coffee accord. Le Parfum feels quite feminine to me, and like it’s suitable for women of all ages. I really love this for the colder weather of fall and winter, but it also works during the very early spring, as well as nighttime. It feels fitting for all occasions from casual, to work and/or school, to date nights, and fancier occasions, as well as even a signature scent. This really is such a perfect date night fragrance! I get excellent performance with Black Opium Le Parfum. The longevity is fantastic, it lasts throughout the day on me. The projection is great, it radiates out a few feet from me. I do actually consider this to be a pretty good value since it smells incredible and has such great performance. A little goes a long way, so it really does last for a good amount of time. For reference, some of my favorites include Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow, Vanilla 28, Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar, Boujee Kitty Caramel Milk, The Wedding Silk Santal, Yum Pistachio Gelato, Kilian LDBS, Princess, GdT Celeste, Bianco Latte, PdM Oriana, Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid, Burberry Goddess, The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods, YSL Black Opium Glitter, D&G The One Desire, The Only One Intense, Guerlain Mon Guerlain, The Maker Dream, Rosie Jane Dulce, JHAG Powder Love, LSF Secret Crush, Vanilla Twirl, Ellis Brooklyn Marshmallows, Vanilla Salt, Queen’s Caramel, Phlur Honey Moon, Heavy Cream, Vanilla Nectar, VS Vanilla Lace, BBW Beach Nights, Cotton Candy Clouds, Boardwalk Marshmallow Clouds, Love Unleshed, Whipped Honey & Vanilla, Fireside Flurries, Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte