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Black or green coffee notes?

Black or green coffee notes? (tell us & win YSL) One of the big fragrance successes of the past two years has been YSL’s Black Opium fragrance. It was an instant sensation in France when it debuted landing at the number one position at launch. This success quickly spread throughout Europe and now North American fragrance enthusiasts are discovering the unique scent. It is the first floral coffee scent with a high percentage of coffee bean notes. The original eau de parfum was the creation of no less than four master perfumers. Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp and Honorine Blanc. (Fragrance houses will often use more than one perfumer to create a scent because each has his or her own specialty and mastery over certain notes)

ysl black opium eau de parfum

YSL Black Opium eau de parfum

The original Black Opium launched in an eau de parfum version with notes of black coffee beans, pink pepper, orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla, patchouli and cedar. It was meant to have a dark, mysterious mood but I find the coffee notes give it a comforting and uplifting feeling.

ysl black opium eau de toilette

YSL Black Opium eau de toilette

In August 2015, YSL unveiled a new interpretion of Black Opium in an eau de toilette version. The new version arrived in the same flacon shape as the original but this time featured green coffee bean notes for a brighter effect. The perfumers used fresher, greener shades of flowers, tea and fruit for an energizing feel. The notes in the eau de toilette include: black currant, pear zest, citrus, green mandarin bark, green coffee beans, jasmine tea, sweet orange blossom, white musk, and white woods.

edie campbell

Edie Campbell

The face of both scents is British model Edie Campbell. She has also appeared in YSL Beaute makeup collection ads.

 

The Giveaway: I gave away both scents to one lucky reader. Brenda S from Canada told us her favourite. We drew her name at random from all the entries. Congrats Brenda!

ysl black opium fragrances

  • Carolyn Corrin
    January 1, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    I love the oroiginal. @victreebel21

  • Louisella
    January 1, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    The Black Opium Eau de Toilette would suit me a lot; a little more subtle; would love to win this set to try them; Thanks for the opportunity #louisella
    Happy New Year 2016

  • Stacey Ellison
    January 1, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    YSL Black Opium eau de toilette

  • Manuel Vizcaya
    January 1, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    The energizing notes of the eau de toilette appeal to me more. @mariolois

  • Darlene Morrison
    January 1, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    I prefer the Black

  • Margaret King
    January 1, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    I like the original Black Opium best

  • Jean Jackson
    January 1, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    Black Opium eau de toilette for me! @Lwaxana48

  • pudra _ s
    January 1, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    I like YSL Black Opium eau de toilette

    happy new year all

    @pudra_sekeri

  • Margaret H
    January 1, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    I like the original Black Opium best

  • Colleen Boudreau
    January 1, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    The YSL Black Opium eau de toilette.
    @collifornia

  • Karen
    January 1, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    YSL Black Opium eau de toilette Very nice thanks Dave @dolli7

  • Nia Ram
    January 1, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    I prefer the Black Opium de toilette @NiaRam86

  • Kimmy Ripley
    January 1, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    YSL Black Opium eau de parfum would be wonderful!

  • Illy Junus
    January 1, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    I prefer the Black Opium de toilette @i_jns

  • Helen Thompson
    January 1, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    I prefer the eau de parfum. I can’t smell the coffee as such – to me this smells luxurious and chocolaty. Which is good as I don’t like coffee but I do like the smell of this!
    @__HelenThompson

  • Rhonda
    January 1, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    I prefer the Black Opium eau de toilette.

  • Eva Mack
    January 1, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    YSL Black Opium eau de toilette want to try something different in 2016

  • Sandy Weinstein
    January 1, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    @evietressa i love Opium, used to wear it all of the time. so i would like the original Black Opium eau de parfum version

  • FOTEINI VAGENA
    January 1, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    FIRST OF ALL HAPPYY NEW YEAR!!!
    I wish you all health and love luck !!!
    YSL Black Opium eau de toilette
    It is so beautiful and especially fragrance !!
    absolutely FEMALE
    @serfo_

  • Mary Ann Brady
    January 1, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    The original Black Opium, please.

  • stella
    January 1, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    YSL Black Opium eau de Parfum @MissStella66

  • Jenny C
    January 1, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    YSL Black Opium eau de Parfum is a Gorgeous Scent.
    When I first heard a description of its ingredients I wasn’t sure if they would wear well for me. But I fell in love with the fragrance.
    I’ve only smelt the EDT on a sample card which I don’t think gives the true throw of the scent that the wearer would get when on the skin.
    Another gorgeous giveaway, thanks Dave x
    Jenny @justinepinky

  • Todd Hochman
    January 1, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    YSL Black Opium eau de toilette appeals to me the most

  • Patricia Hill
    January 1, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    The original Black Opium

  • rehana seedat
    January 1, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    The YSL Black Opium eau de toilette appeals most to me. @rehanaseedat

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