by Yves Saint Laurent
Belle d'Opium is a sophisticated, modern Oriental with a blend of white florals, warm spices, and incense. It opens with a vibrant mix of mandarin orange, gardenia, and jasmine, which quickly evolves into a rich, smoky tapestry of peach, incense, tobacco, and patchouli. The base features ambery warmth, sandalwood, and vanilla, giving it a soft, enveloping quality. While some find the initial sharpness of black pepper overpowering, the fragrance mellows into a deeply sensual, warm, and intimate scent. It's best suited for evening wear in autumn and winter, where its depth and warmth shine. It’s often compared to Midnight Poison and Deep Euphoria for its refined, subversive mystery, yet feels more approachable and lighter than the original Opium.