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Zara Gardenia 2017
by Zara
Zara Gardenia 2017 is a warm, gourmand oriental floral with a sweet, rich base dominated by vanilla and cashmere wood, evoking a soft, creamy version of YSL Black Opium. It opens with a bright, fresh burst of citrus, berries, and white florals, though the gardenia note is faint and not dominant—many users note the scent is more tonka and vanilla than floral. The dry down features a deep, slightly smoky vanilla and patchouli with a hint of coffee, giving it a sultry, addictive quality. Performance is moderate—lasting up to six hours on skin and longer on clothing—making it suitable for colder seasons like autumn and winter, especially in the evening. It's widely perceived as a close, affordable dupe for Black Opium, particularly for those seeking a lighter, less intense alternative. The scent projects moderately and is not overwhelming, making it wearable in casual settings and ideal for layering or reapplying throughout the day.
Pros
- +Strong similarity to YSL Black Opium, making it a highly accessible alternative
- +Excellent value for the price with good quality and long-lasting wear on clothing
- +Balanced composition that's sweet but not excessive, with a rich, gourmand dry down
Cons
- −Misleading name—gardenia note is faint or absent
- −Longevity on skin is moderate and fades quickly
- −Less refined than the original Black Opium, with a more synthetic or linear character