Best Black Opium Over Red by Yves Saint Laurent Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

“Bain de minuit” is French for “skinny dipping”, and what could be more decadent than a midnight splash au natural in a giant vat of strawberries, cherries and vanilla? The initial fruity-tootiness gives way to a tough ‘n’ tropical accord of monoï oil and leather, with jasmine and praline singing the high and low harmonies.

Perfumer: Julien Plos

The charming and playful dancer warms up before her debut. Talented and passionate she radiates confidence and anticipation. Deliciously, exciting and unexpected. Sweet almond and ripe cherries contrast with sandalwood and vanilla for a floral, sweet and woody intensity. 

Andevalo was born under the blazing sun of western Andalusia. A land where cistus shrubs exude a thick, resinous gum saturated with heat and light. This extrait is built around a trio of labdanum extracts, expressing their full ambery depth. Strawberry CO₂ extract, along with raspberry and black cherry accords, bring a pulpy, sensual brightness, quickly absorbed by supple leather and mineral warmth. Enveloping dark woods and patchouli leave a dense and long-lasting trail of smoke and dark sweetness.

Perfumers: Coralie Spicher and Fabrice Pellegrin 

A delicious obsession concocted from cherries soaked in liqueur, black tea extract, liquorice, rose and musc.

The perfume was inspired by contemplation at the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, London.

Nature and people come together to celebrate the summer Solstice. Light tobacco smoke rises above the tall grass, drowning merry people in its sweet cloud.

Ripe berries and plant seeds attract park squirrels and other animals. White Royal swans fall asleep in the pond. A light breeze ripples the surface of the water.
The mystical snake (serpent) rustles on the dewy evening grass and disappears into the fern, frightening the screaming birds.
Everything around is immersed in a bohemian night.

A new perfume by Olfactive Studio, a new collaboration between an established photographer and talented perfumer.

Close-up is an intense dark woody gourmand, the signature theme of Annick Menardo (also the nose behind Black for Bulgari, Bois d'Armenie for Guerlain and Lolita Lempicka among others).

The perfume smells boozy and bitter sweet with a cherry liqueur - tonka nuance going through the structure.  The opening is cool anise and green coffee which then gradually descends into a very dark heart concocted of rose, honeyed Atlas cedar, patchouli and amber. The perfume turns fresher in the drydown of bright musks.

Incredible longevity on skin.

The artwork: Close Up by Suren Manvelyan.

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The Sniff on Close-up:
"This deep and seductive blend combines lots of rich and multifaceted notes to produce a real dark brown bear of a scent. Not for the timid or faint hearted, Close Up is one for the sophisticated gourmandy types."

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Spiritually, number one represents beginnings, focus and determination. Kajal l, with its fresh, engaging warmth, has been crafted to underscore one’s innate dignity and charisma. Cassis, grapefruit and mandarin provide the big “hello!”. Guaiac wood, cardamom, orange blossom and cashmeran draw people in, while a soft vanillic cloud of sandalwood and oud extend the allure.

Perfumer: Christian Carbonnel

A poetic coffee perfume, conjuring the charms of a mid-century coffee shop in the Showa era. The contrast of the bitterness of roasted coffee beans and the sweetness of orange blossom supplies the sparkle, before the caramalised drydown of musky vanilla brings the mmmmm!

Glowing red in the dusk, this latex cherry is spiced with clove, dusted with heliotrope, rolled in vanilla, smoked in tobacco. It’s cushy and cozy, but just a little wicked. 20359 is the postcode of St Pauli, the Hamburg district where 32.JULI was founded. For centuries, sailors arriving through Hamburg's harbour, artists, musicians and night owls have shaped the neighbourhood's unmistakable character. Known for its independent spirit, iconic nightlife and historic red light district, Sankt Pauli is a place where stories begin. The fragrance captures the anticipation of an evening just unfolding, lifting the cocktail cherry from the first drink of the night.

971 is the international phone code for the United Arab Emirates, a shorthand for the heritage and spirit of the UAE. The inspiration for 971 comes directly from traditions of the homeland: dates, a symbol of Emirati hospitality and abundance; honey, reflecting sweetness and generosity; and cinnamon, adding warmth and spice reminiscent of local flavors. Bold, yet comforting.