Vanille Glacé is a marron glacé finished with vanilla in place of chestnut. The sugar isn’t in a hurry. It soaks in one layer at a time, finishing with a glossy sheen. The first impression is brown sugar syrup, with cinnamon drawing the syrup into sharper focus. At its heart, the vanilla leans heavy rather than white and airy. Freshly baked madeleine adds soft warmth, and espresso casts a thin, bitter shadow at the edge of the sweetness.
The drydown gives full reign to blond woods, tonka bean and musk, lending reassurance to the indulgence.
Best Black Opium Intense by Yves Saint Laurent Alternatives & Similar Perfumes
Black Opium Intense by Yves Saint Laurent is an oriental vanilla fragrance combining aromatic absinthe and rich coffee with sweet and floral touches of jasmine, orange blossom, and licorice. Its warm base of vanilla and sandalwood adds depth and sensuality. Those drawn to this perfume will appreciate a blend of fresh, spicy, and gourmand elements with a smooth, creamy finish.
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1
ABSINTHE by Headspace £175.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £7.00
- Key notes:
- absinthe
- leather
- narcissus
- violet leaf
- wormwood
- Aromagroups:
- aromatic
- green
- leather
Perfumer: Nicolas Beaulieu
Conjuring the complexity of iced absinthe where the balance of heady wormwood and fresh ozonic greenery surrounds violet leaf for a seductive euphoric tone. This is set against a dark aromatic base that is smooth and warming. The head-turning diffusion of sweetened leathers and earthy woods offers a contemporary enticing edge.
2
Wind from mount Kailash by Anna Zworykina £95.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £14.00
- Key notes:
- absinthe
- cedarwood
- sage
- Aromagroups:
- green
- woody
Coniferous bliss of a high altitutude forest. Quiet wisper of centruries old giants conversing in their woody rustle language.
For Hindus, Kailash is the home of the mountain god Shiva and a sign of his power symbol om. Legends say that Garuda was born on the top of the mountain to protect the men's race from disasters sent by the serpents' race of Nags.
Starring
(these fragrant materials reanacted the Wind from mount Kailash):
(these fragrant materials reanacted the Wind from mount Kailash):
Juniper berry e.o.
White sage e.o.
Elemi e.o.
Guayak wood e.o.
Lavender bulgarian e.o.
Lavender
Lavender abs
Acacia farnesiana e.o.
Boswellia carterii e.o.
Cedarwood, Himalayan e.o.
Cistus e.o.
Angelica root e.o.
Oregano Onites e.o.
Vetiver e.o.
Sweet myrrh e.o.
White sage e.o.
Elemi e.o.
Guayak wood e.o.
Lavender bulgarian e.o.
Lavender
Lavender abs
Acacia farnesiana e.o.
Boswellia carterii e.o.
Cedarwood, Himalayan e.o.
Cistus e.o.
Angelica root e.o.
Oregano Onites e.o.
Vetiver e.o.
Sweet myrrh e.o.
Important notice:
Anna Zworykina’s blends are olfactive smellscapes (but neither aromatherapy, nor ‘spray-and-go’ perfumes). Her blends are sensory experiences, closer to works of art created in the scented plane (rather than, say, visual or audio).
Certain essential oils and absolutes that are used in her 100% natural perfumes may potentially cause allergies in some people. Please spray Anna Zworykina’s blends on fabric (on sleeves, scarves, etc.). This said, Anna Zworykina has acquired a huge fan base over many years and people interacted with her blends for quite a while now. We are not aware of any reports of any skin reactions so far.
However, Anna advises that those who are prone to allergic reactions, pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with chronic illnesses to be extra careful. Before trying natural blends, study the list of ingredients and consult with a doctor if you are not sure or a had a history of allergies. If you do decide to put these blends on your skin (unable to resist the temptation) always test the blend on the inside part of your elbow first and wait.
Do not spray these blends liberally as a cloud in the way you would spray a conventional perfume. Anna’s smellscapes need to be… carefully applied and experienced. Be mindful that some oils can also make your skin hyper-sensitive to UV.
3
Cafe by J-Scent £122.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £6.00
- Key notes:
- coffee
- orange blossom
- vanilla
- violet
- Aromagroups:
- citrusy
- spicy
- woody
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!
4
Vanille Glacé by Insenf £125.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £7.00
- Key notes:
- brown sugar
- cinnamon
- coffee
- sandalwood
- tonka beans
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- edible
- woody
5
502 Iris Cartagena by Bon Parfumeur £175.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £7.00
- Key notes:
- cedarwood
- coffee
- papyrus
- rum
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- edible
- leather
- woody
A tribute to the scents of Colombia, this extrait de parfum suggests a late-night dinner for two under the stars. A gourmand dance of aromas is carried on the warm breeze: coffee, rum, chocolates. Powdery, pillowy vanilla and iris blur into vetiver and sandalwood for a sumptuous dream.
Perfumer: Clément Marx
6
Amberbomb by Laboratorio Olfattivo £170.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £7.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- apple
- coffee
- patchouli
- tonka beans
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- woody
From LO’s Parfum Intense collection, this is an amber with the darkness turned up to 11. There’s no white space here, just expensive raw materials piled high. Its vibrant opening with fruity notes is enriched by the bitterness of coffee, deepening into a powerful chorus of rose, iris, jasmine and lily of the valley. And this valley is a deep one, a soft black expanse of leather, nagarmotha and patchouli, cushioned by a dirtier-than-usual amber.
7
Crispy Porn by Ourte £115.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £6.00
- Key notes:
- brown sugar
- coffee
- rum
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- edible
Ourte’s signature vanilla, inspired by toasted waffles and caramel popcorn. Coffee with nuts, coconut on top, soaked in the finest rum. With one dirty ingredient – castoreum – that sets your senses on fire. Live crispy, play naughty.
8
Kopi Luwak by Pictura Fragrans £150.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £9.00
- Key notes:
- civet
- coffee
- jungle foliage accord
- oud
- vanilla
The lush Indonesian rainforest is home to the palm civet, a small mammal that eats coffee beans which, once excreted, are harvested for their malty flavour. Kopi Luwak is inspired by this connoisseur’s beverage, with rich coffee notes mingling with animalic civet. Incense and oud underscore the fermented darkness, with dark amber and aged vanilla adding a sweaty sweetness.
Stone Cap: 100% Picasso quartz
9
SUGAR ADDICT by BORNTOSTANDOUT £160.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £10.00
- Key notes:
- cocoa
- coffee
- sugar
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- edible
- spicy
- woody
Live, Love, Sugar. The feeling of sugar addiction in its purest state.
PERFUMER
ANNE-SOPHIE BEHAGHEL
10
Joking Aside by MINT £170.00
Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £8.00
- Key notes:
- jasmine
- orange blossom
- sandalwood
- tonka beans
- white musk
- Aromagroups:
- floral
- spicy
Purple line
Perfumer: Fabrice Pellegrin
A powdery floral perfume in which jasmine and orange blossom become an icing sugar explosion and then turn into a lush floral shower again with the help of fresh roses.
About Black Opium Intense by Yves Saint Laurent
- How does Black Opium Intense differ from these similar fragrances?
- Black Opium Intense uniquely combines absinthe, coffee, and licorice with a warm vanilla and sandalwood base, balancing fresh, floral, and gourmand elements. Many fragrances here focus on either the herbal absinthe facet or the gourmand coffee and vanilla accords but rarely combine both with licorice and orange blossom as Black Opium Intense does.
- Which fragrance here has the strongest gourmand character?
- Vanille Glacé by Insenf and Crispy Porn by Ourte emphasise sweet, spicy gourmand notes such as brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum alongside coffee and vanilla, offering a richer and sweeter profile compared to some fresher options.
- Are there any fragrances with a smoky or animalic edge like Black Opium Intense?
- Kopi Luwak by Pictura Fragrans provides a smoky and animalic depth with civet and oud, which contrasts with the sweeter, fresher, or cleaner styles of the other fragrances listed.