Black Opium Intense by YSL

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Black Opium Intense is yet another flanker from the Black Opium line released by Saint Laurent in 2019. An intense version of the popular fragrance was intriguing to me, so, I grabbed some to test it out for review. What does it smell like? How long does it last? Is it a better version of Black Opium?

What does Black Opium Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: coffee, licorice absolute, vanilla, blue absinthe essence

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes this fragrance: The sensuality of coffee is surrounded by the aura of the magnetizing note of blue absinthe. The thrill of a mysterious and daring addiction electrifies the new Black Opium Eau de Parfum Intense.

The original Black Opium EDP is a pretty powerful perfume, on my skin. As such, I was expecting Intense to be an absolute bomb, but it isn’t.

It is a pretty different fragrance from the others, but I was looking forward to a powerhouse. It opens up with a blend of the blue absinthe and licorice accord. It is an interesting pairing because the anise found in absinthe can often come across like licorice, in terms of smell.

That’s the top of the scent, with the usual coffee fragrance coming underneath. It isn’t a ‘boozy’ smell, if you’re thinking of the usual mixed drink style of perfumes. Just a smooth, slightly sweet, coffee aroma with a hint of vanilla.

The next phase, there does seem to be the jasmine floral note coming through. I know, that and orange blossom have been heavily featured in this series, but I don’t get any orange blossom in this one.

As it dries down, Black Opium Intense does get a bit powdery for a while. It isn’t a super baby powder experience or anything, but you do get a sensation of powder. It’s mostly about the coffee, licorice, slight vanilla, and jasmine. Most of the absinthe, has gone out the window.

That’s about what I get for the rest of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage is pretty moderate at its peak. That’s about up until the one hour mark and then it is pretty much a skin scent. Don’t expect a heavy projection bomb, this ain’t it. Not nearly as strong as the original.

The longevity is actually pretty good though, as a skin scent. It sticks around for 7-8 hours of wear. It’d be a lot better with some power behind it, but it didn’t just disappear entirely.

Seasonally, this is another autumn and winter wear. If it were stronger, I’d say it’d mostly be for the nightlife. But, as is, you’re not really going to choke out a room and can probably get away with wearing it in a variety of daytime situations.

To me, it’s not what I would consider a sexy smell. It’s all just fine, never really wowing me.

Overall Impressions of Black Opium Intense

Do I like this perfume? I mean, I don’t hate it. I think it is better than Nuit Blanche (maybe?), but worse than both Black Opium and Neon.

The absinthe and licorice pairing is interesting, just not incredible. The strength of the scent is a major miss for me. Although, a heavy licorice note tends to give me a headache.

There really just isn’t much here to praise, it’s mostly just saying to yourself, ‘well, that’s pretty good, I guess’. Licorice, coffee, absinthe, some vanilla/jasmine, and a slight powdery feel at times. If that’s enough for you, go ahead and give this YSL scent a try.

Black Opium Nuit Blanche by YSL

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Nuit Blanche was one of the flanker perfumes of Black Opium. It was released back in 2016, after the immediate success of the original. This one never got the same level of attention, but I was interested to see what it’s all about. How it smells, how long it lasts, and if it was an underrated gem?

 

What does Black Opium Nuit Blanche Smell Like?

Notes include: coffee, sandalwood, orange blossom, white musk, rice, caramel

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Nuit Blanche Eau De Parfum Spray, 3 oz.

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL, describes this fragrance: A luminous trail journeys to the end of the night. The energy of black coffee embraces a vibrant orange blossom, enlightened by white musk. An electrifying thrill of femininity.

Nuit Blanche opens up on my skin with some of the familiar Black Opium DNA, though a bit sweeter, and quite a bit muted.

I get a good amount of coffee here, but a vanilla and caramel blend that comes across as milky. However, what really comes across on my skin is sandalwood. It becomes more prominent, after a few minutes, but it really pops on my skin.

I don’t think many other people had the same experience with this one, but Nuit Blanche is all about coffee and sandalwood, with the other notes playing bit parts.

So, at first it’s more of a spiciness (with vanilla and caramel) on top of those two notes. Then, it’s the orange blossom (which isn’t a strong here as it is in Black Opium Neon). Finally, it is the remnants of caramel with sandalwood and coffee. Not much musk comes through on me.

Each phase is actually pretty short lived, as the performance isn’t all that amazing with Nuit Blanche. It’s a bit weird because, I can recognize these sweeter notes, but they just don’t come across as sugary…maybe being suppressed by the purported rice note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is the weakest of the Black Opium scents. I can get maybe up to an hour of it being a moderate scent and then it’s close to the skin. Seriously, not much projection or heaviness here. 

The longevity isn’t much better. It’s pretty much gone after four hours, on my skin. It’s not a bad journey, but it is a short one, and really lacks the performance of the others in the series (which aren’t all that elite).

Seasonally, it’s an autumn and winter wear, just like the original. Though, it wouldn’t be awful in warmer temperatures.

To me, this came across as more of a nightlife scent. But, it’s also really weak…soooo what’s the point? I suppose you could wear this during the daytime, since it’s not in your face. Maybe others will get better wear from Nuit Blanche.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Black Opium Nuit Blanche

Overall, do I like this scent? I mean, I like the smell well enough. I don’t think it’s amazing and I like the others from this line better, but it’s not a terrible smell.

I actually do like the fairly unique sandalwood and coffee that comes across on my skin. Throw in some caramel and vanilla, it’ll make for a good smelling latte. 

The performance is rather terrible, however. That may be a reason why this one never caught on and I’m pretty sure has been discontinued. It’s no longer available on the YSL website.

Really, I cannot recommend Nuit Blanche, unless you absolutely have to have every Black Opium perfume. Or maybe, if you find a dirt cheap bottle to try. 

My Burberry EDT by Burberry

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My Burberry EDT is sample that I apparently purchased a few years ago and never got around to trying out. I’m always misplacing samples. Anyway, I finally gave it a go, in order to review it for the site and share my thoughts on this fragrance. How does it smell? Is it even worth a try?

What does My Burberry EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: peach flower, peony, freesia, white moss, damask rose, and musk

Click here to try: Burberry My Burberry Eau de Toilette, 3.0 Fl Oz

My Full Review

My initial thoughts after spraying My Burberry EDT are just how cool, fresh, and slightly water the composition is. Up top, I get the slight fruitiness provided by the peach blossom, freesia, and the damask rose.

The rose note isn’t heavy or overpowering the other floral ingredients, but it is there throughout the wear. Actually, the entire thing comes together as very well blended and you cannot always distinguish the exact notes.

However, after that initial phase, the peach blossom moves along and the peony steps into its place. Also, at this point in time, I get more of the earthiness of the moss and the musk. It’s all very pleasant and familiar to other floral fragrances, but My Burberry still feels unique to some extent.

The final dry down is the peony and rose, with the moss and musk. There isn’t a ton of development with this one, but I do personally get these three separate stages.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage is on the lighter end of moderate, on my skin. This EDT isn’t going to blow the doors off and generally stays within a few feet of the wearer. Not a heavy and enveloping scent, rather, it is clean and light.

The longevity is pretty good, but not outstanding. It’ll hit the six or seven hour mark. Most of the time, closer to that 6 hour time frame. Again, useful, just not an outstanding performer.

Seasonally, My Burberry is great for spring and summer. However, it wouldn’t feel out of place for most of the rest of the year. Maybe just stay away from the absolute coldest depths of winter.

It is also and extremely versatile daily wear scent. It’s low key, smells nice, and isn’t going to offend almost anyone. It can be worn to work, school, casual, or even more formal occasions. Not really a nightlife or romantic wear, but it does have its own charming attractiveness.

Overall Impressions of My Burberry EDT

Overall, do I like this perfume? I do. The opening act with the peach blossom is my favorite part of the wear. After that, I still find it enjoyable, just not to the same extent. Though, I think that it’s well above average in how it smells in totality.

The performance is okay, nothing to write home about, but not a complete disappointment. If you want a fresh floral bouquet with some light peach touches, this is one worth considering.

My Burberry EDT can absolutely be an easy reach for daily wear. Not ground breaking, but not one that I have any serious complaints about either.

Black Opium Neon by YSL

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Black Opium Neon is one of the flankers from the best selling Saint Laurent line. I’m making my way through the perfumes from this line, in order to catch up on the reviews. Today’s entry was released by YSL in 2019. How does Neon Smell? Does it last long? What are the differences? Is it worth a buy?

What does Black Opium Neon Smell Like?

Notes include: coffee, dragon fruit, mandarin essence, orange blossom, jasmine

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Neon EDP 2.5 oz 75 ml Women NEW

My Full Review

Let’s see how YSL describes this perfume: When dark coffee meets the vivid & audacious dragon fruit. A vibrant & luminous addiction flashes through the new Eau de Parfum Neon.

Upon first spraying, Neon is noticeably different from the original Black Opium EDP, but you can still pick up the DNA of the original. After all, they still share coffee, orange blossom, and vanilla notes.

However, the weighting is completely different, as the coffee and especially vanilla are toned way down. The opening gives you a very citrusy smelling blend of dragon fruit and mandarin orange. I like it, as it gives Neon a nice burst of energy and a fairly tropical vibe.

That’s another aspect of this one that I like, Black Opium Neon is ultimately a lighter fragrance without the heavy embrace that the original could have.

To me, the opening act is mostly the fruit notes sitting on top of a prominent orange blossom with some jasmine thrown in. It feels sweet in more of a candy-like way for a gourmand. Like, more bubble gum and Starburst versus a baked goods gourmand.

During the dry down, is when I really start to get the original Black Opium vibes. I can pick up more of the coffee and vanilla notes, but really it becomes about the floral notes. Like a softer version of the original, with the fruit remnants still lingering.

Then, the very end of the road is a pretty faint by this point, coffee accord. A little orange blossom, still in the mix. It’s kind of surprising that the coffee is really the last one standing, but that’s just what it is.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a heavy fragrance, nor does it have a crazy amount of projection. Actually, it’s pretty moderate as a whole. From the description, I was expecting more of a loud club banger, but Neon doesn’t fit that bill.

I mean, you could wear it out in the nightlife, it’s just not going to fill a room. Spraying it on a t-shirt, I could pick it up from about 6 feet away, at its max. On the skin, it seems to be around that same level.

This one has a bit better staying power than Illicit Green, but not too much. On me, it’ll go just over six hours, maybe getting close to seven. However, it’s not going to be a massive double digit hour perfume, on skin.

Seasonally, it isn’t limited to the autumn and winter like the original. But also, it isn’t one for the summer months. Depending on where you live, it’s probably good through late springtime.

Neon feels more well put together than the original, with a somewhat more mature vibe. Not to say it’s old lady-ish, but the heavier coffee and vanilla gourmand features aren’t popping out as much.

This can be worn in a variety of situations, day or into the nightlife. You’ll probably just have to reapply if you’re making that transition. Neon isn’t a formal fragrance.

Overall Impressions of Black Opium Neon

Overall, do I like Neon? I do. In terms of how it smells, I like it slightly better than the original. It has more balance, is lighter, and I enjoy the fruity top notes. Dragon fruit is a nice touch.

The performance and sillage isn’t as good. Not terribly bad wear, but it doesn’t hit the same level as its predecessor.

If you didn’t like the original Black Opium, I doubt that this would change your mind. If you already own Black Opium, you probably don’t need this, unless you want to round out your collection.

For those who are just in the market for a Black Opium fragrance…it’s worth a shot to see if you prefer this edition. It’s not way better, but I have a bit of a preference for how Neon comes across.

Neon is one of the better releases from this line, but not the best of them.

5 Colognes that Smell Like Mont Blanc Legend

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Mont Blanc Legend is seemingly always a best selling fragrance, with fans who swear by it. To me, it’s always been just fine, and I actually prefer Legend Night over it. Anyhow, due to its popularity, guys are always looking for similar scents or even cheaper alternatives to save some money. In this post, I wanted to give a list of five men’s fragrances, that smell similar Mont Blanc Legend. Now, there may be some others out there, but these are the closest options that I’ve come across.

What Men’s Fragrances Smell Similar to Mont Blanc Legend?

The Famous Comparison

Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce By Abercrombie & Fitch Cologne Spray 6.7 Oz– To me, the classic formulation of Fierce, was better than Legend. Now, it doesn’t have the same essence that it did back in the 2000s, but it can still be a good buy at the right price.

Fierce starts of with clean lemon and orange, that is paired with the dry woodsy notes. Next up, is a spicy sage, with a base of fir, vetiver, musk, and oak moss.

This is the closest approximation of Legend, out of the three options. It can also cost more than Legend, so, it might not be one for somebody looking for a ‘cheap’ alternative. Fierce Full Review

A More Aquatic Version

Kenneth Cole Mankind Ultimate, 3.4 Fl oz– Mankind Ultimate isn’t exactly the same as Legend, but it does share a lot of similarities. The opening of this fragrance, has an aquatic element with cucumber, and reminds me somewhat of Eternity Aqua.

This one does become more like Fierce and Legend, as it dries down, but it smells a bit sweeter than either of them. It has an aquatic citrus, vetiver, and sandalwood. It’s aroma has an underlying dryness to offset some of that initial aquatic aroma. Mankind Ultimate Review

Different, but Better

Mercedes-Benz Man–  Mercedes-Benz Man strikes me as a better fragrance than Legend. It’s different, for sure, but shares a lot of overlap with the Mont Blanc scent. Not only that, as of now, this one can be had in the $30-40 range.

You get the oakmoss and cedar freshness, along with a top note of a crisp and watery slice of pear. The spice comes across as quite light, with less of a bite, than some of the other listed colognes.

However, the performance is quite good, better than what I’ve gotten with the modern formulations of Fierce and probably a slight edge versus Legend.

A Similar Cheap Cologne

PLAYBOY New York Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce Playboy– If you want to go down market and find a cheapie, New York is the closest you’ll find. Is this a 1:1, comparison to  Legend?

No, it isn’t, but it does produce a similar smell for $10-12. The quality isn’t as good, but this is still one of the best Playboy colognes, that they’ve made.

It utilizes apple, vanilla, vetiver, and vinyl. That vinyl note is quite interesting and at least gives New York, something to distinguish itself.

The performance is good for the price and lasted 5-6 hours on my skin, when I’ve worn it. Playboy New York Review

The Better Cheapie

Frank Olivier Sunrise Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– Sunrise is a better down market option than New York, even if it is closer to a Fierce style, but not even exactly that.

It’s less woody and not as dry as Fierce, but has a good lavender note, and a nice bergamot up front. Again, you’re not getting the same level of quality or the same aroma. However, it’s a good deal for the price and the performance is actually pretty solid.

There you have it, five similar men’s colognes to Legend. I will update this list, as needed, when I find other potential alternatives to this fragrance. For now though, this list will do and can definitely yield a solid comparable scent to the Mont Blanc.