YSL Black Opium Neon Review: The Electric Fruity Twist
Does This Vibrant Flanker Outshine the Original?
When Yves Saint Laurent launched Black Opium in 2014, it redefined modern gourmand fragrances, quickly becoming a global bestseller. Its unique blend of coffee, vanilla, and white florals struck a chord with consumers looking for a bold, addictive scent. The success of the original paved the way for a series of flankers, each attempting to reinterpret the core DNA with a fresh perspective. Enter Black Opium Neon, released in 2019, positioned as a dazzling, more energetic sibling.
Black Opium Neon was conceived to capture the exhilarating rush of city nights and the glowing energy of neon lights. It''s a fragrance designed for the woman who owns the night, vibrant and unapologetically bold. The brand aimed to infuse the familiar Black Opium warmth with an electric, luminous quality, daring to introduce a prominent fruity accord that sets it apart from its predecessors. This wasn''t just another subtle tweak; it was a conscious effort to inject a shot of adrenaline into the established line.
The inspiration behind Neon is clear: it''s about breaking free and embracing spontaneity. The star ingredient, the pitahaya (dragon fruit) accord, is central to this concept, delivering a vivid, exotic sweetness that evokes a sense of playful rebellion. This vibrant fruit note is meant to symbolize the electrifying glow and pulsating rhythm of a neon-lit urban landscape, drawing you into its magnetic pull. It''s a fragrance that doesn''t whisper; it announces its presence with a luminous, almost sparkling intensity.
In the crowded Black Opium universe, Neon carved out its own niche. While some purists might find its departure from the original''s darker, more intense profile a bit surprising, it quickly gained a following among those who appreciated its youthful exuberance and undeniable charm. It stands as a testament to the brand''s willingness to innovate within a successful framework, offering a brighter, more playful interpretation that maintains the addictive signature of Black Opium while pushing it into a distinctly modern, electric territory.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, and Honorine Blanc. This quartet of master perfumers is largely responsible for the Black Opium franchise, bringing their collective expertise in creating modern, captivating gourmand compositions.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray is an immediate burst of vibrant, juicy fruit. The star here is the pitahaya (dragon fruit), which delivers an exotic, slightly sweet, and tangy aroma, brightened by zesty mandarin orange and crisp citron. It feels electric and attention-grabbing, a clear departure from the original''s initial coffee-heavy punch.
As the fragrance settles, the signature Black Opium coffee accord begins to emerge, intertwining beautifully with the fading fruitiness. White florals, primarily orange blossom and jasmine sambac, add a creamy, luminous depth. There''s a subtle, almost tropical hint from hibiscus, giving the heart a rich, floral gourmand character that''s still very much alive with the ''neon'' energy.
The drydown is where the Black Opium DNA truly grounds itself. A warm, comforting vanilla takes center stage, sweetened further by residual coffee notes. A soft, clean musk provides a smooth, lingering base, ensuring the scent remains addictive and sensual without losing its initial vibrant spark. It''s a warm, sweet embrace that lasts for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Expect 7-9 hours of wear on skin, often pushing to 10+ on clothing. It''s a solid performer for a modern Eau de Parfum.
Projects strongly for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming scent bubble. People will smell you when you enter a room.
Leaves a moderate, appealing scent trail. It''s present enough to be noticed as you move, without being cloying or intrusive in most settings.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Receives frequent compliments, particularly from those who appreciate modern, sweet, and vibrant scents. The unique fruity aspect often garners curiosity and praise.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and vibrant pitahaya (dragon fruit) note sets it apart from other flankers.
- ✅ Retains the addictive Black Opium coffee and vanilla DNA.
- ✅ Excellent longevity for a designer EDP, lasting well through an evening.
- ✅ Good projection and sillage, making its presence known.
- ✅ Modern, youthful, and energetic profile perfect for nightlife.
- ✅ Attention-grabbing and memorable.
- ❌ Can be overly sweet for some palates, especially if not a fan of gourmands.
- ❌ Less versatile than the original Black Opium; primarily suited for evening and cooler weather.
- ❌ The pitahaya note, while unique, might be divisive for those expecting a more traditional floral or gourmand.
- ❌ Not a groundbreaking departure from the Black Opium line for those seeking something completely new.
Price & Value
“Black Opium Neon sits in the premium designer fragrance tier. While not a budget buy, its unique scent profile, strong performance, and the YSL brand cachet justify the investment for those seeking a distinctive, vibrant evening scent.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations or reformulations for Black Opium Neon have been widely reported since its release. Consistency is generally good.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 20-35
- Individuals with a bold, confident personality
- Those who enjoy modern gourmand-floral fragrances with a unique twist
- People seeking a vibrant, energetic scent for evening wear
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer very subtle or fresh fragrances
- Formal office environments (unless applied very sparingly)
- Individuals sensitive to sweet or strong scents
- Very mature audiences seeking classic elegance
The Family
The original, iconic coffee-floral gourmand.
A lighter, fresher interpretation of the original.
A bolder, more intense take with blue absinthe.
A luminous, rice-milk and bourbon pepper infused version for sleepless nights.
A zesty and juicy twist with green mandarin and fig.
The most intense and darkest concentration with four types of vanilla.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a bold, sweet, and slightly dark floral-gourmand vibe for evening wear.
A popular sweet gourmand with prominent vanilla and floral notes, appealing to a similar audience.
Features a sweet, vanilla-based oriental profile with some orange blossom similarities.
Offers a dark, sweet vanilla with amber and jasmine, creating a modern, alluring aura.
💡 Clone Alternatives
An affordable ''inspired by'' scent that captures the general sweet, vanilla, and coffee essence of the Black Opium line.
A popular oil-based dupe often cited for its close resemblance to the Black Opium EDP, which shares core elements with Neon.
While not a direct clone, it offers a sweet, floral, and slightly edgy profile that some users find reminiscent of the Black Opium vibe.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who love sweet, explosive floral gourmands.
If you enjoy modern, bright, and slightly tropical vanilla-based scents.
A contemporary white floral with amber and vanilla, offering a similar sophisticated sweetness.
For fans of strong, sweet florals with a modern edge and good performance.
More from Yves Saint Laurent
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A pure vanilla body mist or oil to enhance the gourmand sweetness.
- A light white floral fragrance to boost the orange blossom and jasmine.
- A subtle musk oil to add depth and extend the clean drydown.
- A woody amber scent for a richer, more complex evening profile.
🏆 Final Verdict
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Neon is not just another flanker; it''s a bold statement within the Black Opium family. If you''re drawn to the original''s addictive coffee-vanilla signature but crave something with a brighter, more electric personality, Neon delivers. The star pitahaya note is a game-changer, injecting an exotic, juicy sweetness that feels modern and exhilarating. It’s the perfect fragrance for making an impression on a night out, radiating confidence and playful allure.
Its robust performance means you won''t need to reapply, and its distinct scent profile ensures you won''t blend into the crowd. While it leans towards evening and cooler weather, its vibrant energy makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to add a ''neon glow'' to their fragrance collection. Don''t expect a subtle skin scent; Black Opium Neon is designed to be noticed, celebrated, and enjoyed by those who aren''t afraid to shine bright.