Head to head
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Lancôme La Vie Est Belle are often compared by people choosing between the two. Both belong to the gourmand family, and they share pear, orange blossom, jasmine and vanilla. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
Black Opium stands apart with pink pepper, coffee and cedar, while La Vie Est Belle brings blackcurrant, iris and praline. La Vie Est Belle lasts longer (very long-lasting against long-lasting), and it also projects more (enormous against strong). Black Opium is the cheaper one: about $130 against $140 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| Black OpiumYves Saint Laurent | La Vie Est BelleLancôme | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $130 · 3.0 oz | $140 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Eau de Parfum |
| Launched | 2014 | 2012 |
| Family | Gourmand, Amber | Gourmand, Floral |
| Top notes | Pear, Pink pepper, Orange blossom | Blackcurrant, Pear |
| Heart notes | Coffee, Jasmine | Iris, Jasmine, Orange blossom |
| Base notes | Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar | Praline, Vanilla, Patchouli, Tonka bean |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Very long-lasting |
| Projection | Strong | Enormous |
| Best seasons | Fall, Winter | Fall, Winter |
| Occasions | Date, Formal event | Everyday, Date |
| Style | Seductive, Mysterious | Romantic, Cozy |
Yves Saint Laurent
$130 · 3.0 oz · EDP · Women · Gourmand
Black coffee, vanilla and white flowers: a shot of night-time adrenaline, sweet and addictive.
Choose Black Opium if you want a lower price, a quieter scent that stays close to the skin and a more seductive and mysterious character.
Lancôme
$140 · 3.4 oz · EDP · Women · Gourmand
Iris and praline in a crystal smile. A sweet, enveloping floral gourmand with a trail that leaves a mark.
Choose La Vie Est Belle if you want longer wear, stronger projection and something better suited to warm weather.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizLa Vie Est Belle lasts longer (very long-lasting against long-lasting), and it also projects more (enormous against strong). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Black Opium is the cheaper one: about $130 against $140 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share pear, orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla and patchouli. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
For spring and summer, La Vie Est Belle is the better fit. For fall and winter they are about equally suited. Black Opium is at its best in fall and winter, and La Vie Est Belle in fall and winter.
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