Love it: YSL Beauty Black Opium Eau de Parfum Intense

"The iconic darkness of black coffee. The magical aura of blue absinthe. The thrill of a new overpowering desire…"

Beginning with the evocative quote above, YSL Beauty has just dropped a truly addictive new addition to the Black Opium Family in the form of the unabashedly sexy new Black Opium Eau de Parfum Intense.

An electrifying and bold interpretation of the iconic Black Opium signature, it was created by perfumers Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Honorine Blanc and Olivier Cresp, and the team effort is an absolute winner.

The perfumers say they were inspired by the essence of blue absinthe, first and foremost. A green-blue liqueur, flavoured with wormwood, anis, and aromatic herbs, it has a controversial reputation and is even banned in some countries for its legendary hallucinatory powers. Combined with anis and sweet blue boysenberry, it forms the key top note for Black Opium Eau de Parfum Intense. It has an intense, raw quality about it that draws you in, whilst at the heart of the fragrance is jasmine sambac absolute, which fuses with orange blossom absolute in a seductive, sensual, warm exotic accord. At the base is the iconic coffee note that underpins every Black Opium incarnation. It’s joined by liquorice, sandalwood and vanilla for a creamy-rich bottom note that is warm, sultry and the perfect way to end a seriously sexy fragrance. At first I wondered if scent would be too intense for some, but I was wrong. Although a little heady for the steaming hot days we are experiencing in New Zealand right now, it’s perfect for after hours and for use once the mercury drops.

Superstar face Zoë Kravitz makes a welcome return to the world of YSL Beauty as the face of Black Opium Eau de Parfum Intense, and it’s a match made in heaven. The campaign film is shot by Jonas Lindstroem, the photographer and director known for his work with singer Kendrick Lamar as well as the likes of Calvin Klein, Kenzo and Adidas. It also sees Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford, making an appearance.  The print campaign has been shot by Tyrone Lebon and as you can see above, it is equally as gorgeous.

This beauty lands on counter on February 18 and I predict it will be a runaway hit.