In a discovery that's delighting budget-conscious fragrance fans, shoppers are claiming a £10 perfume from Marks & Spencer is a remarkably close match for the iconic YSL Black Opium, which typically costs £100 for a 50ml bottle.
The High-Street Scent Causing a Stir
The product at the centre of the excitement is M&S's Midnight Blossom Eau de Toilette. Retailing for just £10, it offers a substantial 100ml bottle, presenting an immediate and significant saving compared to its luxury counterpart. Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium Eau de Parfum, released in 2014, has long been a cult favourite, often described by wearers as "the perfect scent."
While the note profiles are not identical, they share a similar sensual and warm character. Midnight Blossom features sweet jasmine, tuberose, and amber, whereas Black Opium is built around notes of mandarin, white flowers, cedarwood essence, and white musk.
Shoppers Flood Reviews with Praise
The high-street fragrance has amassed over 100 five-star reviews, with customers enthusiastically drawing comparisons. One reviewer noted, "As soon as I used this I did think that this did have similar fragrant notes to a well-known premium brand."
Another long-time Black Opium wearer confirmed the likeness, stating, "I read this perfume smelt like black opium and as a wearer of over 10 years I can confirm it is." A third simply declared, "Midnight blossom is a lovely fragrance & lasts all day, similar to black opium, love it."
The value proposition is a major draw, with a shopper commenting, "These M&S perfumes are so beautiful and delicate, why buy the expensive ones. Such good value also." For fans of the scent, the range extends to a matching Shower Gel and Body Lotion, each priced at £5.
More Luxury 'Dupes' on the High Street
The trend for finding affordable alternatives doesn't stop with Black Opium. Savvy shoppers have identified other M&S fragrances that rival expensive niche perfumes. M&S's Apothecary Warmth Eau de Parfum is being compared to Le Labo's £172 Santal 33, with one customer saying it's "very similar to my Le Labo expensive scent and 10th of the price."
Similarly, the supermarket's Velvet Amber Eau de Toilette (also £10) is suggested as an alternative to Mugler's £105 Alien Eau De Parfum. A review succinctly put it: "Great perfume. Smells so much like Alien at a fraction of the price."
This wave of reviews highlights a growing movement of consumers seeking out high-quality, budget-friendly alternatives to luxury goods, proving that a captivating signature scent doesn't always require a designer price tag.
