Vanille Absolu vs Black Opium

Vanille Absolu is a well-regarded Montale fragrance that most who enjoy it describe as delicious and a great value alternative to pricier vanilla fragrances. However, it's a polarizing scent with strong projection that not everyone appreciates, and some users report experiencing anosmia with it over time.

Black Opium by YSL is recognized by the r/fragrance community as a popular statement fragrance choice, particularly mentioned as an example of a bold evening scent. While it has dedicated fans who appreciate its strong projection and distinctive character, the community acknowledges it's polarizing and not suitable for everyday or versatile wear, with some finding it overly sweet or artificial depending on skin chemistry.