jj_j Report post Posted March 30, 2004 My heritage is Czech, so I know a good kolache when I see one ... and poppy seed is one of my favorites. Black poppy has just the faintest hint of the dried seeds - it's a dry, not sweet, scent unto itself. This is definitely a floral, but it's a soft, wistful, and dry floral, not a sweet or ... go ahead and laugh at me ... flowery one. Dry spice - I think this could well be one of the notes in Xiuhtecuhtli. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paperdoll Report post Posted January 26, 2005 I agree with jj_j - this is a very dry floral. I don't smell poppy seeds, but I do smell dessicated (yet still very fragrant) flowers. The drydown is almost peppery in its spiciness, without losing its any of its "floral" qualities. This is very interesting - I wish I had ordered a 5ml instead of just an imp before it was gone! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theshapeshifter Report post Posted May 3, 2006 I was lucky enough to win an imp of this in the forum raffle, and it's a definite keeper! Unfortunately, I'm a bit lost for words on how to describe it, except that it's warm and heady while still being somewhat 'dry'. It has a very glamorous sort of feel to it while not being over-the-top. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edenssixthday Report post Posted July 22, 2006 Black Poppy - I have never smelled an actual black poppy, so I don't know what they smell like or if this scent is true to life or not. However, I have made my way through the haze of an opium den, and I can tell you that this scent is a dead ringer for the sweet, wonderful scent of opium smoke. (And no, I've never smoked opium myself, just smelled others smoking it.) It's beautiful and dark and almost incense-like in its husky sweetness. It reminds me the slightest bit of carnation single note, but darker and just a touch soapier. Overall, this is a gorgeous single note that I will happily wear both by itself and as a layering note to bring out the black poppy/opium notes in other BPAL blends. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
supremegoddessofall Report post Posted January 8, 2007 This is such a beautiful spicy floral. It's clear why I love Beth's opium and poppy blends so much. Slight soapy quality but absolutely lovely. 4/5. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Little Bird Report post Posted April 23, 2007 I try to review everything that comes my way, and I've had a decant of Black Poppy for a while now. I really dislike the whole poppy/opium scent. It's pretty much my least favorite note. It makes me ill. Putting that prejudice aside... This actually smells very white to me. White, smoky, and hazy. And it goes all sharp on my skin. It almost wants to be sweet, but I can't get past that sharpness (almost metallic, like cheap hairspray). I suppose it's a warm, smoky, cutting floral. Not for me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sookster Report post Posted February 8, 2009 straight sniff from bottle is veeeeeeeeeeery perfumey... once applied this is a dead ringer for YSL's opium... loads of throw so a little dab'll do ya Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zankoku_zen Report post Posted May 31, 2015 Dry, soft wispy white floral. Kinda smoky, kinda hazy. Oddly somnolent, like a waking dream. This smells dark, rich, and softly seductive. I can see how this had a huge throw, especially as a younger blend. It still has a good throw, and what I'd consider average wear length. It's a white floral in the same way it is classic, sophisticated, perfumey. Like you wouldn't be surprised if this was part of Chanel No 5. That's the vibe it has. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
