Perfume extract

Yves Saint Laurent Opium

Gender image: Female
Gender:
Female
Segment image
Segment:
Lux perfumes
Fragrance information:

Identity and History of the Cult Fragrance

In 1977, the world of perfumery was forever changed with the launch of Yves Saint Laurent Opium, a perfume extract that became a symbol of boldness and provocation.

Released under the auspices of the legendary house Yves Saint Laurent, known for its emancipation in fashion, this fragrance instantly caused a sensation and controversy, but that's precisely what made it an icon.

Belonging to the Opium collection, it embodied the spirit of exoticism and seduction, defining new trends in the perfume industry.

Reveal and Character of the Fragrance

Opium is classified as an oriental and spicy fragrance, reflecting its rich and complex nature.

From the first moments, it envelops with spicy and citrus notes, gradually revealing floral and woody accents in the heart, and leaving behind a deep, sensual base.

This fragrance tells a story – from a bright start to a warm, mesmerizing finish, perfectly suited for those seeking something more than just a scent.

Positioning and Wearability

Created as a women's fragrance, Opium has a very strong sillage that makes it noticeable and memorable.

Being a perfume extract, it offers an intense and long-lasting formula, ideal for evening outings or special occasions.

Its oriental-spicy character is best revealed in cool seasons, adding warmth and mystery to the image, and it will become a faithful companion for confident women.

Creators and Inspiration

The creation of this masterpiece involved a whole team of talented perfumers, including Chantal Roos, Jean Amic, Jean-Louis Sieuzac, Pierre Dinand, Raymond Chaillan, and Yves Saint Laurent himself.

The concept was developed by Pierre Dinand, highlighting the brand's artistic approach.

Opium not only strengthened Yves Saint Laurent's reputation as an innovator but also influenced many subsequent oriental fragrances, becoming a benchmark in its genre, reflecting the boldness and provocation embedded in the house's DNA.

Similar Fragrances for Further Exploration

If you liked Opium, you can explore other complex and sensual fragrances, such as Amouage Fate Woman, Kinski Kinski, or Yves Rocher Ispahan.

Each of them offers unique notes and character, but shares the spirit of exoticism and depth, opening new facets of perfumery art.

For more detailed information, visit the brand's official website: yslbeauty.com.

More than 96% of users recommend this fragrance!
4.3
(35)
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Key fragrance characteristics

Perfume information

Description of the composition

The note pyramid of Yves Saint Laurent Opium begins with a bright explosion of citrus and spicy chords, where bergamot, mandarin and black pepper create an energetic start, complemented by cloves and jasmine.

In the heart of the fragrance, floral and woody notes unfold, such as rose, sandalwood and cinnamon, adding warmth and complexity.

The base immerses into deep and sensual tones with amber, vanilla, myrrh and vetiver, creating a long-lasting and captivating sillage that leaves an unforgettable impression.

Perfumers

Gender Female
Brand Yves Saint Laurent
Segment Luxury perfumery
Country France
Website https://yslbeauty.com
Year of production 1977
Status Produced
Concentration Perfume extract
License holder L'Oréal

Families

Fragrance characteristics

based on 31 opinions
Chords
Relevance
Dosage
Perception
Appearance quality
Similar
Persistence
The persistence of a fragrance is determined by how long it can be felt. It is a characteristic associated with ingredients that evaporate slowly. Persistence depends on the physical properties of the perfume ingredients—mainly their volatility and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
Persistence
High (5 to 12 hours)
4
Sillage
Imagine a light cloud of fragrance that, like an aeroplane trail, remains in the air after your appearance. This is the sillage - a subtle or vivid imprint left by the most diffuse element of a perfume composition. The sillage can be almost invisible when it is felt only by you and those around you. Or it can be so expressive that its presence is noticed even long after you have left.
Sillage
Noticeable
4
Complexity and depth
The complexity of a fragrance is the number and variety of notes that create a unique composition. A complex fragrance contains many different notes that reveal themselves on the skin. The depth of a fragrance is the richness and intensity of the fragrance. Fragrances with a deep composition include heavy and powerful notes that stay on the skin longer and affect others over long distances.
Complexity and depth
Complex and profound
3
Gender
This scale depicts gender focus and demonstrates how the brand positions the fragrance - as masculine, feminine or universal.
Male
10%
Unisex
19%
Female
71%
What kind of event
Date
17%
Wedding
10%
Sport
3%
Sleep
3%
For party
17%
For every day
17%
Sex
7%
For Holiday
7%
Theatre
13%
Office
7%
For what time of year / season
Winter
Winter
30%
Spring
Spring
18%
Summer
Summer
17%
Autumn
Autumn
35%
For what style / mood
Casual
19%
Gala
25%
Classic
12%
Avant-garde
6%
Romantic
19%
Sporty
19%
For what age
under 18
29%
18-25 years old
12%
26-35 years old
15%
36-45 years
14%
46+ years old
18%
Any
11%
On the skin
The optimum amount of atomisation on the skin is the balance at which the fragrance reveals itself in its entirety and sounds its best.
Spot
6%
Enter the cloud
19%
1-2 atomisations
44%
2-3 atomisations
19%
3-4 atomisations
6%
4-5 sprays
6%
Where is the best place to apply the fragrance?
The best places to apply a fragrance are the areas where it will reveal itself most fully and create the most vivid impression.
On the chest
12%
On the wrist
15%
On the knees
4%
On the back of the neck
15%
Behind the ears
15%
On the elbow
8%
On the abdomen
4%
On the back of the hand
4%
On clothes
19%
Не могу оценить
4%
On clothing
The optimum amount of atomisation of the fragrance on clothes, at which it reveals the best quality of the fragrance.
Spot
6%
Enter the cloud
19%
1-2 atomisations
44%
2-3 atomisations
19%
3-4 atomisations
6%
4-5 sprays
6%
Associations
Perfume associations are the emotions and images that pop into the imagination when you perceive its unique notes and accents
Freshness
19%
Exoticism
24%
Luxury
19%
Euphoria
10%
Passion
10%
Joy
14%
Calm
5%
Excitement
0%
Sadness
0%
Despair
0%
Effect
Fragrances can attract attention and evoke positive emotions, others can leave neutral, and others can cause negative associations and repel people.
Effect
Attracts attention
4
Intensity
The intensity of a fragrance is like its ‘volume’, the degree of intensity and strength with which it is felt around you or on the surface.
Intensity
Strong
3
Bottle
Bottle
High quality
4
Spray
Spray
High quality
4
Packaging quality
Perfume bottle packaging quality is about protection and aesthetic appeal, including strength, reliability, design and materials. High quality ensures the safety and security of the product, a good first impression and attractiveness
Packaging quality
High quality
4
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Reviews
Average rating
4.3
35 ratings
35 comments
5
57%
4
26%
3
9%
2
6%
1
3%
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Give a rating from 1 to 5.
4/5
4
This fragrance simply captivates me, although sometimes it behaves unpredictably. Once it gave off such an unexpected scent that I almost fainted - it reminded me of a church candle, can you imagine? But overall, we have a true friendship that seems like it will last forever. I only have one question: what note creates such an incredible powdery aura? Maybe someone knows which ingredient is responsible for it
5/5
5
This fragrance is a true masterpiece! It's like it draws you into its world, affecting not only men but women too. The magic of its scent hypnotizes, making you forget everything. If we talk about the old and new versions, the classic Opium smells spicier and warmer, creating a cozy feeling, while the new one has more balsamic notes. But both versions are beautiful in their own way. Simply damn beautiful )
5/5
5
I smelled the old version of Opium Eau de Toilette, the bottle is exactly like in the photo, just with "Eau de Toilette" written on it. It's just an incredibly beautiful fragrance! It shimmers with all shades, without being overwhelming. Bright, but not harsh, refined and rich. Modern Opium is nothing like it 😍
1/5
1
Hot oriental, yes, but this fragrance is more oppressive than relaxing. It screams about itself, as if trying to attract attention, but in reality, it only causes irritation. I don't see anything unique in it, just a set of ingredients that don't blend into harmony. Opium, unlike Poison, doesn't poison, but it doesn't delight either - it just fogs your head like bad wine. With it, you don't become yourself, but get lost in some kind of delusion. This perfume, in my opinion, is more for egoists who don't think about others. A woman who wears Opium seems not to care at all about the opinions of those around her, and that, honestly, is sad
4/5
4
The fragrance is truly impressive with its luxury and warmth. On my skin, it unfolds brightly and beautifully, but in cold weather, it sounds somewhat sharp and prickly. I wouldn't use it every day; it's more suitable for special moments. This is a perfume for a confident woman, proud and strong, with fire in her eyes and grace. It starts with sharp clove-bergamot notes, and then, as if on a bonfire, herbs and flowers begin to smolder. In the end, Opium loses its sharpness and becomes more rounded, creating a captivating cloud and an unforgettable sillage around its wearer. For those who find vintage perfumes too bright, this is an excellent choice. It's truly a reasonable compromise 🌟
5/5
5
Many years have passed since I first tried this fragrance, and it still evokes the same feelings in me as it did that day. Or maybe even more. I recently tested it again, and memories flooded back. It's truly a masterpiece, a striking fragrance. Oriental, harmonious, exquisite, and luxurious - simply magnificent. But wearing it every day would be difficult; it's not for everyday life… It's like trying to squeeze into a tight spot in a chic dress. But for special occasions - it's a real find! This fragrance is a true gem for connoisseurs. I want it again! 😍
4/5
4
I've liked this fragrance for a long time, although, to be honest, it's quite new. But, you know, sometimes new releases can surprise you, and this is one such case. It's really good, with an oriental resinous sound, very feminine. I just adore fragrances with resin notes, and this one is no exception. Overall, it impressed me
2/5
2
Opium - it's certainly something. It's hard to understand how it can even be considered a masterpiece. You could talk about it for a long time, but why? This fragrance, it seems, is created for those who want to stand out at any cost. The woman who wears it clearly doesn't care what's currently trending. She just chooses what she likes, and that's perplexing.

The scent itself is too intense, you can't break it down into notes - they all blend into a kind of mess. Sharpness and depth, yes, but that's not always pleasant. When it unfolds, it just becomes unbearable. Dizzying? Rather, suffocating. Its name is loud, but not always justified
5/5
5
This fragrance is truly impressive! It's bright and rich, immediately attracting attention. Every note in it seems to dance, creating a harmonious sound. Luxurious and balanced, it leaves a feeling of confidence and style. Although it's hard to pick out one thing, overall it makes a powerful impression 🌟
4/5
4
The fragrance is simply stunning. It's rich and feels expensive, with bold notes in the sillage. The sexiness of this perfume is top-notch, yet it's so warm. Cozy, sweet, with a slight retro touch. Very feminine and seductive, simply luxurious 😍
4/5
4
This is, without a doubt, a classic. The fragrance is truly multifaceted and has a distinct character that attracts many. I haven't been able to fully grasp it yet
5/5
5
A beautiful and multifaceted fragrance. I really like it. It's exactly that moment when you want to enjoy it, but at the same time, there are doubts. You can safely say it's a true classic of our time 🌸
4/5
4
What an amazing fragrance this is! It really stands out with its brightness and expensive feel. I feel like it will become my favorite when I'm older. Right now, though, I don't feel ready to wear something so solid and grown-up
5/5
5
The fragrance is simply AMAZING! It's a true masterpiece that stands out among others. The oriental notes here are bright, yet very harmonious. Its complexity and multifaceted nature make it truly unique. Such a perfume will definitely be appreciated by true perfume lovers
3/5
3
Opium evokes quite contradictory feelings in me. A complex composition, certainly, but I can't say I'm completely thrilled. It's alluring, and I like to smell it both on myself and on others. It's truly something captivating, almost like a drug. No wonder it was named that. I definitely have an interest in it. But one acquaintance was completely unimpressed. When she smelled it on me, she said it was just an ordinary oriental fragrance, nothing special

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