Yves Saint Laurent Opium (Original for Women)
In this review
Since its debut in 1977, Yves Saint Laurent Opium has remained one of the most discussed and recognizable fragrances in the history of perfumery. It arrived as a bold statement, wrapped in a controversy that only served to catapult its fame into the stratosphere of luxury goods.
Crafted to evoke the mystery of the Orient, Opium is a daring composition that challenged the trends of the late 1970s. It is a heavy, spicy, and resinous scent that demands attention, reflecting the provocative spirit of Yves Saint Laurent himself. Today, we revisit this classic to determine how it stands in the modern market.
Accords
Spicy
Balsamic
Warm Spicy
Smoky
Floral
Woody
Notes Pyramid
Top
Mandarin OrangeCorianderPepperPlumCloves
Heart
CarnationRoseCinnamonPeachLily-of-the-Valley
Base
MyrrhSandalwoodAmberOpoponaxBenzoinLabdanumPatchouliVanillaCastoreum
Performance Dashboard
⏱️ Longevity
10-12 hours
📢 Projection
Strong, commands the room within the first few hours.
💨 Sillage
Heavy, leaves a distinct and lasting trail.
When to Wear
🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallAvoid
❄️WinterBest
🌙 Evening events📌 Formal dinners📌 Cold-weather social gatherings
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unmatched longevity
- ✅ Iconic character
- ✅ Complex composition
- ❌ Can be overwhelming in heat
- ❌ May feel dated to some modern noses
Price & Value
Reformulation History
The fragrance has undergone several reformulations since 1977, with the most significant changes occurring after the 2009 IFRA regulations.
The Family
Black Opium
Explore More
Similar Fragrances
Estée Lauder Cinnabar
Chanel Coco
Clone Alternatives
Perfumer's Workshop Tea Rose (spicy variants)
Various independent oriental oil blends
You May Also Enjoy
Guerlain Shalimar
Christian Dior Poison
YSL Black Opium
Opium (Vintage)
Opium pour Homme EDP (Vintage)
YSL Opium
YSL Y EDP
YSL Opium pour Homme
Layering Ideas
- Pairs well with simple, dry woody scents to ground the sweetness.
- Best worn alone due to its complex and dominant profile.
Final Verdict
Opium remains a titan of the perfume world. While its intensity is not for the faint of heart, it is a masterclass in spice and resin balance that continues to define an era of luxury.
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Yves Saint LaurentOpiumOrientalSpicy1977Jean-Louis SieuzacVintageClassicWomen's Fragrance