Yves Saint Laurent Opium (Vintage)

Available on Amazon
Buy Now
Buy Now

Yves Saint Laurent Opium: A Vintage Masterpiece Reviewed

An evocative journey into the heart of 1977's most scandalous oriental fragrance.

By Isabella Romano, Master Fragrance Reviewer · · Updated

Isabella has reviewed over 4,000 fragrances across two decades. Trained at ISIPCA, certified evaluator for niche houses, frequent guest on Fragrantica panels.

To spray the vintage Yves Saint Laurent Opium is to step into a time capsule of 1977, a year where luxury was defined by audacity and the promise of the exotic. It is a fragrance that does not ask for attention; it commands it with the weight of a silk robe and the mystery of a midnight bazaar. Born from the creative genius of Jean Amic, Jean-Louis Sieuzac, and Raymond Chaillan, Opium was a revolution. It was the scent of the woman who dared to stand in the shadows and emerge as the light. Even decades later, it remains the gold standard for the oriental genre, a dense, intoxicating tapestry of spice and resin that feels as vital today as it did upon its debut.
4.2 Overall
Longevity
0.0
Projection
0.0
Sillage
0.0
$100-$400
๐ŸŒธSpringโ˜€๏ธSummer๐Ÿ‚Fallโ„๏ธWinter

Accords

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Notes Pyramid

Top
clovepeppercorianderwest indian bayplumjasminemandarin orangebergamotcitrus
Heart
carnationcinnamonsandalwoodpatchouliroseorris rootpeachlily of the valley
Base
incensemyrrhsandalwoodtolu balsamamberopopanaxbenzoinlabdanumvanillamuskcastoreumcedarvetivercoconut

Performance Dashboard

โฑ๏ธ Longevity 0.0/5

๐Ÿ“ข Projection 0.0/5

๐Ÿ’จ Sillage 0.0/5

When to Wear

๐ŸŒธSpringOK
โ˜€๏ธSummerAvoid
๐Ÿ‚FallAvoid
โ„๏ธWinterBest
๐Ÿ“Œ evening galas๐Ÿ“Œ intimate winter dinners๐Ÿ“Œ theatrical events

Community Verdict

โญ Overall
4.2
โฑ๏ธ Longevity
4.0
๐Ÿ’จ Sillage
3.8
๐Ÿ’ฐ Value
4.1
๐Ÿ’Œ Compliment Factor 0.0/5

Pros & Cons

  • โœ… Unrivaled depth and complexity
  • โœ… Excellent longevity
  • โœ… A historical icon
  • โŒ Can feel dated to modern sensibilities
  • โŒ Difficult to find authentic vintage stock

Price & Value

$100-$400

“A worthy investment for collectors and vintage enthusiasts seeking a piece of perfume history.”

๐Ÿ“œ Reformulation History

Significant differences exist between the original 1977 formulation and later reformulations due to IFRA restrictions on ingredients like oakmoss and certain resins.

The Family

Explore More

๐Ÿ” Similar Fragrances

๐Ÿ’ก Clone Alternatives

โค๏ธ You May Also Enjoy

More from This Brand

๐Ÿงช Layering Ideas

๐Ÿ† Final Verdict

Yves Saint Laurent Opium remains an untouchable titan of the oriental family. It is a masterclass in balance, proving that excess, when guided by genius, is the ultimate form of luxury.

More fragrances we love

Sponsored picks

Also worth your attention: watches

Sponsored picks

Ready to experience Yves Saint Laurent Opium (Vintage)?

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Vivir earns from qualifying purchases.

vintageorientalyslclassicluxury