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What does Opium smell like?

Opium Eau de Parfum is a dense, ritualistic experience that feels like stepping into a dimly lit temple. It opens with a brief, sharp flash of mandarin orange and bergamot, but these citrus notes act...

Details

House: Yves Saint Laurent
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
Gender: feminine
Year: 2009
Longevity: 8.6 / 10
Sillage: 8.3 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Oriental, Smoky, Resinous, Floral
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Antoine Maisondieu

Community Insights

0

Fragrantica

The fragrance is widely regarded as a powerhouse with exceptional longevity and significant projection; community members frequently caution against over-spraying to avoid overwhelming others.
There is a clear distinction made between this 2009 reformulation and the 1977 original; enthusiasts often debate the merits of the two, with many finding this version smoother and more focused on creamy myrrh rather than the aggressive spice of the vintage.
It is overwhelmingly recommended for cold weather (autumn and winter) and formal evening occasions, such as dinners or night-out events, where its dark profile can truly shine.
Users often clarify that this "original" Opium DNA is entirely different from the modern Black Opium line, which is sweeter and coffee-forward, whereas this is resinous, smoky, and spicy.
While it is marketed for women, a segment of the community views the deep resins and patchouli as gender-neutral, making it a popular choice for anyone who enjoys bold, oriental compositions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this version of Opium the same as the original 1977 release?+

No, this is the 2009 reformulation. While it retains the spicy, oriental spirit of the original, it features a streamlined note profile that emphasizes myrrh and amber, resulting in a slightly softer and more resinous texture than the spice-heavy 1977 vintage.

How long does this fragrance typically last on the skin?+

This Eau de Parfum is known for its high-performance longevity. It typically lasts through an entire day and may even linger on clothing until it is laundered.

Can this fragrance be worn during the day?+

Because of its intense sillage and smoky, resinous character, it is generally better suited for evening wear or formal night-time events. If worn during the day, users suggest a very light application to keep it from becoming cloying.

Is Opium Eau de Parfum a good choice for warm weather?+

Most users find the heavy resins and smoky notes too oppressive for high heat. It is most frequently worn during the fall and winter when the cold air helps to temper its natural warmth and intensity.

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Also available as:Eau De Toilette·Eau De Toilette·Parfum·What’s the difference?

What does Opium smell like?

Opium Eau de Parfum is a dense, ritualistic experience that feels like stepping into a dimly lit temple. It opens with a brief, sharp flash of mandarin orange and bergamot, but these citrus notes act...

Details

House: Yves Saint Laurent
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
Gender: feminine
Year: 2009
Longevity: 8.6 / 10
Sillage: 8.3 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Oriental, Smoky, Resinous, Floral
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Antoine Maisondieu

Community Insights

0

Fragrantica

The fragrance is widely regarded as a powerhouse with exceptional longevity and significant projection; community members frequently caution against over-spraying to avoid overwhelming others.
There is a clear distinction made between this 2009 reformulation and the 1977 original; enthusiasts often debate the merits of the two, with many finding this version smoother and more focused on creamy myrrh rather than the aggressive spice of the vintage.
It is overwhelmingly recommended for cold weather (autumn and winter) and formal evening occasions, such as dinners or night-out events, where its dark profile can truly shine.
Users often clarify that this "original" Opium DNA is entirely different from the modern Black Opium line, which is sweeter and coffee-forward, whereas this is resinous, smoky, and spicy.
While it is marketed for women, a segment of the community views the deep resins and patchouli as gender-neutral, making it a popular choice for anyone who enjoys bold, oriental compositions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this version of Opium the same as the original 1977 release?+

No, this is the 2009 reformulation. While it retains the spicy, oriental spirit of the original, it features a streamlined note profile that emphasizes myrrh and amber, resulting in a slightly softer and more resinous texture than the spice-heavy 1977 vintage.

How long does this fragrance typically last on the skin?+

This Eau de Parfum is known for its high-performance longevity. It typically lasts through an entire day and may even linger on clothing until it is laundered.

Can this fragrance be worn during the day?+

Because of its intense sillage and smoky, resinous character, it is generally better suited for evening wear or formal night-time events. If worn during the day, users suggest a very light application to keep it from becoming cloying.

Is Opium Eau de Parfum a good choice for warm weather?+

Most users find the heavy resins and smoky notes too oppressive for high heat. It is most frequently worn during the fall and winter when the cold air helps to temper its natural warmth and intensity.

How does the Eau de Parfum compare to the Black Opium line?+

They are completely different scents. While Black Opium is a modern "gourmand" featuring coffee, vanilla, and white flowers, the classic Opium is a traditional oriental spicy fragrance centered on myrrh, incense-like resins, and deep amber.

What are the dominant notes I will smell the most?+

You will primarily notice a heavy presence of myrrh, opoponax, and amber. These provide a smoky, balsamic foundation that is punctuated by jasmine and a dark, earthy patchouli.

Accords

Notes

TopMandarin orange//Bergamot//Lily of the valley

HeartMyrrh//Jasmine

BaseOpoponax//Amber//Patchouli//Vanille

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Where to buy Opium

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Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Fall Fragrances492 Winter Fragrances480 Classic Perfumes944 Eau de Parfum Fragrances1104+ 3 more

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