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What does Opium smell like?

Opium Eau de Toilette is a resinous, spicy journey that trades modern sweetness for a dry, smoky intensity. The opening offers a brief, fleeting brightness of bergamot and mandarin orange, but these c...

Details

House: Yves Saint Laurent
Concentration: Eau De Toilette
Gender: feminine
Year: 2009
Longevity: 8.3 / 10
Sillage: 8.1 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Oriental, Resinous, Woody, Floral
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Antoine Maisondieu

Community Insights

0

Fragrantica

The community views this 2009 formulation as a distinct chapter in the Opium legacy, noting that while it retains the spicy DNA of the original, it focuses more on resinous clarity and less on the dense animalic or floral notes of the past.
Performance is a major talking point; users widely agree that even in Eau de Toilette concentration, the scent has impressive longevity and a potent sillage that can easily fill a room.
It is overwhelmingly preferred for cold weather, with most enthusiasts recommending it strictly for winter and fall evenings or formal nights out.
There is a notable debate regarding its "vibe," with some finding the resinous sharpness almost medicinal or petroleum-like, while others appreciate this exact quality as a hallmark of its sophisticated, woody depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this 2009 version compare to the original 1977 Opium?+

This version is generally considered more streamlined and "cleaner" than the original. It emphasizes myrrh, amber, and opoponax, leaving behind some of the heavier carnation and animalic notes found in vintage bottles.

Is Opium Eau de Toilette suitable for daily office wear?+

Most users find this fragrance too intense for a typical office environment. Due to its strong resinous and spicy profile, it is better suited for evening events, leisure, or cold-weather outdoor activities.

How long does the fragrance last on the skin?+

Despite being an Eau de Toilette, it is known for its high performance. It typically lasts through an entire work day or evening, and the balsamic base notes tend to cling to clothing for even longer.

Does this fragrance have a sweet profile?+

No, Opium is not a sweet fragrance by modern standards. While it contains mandarin and amber, the overall impression is dry, spicy, and resinous rather than sugary or gourmand.

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

What does Opium smell like?

Opium Eau de Toilette is a resinous, spicy journey that trades modern sweetness for a dry, smoky intensity. The opening offers a brief, fleeting brightness of bergamot and mandarin orange, but these c...

Details

House: Yves Saint Laurent
Concentration: Eau De Toilette
Gender: feminine
Year: 2009
Longevity: 8.3 / 10
Sillage: 8.1 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Oriental, Resinous, Woody, Floral
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Antoine Maisondieu

Community Insights

0

Fragrantica

The community views this 2009 formulation as a distinct chapter in the Opium legacy, noting that while it retains the spicy DNA of the original, it focuses more on resinous clarity and less on the dense animalic or floral notes of the past.
Performance is a major talking point; users widely agree that even in Eau de Toilette concentration, the scent has impressive longevity and a potent sillage that can easily fill a room.
It is overwhelmingly preferred for cold weather, with most enthusiasts recommending it strictly for winter and fall evenings or formal nights out.
There is a notable debate regarding its "vibe," with some finding the resinous sharpness almost medicinal or petroleum-like, while others appreciate this exact quality as a hallmark of its sophisticated, woody depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this 2009 version compare to the original 1977 Opium?+

This version is generally considered more streamlined and "cleaner" than the original. It emphasizes myrrh, amber, and opoponax, leaving behind some of the heavier carnation and animalic notes found in vintage bottles.

Is Opium Eau de Toilette suitable for daily office wear?+

Most users find this fragrance too intense for a typical office environment. Due to its strong resinous and spicy profile, it is better suited for evening events, leisure, or cold-weather outdoor activities.

How long does the fragrance last on the skin?+

Despite being an Eau de Toilette, it is known for its high performance. It typically lasts through an entire work day or evening, and the balsamic base notes tend to cling to clothing for even longer.

Does this fragrance have a sweet profile?+

No, Opium is not a sweet fragrance by modern standards. While it contains mandarin and amber, the overall impression is dry, spicy, and resinous rather than sugary or gourmand.

What is the best season to wear Opium?+

It is most effective in the winter and autumn. The heavy resins and spices can become overwhelming in high heat and humidity, whereas they provide a comforting warmth in the cold.

Is this fragrance considered "unisex"?+

While marketed for women, the heavy emphasis on woods, spices, and resins like opoponax gives it a profile that many men find wearable, especially those who enjoy traditional oriental or incense-based colognes.

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Amazon

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We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

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Accords

Notes

TopBergamot//Mandarin orange

HeartMyrrh//Jasmine

BaseOpoponax//Amber

Where to buy Opium

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We don't track a retailer offer for this fragrance yet — check the Amazon link below for current availability.

Amazon

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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 Winter Fragrances480 Classic Perfumes944 Eau de Toilette Fragrances847 Feminine Fragrances2169+ 2 more

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