Opium
Spice, smoke, and resin in cinematic excess. The fragrance that made the late '70s smell of the East. Reformulated many times, but still grand, still controversial, still itself.
Composed by Jean Amic, Jean-Louis Sieuzac
Check price on AmazonWhat Opium smells like
Top notes
mandarin orange, plum, clove, coriander, bay leaf
Heart notes
jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, peach, carnation, sandalwood, cedar
Base notes
opoponax, labdanum, patchouli, myrrh, castoreum, amber, musk, incense
How to read this
Top notes arrive first and last around fifteen minutes before giving way to the heart. The heart notes carry the true personality of the fragrance for the first one to two hours. The base notes emerge slowly and are what remains on skin and fabric long after the rest has faded. They define the lasting impression and the depth of Opium. Read our full guide to fragrance notes.
How it wears
Longevity
12h
Sillage
strong
Season
fall/winter
Occasion
evening/formal
Price tier
$$
Year
1977
Longevity explained
Measured in hours on skin with a standard four-spray application at 20°C. Individual results vary with skin type and conditions.
Sillage explained
Close means it stays on skin. Moderate means people nearby will notice. Strong means it precedes you into a room.
Price tiers
$ is accessible under £60. $ is mid-range at £60 to £120. $$ is premium at £120 to £250. $$ is luxury above £250 for 50ml.
Who is Opium best for?
Best for
Best for her
Occasion
Evening and special occasions
Season
Autumn and winter
Office / Work
Apply lightly
Date night
Excellent choice
Gift idea for
Girlfriend, wife or mother
Opium is the ideal fragrance for women who want a oriental / amber scent for evening and special occasions. Its strong projection means one or two sprays is enough. Apply with restraint in enclosed spaces and offices. With exceptional longevity of up to 12 hours, it delivers strong value per wear and holds up throughout the day without needing a reapplication.
Opium is at its best autumn and winter. It works particularly well for evening and special occasions, and its premium price tier makes it a considered, deliberate addition to a collection. As a gift idea, it lands well for girlfriend, wife or mother, especially those who appreciate oriental / amber fragrances.
If you are still exploring options, browse all oriental / amber fragrances in the Perfume Finder to compare longevity, sillage and price side by side, or add Opium to the comparison tool to see it measured directly against alternatives.
Compare Opium against any other perfume
Drop Yves Saint Laurent Opium into the comparison tool alongside up to three other fragrances and see how notes, longevity and sillage line up side by side.
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About Opium
Opium performs best primarily in cooler months when ambient warmth amplifies its character. Its oriental / amber character and strong sillage make it well suited for evening/formal occasions. Because it fills a room and announces itself confidently from across a space, you can calibrate your application to the setting. Starting with two sprays on pulse points and adjusting from there is a reliable approach.