Katrina Rosales
Opium is a women's perfume by Yves Saint Laurent, introduced to the market in 1977. The scent has been described as rich and exotic, with top notes of mandarin orange, coriander, and pepper, and base notes of vanilla, cedarwood, and musk. The perfume has a controversial name, which some argue alludes to drug use. Despite this, or perhaps because of the press coverage that the controversy garnered, Opium became a best-selling product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top notes | Fruits and spices, mandarin orange, plum, clove, coriander, pepper, bay leaf |
| Middle notes | Jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, carnation, cinnamon, peach, orris root |
| Base notes | Sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, opopanax, labdanum, benzoin resin, castoreum, amber, musk, patchouli, tolu balsam, vetiver |
| Other notes | Coffee, vanilla, white flowers |
| Theme | Oriental, exotic, imperial China |
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What You'll Learn
Oriental-spicy scent with fruit and spice top notes
Opium by Yves Saint Laurent is an Oriental-spicy scent with fruit and spice top notes. It was created for the French fashion house by perfumers Jean Amic and Jean-Louis Sieuzac and introduced to the market in 1977. The top notes of Opium are a mixture of fruits and spices, including mandarin orange, plum, clove, coriander, and pepper, as well as bay leaf. The scent is said to evoke the sophisticated Orient, imperial China, and exoticism.
The middle notes of the perfume are floral, with jasmine, rose, and lily of the valley taking center stage, accompanied by carnation, cinnamon, peach, and orris root. The base notes of the fragrance are woody and sweet, featuring sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, opopanax, labdanum, benzoin resin, and castoreum. Together, these notes create a rich, exotic, and captivating fragrance.
The advertising campaigns for Opium have been just as notable as its scent, with controversial imagery featuring English model Sophie Dahl. The campaigns were met with mixed reactions internationally, with some finding them too sexually suggestive and degrading to women. However, the press coverage only helped to increase sales, with Opium soon becoming a best-selling product.
Over the years, Opium has gained a loyal following, with customers describing the scent as unique, spicy, and long-lasting. Some have noted that the formulation has changed over time, but it remains a favorite for many, with its rich and sophisticated aroma.
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Middle notes of jasmine, rose, lily, carnation, cinnamon and peach
Opium perfume by Yves Saint Laurent is described as having a "rich, exotic fragrance" with notes of "exotic florals, mandarin and coriander." While I cannot find a detailed description of the middle notes of jasmine, rose, lily, carnation, cinnamon, and peach, I can provide a description of the scent of each of these flowers and spices.
Jasmine has a unique scent that can vary depending on the type of flower and individual interpretation. Some people describe it as smelling a bit like banana or grape juice, while others detect more indolic or metallic notes. Actual jasmine flowers have a stronger scent that some people find overwhelming. In perfumes, the jasmine scent is often more subtle and can be described as fresh or minty with mild dew notes.
Roses have a sweet and floral scent that is widely recognized and cherished in perfumery. They are often associated with love, passion, and romance. Rose is a versatile fragrance note that can be paired with various scents, such as vanilla or cherry, to create sophisticated and sweet fragrances.
Lilies have a complex and multifaceted fragrance that is both sweet and subtle, evoking a sense of purity and elegance. Some people describe the scent as floral with a hint of spice and a touch of citrus, while others compare it to fresh laundry or a gentle breeze. The scent of lilies can vary depending on the species, but they are generally known for their freshness and sweetness.
Carnations have a spicy, clove-like scent that is rich in the aroma compound eugenol. However, carnation absolute, which is used in perfumery, is mainly produced in the south of France, and the natural ingredient is expensive, so the carnation scent in perfumes is often synthesized.
Cinnamon is a warm and spicy fragrance with woody, vanilla-nuanced, and slightly fruity notes. It evokes a cozy and nostalgic feeling, making it a popular choice for autumnal fragrances. Cinnamon is commonly used in baked goods and pairs well with other spices, fruits, and floral aspects, adding a touch of sweetness and spice to fragrances.
Peach has a soft, fuzzy, and sensual scent that gives a velvety texture to fragrances. The flesh of peach kernels has been used in perfumes and ointments since the time of early Arab perfumers. The peach note adds a unique, textured element to the fragrance, reminiscent of the ripe fruit itself.
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Sweet woody base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, opopanax and more
The sweet woody base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, opopanax and more add a rich and earthy elegance to the perfume. Sandalwood has a sweet, woody, floral, and clean scent. It is slightly smoky, with a masculine edge. Cedarwood, on the other hand, has a warm and complex aroma, often paired with citrus and floral notes. It has a soft, camphoraceous smell with hints of spice and resin.
Myrrh has a deep, earthy, and bitter scent, with notes of spice and a hint of citrus. It can be described as leathery and "warm, woody, and slightly fresh". When burnt, it can smell like plastic or rubber. Opopanax, also known as sweet myrrh, has a sweet, resinous, and intoxicating fragrance. It is also described as leathery, with a hint of smokiness. It is often combined with fragrances like ambergris and benzoin.
These base notes provide a strong and full-bodied foundation for the perfume, adding depth and complexity to the overall fragrance.
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Black Opium: coffee, white flowers and vanilla
Black Opium is a seductively intoxicating women's fragrance by YSL Beauty. The perfume is inspired by the edgy and daring woman. The strong scent of coffee is at the heart of this perfume, with the opening notes of adrenaline-rich coffee and the sweet sensuality of vanilla that soften into the scent of white flowers. The perfume is a long-lasting fragrance, with the bitterness of coffee beans, the femininity of white flowers, and the appeal of vanilla.
The top notes of this fragrance are pear, pink pepper, and orange blossom, with middle notes of coffee, jasmine, bitter almond, and licorice. The base notes are vanilla, patchouli, cashmere wood, and cedar. The combination of these notes creates a unique and smooth scent.
Some people describe the scent as resembling marshmallows, vanilla, and florals, while others say it smells like white flowers with a hint of unsweetened vanilla and coffee. The perfume has been described as having a strong scent that captivates the senses, with a sweet vanilla base and a burst of floral at its heart.
The perfume has received mixed reviews, with some people finding it overrated and too light, while others enjoy the classic coffee blend with vanilla. Black Opium has been described as a unique scent, smooth, and not too strong.
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Opium pour Homme: vanilla, black currant, star anise and pepper
Opium Pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent is an oriental spicy fragrance for men. It was launched in 1995 and was created by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud. The top notes of this fragrance are star anise and black currant, with middle notes of pepper and galanga. The base notes are bourbon vanilla, tolu balsam, and Atlas cedar.
The initial spray of Opium Pour Homme reveals a prominent black currant note paired with subtle star anise, creating a fruity and spicy opening that is unique and uplifting. The black currant adds a fruity effervescence, while the star anise provides a subtle, watered-down absinthe-like aroma. As the fragrance evolves, the spicy heart of the perfume emerges, featuring notes of pepper and galanga.
After about an hour, the warm and woody notes of tolu balsam and Atlas cedar become more noticeable, blending with the vanilla to create a creamy, ambery, and slightly spicy scent. The vanilla adds a touch of sweetness to the fragrance, making it elegant and seductive. The balsam, with its thick warmth, envelops the entire composition, giving the cologne an ethereal and exotic feel.
The spices in Opium Pour Homme, including star anise and pepper, provide an oriental freshness that prevents the fragrance from becoming too warm or medicinal. The ginger note, which some reviewers detect, adds to the overall spice and freshness of the cologne. The result is a well-balanced and intoxicating fragrance that is long-lasting and attractive.
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Frequently asked questions
Opium is an Oriental-spicy perfume for women, with top notes of mandarin orange, plum, clove, coriander, and pepper, as well as bay leaf. Its floral middle notes consist predominantly of jasmine, rose, and lily of the valley, with carnation, cinnamon, peach, and orris root. It is underlined by the sweet woody base note containing sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, opopanax, labdanum, benzoin resin, and castoreum, in addition to amber, musk, patchouli, tolu balsam, and vetiver.
The original Opium scent was different and lingered on clothing. The newer formula is also lovely and has a fantastic mix of chemistry.
Black Opium Eau de Parfum is a seductively intoxicating women's fragrance. It is inspired by the edgy and daring woman, with the strong scent of coffee and the sweet sensuality of vanilla.
The male complement of Opium is Opium pour Homme, which was launched in 1995. Its main note is set by vanilla, with black currant, galangal, star anise, ginger, and pepper, fusing with base notes of cedar and Tolu balsam.
