Opium by Yves Saint Laurent: Perfume Review / Fragrance Review

[@michaeljimenez3658]

Most perfumes now are Katy Perry songs. Opium is a Beethoven symphony

[@Scentapede]

I am a guy and i own a bottle of the Women's Ôpium. I wear it all the time in winter and it works like a charm everytime. There is just something about this fragrance!

[@alex_pearl]

Eff yeah! Classic Opium is just as good on men as it is on women. 👍🏻

[@davideselmin8018]

I spray it on my beard.

[@simpaticaafilipina]

I love Opium ! While everyone else enjoy the Black Opium at the moment, I enjoy the original as I prefer scents from the 80's. I love Timeless perfumes.

[@bariboy78]

Just had to say that, as a guy, I LOVE this fragrance. I , too, had the same experience you did. I was walking through the department store, and just randomly decided to spritz this one. Oh man. My eyes rolled to the back of my head, this was so good. I could not stop smelling myself. Yes, i tiny bit goes a long way. I agree, this is a unisex masterpiece.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Wouldn't that be great if perfume houses offered "original vintage" versions of their classic fragrances? But then they'd have to admit that they'd tampered with the formula, which they don't like to 'fess up to!

[@PennPearson]

I don't wear perfume, but I love their scents and the wonderful way they enhance the allure of a woman. I agree with you so strongly! It annoys the hell out of me that they have reformulated many of the classics, but use the same name as if the scents are the same. In fact, they are different perfumes, stealing the glory of the originals. It should be illegal. They should have to rename the new formulation or at least do something like calling it, "L'Origan No. 2", or "L'Heure Bleue Nouveau" .

[@debbieshultz7335]

I love Opium now that it's been reformulated, I always felt it was way to over powering when it first came out, It suited my mother but not me. But now, I love it, I know everyone says it's not what it used to be and for some of us that's a good thing. And lets face it a reformulated Opium is still better than any cotton candy concoction that's out there now!

[@wongyokeshim3033]

I fully agree with you :)

[@montananelle]

I've worn Opium for 25 years and I'm always amazed at the number of compliments I receive after all these years. Of course I liked this review, but I already knew it. Katie is so brazingly (is this a word?) honest - just wanted to hear what she had to say.

[@blowfishes]

Baby come back... you can blame it all on me! Please start doing more fragrance reviews as I absolutely love your take on them 💜

[@cavaleteiro]

I am a guy, and i love Opium. I think it is an unisex fragance, everybody loves it

[@tintannabulation]

I love Opium because my grandma used to wear it

[@TheLadymia69]

My mom had Opium when i was growing up, and I would sneak in her perfume cabinet and spray it on my knee (so that I could keep smelling it while I was watching TV or playing)...I have a bottle now and it still takes me back....

[@muiawat]

Katie’s videos and fashion still stand up . Timeless ❤️

[@yourladybug]

Thanks for setting this fragrance up so well; it's a force to be reckoned with and it's not for everyone. You need attitude, self-confidence and style. Whoever wears it leaves a wake trailing after them so you've got to be up to the challenge. I love your definition: gypsy campfire! So fitting.

[@Mabwyne]

You describe my old fave so very well, Katie! Now you see why I'm such an addict! I have never run across such a smokey, sexy, spicy perfume. Opium is such a heavy hitter because it brings back intense pleasant memories of my college days, my spicy heavy metal boyfriend (he was the one who introduced me to this scent), smokey dark nightclubs, dark red lipstick and strong coffee. It truly is a sensory journey.

[@pascha120]

This review is so so SO spot on! Opium was totally a love at first smell scent for me. I roamed around different perfume counters today and there weren't many scents that really stuck out as being not only intoxicating but also vastly different to the others. The first thought that came to me when I smelt Opium (and a few of Tom Ford's) was 'Why hello you dark, saucy minx… come to mama'. Hehe luckily I had the good sense not to blurt that out at the counter! :P

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

It's a horror-show shock how different new Opium is from original Opium. This was hammered home to me when I recently smelled the two side by side. All this rampant perfume reformulation going on means we're losing part of our cultural history.

[@PennPearson]

So true! The dishonesty of it is deplorable and it shows so little reverence for those classic perfumes.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Opium is a perfume that makes you rise to the occasion when you wear it.

[@themagicalfox6]

I adore this one, Opium has a Gothic vibe to it

[@summerrain3251]

I agree. A good fragrance to wear to a funeral. Lol. I just saw a video about fragrances to wear to a funeral while searching for Opium EDT. Lol

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Lackluster reformulations of classic perfumes happen for one of the following reasons: 1. Corporate wants to cut costs, so they shave the expensive stuff out of the original formula & pare it back to a skeletal version of itself. 2. Consumer tastes change (or are assumed to change), so Corporate chases the dollar by toning down the more challenging elements of a perfume (often the animalic notes), & amping up the vanilla & sweet stuff.

[@MissILoveGreenALot]

I just had to add that the reason I feel attracted to classic and "stronger" scents is because I feel they accompany my personality and how I feel that day. As silly as it sounds, wearing scents like Opium, N5, Coco, Black Orchid by Tom Ford, make me feel more confident as I would when wearing a red lipstick. It makes me feel classy.

[@nebula1239]

My mum wore opium by ysl and pure poison by dior etc. etc. Opium is mysterious and unique but for mature women, I could not pull it off since I am in my twenties. I recently tried out the black opium, which has a undertone of the original opium to it, but overloaded with vanilla and a tinge of maybe coffee to it. It smells absolutely fantastic, yet very mystifying. Opium and black opium is one of those fragrances people either love or hate, most people I have found hate both of them, but I absolutely love both.

[@kristabel71]

Loving your videos! I was six when Opium came out, and my mother loved it. She wisely used just small amount and it was amazing to me... probably secured my preference for spicier scents. Just a minute amount goes a long way for sure.

[@y33y337]

This was my first real perfume gifted to me by my beloved mother. She has style, and I will always love Opium!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Mabwyne Opium is the perfect accompaniment for smoky dark nightclubs, dark red lipstick and strong coffee.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

3. Corporate replaces potential allergens (oakmoss & citrus, and now looking hard at vanilla, as well as aromachemicals that provide a leather note), in a self-regulating measure responding to IFRA recommendations. Note that the allergic reaction in question is a skin rash for a small minority of fragrance wearers. Instead of putting a warning on fragrance labels (similar to peanut allergy warning on food labels), the industry is over-correcting by ruining classic perfumes left and right!

[@AdirondackRuby]

"make sure your stage is set" i like that, good description. Some perfumes are just sort of quiet and don't make a scene, not really specific to a certain time/season/age...but others are *BAM*, sort of a loaded gun kind of scent.

[@trixytoni1527]

I love the original Opium but it's been changed in the last few years. I wish they would bring back the original - I used to wear the body oil which was phenomenal but unfortunately its no longer available.

[@Only1Shelvonte]

I love Opium... I can't stop smelling myself when wearing it. I tried it for the first time the other day :-)

[@lavoixdevelours]

Well said, Katie. I love perfumes like this, with so much character.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Junichild If you grew up with a perfume - and experienced it when it first came out, there's just no getting around those first associations. They are carved in giant, unbudgeable stone for all time. To experience Opium as dated is not a failing of yours - in fact, it's a tribute to the alertness of your mind. You were paying attention the first time around, and logged it for all time in "the ol' computer" of your brain.

[@ibelongtothesea]

This is my mum's favorite perfume. She totally pulls it off, and I love the scent. :)

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

No. Opium hangs with woods and spices, without any of vanilla or sugar or booziness that would push it into gourmand territory.

[@Kat-kx8tf]

The body cream still has the original formula in it, thankfully! YSL customer service said only the jars/packaging have changed.

[@thusharaAV]

Yves Saint Laurent Opium is the best. They don't make perfumes like that anymore!

[@MissILoveGreenALot]

I am so glad to have found you. You have an amazing sense of furniture and clothing as well! I am 18 and proud to wear Opium while my friends spray themselves with fruit punch and cheap candy scented "perfume". It's so frustrating to see what today's meaning of perfume has become...

[@mkzkopi]

This is one fragrance I couldn't embrace. The original formulation I found to be overbearing in incense and spice aroma. I did not find it alluring. I found the experience to be akin to jumping into a pile of heated potpourri. I enjoy watching others' reviews on how much they enjoy this frag. That's the only thing fascinating about this frag; some ppl actually appreciate the aroma it offers. Not my cup of tea, but that's what's awesome about perfume reviews. Everyone has a unique impression :-)

[@ccassels284]

I think it smells disgusting

[@maldita884]

I love Opium, although it has been reformulated already, I can still smell something from the 80's. Btw, can you do a review on Kouros the silver one ?

[@yanalysenko139]

Katie, you should continue doing videos, I love how short, informative and entertaining they are. Wish I could do same😅

[@aniolson1808]

I have worn Opium for over 20 years and I love it being my signature... I LOVE IT!! Everyone who gets close enough to cope a real whiff just wanna sniff my wrist all nite... oooh!! :-)

[@HildesYT]

Opium smells so good to me, but I just don't think it fits me at the moment.(I'm 22) Part of me wants to own a bottle just to sniff every now and then. Maybe it's because I'm Catholic, and I like the smells and bells, but it's such a comforting scent to me.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@pigasus27 The candles in the background of my vids are just votive candles from the supermarket. I used to burn scented candles, but don't anymore with all the fragrance reviewing I'm doing. But I adore the smell of those Cire Trudon candles! They are too much! I just love standing in the store and smelling all of the CT bell jars over and over in a trance. I'm mesmerized by Spiritus Sancti (the church insence one) and the one that smells like old painted walls - can't remember that one's name.

[@hayuhinaira]

I watched some of your reviews and I like the way you describe, I love opium and I do have the old bottle, thinking to get the new bottle soon :)

[@benzippo]

Hi Katie, am curious and would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly advice the EDP Opium you've reviewed was the one in the New Bottle? I bought myself the new EDP incarnation and even though most of the elements are there but somehow something is just missing which I cannot pin point. Similar and yet different. Even though it is still good and did some justice to the original which I had been using many many years, but it is less fiery and the presence is not as prominent.

[@peekaboots01]

I'm enjoying your reviews. You should include what year each fragrance was launched. Thanks for your reviews. I subscribed.

[@LavendarsBlu]

Think this will be my new favorite scent! Also loving the packaging - it's gorgeous! Thanks so much for this review : )

[@Appalachianitis]

Dear Katie, The idea of wearing a "gutsy" perfume appeals to me. I have no desire to annoy or overwhelm or in any other way create an unpleasant environment for others, however, I also wish that people would take a second look at things that may be an acquired taste. Off topic, but a friend of mine has an aunt who decants bottles of "Joy" all over her house as room fragrance. Whoa. Rock on with your bad self, rock the world in the face, App

[@Valkriz]

Hey Katie; I agree with the other comment about the original Opium formula. You probably hear all sorts of whines and gripes from fans about reformulations but this is truly a scent that needs to be smelt in its original rendition! From what I've read on basenotes there is 3 different bottle designs and all where a slight reformulation. Originals can be found online; I'm a 22 year old straight male and I had to buy one! If you like the current iteration of it (and its not bad!) look for the old!

[@cynthialeeser7952]

Thank you for this review. You did a great video on this. I love it.

[@oc101289]

as i guy i really like it, actually i remember it from my earliest childhood used by my parents' friends when we went to visit them. it seems that i remember this scent alot better then how i remember them.

[@diannewi]

I still have a spray bottle of Opium that I bought in Mexico in about 1982. It still mesmerizes me. The re-formulations are nothing like the original.

[@BellamyBlue]

I love the original Opium which my mother wore. I was *very* disappointed with Belle d'Opium which bears no relation to the original but simply hijacks the famous name. I do like the new bottle anyway!

[@ColoursandScents]

Opium was the first fragrance that got me hooked into wearing fragrances on a regular basis. I had some given as gifts years earlier but once I put this on it started a regular trend. When I sampled it, I tried some lotion on and WOW how the scent lasted for hours! Years later, I sold fragrances and that was when YSL made great Opium gift sets, boy did they sell! Years again later, I hardly touch that fragrance, or many spicy scents, and have turned into more of a floral gal. I do like Belle.

[@wongyokeshim3033]

Honestly, YSL opium IS SUCH AN OUTSTANDING perfume.. And no other brand can copy its originality.. On another note, I somehow love YSL Opium more than Chanel No. 5.. Because I prefer oriental woody notes.. And my latest addiction is L'instant de Guerlain Pour Homme

[@akalaSHO]

I've never tried Opium but maybe I should. Your description of it sounds great. Also, what a cute shirt!

[@louise7401]

I've owned this several times over the last 25 years and I can definately say that it's been reformulated. The original was wonderful, the current incarnation is just OK. My other faves from way back when - Lauren and Poison also have been reformulated. Katie, do you know why they do this?

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@cavaleteiro Opium is so spicy-peppery, it easily works for men. I'm glad you discovered it!

[@KaliDishgirl]

I love spice so I love Opium, not for everyone, but on the right person it becomes that person. I don't know any other way to say it but it feels alive. For me Opium is a grown women sent, not for the teens. Your right it is the sweet candy all the kiddies just have to have, it's more like the coffee spice candy at the bottom of your mothers purse. I'll take it.

[@dianabananapixie]

Opium is my favorite perfume. I remember asking you what you think about it..I always get compliments on it. Another spicy fragrance that I use when I don't have Opium is Cinnabar by Estee Lauder...but it doesn't compare to Opium.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@benzippo Very good question! I reviewed the EdT in the old bottle for this vid, and the new bottle is the EdP. The EdP is a bit creamier and just as you say, less fiery. Also, the EdT has been reformulated from its original kaPOW personality, I've been told, but I've only smelled the more recent version, so I can't do a comparison on before and after the way you can.

[@Valkriz]

@Valkriz Wanted to add that I've got a sample of the new formula as well and can say it is pretty similar and still a very good fragrance. Just a TAD sweeter and a little lacking on the amount of depth the old seems to have. Its like the old is incense you bought from a back alley store in Hong Kong and the new is a copy of the incense made for important and sale in a Pier 1 Imports store in LA.

[@ipick123]

1st comment!!! I love ur videos! Did u ever do a review on Dior pure poison? I got it as a present recently and I feel suffocated when I spray it, o my too strong for me... what are ur thoughts on it?

[@JT-rx1eo]

Wearing a vintage bottle of Opium for the first time now. One thing Opium is not is a feminine fragrance. It may be MARKETED to women by YSL but objectively it is unisex. The florals are very subdued, and the carnation here manifests as spicy anyway. What sets it apart from others of the genre - Cinnabar, Youth Dew, Obsession Pour Homme (haven't tried the fem Obsession yet), Aramis JHL - is the smoky fruitiness added to the spicy amber. Good stuff.

[@Manatee1nsanity]

Wonderful review! What are your choice tobacco fragrances?

[@judyhinojosa6751]

What is the difference between The Black bottle , and the Red Bottle?

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@HildeMariV I'm a total sucker for cathedral incense perfumes. Avignon by Comme des Garcons is a classic one.

[@weronikawa]

Oh and I would love to see You reviewing Dior's Poison, Chanel Coco and other 80s classics :) that would be so wonderful

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Gtgoon I reviewed the edp, but I've played with both. The edp is superior to the edt in terms of character, depth, and longevity. I'd be interested to try not only the parfum, but the earlier versions.

[@insertnamehere8288]

I am terribly terribly picky when It comes to perfumes and Black Opium (which I know isn't the one she's reviewing) was the only one I liked immediately.

[@girlmm020304]

ME TOO !!! love at first sight.I hope she reviews it

[@dkmarlenej]

Same here.. Black Opium is AMAZING.

[@PresenceBallet]

I would like to request a review on black opium! by ysl! I smelt it today definitely not your usual scent

[@ScentedAir]

I haven't smelled Opium since I was a little girl but my scent memory of it is etched on my brain. My mom had a bottle that was like a heavy brown plastic or resin. It was the most fascinating sensory experience for my grade school self. The only thing that's remotely close to it is Cartier's Kiss of the Dragon--I'm not in the mood to look up its actual french name. I would love to see you do a review of that one.

[@mmdillon1]

Although linear, Opium has enigmatic DEPTH. And as already mentioned in these comments, the new Opium is a tragic bastardization of the old masterpiece. I haven't thought about the old Gucci Pour Homme, with the red & green striped girth strap and horsebits, in many years! Frankincense, leather, tobacco and pepper.... And the price was so affordable! In addition to their new creations, why don't manufacturers offer original frags for those willing to pay higher prices for better quality?

[@aaddiicctteedd]

This perfume does nothing but confuses me it knocks me out then picks me up ... Very daring fragrance! I'm just 25 and still thinking hmmm is it time to move on to something like this ??? Hmmmm is it too old for me ... Sigh nothing but confusion

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@nesqualomimocho I've never smelled old and new Opium together, but coca-cola candy isn't too far off as a description, because Opium is one of those spicy orientals with the nutmeggy/cinnamony thing remincent of cola.

[@alicegoldenvalley]

Hi there how would you compare Opium to Pour Femme ( the original) by Dolce & Gabbana ? ☺️

[@Junichild]

I smelled Opium on a woman in her 60's in a cafe a little while ago - it was so definitely Opium - as you said, nothing smells like it today. My first reaction was "it's so dated!"Since then I've been a bit embarassed by my reaction - am I that much of a trend victim?! So I went and got a sample with the intent of trying it out during the winter months . I'm still hesitating, Opium scares me a bit ;-) To think it was cited as the favorite scent of a 14yr old class mate of mine back in the 80's.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@LoudNoises009 I bet she'd love Black Cashmere by Donna Karan, but it's hard to find. You can find it online in the original black egg-shaped bottle for varying prices from expensive to really expensive. I see the new bottle on the Donna Karan site, but it's out of stock. Another thought is Sensuous Noir by Estee Lauder. It's sweeter than Opium, but it still has a spicy kick.

[@Rafick203]

Following up on my comment.....I know you hate that word in perfumes "for men! For women" but I did smell the one reviewed in this video and it does have a lady like vibe, so I wonder if the masculine version would possess the same oriental quality just a little manly?

[@adoptingjoseph]

Opium is my most favorite ever. I remember when it first came out and I lived in it. I feel so sad that I don't feel I can wear it today. It doesn't feel like it fits in any more. I was thinking of getting the lotion so that it would be a bit softer, but it does beat people over the head. What to do?

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@yescandles Opium is a good example of familiarity breeding contempt. It's big, bold and rather inescapable. It's not meant to be relentlessly experienced the way you were forced to.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@VideoDead69 Opium came out when today's 45-year-olds were little kids, in 1977. It would have been one of the "hot mama" perfumes around when they were coming of age. I giggled at your "peanut butter bar" comparison. I didn't get that...must be eating different peanut butter bars!

[@LoudNoises009]

Please help! My mother's favorite perfume is opium, I bought her opium for her birthday. She likes perfumes and I want to get her another one for Christmas. What perfume would you recommend,( she is 48) and likes spicy scents.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@samasher I don't think there's any relationship between the smell of Opium and Belle D'Opium whatsoever. Ahhhh...I love that Lady V!

[@iniodar7238]

that “I wanna make it easy for you” is so amusing

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@JIovannone Yep - just as you say - and there's a black cord in the see-thru Opium bottle like the red cord in the Belle D'Opium bottle. I probably should have but the new bottle on this vid...but too late now!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@TheSnowyice Oh, spilling perfume on something is just the worst. You're forced to smell it at an intensity you normally don't experience, and non-stop if it's on something like your backpack.

[@taekwonrock]

absolutely the best

[@bloembloem01]

I am very interested in your opinion on the following perfumes: Boudoir Vivienne Westwood Splendor Elizabeth arden Eden cacharel

[@Rafick203]

Is opium for men similar?

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@snailbacon Check out Nanette Lapore Nanette. And also Laura Mercier Minuit Enchanté - though that one is a limited edition that's harder to find - I've seen it on the Nordstrom website. Much much lighter, but with a bit of spice is Christian Dior Escale à Pondichéry. Hope this helps!

[@norarazaai]

Opium..mmmmmmm....STILL relevant to this day!

[@jdfox1]

I love Opium but not to often but def for certain ocassions its very bold and i always get noticed so great for proper times. One thing if you work in an office setting its totally a bit loud sometimes.

[@snailbacon]

Is there anything that is similar to this but maybe more appropriate for teenagers? Something spicy and interesting that isn't heavy? Something non floral-y or whatever it is that most youngsters' perfumes are.... can you tell I'm not familiar with perfumes? Your videos aer helping me, though. Thanks :)

[@moustachio334]

To me Opium represents YSL as a brand perfectly. It’s one hell of a drug though. I would love for YSL to bring back a strong oriental for men like they did in the 90’s with Opium pour homme. I would love an updated over the top oriental from YSL.

[@alexababyface]

I tried Opium and def smells great!! Also...you should do review for `WITH LOVE by HILARY DUFF` because a lot of people say that smells different and unique.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Appalachianitis Oh, and Joy air freshener is beeeeeYOND.

[@AnneLien1987]

What age should you be to be able to wear Opium?

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Voyeur53 Oh yeah! And Youth Dew is a 50s heavy hitter. And - it's my mom's favorite va-va-voom perfume. YD is just too much of a time capsule for me to try to wear, but the updated Youth Dew Amber Nude is a wonderful, contemporary version.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@AnneLien1987 I'd say 20s, but if you're feeling goth and mysterious, you could Opium it up in your late teens.

[@mst6734]

are we talking about the pour homme or the womans?

[@pclalthanmawii5017]

I love love love your top 😍 btw nice review 👍🏻