Opium Vapeurs de Parfum
Yves Saint Laurent (2012)

This review is either on Ysl Opium Vapeurs de Parfum 2012 and Opium Eau de Parfum 2009. Vapeurs de Parfum is developed on the iconic 1977 basic formula which is in here cleaned/lightened up, "purified" from several massive elements and simplified in a more vernal volatile way. This new lighter formula is definitely effective and spot on. All the massive old lady mystic elements are in here effectively partially eliminated or lightened in order us to enjoy a more volatile, citric, lightly spicy and floral kind of impeccable spring time aroma. The prominent elements are effectively sparkling pink pepper, citrus, orange blossoms, jamine and fluidy frankincense. Resins, aldehydes, balsams and spices are basically toned down and the juice is classy, light and chic in a real balance of sensual warm oriental notes (from the original 1977 formula) and the freshness of mediterranean elements. Opium becomes more gentle and luminous while still retanining its landmark oriental and spicy renowned character.

Opium Eau de Parfum 2009 by Yves Saint Laurent is a spicy-resinous-oriental-exotic fragrance for women (or for a daring man) launched in 2009 after the new Eau de toilette-formulation even issued in 2009, in legacy of the vintage, more austere, aldehydic-basamic, intricated, spicy (cloves overdose), organic, mystic and angular original Ysl Opium formula introduced on the market in 1977 and quickly followed by Estée Lauder Cinnabar (1978) for whome Estée Lauder was blamed by Ysl of intellectual theft and plagiarism towards the previously appointed Ysl Opium as well as lot of time before Estée Lauder was told to have been furious when they smelled around Ysl Opium and thought of it as a plain plagiarism on their top representative fragrance the legendary Youth Dew (1953). It's almost impossible to go through a serious olfactory-pyramid/smell-stages evolution's examination when it comes to such alchemical and utterly articulated elixir-melánges as Estée Lauder Youth Dew (1953), Dana Tabù (1932), Clinique Aromatics Elixir (1971), Ysl Opium (1977 or 2009), Estée Lauder Cinnabar (1978), Aramis JHL (1982), Chanel Cocò Eau de Parfum (1984), Bruno Acampora Sballo (1977), Fendi by Fendi (1985) and stuffs like those. Opium Eau de Parfum is a mystic resinous mélange of notes with a marked opoponax presence around which a massive bunch of elements (floral notes in a complex bouquet, spices, hesperides, balsamic elements, berries, resins, woods, herbal patterns, vanilla and further) revolve in "a la Bernard Chant-method" magnetic way (elegant-chic, artistic, old-fashioned, holy, aristocratic naif and decadent). Smokey resinous, leafy floral, balsamic, earthy and super sophisticated though cleaner if compared with the holy grail (the original 1977 Edt) and much more in comparison with the 1953- the obscure holy giant Youth Dew, Opium is a pillar of the perfumery-history. The smell, as well as for Clinique Aromatics Elixir, conjures me slightly burning aromatic candles and is full of atmosphere, spirituality, assertiveness and esotericism. The Opium Parfum's aroma impress sensuality also to a very mature demure woman. Erotic and spiritual at same time, it expresses a subterranean sinful exotic sensuality hidden behind the outlook composure. The ascetic temperament is expressed by the elevated union between earthy, rooty, floral, resinous obscure elements and by incensey/waxy resins. You should have a lot of additional character and charisma to wear this misty-exotic concoction. In conclusion...a timeless palatine masterpiece even in its more recent cleaner and more resinous 2009's formulations.

I am surprised by the lukewarm reviews for this...I think this is lovely.
The original Opium I found too heavy for me and I couldn't wear it, but this has just traces of it and is much lighter with more orange blossom, it seems. Good longevity.
I would wear this all the time, and get compliments when I do. Appropriate for both day and night.
Two thumbs up

It's sensual, but kind of "old woman's scent", so if you are in your 30's or 40's and still looking good it's OK, but it's not for girls. It's not a granny thing either. It's just slightly citric and more floral and spicy. The most prominent smells are of incense and pink pepper. Reminds of opium, but it's not that good at all.

I liked the incense note on top of opium. If you like Opium scent, you would like this. I liked it.

Hmm, that smells like...
Sandalwood joss sticks.
With a bit of vanilla and a hint of florals.
And there's something a bit synthetic and harsh in there too.
Want to smell like a joss stick?
You know what to do...

Update : It smells like a copy of the vastly superior Secrets de Rose by Parfums de Rosine. The difference being, Vapeurs is like putting on an acrylic sweater where spritzing SdR is pure cashmere.

I walked past a woman in John Lewis and asked her which perfume she was wearing. It was this, and initially I thought it was absolutely gorgeous. (My nose probably detected the hint of jasmine - my favourite.) Anyway, after having tried it on my skin, I changed my mind, as it's a bit cloying. Should anyone want a lighter, more pleasant (massively cheaper) version of this perfume, try Next's "Sparkle". It's identical! In fact, "Sparkle" is nicer.