New York Post Composite See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on Google Trends come and go, but certain beauty products stand the test of time. Opium by Yves Saint Laurent is one of them.
In 1977, the designer launched the fragrance to accompany its Autumn-Winter 1977 collection inspired by China. The formula: a dazzling blend of patchouli, myrrh and vanilla.
Saint Laurent himself was hands on throughout the entire process of creating the perfume. He helped assemble the perfect group of scents, create the shape of the bottle, write the press kit and coordinate the advertising campaign with Jerry Hall, photographed by Helmut Newton.
Even though the name Orient (inspired by a drug from the Orient) was controversial, the product saw no shortage of success, raking in $30,000,000 in sales over the course of just one year. Today, the brand is still one of the top-ten grossing perfumes in France.
The original product is sold across major retailers in a lighter spray form. The smell of myrrh paired with mandarin, bergamot and jasmine triggers more than nostalgia — it’s the of déjà vu desire.
Although reminiscent of the 1970s bottle design, the square-shaped atomizer now features a mysterious, sunset-like gradient and gold, dome-shaped lid. At the center of the bottle is a translucent gold circle that exposes a black rope connected to the spray top.
Back in 2014, YSL launched another take on the classic fragrance: Black Opium. The formula — bottled up in black glitter — highlights key notes of black coffee, white floral jasmine and vanilla.
This past August, one influencer shared a promotion for Black Opium that received over 4 million views. The brand also notably tapped “13 Reasons Why” star Alisha Boe for their most recent campaign.
Both perfumes are timeless, elegant and aromatic — that’s something to “double tap” on.
This brand-new take on Opium, released just last month, features a fruity burst of strawberries.
Fawn over florals: this formula combines lavender essence from France and Moroccan orange blossom.
Pretty in pink! This bottle features a feminine flair — plus notes of red berry, white datura flower and white musk inside.
This article was written by Carrie Berk, Commerce Reporter for the New York Post. Carrie specializes in New York City-ready fashion finds for every style, age and budget. Combing the internet’s sale sections, brand collaborations, seasonal trends, timeless staples and lookalike styles, she makes recommendations that stand the test of time in your wardrobe – without breaking the bank. Before joining The Post full time in 2026, her work appeared in OK!, HuffPost, Women’s Health, Newsweek and more.
Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
