Opium Eau D'ete Summer Fragrance 2003 Yves Saint Laurent

Desirability: Sample

Source: Fragrantica

Opium on a diet for super hot and humid days when you don't want to asphyxiate those around you with the original. Most days I don't give a stuff whether people around me mind what I'm wearing but there are occasions where one must be toe the line or suffer horrid non TGIF consequences hence why I'm wearing this today. 

Sweet woody myrrh, refined and oriental-esque, lightened by the presence of sunny yellow-green citrus notes and luminous white flowers. Carnation makes known its presence with its distinct spicy-sweet floral powdered self and a minute amount of rich vanilla in the warm woody base. 

The DNA of Opium is still alive in this 2003 summer edition, a glamorous, well balanced ode to the art of perfumery with excellent longevity and OK projection. Those who found the original too much of a good thing may want to try this version, there are still bottles tinkering around on Ebay so grab while you can. Personally I prefer the original. 

Parisienne Yves Saint Laurent

Source: vogue.fr

Parisienne was there at the beginning of my perfume fetish, together with my first Serge Lutens...Ambre Sultan, Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle, Thierry Mugler's Angel, Dior's Forever and Ever and the whichever was the current summer edition from Escada ( my favourites were Ibiza Hippie and Rockin' Rio). 

Feminine and versatile, it's perfect for daily use. Not too sweet with the teeniest bit of something tangy, it's a delightful cocktail of juicy berries and delicate flowers mainly roses and violets. Lively and flirty this feels and smells as if I'm diving into my make-up bag between the powders and lipsticks, it has that make-up effect also seen in Guerlain Insolence and Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, minus the powder.

Its longevity and projection puts some pricier perfumes to shame. All in all a great subtle fruity floral for any occasion.