Opium Collector's Edition 2013
Dressed in a metallic golden bottle, this limited release brings the unmistakable magic of classic oriental spice into a contemporary wardrobe. Fans of cozy fall sweaters, crackling hearths, and bold evening scents will appreciate how smoothly the jasmine sambac, fiery cloves, and opoponax mingle. It projects confidence and nostalgia without ever coming across as dated or dusty. If you enjoy rich resinous perfumes that turn heads at holiday parties and hold up against freezing winter winds, this edition is an easy favorite. A single light spray provides all-day comfort and luxurious warmth.
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Performance Metrics
263 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity is exceptional, lasting 10 to 14 hours on bare skin and persisting on fabrics for over 48 hours. Sillage projects strongly at 4 to 6 feet during the first three hours before settling into an inviting 2 foot scent bubble.
Notes Pyramid
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A rich oriental spice blend defined by juicy mandarin orange, fiery whole cloves, sweet resinous myrrh, and a smooth base of golden amber, patchouli, and warm vanilla.
Main Accords
9 MAPPEDThe amber and warm spicy accords dominate early on, pairing sharp clove heat with the sweet balsamic warmth of myrrh and opoponax. As the fragrance settles, earthy patchouli and vanilla smooth out the sharp edges, creating a cozy, creamy woodiness that remains steady throughout the dry-down.
Community Data
482 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and spring.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Incredible 10 to 14 hour longevity on skin and coats
Rich blend of aromatic cloves and sweet resinous myrrh
Comforting dry-down of golden amber and smooth vanilla
Stunning collectible metallic gold bottle presentation
Fantastic scent projection that cuts through freezing cold winter air
Smoother and more wearable than harsh vintage formulations
Great unisex appeal for anyone who loves spicy amber fragrances
Perfect fit for formal evening events and holiday celebrations
High potency means a 50ml bottle lasts for many seasons
Generates warm, cozy compliments in cool weather settings
Rich balsamic base that never turns synthetic or thin
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Too heavy and spicy for hot summer weather
Citrus top notes fade away within fifteen minutes
Can overwhelm small office spaces if over-sprayed
Limited edition status makes backup bottles harder to find
Not suitable for shoppers who prefer fresh, aquatic, or clean floral scents
High clove presence may remind some people of holiday spices
Potent sillage requires strict spray control
Gold bottle coating shows fingerprints and surface smudges easily
Lacks the dirty animalic bite of the original 1977 vintage formula
Only available in a 50ml bottle size
Strong resinous profile can feel formal rather than everyday casual
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Yves Saint Laurent Opium Collector's Edition 2013 In-Depth Scent Review”
From the very first press of the atomizer, Opium Collector's Edition 2013 announces its presence with a bright, sparkling flash of sun-drenched mandarin orange and crisp bergamot peel. A delicate whisper of green lily of the valley keeps the initial burst clean and lifted, preventing the citrus oil from feeling too heavy or sticky. This opening is remarkably vibrant and zesty, offering an energetic, fresh introduction that immediately grabs your attention before the deeper spices begin to unfold.
Within fifteen minutes of application, the zesty citrus top softens to reveal a remarkably rich core of aromatic cloves and sweet balsamic myrrh. Lush jasmine sambac weaves gently through the spice, lending a soft, velvety floral texture that prevents the cloves from becoming overly dry or medicinal. The heart feels deeply radiant and comforting, calling to mind the welcoming aroma of freshly baked cinnamon pastries and warm holiday mulled cider on a snowy evening.
As the fragrance continues to warm against your skin, the balsamic and amber accords take complete center stage. Sweet opoponax and golden amber blend seamlessly with a subtle foundation of earthy patchouli and smooth, rounded vanilla. On the skin, this transition develops into a creamy, resinous glow that feels grounded, luxurious, and deeply satisfying, maintaining its rich warmth without ever turning cloying or overly powdery.
Performance is where this limited release truly shines. A single application easily delivers ten to fourteen hours of longevity on skin, and it will happily cling to wool overcoats, cardigans, and scarves for multiple days. The projection easily fills a four to six foot radius during the first three hours, making it an exceptional choice for crisp autumn evenings, festive holiday dinner parties, and formal winter events.
This scent is tailor-made for anyone who loves rich, spicy orientals and vintage style, but prefers the smoother edges of modern blending. While originally marketed for women, the heavy dose of myrrh, dry clove, and earthy patchouli gives it an effortless unisex appeal that smells fantastic on anyone who enjoys warm amber and spice profiles like Tom Ford Amber Absolute or Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan.
Opium Collector's Edition 2013 is a stellar example of how to modernize a legendary scent profile without stripping away its soul. Housed in an eye-catching gold flacon, it provides tremendous warmth, beast-like longevity, and an inviting scent trail for chilly weather. For dedicated collectors and cold-weather fragrance enthusiasts, it represents an outstanding addition to any cool-season fragrance rotation.
FAQs
What does the opening of Opium Collector's Edition 2013 smell like?+
It opens with a zesty splash of mandarin orange and crisp bergamot, backed by a light touch of lily of the valley. This citrus blast is energetic and sparkling, cutting through the initial spray before quickly transitioning into deeper spices within fifteen minutes.
How does the fragrance develop from the heart to the dry-down?+
As the citrus fades, a heart of fiery cloves, sweet myrrh, and jasmine sambac emerges. Over several hours, the scent settles into a warm, creamy foundation of amber, opoponax, earthy patchouli, and vanilla that radiates soft, balsamic warmth for the rest of the day.
How long does Opium Collector's Edition 2013 last on skin and clothes?+
You can expect between 10 and 14 hours of continuous longevity on skin. On fabrics such as wool coats, sweaters, and scarves, the rich amber and patchouli base will easily linger for several days until the item is washed.
How far does the sillage project when wearing this perfume?+
During the first three hours, it pushes out a bold four to six foot scent cloud. As it dries down, the projection pulls closer, creating an inviting two foot personal bubble that leaves an unmistakable, cozy trail whenever you move.
What is the best season and weather to wear this fragrance?+
This fragrance performs at its peak in cold winter weather and crisp autumn temperatures. The heavy amber, myrrh, and clove accords need cooler air to shine, as hot or humid summer temperatures will make the rich balsamic base feel overwhelming.
Which occasions and settings are best suited for this scent?+
It is ideal for formal evening events, holiday parties, winter dinner dates, and cozy nights out. Because of its intense projection, it is best reserved for social settings or applied very lightly with a single spray if worn to an office.
Is Opium Collector's Edition 2013 unisex or strictly feminine?+
Although historically classified as a women's fragrance, its heavy foundation of dry cloves, resinous myrrh, patchouli, and opoponax gives it a very natural unisex character. Any man who enjoys rich amber scents will feel completely comfortable wearing it.
How does this compare to modern YSL Black Opium?+
This 2013 Collector's Edition follows the traditional spicy oriental DNA of original Opium, highlighting cloves, myrrh, and amber. In contrast, Black Opium is a modern sweet gourmand centered around sugary vanilla, white flowers, and dark coffee beans.
What concentration is this fragrance and does it offer good value?+
This release is an Eau de Parfum presented in a 50ml limited edition gold flacon. Given its immense potency and 12-plus hour staying power, two sprays are all you need per wear, making a single bottle last through years of winter use.
Which fragrance notes or scent families blend well with this perfume?+
It layers wonderfully with simple single-note vanilla oils to amplify its sweetness, or with woody cedar fragrances to heighten its dry spice. Avoid layering it with heavy aquatic or green florals, which can clash with the dense balsamic base.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREIf this limited edition is hard to track down, the standard 2009 Opium Eau de Parfum provides the exact same juice in a brown flacon. For a modern sweet gourmand spin, try YSL Black Opium, while Estée Lauder Youth-Dew offers a much darker, mossy vintage spice experience.
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