Opium by Yves Saint Laurent 3.4oz EDT Spray for Women

This is going to sound really silly, but this is the best way for me to describe "My Life Wearing Opium "

Since I began, when I was 15, I had never really been called cute, rarely called pretty, sometimes called beautiful (but I don't think my parents count), but often called sexy (and I still am!). It doesn't matter if I'm wearing a grungy old sweatshirt, no make-up, no shower, but wearing my opium to disguise my disgusting body odor, I will be told that I'm sexy. I challenge anyone to try it.

History:
Opium is a defined as a refined, subtle, oriental fragrance that originated back in 1977 by Yves Saint Laurent. The seductive scent contains blends of coriander, clove, lily of the valley, and rose for the floral scent.

What Is Perfume Made From?

-Perfume- This is perfume- it is the purest form and it is the costliest. You will see them in little bottles that cost over a $100+. They're made from 78% denatured ethyl alcohol and the remainder will be the essential oils(22%).
(cost examples: .25oz $106.00, 1oz $255-$275)

-Eau de Parfume- This is the same scent as the perfume, but the mix of essential oils is less, around 15-20%, which is why the smell does not last as long, and it does not cost as much.(cost examples: 1oz $55-$65)

-Eau de Toilet- Now again starting with the original recipe but with different calculations for the essential oils. This would have between 8-15% oils, a weaker scent and a lower cost.(cost example: 3.3oz $68 - $91.00)


**This has a big price point difference. Dept stores will always be more expensive and from what I have been told in the past, there is no difference in perfumes sold on-line or in stores. The only information that I was given was that maybe the perfumes on-line are older, and that you should buy from a reputable dealer/store.(Please keep in mind that this tidbit was told to me personally by a random salesperson and not by any professional in the business, so take it for what it's worth.)

***++***If I may say that I just learned something. I've been buying the Eau de Toilet for years now because it made the most sense. Bigger and cheaper for the same product. I never did realize why someone would buy the 1oz size and pay more. Now either I sound really stupid about now, because maybe everybody knew that the smaller was "better ", and I think I did too, but it's the evil marketing people - they brainwash me into thinking bigger is better and hence biggie fries with the biggie soda--- I'm going to buy the Eau de Parfum from now on.

-Eau de Cologne- 4% essential oil

-Eau Fraiche- 1-3% essential oils for those who like super subtlety.

When to Buy:

The best time to buy depends on what you're buying.
If you know what you like and you don't want any of the lotions, soaps, masks, gloves and everything else they throw into the bag during the holiday gift season, then just buy the perfume that you like.

But if you want to try a new perfume, and the little magazine paper wasn't good enough for you to see if you liked it, this is when Christmas gift sets are a great deal! Pick a perfume that you would like to try, buy it in a set that contains the eau de perfume, which is the stronger, scent, and you'll get the extra powder or skin care thrown in as a bonus. From what I hear, if you can wait even a little longer, til January, the prices for the same offers will go down even a little more.

How To Wear Perfume:

If you're like me, all over! You should apply to pulse points: folds in the elbow, back of knee, wrist, neck and uhm- cleavage if you're lucky enough to have one. Do not rub your wrists together (I always did) because it crushes the smell. Spray into the air and walk into it so that is gets over your body.

Layering:
I have never done this, but when I researched into why scents don't last, these were some of the tips that were given to me:
1. Use the body soap, or shower gel
2. then rub the lotion or
3. spray a matching after bath spray or powder
4. AND then apply the perfume!

All I can tell you is I don't smell like the perfume after doing all that, somethings really wrong. Personally I feel like that's a lot of work and a lot of money, why don't I just buy the real Perfume instead and cut out those other 4 steps including the shower!