Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent opened as a French couture house in 1961 and added perfume to its work in 1964. The scents have a taste for contrast. Sweet coffee and vanilla sit on one side of the range, cool lavender, bergamot and geranium on the other, with cedar and vetiver keeping both grounded. Black Opium is where most people begin: a dark, sugary coffee accord smoothed with vanilla. Libre sets white flowers against lavender and citrus, crisp and a little severe. Y Eau de Parfum is the fresh, aromatic pick over woods, and Opium Pour Homme is warmer, softly spiced and powdery with a dry, herbal twist.

31 perfumes from Yves Saint Laurent, decanted in sizes from 3ml so you can try before you buy a bottle.