The original Prada Paradoxe came out in 2022 and instantly became a bestseller. With Emma Watson as the face of the campaign and the ad playing in every corner, the success of this fragrance was inevitable. The fact that it came in a pretty pink bottle with a unique shape and that the perfume itself followed a standard formula loved by many also contributed to its success.
The Prada Paradoxe Intense came out a year later. This fragrance had the same DNA as the original and belonged to the same fragrance family (oriental floral). The difference was subtle, but it gave fragrance with an entirely different purpose.
Learn the difference between these two fragrances to decide whether or not you’d be adding any of them to your fragrance collection.
Methodology
I tried these perfumes individually on different days, starting with the original and then the intense version. I observed how they performed, how long they lasted, and how well they projected. I also took notes on how the fragrances changed throughout the day and as they dried down.
Prada Paradoxe Eau De Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Prada |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Oriental Floral |
| Notes | Top Notes: Pear, Tangerine, and Bergamot Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Neroli Essence, Neroli, and Jasmine Sambac Base Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Amber, White Musk, and Benzoin |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Nadège Le Garlantezec, Antoine Maisondieu and Shyamala Maisondieu |
The original Paradoxe perfume by Prada is described as an oriental (amber) floral. While I can smell the floral part with orange blossom and jasmine notes being permanent, the amber part isn’t very prominent.
Remember that perfumes smell differently on different individuals and react differently to different skin chemistry and body temperatures. On me, Paradoxe smelt more citrusy and fresh. It is a very feminine fragrance suitable for daytime wear, and while it could be a versatile fragrance, I see it leaning more toward a spring/summer seasonal perfume.
The base notes aren’t powerful. The top and middle notes seemed to be more prominent, giving a fresh floral fragrance with a very subtle sweetness.
Prada Paradoxe Intense EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Prada |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Oriental Floral |
| Notes | Top Notes: Pear, Neroli, and Bergamot Middle Notes: Moss, Jasmine, and Neroli Essence Base Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Vanilla, Amber, Ambrofix, and Serenolide |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Nadège Le Garlantezec, Antoine Maisondieu and Shyamala Maisondieu |
Prada Paradoxe Intense is, as the name suggests, a more intense version of the fragrance. They are both Eau de parfums, meaning they have the same perfume concentrations, so don’t expect the intense version to last longer.
There is a slight difference in the notes in each perfume layer, though. The neroli, which replaces the tangerine in the top notes and is present in the middle notes, is a more prominent and warmer note choice. The moss added to the middle notes is warm and adds depth and richness to the fragrance.
The Paradoxe Intense is a more sophisticated and elegant choice, which is more suitable for nighttime and winter. Unlike the feminine and fresh original, this version is androgynous, boozy, and warm. This shift is even reflected in the change of Emma’s style in the campaign ads from the original to the intense versions, where she sports a more androgynous look in the latter.
Result
The two fragrances are high-quality luxury fragrances by a high-end brand. They are both long-lasting and project beautifully. While they carry similar DNA, each one is more suitable for different purposes. The original Paradoxe is a daytime, summer/spring fragrance, and the Paradoxe Intense is a warm, nighttime, winter fragrance.
Final Verdict
Both these Prada perfumes were a hit; after all, there’s a reason they’re best-sellers. But are they unique or special in any way? Not really. There are plenty of other fragrances with similar profiles in the market. Chances are you already own a fragrance that is similar to one or the other.
That being said, if you don’t own anything similar and are looking for a signature fragrance, I highly suggest the original Prada Paradoxe. As for the Paradoxe Intense, I recommend this fragrance for those looking for a good nighttime perfume that is sophisticated, rich, and reliable in terms of longevity and projection.
Paradoxe by Prada is available at V Perfumes, along with a selection of top-selling fragrances from your beloved brands. Be sure to explore our website for incredible deals on the finest perfumes!
