prada

Paradoxe by Prada

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Paradoxe eau de parfum is the first release in this series from Prada. It was released back in 2022. It has since spawned a number of flankers and has enjoyed a good amount of popularity.

I recently found a sample of this that I had initially tried a few years ago, but never got around to doing a full review for. So, let’s change that.

How does Paradoxe EDP smell? How long does it last? Is this Prada worth a try?

Prada Paradoxe Overview

Notes include: neroli, pear, tangerine, bergamot, orange blossom, white musk, jasmine, vanilla, amber, benzoin

Click here to try: Paradoxe by Prada

Full Review

Paradoxe kicks off sweet, fruity, and bright. Neroli dominates as the main note for those first 20-30 minutes of the wear.

But it shifts pretty quickly on my skin, moving more toward orange blossom, as it hits the heart.

The fruit here smells more like a candy flavoring than fresh, natural fruit. There’s some effervescent pear in there, but citrus really drives the opening. The pear smells more natural to me, than the citrus.

Sort of a less intense version of what comes with something like Devotion by D&G. Tangerine being the most prominent fruit note in this initial stage, but it won’t be too much of a factor, as it develops. 

After that bright opening fades, this Prada becomes more floral focused. For me, orange blossom takes the lead over jasmine. Neroli still lingers around, but orange blossom clearly has the upper hand at this point.

The vanilla will come through, the fuzziness of the benzoin, and amber too. However, none of these are super heavy in the mix. More of a support, sort of musky in the finish. Though Paradoxe is mainly a orange blossom and jasmine blend at this point.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Paradoxe isn’t a heavy fragrance. It’s moderate in terms of its sillage, that scent trail isn’t too massive, and I don’t feel like it’s too cloying. Yet, those first few hours of wear do have a pretty far and above average projection.

After that, it’s still noticeable and very solid in comparison to a lot of the other mainstream designer perfumes, along these same lines.

The longevity is also above average. Not elite by any means, but I have been getting between 8.5-10 hours, on my skin. You should get your money’s worth with this one (and the Intense version is even better).

Paradoxe to me, is at its best in the autumn or springtime. It can venture into the summer and the winter too, but it smells better when it’s a moderate day.

This is going to be more of a daily wear scent. It is very versatile, not super formal, but not too sweet as to feel juvenile. It’s one of those fragrances that can hit a wide variety of use cases and not be too out of place.

You might use this as your main scent and then break out something else for evenings or more special occasions. This is more of a pleasant perfume, that smells nice, but isn’t truly going to stand out as being all that ‘unique’.

Overall Impressions of Paradoxe

Overall, do I like Paradoxe? I think that it’s pretty good. There’s nothing that is bad about this perfume from its smell to its performance, but it’s just not a great fragrance. Likeable and a good daily wear, just nothing amazing.

The pear and tangerine are nice and add some more personality to the opening act. Benzoin and the musk further deepen it. However, you’ve probably smelled plenty of other perfumes that are at least sort of like this Prada scent before.

I think that it’s worth a try. Paradoxe EDP is fresh and pretty and an overall enjoyable experience and it seems at this point, you can find it for a decent price. It may not be your absolute favorite, but this one can serve as a workhorse of your perfume collection.

Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum by Prada

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The Ocean series from Prada’s Luna Rossa line has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. In 2024, they released a Le Parfum version of Ocean. I grabbed a sample of it with another order to test this fragrance out and give it a review.

How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Ocean Le Parfum even worth a try?

Ocean Le Parfum Overview

Notes include: lemon, saffron, amber, oak

Buy on Amazon: Le Parfum

My Full Wear Review

Ocean Le Parfum starts off as a saffron bomb. That’s the main note, but it actually does take on a bit of a tobacco-like aroma, with the way it blends with the other notes. It’s rich, spicy, somewhat sweet, and smooth.

Lemon essence is around in the opening, you can definitely detect it, but it’s well blended in the mix and not a completely overwhelming or sharp citrus blast.

The lemon essence reminds me of the same way there’s a citrus not in the opening of Spicebomb, except even more subdued in Le Parfum. Has some overlap with Spicebomb Infrared, too.

The base note is oak wood. The sample card says it’s a ‘leathery oakwood’. Nice and this one gets a bit smokier in the dry down, but in the opening it comes across like a woody leather paired with that saffron note.

That amber extreme note is present throughout and this one will dry down into a woody/amber mix. Those two notes with a remaining saffron and leathery aroma on top of that.

At first, I wasn’t too enthusiastic about the dry down, but after a few wears I enjoyed it more.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one opens up strong, has some heaviness to it, and a very good projection. That first hour isn’t a complete beast, but it will provide a good amount of power.

It does moderate after that. Though, Le Parfum doesn’t completely fall off the map and is plenty noticeable.

Finally, we have some performance in this line. The longevity isn’t amazing for me with Ocean Le Parfum, but it safely lands in the 7-9 hour range, which is a nice change of pace.

I’ve been quite happy thus far, with how this cologne lasts on skin.

Seasonally, I’d put Ocean Le Parfum in the autumn through spring category. As it gets warmer, I’d save it for the nighttime and probably skip summer altogether.

It does give you plenty of time to wear within that frame though.

This isn’t a completely formal wear, so it might not be a daily office sort of scent for a lot of guys. Outside of that? You will be able to wear it and the warm leathery and spicy kick does lend it to nighttime wear too.

Overall Impressions of Ocean Le Parfum

Overall, do I like Ocean Le Parfum? I do. It’s grown on me, the more that I’ve smelled it. I still like Ocean EDT as my favorite smelling fragrance of the line thus far, but Le Parfum is easily the most unique and best performer.

For others, this could easily be their favorite in the Ocean series so far. Depending on your own personal taste.

It doesn’t have any oceanic vibe though. Not that the others were true aquatics, but this one is different. Not that blueish mix. Which may be a good thing, if you didn’t like the other releases.

Darker, woodier, spicier, with the amber tying it all together. I like the amber here, much more than in Ocean EDP. I also prefer Le Parfum to it overall.

So, in exchange for finally solving the mediocre performances of the first two Luna Rossa Ocean releases, they took things in a new direction. I still don’t absolutely love the smell, but it’s nice to wear sometimes.

I do wish the price wasn’t so high for this one. I don’t think it’s worth the retail, at all. Try to get a bottle at a discounter, if at all possible. Looks like it’s more available now.

I’ve seen bottles of Ocean EDT for almost 50 percent cheaper than this retails for. I’d go for that and just overspray to help try to squeeze some performance out of it.

Some people will love this one and I think that most people would like Le Parfum, as it’s not a difficult fragrance to wear. The saffron really sets it apart.

Luna Rossa Ocean EDP vs. Le Parfum

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Luna Rossa Ocean has been a popular line of fragrances for Prada. The initial eau de toilette release has spawned two other flanker scents thus far. One, Ocean EDP. The other, a Le Parfum version.

Stemming from the same lineup, there can obviously be similarities between colognes. What are those similarities? What are the differences? And just which one of these Ocean releases is the better one?

I’ve tested and worn both of them and this page is my full comparison between these men’s fragrances by Prada.

Tale of the Tape Ocean EDP vs. Le Parfum

Ocean EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, incense, vanilla bean accord, amber extreme

Click here to try: Ocean EDP

My Review: Luna Rossa Ocean EDP

Le Parfum

Notes include: lemon, saffron, amber, oak

My review: Ocean le Parfum

Opening

Ocean Le Parfum starts off as a saffron bomb. That’s the main note, but it actually does take on a bit of a tobacco-like aroma, with the way it blends with the other notes. It’s rich, spicy, somewhat sweet, and smooth.

Now, the base note here is oak, which even the sample card calls a ‘leathery oakwood’. For sure, a bit smokier in the dry down, but in the opening it comes across like a woody leather paired with that saffron note.

Lemon essence? Yes, the same way there’s a citrus not in the opening of Spicebomb, except even more subdued. Has some overlap with Infrared, too. That amber extreme note is present throughout and this one will dry down into a woody/amber mix.

Ocean EDP begins somewhat like the original EDT. This time, this citrus is a grapefruit note, but for a few minutes I still get a very similar blue-ish vibe from the eau de parfum.

Still smooth and a bit powdery, though the tonka bean and iris aren’t listed as notes here.

But, that opening is short-lived, after a few minutes it really shifts into a slightly smoky vanilla and amber fragrance.

Which is better? They are actually pretty similar in the opening, after like 10 minutes. Le Parfum comes across as warmer and woodier, while EDP is a cooler amber and vanilla scent.

If I have to pick one, I’ll go with Ocean EDP’s opening. It’s smoother. Actually, I found my travel sprayer in a bag a few weeks ago, and wore this Prada for days in a row. It still doesn’t hit the same as the EDT’s opening act (the best of the trio), but it grew on me.

Edge: Ocean EDP

Projection

I’ve said that Ocean EDP starts out in the upper moderate range in terms of how it projects, ;leaves a scent trail, and how heavy it feels to have on.

But, that will quickly turn into something much lighter and intimate after not much time.

Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum is the bolder, stronger, and denser of the two perfumes. I don’t think it’s a powerhouse. Though, I do think it is a strong fragrance for the first hour or so.

After that, it too will moderate greatly. The performance is without a doubt better than either of the other Ocean scents released, as of this posting.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Ocean EDP always gives me between 4-6 hours of wear. This was a massive disappointment to me, back when I was hoping it’d be an improvement over the EDT. Nope, they’re the same.

Is Le Parfum better? Yes, it outpaces both of them. It seems to be in the 7-9 hour range. Ocean Le Parfum at least gives you something to work with, beyond just being a faded amber note (although that’s a big part of it too).

Still, it’s not a great performer, especially at the price. A good one, though, and an improvement beyond its predecessors.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Neither of these fragrances is a warmer weather scent. Both best in colder to moderate temperatures. But, EDP might have a slight edge in how it works in warmer temperatures.

They are very similar. Neither is a formal fragrance, both can work in the nightlife, both can be more casual wears, and they aren’t really going to offend anyone.

Don’t really see a clear cut winner in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Luna Rossa Ocean fragrances is better? It’s tough to call.

The first part, belongs to EDP. But, the back half of Le Parfum is better. Plus, Le Parfum lasts longer.

So, I’m inclined to to go with Le Parfum. If we’re assuming, that price is not a factor, it’s probably slightly better overall. A mid start, with a very nice finish.

The entire Ocean line sits around the same rating for me. Likeable, just nothing special enough.

The EDT still might be my favorite. I did love the opening act of that one, it’s just not one that has much performance or anything beyond that initial captivation.

Le Parfum is the most different of the lot. Warmer, spicier, dry, with a leathery finish. It’s interesting, as I always got a decent amount of the suede note in the EDT, but this is of a different character.

In a sense, it’s the least ‘ocean-like’ in a series, that doesn’t always feel like it represents the name anyhow. The first two entries are certainly fresher and feel ‘blue’ versus this newer fragrance.

The oak and amber extreme in the dry down is actually a nice combination. Plus, I am a fan of saffron, generally.

If I do include price as a factor, I don’t think Ocean Le Parfum is really worth the price of entry. $175 seems kind of crazy to me for this. At least I’ve seen the other two Ocean scents discounted online, not so far for Le Parfum, though.

Winner: Le Parfum

3 Great Scents Like Prada L’Homme

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L’Homme is a very popular fragrance for Prada. It is a line of colognes, that I have had plenty of experience with and have enjoyed testing out over the years. Though, sometimes you may want something a bit different. A fragrance that smells like it for cheaper or another one with a closely related style.

On this page, I keep track of such options that I’ve come across. Whether it’s the original L’Homme, L’eau, Intense, or other flankers.

Colognes that smell alike or have a similar style to Prada L’Homme

His Royalty L’eau– This is an ‘inspired by’ option from Dua. But, the inspiration is based on L’Homme L’Eau and not the original L’Homme. I actually have a bottle of L’eau, as it and the Intense version were my favorites.

The difference is that L’eau is a lighter scent. It starts off with a bright neroli note standing in contrast to the iris powder and the light spice of the ginger. It’s fresh and feels more like a pure powder when compared with the original, as it does have additional powdery notes in the base.

Pretty simple stuff, some light woods with the iris and powder, and an amber finish. His Royalty is the alternative version of that. So, if you want a version of the designer style without the price, check this one out.

Dior Homme Eau– I’m going to include this one, even if it’s been discontinued for a while. Just on the off chance you come across a bottle.

Eau is very much like the old Dior Homme formula. But, without the cacao and leather notes. Which gives this its lighter presentation of the iris and woody notes, that lends it to favoring Prada L’Homme.

Now, it’s not going to be exactly the same as our target. However, as an alternative this can be a great one to get a hold of. The iris is magnificent, the grapefruit helps to keep it lighter and brighter, and the cedar holds down the base. Not to mention the use of coriander to give Eau an extra kick.

This may be preferable to a lot of people when compared to our Prada target. Again, you’ll just have to track down a bottle. Dior Homme Eau review

Bleu Noir Parfum–  Here’s another one that’s not the same as the Prada release, but does have a very closely related style to our target and to other scents in this space.

For me, Parfum was the better of the Bleu Noir fragrances. As far as its similarities go, I would say that is has more directly in common with Dior Homme Intense with some additional overlap with Profondo Lights.

Iris, muskiness, and the citrus note up top bring in the relevant notes to what we’re looking for. But, we get a darker and woodier aroma than with L’Homme. Cardamom and cypress are powerful here early.

Then, I really got a smoother dry down with this Narciso Rodriguez cologne during testing. Iris with suede and tonka bean, sitting on some light musky woods. That’s when it has the most in common with Prada L’Homme.

This is a good one to try out, when you are wanting something a bit different, but well within the same ballpark.

Paradoxe or Born in Roma? Comparing Perfumes

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The Born in Roma line has been a main focus for Valentino, in both their men’s and women’s fragrance offerings. The original Donna Born in Roma has particularly been a popular release. Prada, on its end, has been rolling out its Paradoxe line of scents.

Since there is some overlap between each of these two, which perfume is the better option? Which smells better? Which lasts longer? On this page, I’ve compared the two, after testing them out.

Tale of the Tape: Donna Born in Roma vs. Paradoxe

Born in Roma

Notes include: jasmine, vanilla, black currant, cashmeran, pink pepper, bergamot, guaiac wood

Click here to try: Born in Roma on Amazon

My Full Review: Donna Born in Roma

born in roma review

Paradoxe

Notes include: neroli, pear, tangerine, bergamot, orange blossom, white musk, jasmine, vanilla, amber, benzoin

Click here to try: Paradoxe by Prada

Opening

Donna Born in Roma kicks things off with a fruity mix and all that entails. Here, it is a bit tart, but also blended with sweet and some juiciness from citrus.

Blackcurrant is in the mix, giving it that somewhat tart and sharp aroma. But, in Born in Roma, the note does seem tempered by the use of pink pepper and a jasmine note.

Early, it will be about the blackcurrant with some bergamot. Then, the jasmine really picks up a head of steam to emerge as a major player in the perfume composition.

Paradoxe starts off sweet, but has an early pretty heavy influence from its neroli note. The pear and tangerine are the fruity notes, but I think they have more of a candy-like feel versus what I got with Born in Roma.

The neroli isn’t in the top spot for long and it shifts more to the orange blossom. Yes, it is a trio with those two floral notes and the jasmine. But, the orange blossom even seems to have more impact on my skin than any of the others.

Which of these do I prefer? Honestly, I think the Valentino starts off a bit better than Paradoxe. I like the fruity notes more, the pink pepper spice is interesting, and I think those notes work better with its jasmine focus.

Edge: Born in Roma

Projection

Roma is on the lighter end of what could be considered moderate for a perfume. The initial spray does pack some power. So, that first 30-45 minutes is fairly strong and will have some good reach.

Thereafter, it’s more than a skin scent, but it’ll be more of an intimate scent bubble. Noticeable, but not screaming for attention.

I’d say that Paradoxe inhabits the upper end of that moderate range. It feels bolder than Born in Roma in the opening and sustains that for a tad longer. Still, most of its life will be above average but not a huge projector.

Edge: Paradoxe

Longevity

I find the longevity of Paradoxe to be quite good. When I tested the Prada out, I got in the 8-10 hour range, wearing it on skin.

While it is not elite with how long it lasts, Paradoxe is a mainstream designer perfume that actually puts forth a very good performance.

With Born in Roma, it’s closer to 7-8 hours of total wear. Not terrible, by any means, and probably enough for close to a full work day. However, it definitely didn’t hit the same level as Paradoxe when compared head to head.

Prada takes this category.

Edge: Paradoxe

Versatility

Paradoxe is more of an autumn and winter perfume, that can venture into springtime somewhat. Though, it strikes me as being at its best, when it is somewhat chilly outside.

With the Valentino perfume, I think that it works pretty much year round. The extreme days of summer, I’d go with something else, and also the coldest winter days. However, it has some more use than does Paradoxe.

Both are daytime and office safe. Very versatile as daily wears. I think that I’d prefer coming across Born in Roma more in a nightlife environment versus Paradoxe. It’s a bit more lively (flirty?).

So, this category is going to go to Roma.

Edge: Born in Roma

Overall Scent

So, which one of these fragrances do I prefer? It is an especially tight race here between Paradoxe and Donna Born in Roma.

Paradoxe has the performance edge. It has some more vanilla highlights than what I get with the Valentino. However, it will mostly be a somewhat soapy and clean fragrance, with a good balance between orange blossom and jasmine notes.

It’s all fine. I like the scent, it’s not offensive, and gives you plenty of opportunity to wear it.

That being said, I like Born in Roma more. The opening act smells better to me. Beyond that, even if it’s a fairly simple perfume, I like the sustained sweetness and light spiciness here. Not as much vanilla, but I think the woody notes give it greater depth even without too much development.

Not a huge margin, but I think Roma wins this.

Winner: Donna Born in Roma