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.
Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.
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.
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.
Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.
Candy Gloss is a 2018 flanker of the original and quite popular Prada Candy. This perfume probably never got the same level of attention as some of the others in the series, but was that actually justified? Or is Gloss actually a hidden gem of a fragrance? I bought a sample and tested it out, to see how this Prada perfume smells and performs.
Here’s how Prada describes it: Juicy, sparkling and intensely joyful: Candy Gloss is a sensual sorbet, sweet as acid cherry and solar as the orange blossom. A fruity bouquet with hints of rose and musk.
The opening is indeed sparkling, with a mix of cherry and tart fruity notes. The cherry is the star and it provides a sour type of cherry aroma in the early stage. Then, it will become more of your standard cherry smell.
In support, is the cassis and a touch of peach. Greenish, sort of tart and sour between them. I have to say, however, the combination works very well. I really enjoy the opening act.
It’ll become sweeter, powdery, creamy, and some almond bitterness. Yes, it has elements of Lost Cherry by Tom Ford. A less boozy and more playful perfume than that one.
The cherry will stick around for the duration, but it will share power. Gloss gets its floral influence, with some rose and orange blossom. Neither of which is massive, but they are present.
The heliotrope and the vanilla come through and further dampen that initial fruitiness. The middle act, is like a sweet cherry floral, with less of the cassis. This is when it has the most powdery aroma. Though, it’s never a total powder bomb.
A musky, amber, floral with cherry is how Candy Gloss ends up. Actually quite pleasant somewhat fuzzy and creamy on the edges. Sweet, and at times, I still catch a slight rose note in the mix.
Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility
The opening act is fairly bold and does have a good reach, at least for me. That projection level isn’t sustained for too long and it will become pretty middle of the road, and finally, intimate for the rest of the way.
It’s sweet, has some heaviness, and can feel a bit cloying at times too.
The longevity here, isn’t great. Not the worst, that I’ve come across, but Candy Gloss is definitely pretty mediocre. Somewhere in the 4-6 hour range, on the skin. It’s lucky to reach six hours and that back half is basically a skin scent.
Seasonally, this does have a good range of wear opportunities. It’s got enough substance to do well in the autumn and winter months. Yet, Gloss isn’t so heavy as to excluded from warmer weather wear.
Maybe not for the height of the summer, but I could for sure see this fragrance getting used in the springtime.
It’s not a formal fragrance, but not completely juvenile either. It’s attractive and has some style to it. Though, I’d say it’s mainly going to be a perfume for casual use, potentially a daily wear for those who really like cherry.
Overall Impressions of Candy Gloss
Overall, do I like this perfume? Yes, I do. It’s not incredible, but I think it’s an enjoyable cherry fragrances, and a tad better than the original Prada Candy.
The opening act is my favorite part. It’s when the perfume really seems to live up to the Candy name and gives you the boldest presentation of the cherry note. The back half, actually is a bit more of a make up sort of aroma, I guess lip gloss or even sort of a lipstick vibe.
It’s still nice and I like the scent on the whole.
The performance here, isn’t too great. I do wish that this perfume was beefed up beyond what is presented.
From the current prices that I’ve seen online (under $50 as of update), it does feel like one that’s a good enough deal to pick up. Mainly, if it actually sounds like something you’d love. I don’t think this is ever going to have a universal appeal.
From what I can tell, Candy Gloss did get discontinued by Prada. So, if you’re in the market for a bottle, this is probably your best chance to get one at a reasonable price.
Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.
Prada is an Italian design house which has been around for decades and has made a huge impact within the world of fashion. It features a really great menswear line but also has some signature scents for guys up its sleeves as well. For this post, I want to explore eight scents from Prada which I consider to be their best that they have released thus far.
Key Takeaways
Here is a quick list for those in a hurry. I go into much more detail on each of these and the others below.
Prada Luna Rossa SPORT Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– Luna Rossa Sport is a simple fragrance and is a flanker of the original Luna Rossa, that is listed towards the bottom of the page. While it is a simple and fairly linear wear, Sport, is super fresh and smells really great.
It opens up with a blend of vanilla and tonka bean, which creates a sort of powdery aromatic aroma, with sweetness provided in part by a nice juniper berry note.
Beyond that, ginger adds a lightly fresh spice, and there is the lavender note that is ubiquitous in the Luna Rossa series. Refreshing and crisp.
This one stays pretty tonka and vanilla heavy, with lavender and that juniper note flanking it. Sometimes, this is my absolute favorite Prada scent to wear, but then I get tired of it. It’s great, but not something I want to wear all of the time. I reviewed it here.
It has the powdery iris note of the original, amber, and a healthy dose of leather, in the opening.
Later on, there is a subtle base of patchouli and sandalwood, which add to the overall enjoyment and aren’t a distraction. The dry down is mainly iris and tonka bean, with the leather and amber, playing support roles.
It’s super rich and fits beautifully in the colder weather of autumn and winter. I think that Intense is the best of the L’Homme line from this brand. L’Homme Intense Review
Top Prada Olfactories Les Mirages
Soleil au Zenith– I also liked Dark Light from this series (that’s more vanilla and amber). However, Soleil au Zenith is also an amazing perfume from this more expensive Prada line (these are going to run around $300).
Zenith does open up much closer to a traditional ladies’ fragrance, versus being purely unisex. Ylang-ylang and peach are the top notes, but will ultimately give way to is deep and rich base of ingredients.
The peach gets wrapped up with vanilla and sandalwood. You have spices including cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg becoming more prominent as it wears on. It becomes a softer warmer spice with powdery flourishes. To me, the ylang-ylang all but disappears.
Floral Unisex Perfume
Prada Amber Pour Homme by Prada for Men – 3.4 oz EDT Spray -This one is clean and soapy with bits of leather and lavender. A good fresh scent with solid performance. Honestly, it’s my least favorite on the list, personally.
I know a lot of people have said that this is among the absolute best, so, I include it for the sake of giving it a fair shake.
It does smell good, but it gets way too floral and soapy. for my taste. Has more of a unisex vibe, but it is a well put together, and classy scent overall. Amber Pour Homme is a mature or professional fragrance. You’re going to have to dig amber-laden floral scents.
Plus, the citrus is only the main attraction at first. Then, there is an emergence of mint and lavender. What a great little scent. It is a bright citrus aroma with a cool demeanor thanks to the spearmint and calming lavender note.
The dry down does have a slight powdery/soapy feel, but it isn’t that much, and way less than what is in some of the others. This is super fresh and my main alternative to wearing Luna Rossa Sport, from the Prada line. The spearmint is utterly perfect. Luna Rossa Full Review
Another High End Option
Cargo de Nuit– A lot of the Olfactories line of scents, get way too girly and not truly something that would be unisex. Cargo goes a bit more masculine with how it comes across, it smells great, and performs like a beast.
Again, this is one you can expect to spend $300 for. You’ll also have to source it from Prada, most likely. Saks has it sometimes or eBay.
Ambrette and tonka bean are the main attraction here, after an opening of aldehydes and musk. A very nice mix of sweet and spicy with a smooth muskiness to it. Prada says that, “Inspired by the mystery of a night voyage in the ocean”…Sure, why not? Not really what it makes me think of.
It dries down woodier, with a creaminess, and a cozy warmth. Cargo de Nuit isn’t going to be one that everyone will want, but is a great option for a more niche collector.
It opens up with the wood, neroli, and iris notes. So, yes, this falls in the masculine floral category of colognes.
L’Homme L’eau is a very clean sort of scent, with a heightened baby powder kind of smell, when compared with the original. It starts off with strong sillage, but mellows out over time, and hangs in the air.
This is the kind of scent that you can wear formally or to the office, since it is inoffensive, and you get decent performance. L’Homme Eau Review
This one opens up with citron, bergamot, and ginger. It is very fresh and captivating. Yes, it has that usual lavender from the Luna Rossa line, but this one reminds me of the old Dior Homme Sport just swapping the iris for lavender.
Eau Sport quickly became one of my favorite Prada scents and a very enjoyable one for the summer. Not too complex, with some light amber and cedar in the base. However, it smells great and give a nice performance. Luna Ross Eau Sport Review
Honorable Mentions
Luna Rossa Black– Black was probably the most unknown fragrance from the Luna Rossa line. Though, that’s changed recently. Actually, it’s got lots of overlap with Cargo de Nuit…just not the same level of scent.
It’s different, really good, and has fantastic performance. Pretty simple presentation, as well.
My main problem with this fragrance, is with how it opens. Patchouli, bergamot, angelica…it doesn’t come together all that wonderfully. However, Luna Rossa Black surprised me during the dry down. Amber and tonka bean combine to make it sweet, smooth, and warm.
Is it incredible? No, but I love the use of that familiar Prada amber note, and tonka bean is among my favorite note. If you can get a good price, it’s a darker sweet scent for the winter.
Luna Rossa Carbon– I like wearing Carbon occasionally. It often gets compared to Dior Sauvage EDT, but, I think that this Prada version is better.
It opens up with a strong bergamot, ambroxan, pepper, and lavender. The lavender will really come into its own later, and take over the scent. It has good longevity and sillage.
Not my favorite scent, but I thought that I’d list it here, as another option. It’s certainly popular and has its fans.
Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.
So, here we are, back with another round of perfume comparisons. Today, we have two sweet and popular designers scents for women: Black Opium EDP by Yves Saint Laurent vs. Prada Candy. Now, both of these are the eau de parfum versions of each respective scents. Which of these two gourmand perfumes smells the best? Which gives a better performance? Please continue below for my full take of them head to head.
Tale of the Tape: Black Opium vs. Candy
Black Opium
Notes include: coffee, vanilla, patchouli, pink pepper, orange blossom, cedar
The opening of Black Opium is probably when it’s at its worst. It’s messy and has a lot going on. Orange blossom, vanilla, and cedar among other notes are heavily present and intense. The YSL scent just takes about ten minutes to work itself out before the perfume really gets going.
After that, we get a still super sweet fragrance, but the vanilla and emergent coffee pair up to straighten out the composition.
Meanwhile, Prada Candy, is also sweet just darker. It doesn’t have the intensity and swaps in caramel to be paired with benzoin and some musk.
I love the benzoin note here and it strikes me as being sort of like a more feminine version of Body Kouros, which is actually a Yves Saint Laurent cologne.
Between the two? I prefer the start to Prada Candy. Black Opium gets better, just the opening struggles for a bit. It’s kind of messy and I think some of the later flankers to Black Opium got it better, in this regard.
Edge: Candy
Projection
Black Opium is very strong perfume. A couple sprays should do it for just about any occasion and any more than that just won’t be necessary. Prada Candy is much more of a light to moderate scent and cannot compete with the sillage of Black Opium.
It’s probably a good thing for Candy, as if it were strong, it’d start to get annoying. Nonetheless, the stronger of the two is the YSL fragrance.
Edge: Black Opium
Longevity
I get about 6-7 hours from Prada Candy, on my skin. That’s solid and could be useful in a variety of scenarios. Still, it’s nothing that’s amazing or of great value versus the Prada price point.
However, Black Opium is an all day wear. I got double digit hours out of that perfume with no trouble at all. Performance wise, the YSL is dominant. Some later Black Opium flankers didn’t seem to ever reach this same level.
As far as I’ve experienced with the original, it hasn’t gotten noticeably weaker over the years.
Prada is serviceable, but Black Opium gets you plenty of bang for your buck.
Edge: Black Opium
Versatility
Both of these perfumes are cold weather wears. Both can be worn casually or at work. Plus, have enough sexiness to be worn out at night. Perhaps, Prada Candy is a bit safer for work because it isn’t as loud, but that’s really the only edge I see.
Either is a nice and sweet selection that can be a easy reach when the temperatures start to drop.
Edge: Push
Overall Scent
So, the both of these perfumes are of the sweet, gourmand, and cold weather variety. Prada Candy is fairly linear and moderate in its presentation and performance.
You get the sweet and salty caramel and then later, more of benzoin and musk. There is also a dash of powder in there for good measure.
Black Opium EDP is a bold fragrance that isn’t dark like the name would suggest. It’s really sweet with vanilla and coffee.
Add to that, a warm pink pepper note, and the ever present orange blossom note. It has more of a rich and cozy feeling than does Candy, while also being more complex and ultimately more interesting.
Which is better? I’d go with Black Opium. For most ladies, it will be the better bet. Now, if you want something subtler, Candy might be the way to go.
However, Black Opium gives a better performance and outside of the opening 10 minutes of confusion, it smells nicer than does Prada Candy.
Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.
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– Luna Rossa Sport is a simple fragrance and is a flanker of the original Luna Rossa, that is listed towards the bottom of the page. While it is a simple and fairly linear wear, Sport, is super fresh and smells really great.
– I’m going to go with Prada L’Homme Intense before the original. Mainly, I like the darker aroma of this one, and the fact that I can get 9 hours of wear on my skin.
-This one is clean and soapy with bits of leather and lavender. A good fresh scent with solid performance. Honestly, it’s my least favorite on the list, personally.
– I don’t usually care for bitter orange notes like in 
– L’Homme L’eau is another flanker to Prada L’Homme. It doesn’t have as much of the iris note, as the original does, but does have a stronger wood base.
