The Perfume Library

Paradoxe (Eau de Parfum)

8.2

Pierre Cardin · 1983

Citrus · Floral · Green

Eau de Parfum

Pierre Cardin Paradoxe Eau de Parfum is a citrus-opening, floral and green chypre, with white flowers in the heart over a leathery, resinous and smoky base. It has been discontinued. Lemon, bergamot and mandarin orange give a bright, fresh start. In the heart, ylang-ylang, jasmine, tuberose, hyacinth and iris form a full floral body. The base leans on leather, frankincense, moss and amber, with pepper adding spice and musk softening the edges. Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick fall and spring, and it suits evenings, leisure time and nights out. It was launched as a women's perfume and voters mostly call it feminine, though a fair share of them read it as masculine.

Kashan

7.3

Lattafa Pride · 2024

Citrus · Fruity · Sweet

Lattafa Pride Kashan is a unisex fragrance that opens bright with orange, pepper and clary sage, then settles into a woody base of sandalwood and vetiver, with citrus and spice running through it. Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick autumn, followed by winter and spring, while summer lags behind. It is chosen mostly for leisure, daily wear, work and evenings. Votes for masculine and feminine are close, so it sits comfortably in between. Orange and pepper lead the top, with clary sage softening them. In the heart, cashmeran, raspberry and ambroxan set a fruity sweetness on a powdery, creamy footing. The base of musk, sandalwood and vetiver stays woody. Eisenberg I Am (Eau de Parfum) and Karl Lagerfeld Karl Ikonik pour Femme have a close profile.

Royal Bourbon

8.1

Plume Impression · 2023

Sweet · Gourmand · Spicy

Plume Impression Royal Bourbon is a unisex scent that ties the spice of pepper, liquorice and cinnamon to the sweet warmth of tobacco, caramel and rum. Its longevity is rated strong and its sillage good. Most voters pick autumn and winter, though spring is not far behind. It suits evenings and nights out best. On character, feminine and masculine votes sit close together, so it wears comfortably on either. It opens with pepper, liquorice, ginger and cinnamon, spicy and lightly sweet. Toward the heart, tobacco, leather, caramel and rum come forward and the scent turns gourmand and smoky. Vanilla, amber, cedarwood and benzoin soften it at the base, drying down woody and oriental. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille and Zara TOB/03 Tabac-Treasure have a close profile.

J'Aime

6.8

La Perla · 2007

Fresh · Floral · Fruity

La Perla J'Aime is a fresh, fruity women's fragrance that leans towards spring and summer and suits leisure and daily wear; it has been discontinued. It opens with bergamot, pepper and lychee, then moves into a floral, fruity heart of raspberry, water lily and Egyptian jasmine. Musk, patchouli, caramel and amber sweeten the base, leaving a powdery, lightly gourmand finish. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick spring and summer, and leisure, daily and business wear lead the occasions. The feminine vote clearly outweighs the rest. Dior Miss Dior Chérie (2005) (Eau de Parfum) and Liu•Jo Liu•Jo have a close profile.

Like a Jump in the Pool

6.8

essence · 2013

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

essence Like a Jump in the Pool is a fresh, citrusy, aquatic women's fragrance that smells of cool water and light fruit; it has been discontinued. It lasts moderately and sits close to the skin, with weak sillage. Most voters pick summer and spring, and it leans towards daily wear, leisure and office days. Most describe it as feminine and modern. Pepper, green apple and lemon blossom keep the opening bright and fruity. Peony, lily of the valley and tea add a light floral heart. Vanilla, white cedarwood and musk soften the sweetness and leave a woody base. Puma Jam Woman and essence Like a Rollercoaster Ride have a close profile.

The Secret (Eau de Toilette)

7.0

Banderas · 2010

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Eau de Toilette

Banderas The Secret Eau de Toilette is a men's fragrance that pairs a fresh, citrusy character with a sweet, spicy and slightly leathery undertone. Grapefruit and mint bring coolness, while cinnamon and pepper add warmth alongside them. Apple liqueur gives a fruity sweetness, and tonka bean, musk, woods and leather settle it onto a powdery, woody, soft base. Longevity and sillage are moderate. Most voters pick fall, winter and spring, with summer well behind. It leans towards evenings and nights out, yet daily and office wear also fit. It reads masculine and modern.

Initial (Eau de Parfum)

7.8

Boucheron · 2000

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Eau de Parfum

Boucheron Initial Eau de Parfum is a feminine scent that sets a floral, fruity sweetness against a spicy, powdery warmth; it has been discontinued. Its longevity is rated strong and its sillage good. Most voters pick fall and winter, with spring not far behind, and it is worn from daytime to evenings out. Most see its character as feminine and classic. The top opens with blackcurrant, tangerine and lily of the valley. The heart pairs rose and jasmine with cinnamon, pepper and patchouli. Almond honey, vanilla and amber in the base make it sweeter and softer as it settles.

Take Me to Church

8.0

Toskovat'

Synthetic · Spicy · Woody

Toskovat' Take Me to Church is a spicy, resinous and smoky unisex scent with a leathery, woody core; it has been discontinued and suits cooler seasons best. Peppers, saffron and aldehydes open it sharply, while myrrh, frankincense, leather and candle wax carry the heart. In the base, cistus, sandalwood, birch tar and musk dry down into a resinous, earthy structure with a synthetic edge in the background. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and evenings, leisure time and nights out come up most. It leans masculine yet reads as unisex. Montale Greyland and Comme des Garçons Black Comme des Garçons have a close profile.

Black Calla

7.3

Borsari 1870

Fresh · Floral · Fruity

Borsari 1870 Black Calla opens with orange, pepper and bergamot and moves into a floral heart of jasmine and calla; it is a unisex scent that sits between fresh and sweet, and it has been discontinued. Orange and bergamot give the top a fresh, fruity start, with pepper adding a spicy edge. In the heart, jasmine and calla carry the floral side while patchouli and lavender dry it out a little. The base of musk, woods and vanilla leaves it powdery, woody and softly sweet. Longevity and sillage are moderate. Most voters pick fall and spring, and the occasions are spread evenly from daily wear and the office to evenings and nights out. It reads mostly feminine, though a fair share of voters call it masculine.

Tentations (Eau de Parfum)

7.8

Paloma Picasso · 1996

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Eau de Parfum

Paloma Picasso Tentations Eau de Parfum is a floral, spicy scent that sets the fruity freshness of peach and bergamot against the warmth of jasmine, rose and cinnamon. It opens with pepper, bergamot, peach and orange blossom, the fruit kept in check by spice. Jasmine and rose carry the floral heart, while cinnamon and clove add a warm edge. The base settles into a woody, resinous and sweet footing of frankincense, labdanum, sandalwood and tonka bean. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick fall and winter, and evening, night out and leisure wear lead the occasions. It reads feminine and classic. Fendi Asja and Nabeel Khamis Anis share a close profile.

Danse Sauvage

7.7

Chris Collins · 2017

Fruity · Sweet · Spicy

Chris Collins Danse Sauvage is a unisex fragrance that pairs fruity sweetness with spice, smoke and resin. Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick fall and winter, and evening, leisure and night out come up most often. It reads more masculine than feminine, though it is unisex. It opens with plum, cognac and saffron, the plum and cognac giving a warm, fruity start. Toward the heart, chili, rose and pepper bring the spice. The base of cedarwood, oud and vanilla finishes woody, smoky and sweet. Parfums de Marly Habdan and Kerosene Blackmail have a close profile.

Black Gris

8.3

Ensar Oud · 2024

Floral · Aquatic · Green

Ensar Oud Black Gris is a unisex scent that pairs Papua, Sri Lankan and Sumatran oud with thyme, rose and black ambergris; it has been discontinued. Its longevity is rated strong and its sillage good. Most voters pick autumn and winter, with spring not far behind and summer a minority choice. It is mentioned most for leisure and evening wear. Voters lean masculine on character, with some calling it classic or feminine. The ouds build a woody, resinous, smoky core, and black ambergris adds an animal depth. Thyme, pepper, clove and nutmeg bring a spicy edge, while rose and orange blossom soften it with a floral note. Aquatic and green facets, along with yuzu and mandarin orange, lighten the dense structure.

Kimitsu for Him

7.5

Annayake · 2016

Fresh · Citrus · Fruity

Annayake Kimitsu for Him is a fresh, citrusy fragrance for men, where fruity sweetness is balanced by spice and wood, and it sits close to everyday wear. Most voters pick spring and autumn, though summer and winter are not ruled out. Daily wear, business and leisure lead, while evening is rarely chosen. Longevity and sillage are rated moderate. Most voters find it masculine, and some call it modern. It opens with citrus fruits and pepper; neroli, maté and spices lead in the heart. In the base, amber and woods soften it, and it dries down with a light creamy sweetness. A faintly synthetic edge sits in the background. Zara Vibrant Leather Metal and Rue Broca Théorème pour Homme have a close profile.

Torc

7.6

Boadicea the Victorious · 2015

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Boadicea the Victorious Torc is a sweet, spicy unisex scent that suits autumn and winter evenings. Its longevity is rated strong and its sillage good. Most voters pick autumn and winter; evenings and nights out lead, with leisure wear close behind. Voters split between feminine and masculine, so it doesn't lean to one side. Bergamot, blackcurrant and raspberry open fruity. In the heart, clove, jasmine and saffron add a floral, spicy warmth. At the base, oud, vanilla and leather join sweetness to wood. Boadicea the Victorious Glorious and Penhaligon's As Sawira have a close profile.

Black Extreme

7.8

Mandarina Duck · 2014

Citrus · Fruity · Sweet

Mandarina Duck Black Extreme is a men's fragrance that sets a bright opening of tangerine and pepper over a sweet, woody base of vanilla and sandalwood; it has been discontinued. It opens with tangerine, pepper and bergamot, giving a citrusy, lightly spicy lift. In the heart, orange, tonka bean and tiaré pull it towards a fruity, creamy side. Cedarwood, vanilla and sandalwood form the base, and it settles into a sweet, gourmand, woody finish. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick autumn and winter, followed by spring, with summer far behind. It is worn across daily use, leisure, evenings and the office. Most voters find it masculine and modern. Montblanc Legend Night and Zara C4SHMER4N have a close profile.

Extreme 9.0

7.4

Zara

Fresh · Floral · Sweet

Zara Extreme 9.0 is a men's fragrance that sets a fresh, floral feel over a sweet, spicy and woody base. Its longevity and sillage are rated moderate. Most voters recommend autumn and spring, and leisure and evening wear lead the occasions. Most voters read it as masculine, though a good number also call it modern. Cardamom, pepper and lavender bring freshness and spice, while iris adds a powdery softness. Cedarwood and vetiver form the woody frame, and patchouli, amber and musk soften it with a sweet, creamy warmth. A synthetic sheen shows through as well. Zara Classic 9.0 and Prada L'Homme Intense have a close profile.

Parfum Sacré (2013) (Eau de Parfum)

7.4

Caron · 2013

Floral · Green · Sweet

Caron Parfum Sacré opens with pepper, cinnamon and clove, softens into jasmine and rose, and dries down on myrrh and vanilla: a spicy floral for women that has been discontinued. Pepper, coriander and cinnamon give the top a dry, warm spice. In the heart, clove, jasmine, orange and rose build a floral core. At the base, amber, vanilla, myrrh and musk pull it in a sweet, resinous and powdery direction, with green and smoky shades staying in the background. Longevity and sillage are rated good. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and leisure, evening and night out lead the occasions. Its character reads mostly feminine and classic. Caron Parfum Sacré (Eau de Parfum Intense) and Cindy Adams Gossip have a close profile.

Geranium Bourbon

7.0

Miller Harris · 2005

Fresh · Floral · Green

Miller Harris Geranium Bourbon is a fresh, green feminine fragrance that leans towards spring and autumn days and settles into a sweet, spicy warmth; it has been discontinued. Geranium and Turkish rose form a floral core, with currant and violet adding a fresh, lightly powdery edge. Pepper brings spice, while patchouli, amber and vanilla pull the scent towards a woody, resinous sweetness. The notes aren't split into top, heart and base, so it reads as a single whole from start to finish. Its longevity is rated good and its sillage moderate, so it stays fairly close to the skin. Most voters pick autumn and spring, and leisure and evening wear come up most often. Most call it feminine, though a share also find it masculine, which suggests the earthy side softens any strict gender line.

Vintage Collection - Ambra

7.1

Lorenzo Villoresi · 2014

Fresh · Sweet · Spicy

Lorenzo Villoresi Vintage Collection - Ambra is a resinous, spicy unisex scent that opens with cistus, elemi resin and cardamom and settles on amber, sandalwood and musk. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick fall and winter, and evening, leisure and night-out wear lead the occasions. The largest share of voters reads it as masculine, though a fair number call it feminine. It opens with green citrus fruits and galbanum alongside the cistus and elemi, which keeps it fresh at first. In the heart, clove, nutmeg, pepper and myrrh build a spicy warmth, with frankincense and labdanum adding a resinous weight. The base of amber, sandalwood and musk is sweet and woody, while animalic notes leave a faintly smoky trace in the background.

Club de Nuit Man (Eau de Toilette)

7.0

Armaf · 2012

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Eau de Toilette

Armaf Club de Nuit Man Eau de Toilette is a spicy citrus fragrance for men, pairing grapefruit, mint and mandarin orange with the warmth of cinnamon, clove and patchouli. It opens fresh and sharp with grapefruit, mint and mandarin orange. The heart brings cinnamon, clove, ginger and pepper forward, while patchouli, leather and amber give a sweet, earthy, slightly leathery base. Floral and powdery touches round out the accords. Longevity is good and sillage moderate. Voters lean towards autumn and spring, with winter not far behind. It suits leisure and evening wear, and most voters read it as masculine and modern. Basile Basile Uomo Intense and Banderas The Secret have a close profile.

DKNY Men (2009) (Eau de Toilette)

6.9

DKNY · 2009

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

DKNY Men is a fresh men's scent that moves from juniper, mandarin orange and sage into a spicy heart of cardamom and pepper; it has been discontinued. The top is juniper, mandarin orange and sage, so it opens citrusy and slightly green. Cardamom and pepper add spice in the heart, while violet leaf and jasmine bring a soft floral touch. The base of cedar, patchouli, orris root and vetiver dries down with aquatic and powdery sides that keep the fresh character intact. Longevity and sillage are moderate. Voters spread their picks fairly evenly across the four seasons, with spring and summer slightly ahead. It leans most towards daily wear, followed by the office and leisure time. Michalsky Michalsky Men and Paul Smith Optimistic for Men have a close profile.

Life Threads Gold

7.3

La Prairie · 2009

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

La Prairie Life Threads Gold is a sweet, spicy women's fragrance suited to fall and winter evenings; it has been discontinued. Its longevity is rated strong and its sillage good. Most voters pick fall and winter, and it is chosen most for nights out and evenings. Many see it as feminine and classic. It opens with clove, tangerine and plum in a fruity sweetness. In the heart, cinnamon, pepper and coriander add spice, while rose and ylang-ylang bring a soft floral note. The base leaves a resinous, powdery warmth of vanilla, myrrh and frankincense, with patchouli and cedar giving it a woody footing.

Rose d'Amour

7.3

Les Parfums de Rosine · 2006

Fresh · Floral · Green

Les Parfums de Rosine Rose d'Amour is a fresh, green floral built around rose, with a powdery, lightly spicy chypre frame, and it leans feminine. It opens with red berries, bergamot and galbanum, a bright and slightly fruity start sharpened by ginger and aldehydes. The heart brings rose, jasmine, narcissus and iris, adding a soft, powdery feel. Vetiver and moss form a woody chypre base, with nutmeg and pepper adding spice. Longevity and sillage are moderate. Most voters pick autumn and spring, and use is spread across leisure, daytime and evening. Most voters find it feminine. It has been discontinued. Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle and Cartier So Pretty have a close profile.

Spirit of Delicate Blush

7.3

Spirit · 2019

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Spirit Spirit of Delicate Blush is a feminine scent that softens a floral, fruity core with a sweet, creamy, gourmand warmth. Most voters pick it for fall and winter, though spring is not far behind. It sits close to leisure, daily wear and the office. Longevity and sillage are moderate, and most voters find it feminine. It opens with bergamot, pepper, coconut and peach; orchid, jasmine and hawthorn form a floral heart. In the base, caramel, vanilla, tonka bean and sandalwood leave a sweet, powdery, creamy trail, with a slightly synthetic shine running through it. Spirit Spirit of Creamy Coconut and Spirit Spirit of White Vanilla have a close profile.