PRADA
PARADOXE EDP

2022

PERFUMER
Antoine Maisondieu
Nadege Le Garlantezec
Shyamala Maisondieu

pear
tangerine
bergamot

orange blossom absolute
jasmine sambac absolute
bitter orange blossom
neroli

ambrofix
bourbon vanilla
benzoin
serenolide

‘An invitation to explore and express the paradoxical multidimensions of women. The celebration of being never the same, always yourself. Master perfumers Nadège Le Garlantezec, Shyamala Maisondieu and Antoine Maisondieu collaborated with Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons to reconcile timelessness and avant-garde, nature and innovation. The new Prada feminine fragrance embraces the paradoxes of iconic ingredients to reveal new scented sensations.’ – Prada

When I tried Paradoxe for the first time in stores, I wasn’t impressed. I’d also seen mostly moderate to negative viewpoints on it, but with a new Paradoxe Intense being release in 2023, I figured I’d give Paradoxe a proper wear…. and I was pleasantly surprised… or was I?

Not to say that this is a gem or anything special to me, but it was pleasant. The opening is tart, citrussy, powdery. Quite similar in style to Armani My Way Parfum, but a more floral take.

Within moments the citrus is less vibrant and it’s a more subtle fruity and floral tinge. Still tart and a bit bitter, with neroli being quite prominent in adding sharp and green splashes.

However, a little while later, the vanilla sweetness pops back up and pulls it in a more friendly, familiar direction. Sweet, greenish, floral, citrussy and powdery. Nothing too eccentric, but also not overly sweet or playful.

I agree with the general consensus that this is perhaps boring and a mix of every generic feminine marketed designer scent you can think of. Yet, it’s not all that bad and better than quite a few that I’ve smelled lately.