Prada L'Homme Intense

Out of all the popular iris based fragrances among us in the fragrance community this is probably my favorite, yet for some reason I put it off until it was the last one I obtained. I actually even prefer it to the original Dior H'omme Parfum, Valentino Uomo Intense, Narciso Rodriguez Bleu Noir Parfum and my personal second favorite, the original Valentino Uomo. I don't really consider JPG Le Male Le Parfum to be a true iris based fragrance as their trademark tonka and lavender are more prominent than the iris is. I don't find Code Parfum interesting enough for it's price even through the grey market. And, I find Dior H'omme Intense is no longer the amazing fragrance it once was so I did just purchase Valentino Uomo Intense in it's place though now I have to conserve it due to discontinuation so I guess I will have to settle for Dior H'omme Intense. I find Valentino Uomo to be closest to the original, 2007 Dior H'omme and it was amazing! But Prada L'Homme Intense adds a little bit more powder and amber into the mix along with the unlisted but very present violet note, and it's truly just the chef's kiss of iris based scents. I have always loved ionone heavy frags but when paired with amber, powdered violet and a smooth suede leather accord alongside a unbelievably smooth patchouli!!! For me at least, it's very near perfection.

Absolute banger of a fragrance. The notes describe it perfectly. It is powdery, iris-y and has a tiny hint of vanilla. It all combines into a near perfect fragrance. It smells sophisticated and clean, yet has an edge to it. It smells sharp and precise. The opening is a strong hint of iris, and almost smells like makeup poweder, it's only describable if you wear it. The iris-powdery scent is amazing, combined with the other notes. It's unlike any perfume I've ever tried, and is clearly in a league of it's own. Hence, this doesn't feel like a daily wear perfume, only for special occasions, especially in the winter. It's not a heavy perfume but wearing it feels good, because it's light enough, but strong enough. Projection is good, however a good number of sprays is preferred. The opening is a strong iris, powdery smell, and it dries down to a warm but spicy vanilla and amber, and sits comfortably. Longevity is decent.

This is a very sweet, iris-forward fragrance. Lots of vanilla and spices, yet the spices are smooth and not overbearing. The iris is not a cosmetic lipstick smell, but rather a very bright, feminine smell. Yes, this is marketed towards men but it smells more like a modern women's perfume to me (and I'd prefer smelling it on a woman TBH). At best, it's unisex. It has a gourmand quality, reminds me of the smell of entering an ice cream parlor on a hot summer day. The sweetness combined with the iris gives it this frosty-sweet vibe. It is in the same ballpark as Givenchy Gentleman Boisee, but with more iris. The quality and longevity is excellent. This is a very playful, night-out fragrance; for men: not appropriate for work due to the sweetness. For women who wear this, I think any setting or time of day is good just not in hot weather. 7/10.

I do pick up the iris, but its nothing like the god like Dio Homme Original, or the Intense. Its dry. At first it was a dropped ball for me for that reason. However the Leather and patchouli blends masterfully beautifully and then.. I pick up licorice. It goes in a totally different direction and not a bad one. Funny enough even though that note it not listed, other people have picked that up, so I am not the only one. In all, its seems it would be the interaction btw patchouli, leather that bring the black out. Anyway its a fantastic perfume for mature men. Its also good for office, just do not overspray, as it is pretty strong

Seven years later and my bottle, batch 91661, still smells absolutely impeccable. The iris is beautifully present from the beginning, but what i really enjoy is that cooler, fresher patchouli sitting next to it, giving the fragrance a clean but slightly darker character. As it settles, it becomes warmer and more woody, with tonka bean and sandalwood adding just enough sweetness and softness without turning it into a heavy fragrance. I can honestly wear it almost anywhere at work, around the city, for dinner or even at a more formal event.