Reviews of Prada L'Homme Intense by Prada
Very powdery. A well crafted specimen, if you like modern designer lounger (in lieu of 'clubber'), but linear & powdery.
One of the best "contemporary" designer releases. A Midnight rendezvous under the gigantic firmament, a mysterious Duke enveloped in its black cloak. A princely fairy starry eau de parfum and a quite romantic ambery patchouli with a minimal tad of a refined "minty/green/icy" undertone (a sort of whispered starry freshly spiced amber a la Mugler Angel/Ysl Opium Pour Homme/Nuit d' Issey Polaris and a super classy vaguely anisic-piney languid iris). There is a vague rubbery twist which I still feel cold and "astral". Angular, "modern-retrò" and poetic this is a fragrance for "medieval knights" of the new millennium and story tellers under the stars. Despite its kind of fairy oriental aura I have to say that Prada l'Homme Intense smells surprisingly versatile during the daily "office-affairs" due its fresh aromatic barely hesperidic (I'd prefer Prada l'Homme for the daily occasions). A dark winged moody angel on his white horse, the olfactory rendition of the
Tim Burton's movie Eduard Shissorhands-final scene.
Tim Burton's movie Eduard Shissorhands-final scene.
ADVERTISEMENT
Prada L'Homme Intense by Prada (2017) is a scent that garnered a lot of hype upon word of its demise at the hands of Prada trading between Antonio Puig S.A and L'Oréal S.A. These days it's not entirely known if it is in production or not, as counters here in the US don't really carry it anymore; but Prada's website seems to list it, and a healthy supply of it seems to be found online at prices higher than before, but not beyond the realms of reason. It's at this point, after the zeitgeist has effectively ended, that I decided to finally tackle a review on the scent, as I didn't want uproarious readers taking possible violent umbrage over my opinion of their deity in scent form, then engaging in an online harassment campaign as one does when so obsessed. So now, onto the scent itself; but before I do, be aware that buying into most of the former hype surrounding this stuff results in a rather anticlimactic experience when tested.
For those who have familiarity with Prada L'Homme by Prada (2016), the intense version opens a bit sweeter, with more-evident tonka in the first few moments. From there, we see a dialed-down iris note, with neroli replaced by some aldehydes and a focus on amber similar to Prada Amber pour Homme Intense by Prada (2011). If you've never smelled any version of this scent, know it is a soapy iris-forward fragrance not unlike Deaville pour Homme by Michēl Germain (1999), Dior Homme (2005), Valentino Uomo Intense (2016), and Gentleman Eau de Parfum by Givenchy (2018); meaning if this sort of thing isn't your jam, turn away now. Beyond that difference of opening tonka sweetness and ambery warmth, there isn't much difference in the dry-down between normal L'Homme and this intense variant, aside from less patchouli here once again subbed with something the brand is calling sandalwood.
Performance is good and long, but not particularly loud; I actually found the regular eau de toilette to be quite a bit more boisterous in projection than this eau de parfum. My sampling of this does come from an old Puig travel bottle though, so anyone telling you the Puig version is an absolute beast or whatever hyperbolic claptrap they may use to describe their most-worshipful fragrance, tell them to spray a sock with it and stuff it in their muzzle, the grown-ups are busy talking now. Well, that's about it really; this is a smoother, warmer, slightly sweeter, and somewhat redundant take on the original Prada L'Homme, which itself I feel did more for this micro-genre than any of its flankers anyway. If a slightly easier-going but less-unique version of the scent is what you're after, or a replacement for Prada Amber pour Homme (2006), this may serve for a marked-up price. I like this stuff don't get me wrong, but for me it's redundant to my collection. Thumbs up
For those who have familiarity with Prada L'Homme by Prada (2016), the intense version opens a bit sweeter, with more-evident tonka in the first few moments. From there, we see a dialed-down iris note, with neroli replaced by some aldehydes and a focus on amber similar to Prada Amber pour Homme Intense by Prada (2011). If you've never smelled any version of this scent, know it is a soapy iris-forward fragrance not unlike Deaville pour Homme by Michēl Germain (1999), Dior Homme (2005), Valentino Uomo Intense (2016), and Gentleman Eau de Parfum by Givenchy (2018); meaning if this sort of thing isn't your jam, turn away now. Beyond that difference of opening tonka sweetness and ambery warmth, there isn't much difference in the dry-down between normal L'Homme and this intense variant, aside from less patchouli here once again subbed with something the brand is calling sandalwood.
Performance is good and long, but not particularly loud; I actually found the regular eau de toilette to be quite a bit more boisterous in projection than this eau de parfum. My sampling of this does come from an old Puig travel bottle though, so anyone telling you the Puig version is an absolute beast or whatever hyperbolic claptrap they may use to describe their most-worshipful fragrance, tell them to spray a sock with it and stuff it in their muzzle, the grown-ups are busy talking now. Well, that's about it really; this is a smoother, warmer, slightly sweeter, and somewhat redundant take on the original Prada L'Homme, which itself I feel did more for this micro-genre than any of its flankers anyway. If a slightly easier-going but less-unique version of the scent is what you're after, or a replacement for Prada Amber pour Homme (2006), this may serve for a marked-up price. I like this stuff don't get me wrong, but for me it's redundant to my collection. Thumbs up
In full transparency I must admit that I blind bought this because I heard it was an excellent fragrance that was, unfortunately, being discontinued.
I'm so happy that I did. because It ended up being quite a pleasant surprise.
The initial blast is just plain fresh..no particular citrus, tea, or anything comes to mind, it just smells to me lie what "fresh" should smell like. Then a sweetness quickly appears, a facet of this fragrance that will remain throughout it's life but never becomes cloying or too much to bear. Finally, the tonka and ambers settle in, and they give it a nice clean suede feel, which is fully supported by the powdery iris. It's a rather simple fragrance but the handful of notes that are here are blended very, very well. That said, I do wish it had a touch more of an edge to it, a bit of darkness to contrast all the soft pleasantries this provides. A touch of anise seed for a licorice touch? That would be nice. I am nitpicking, though, as this is beautiful as it is. I'm just a huge fan of darker materials.
One interesting thing about this fragrance is how soft it opens compared to how it awakens and behaves later. On my skin, the first 10 minutes of this fragrance is incredibly soft and I will only catch the smallest little whiffs of it here and there. Then it begins to grow. And grow. And grow. By the 20-30 minute mark it has fully developed and I get wonderful projection. It smells very classy, and very "in charge".
I have been a fan of Prada's Luna Rossa line for some time and I knew they were known for their use of iris to make clean and somewhat soapy smelling fragrances. Given that reputation, I was expecting this too fall into that soapy category as well, but it doesn't. In my experience, the iris is just for that soft powdery touch, the velour that enrobes all of the other notes and makes it very classy. I'm loving it quite a bit. (Don't you love it when a blind buy goes well?).
I definitely see why this fragrance is so respected as it is a winner for sure. I see this as an easy wear for just about any situation. As far as seasons, I'd probably go spring, summer, and early fall. I hate following such rules myself, but I don't think this one is quite bold enough to cut through the colder parts of winter. That said, if you work in an office, you could certainly wear this one year round, I know I will be. This one would be so easy to dress up as well. It's smells quite expensive and I could easily see this matching perfectly with a nice suit. In fact, I think this is a bit more tuxedo-like than YSL's Tuxedo. All in all, this is a fantastic all around pleaser.
9/10
I'm so happy that I did. because It ended up being quite a pleasant surprise.
The initial blast is just plain fresh..no particular citrus, tea, or anything comes to mind, it just smells to me lie what "fresh" should smell like. Then a sweetness quickly appears, a facet of this fragrance that will remain throughout it's life but never becomes cloying or too much to bear. Finally, the tonka and ambers settle in, and they give it a nice clean suede feel, which is fully supported by the powdery iris. It's a rather simple fragrance but the handful of notes that are here are blended very, very well. That said, I do wish it had a touch more of an edge to it, a bit of darkness to contrast all the soft pleasantries this provides. A touch of anise seed for a licorice touch? That would be nice. I am nitpicking, though, as this is beautiful as it is. I'm just a huge fan of darker materials.
One interesting thing about this fragrance is how soft it opens compared to how it awakens and behaves later. On my skin, the first 10 minutes of this fragrance is incredibly soft and I will only catch the smallest little whiffs of it here and there. Then it begins to grow. And grow. And grow. By the 20-30 minute mark it has fully developed and I get wonderful projection. It smells very classy, and very "in charge".
I have been a fan of Prada's Luna Rossa line for some time and I knew they were known for their use of iris to make clean and somewhat soapy smelling fragrances. Given that reputation, I was expecting this too fall into that soapy category as well, but it doesn't. In my experience, the iris is just for that soft powdery touch, the velour that enrobes all of the other notes and makes it very classy. I'm loving it quite a bit. (Don't you love it when a blind buy goes well?).
I definitely see why this fragrance is so respected as it is a winner for sure. I see this as an easy wear for just about any situation. As far as seasons, I'd probably go spring, summer, and early fall. I hate following such rules myself, but I don't think this one is quite bold enough to cut through the colder parts of winter. That said, if you work in an office, you could certainly wear this one year round, I know I will be. This one would be so easy to dress up as well. It's smells quite expensive and I could easily see this matching perfectly with a nice suit. In fact, I think this is a bit more tuxedo-like than YSL's Tuxedo. All in all, this is a fantastic all around pleaser.
9/10
A lot of tonka - that is want I get initially. A nice, intense but quite civil tonka that is neither too intrusive nor cloying. An iris is present too, bit on me it is very much a background accompaniment only.
A bit later a soft and light suede impression is added on; it is not intense but still manages to be sufficiently strong to make a good contribution to the whole.
Further done the track and ambery patchouli is of notice. this is a safe duo, that acts as a counterpart to the sweeter accords, but overall it remains a sweet-ish creation. There are a few moments of whiffs of sweetwood-like aroma being present.
I get moderate sillage, excellent projection, and eight hours of longevity on my skin.
A pleasant scent for warmer autumn days, it is is not particularly original or exciting, and at times a bit generic. On the other hand, the notes are quite intense at times, and the are blended very well in a harmonious and balanced way. This is a case where the flanker is better than the original. 3.25/5
Iris, Leather, Tonka, Amber, Patchouli
A bit later a soft and light suede impression is added on; it is not intense but still manages to be sufficiently strong to make a good contribution to the whole.
Further done the track and ambery patchouli is of notice. this is a safe duo, that acts as a counterpart to the sweeter accords, but overall it remains a sweet-ish creation. There are a few moments of whiffs of sweetwood-like aroma being present.
I get moderate sillage, excellent projection, and eight hours of longevity on my skin.
A pleasant scent for warmer autumn days, it is is not particularly original or exciting, and at times a bit generic. On the other hand, the notes are quite intense at times, and the are blended very well in a harmonious and balanced way. This is a case where the flanker is better than the original. 3.25/5
Iris, Leather, Tonka, Amber, Patchouli
I love Prada L'homme Intense. The original L'Homme was a bit boring for me, and the Intense flanker amps up the personality of this fragrance in all the right places, but at it's core it's still a fresh, clean Iris scent which just smells "good".
Powdery in the opening, but not to the point of cloying or annoyance, this fragrance exudes luxury to me. It feels high end, but the addition of leather and Tonka give it a playful feel that's much more interesting to me than the original. Performance is excellent in terms of longevity, but it sits pretty close to the skin for me, which makes this ideal for work scenarios. I can go four sprays of this and smell it on myself for 8-10 hours without choking out a room or annoying anyone near me. People around you can smell it, but not in an overpowering way...Hard to explain fully but once you wear it, you'll have it click.
This is wearable any time for me, but my preferred scenarios are work and formal events, as it just smells "dressed up" to me. Fantastic release all the way around, a badass bottle with a scent to match.
Powdery in the opening, but not to the point of cloying or annoyance, this fragrance exudes luxury to me. It feels high end, but the addition of leather and Tonka give it a playful feel that's much more interesting to me than the original. Performance is excellent in terms of longevity, but it sits pretty close to the skin for me, which makes this ideal for work scenarios. I can go four sprays of this and smell it on myself for 8-10 hours without choking out a room or annoying anyone near me. People around you can smell it, but not in an overpowering way...Hard to explain fully but once you wear it, you'll have it click.
This is wearable any time for me, but my preferred scenarios are work and formal events, as it just smells "dressed up" to me. Fantastic release all the way around, a badass bottle with a scent to match.
Very similar to the original with an added leather note. Feels slightly more grown up and formal.
8/10
8/10
I love this Fragrance.
The longevity and sillage is extreme.
especially the first 3 to 4 hours I can smell it all the time.
This is a fragrance you definitely should not over spray too much especially if you are in a small office.
It is one of my Favorite fragrances I own.
The longevity and sillage is extreme.
especially the first 3 to 4 hours I can smell it all the time.
This is a fragrance you definitely should not over spray too much especially if you are in a small office.
It is one of my Favorite fragrances I own.
This is like CH Men Privè on steroids; with a sweeter, more vivid leather top note that slowly fades into a tonka tone that holds ALL DAY LONG (just like I wish Privè did). I absolutely LOVE this one. The projection isn't the biggest window (maybe 2-3ft bubble radius), but strength in longevity more than makes up for it.
To sum it up; if you like scents like CH Men Privé/Versace Eros you'll like it, if not, you won't.
It's a great leather with vanilla sweetness that GOES.
To sum it up; if you like scents like CH Men Privé/Versace Eros you'll like it, if not, you won't.
It's a great leather with vanilla sweetness that GOES.
After having worn Prada L'Homme Intense a few times, I feel it speaks to me more about the mainstream modern masculines than what it exactly is. It is a mainstream modern masculine, the ubiquitous 2018 mall fragrance, but done at a level that is several notches above the average competition. Daniela Andrier, who's been creating perfumes for Prada for over a decade, has created a fragrance that has its roots in Dior Homme, but is more mass appealing (if that is possible? Wasn't Dior Homme mass appealing?). L'Homme Intense, of course, is directly related to Prada L'Homme, which is in similar ballpark, albeit fresher and more powdery. L'Homme Intense has notes of iris, tonka - essentially a toned down "lipstick accord" from Dior Homme / Dior Homme Intense, with a touch of leather, the leather that is apparent in the Dior Homme DNA. On my skin, L'Homme Intense has subdued but noticeable sillage, and a solid duration of at least six hours based in moderate weather.
Now I intend to discuss my principal issue with L'Homme Intense: it smells as if I've spent all day at Sephora. Again, one could do far worse. However, the detraction in this case is the loss of the personal. It doesn't smell like a person, but rather captures the smell of the perfume aisle of the shopping mall (perhaps because that's what they spray in the air?). It is intended as a more serious fragrance (as opposed to a fun, sporty cologne), but it is not sensuous or intimate. This is not (only) my personal take, but the opinion of three non-perfumista friends. It also does smell a tad synthetic (what doesn't, these days?), but because the central underlying accord doesn't have any occurrence or parallel in nature, rather than any clumsy treatment or issues of budget (I believe that any such thing wouldn't be composed/released by Andrier/Prada). L'Homme Intense, nonetheless, marks a solemn personal moment of "not how it used to be": it definitely cannot replace on my shelf any of the earlier Prada favourites - Amber pour Homme, Infusion d'Homme or Amber pour Homme Intense.
3/5
Now I intend to discuss my principal issue with L'Homme Intense: it smells as if I've spent all day at Sephora. Again, one could do far worse. However, the detraction in this case is the loss of the personal. It doesn't smell like a person, but rather captures the smell of the perfume aisle of the shopping mall (perhaps because that's what they spray in the air?). It is intended as a more serious fragrance (as opposed to a fun, sporty cologne), but it is not sensuous or intimate. This is not (only) my personal take, but the opinion of three non-perfumista friends. It also does smell a tad synthetic (what doesn't, these days?), but because the central underlying accord doesn't have any occurrence or parallel in nature, rather than any clumsy treatment or issues of budget (I believe that any such thing wouldn't be composed/released by Andrier/Prada). L'Homme Intense, nonetheless, marks a solemn personal moment of "not how it used to be": it definitely cannot replace on my shelf any of the earlier Prada favourites - Amber pour Homme, Infusion d'Homme or Amber pour Homme Intense.
3/5
Prada L'Homme Intense is an absolutely gorgeous fragrance that exceeds - in every way - its original inception, Prada L'Homme.
A wistful iris note dominates the opening, accompanied by a patchouli note that is unrivaled in designer perfumery. The lipstick-like iris sticks around for the duration of wear - just in the background - and balances the patchouli in a way that avoids resemblance to incense or cheap soap. I appreciate how the iris stays for the duration of wear, unlike Dior Homme (the promising iris opening seems to evaporate within an hour). Amber and leather warm the scent fantastically and make Prada L'Homme Intense a wonderful choice for fall or winter.
In practice, Intense reminds me of a rich dark fougère, with a slightly less-powdery dry down than Gaultier's Le Male. It is complex despite its simplicity, familiar despite its innovation, and comforting beyond belief. L'Homme Intense may replace Le Male and D&G's The One as my affordable, easily-obtained winter go to. Longevity is impressive, though sillage is merely average. Big thumbs up.
A wistful iris note dominates the opening, accompanied by a patchouli note that is unrivaled in designer perfumery. The lipstick-like iris sticks around for the duration of wear - just in the background - and balances the patchouli in a way that avoids resemblance to incense or cheap soap. I appreciate how the iris stays for the duration of wear, unlike Dior Homme (the promising iris opening seems to evaporate within an hour). Amber and leather warm the scent fantastically and make Prada L'Homme Intense a wonderful choice for fall or winter.
In practice, Intense reminds me of a rich dark fougère, with a slightly less-powdery dry down than Gaultier's Le Male. It is complex despite its simplicity, familiar despite its innovation, and comforting beyond belief. L'Homme Intense may replace Le Male and D&G's The One as my affordable, easily-obtained winter go to. Longevity is impressive, though sillage is merely average. Big thumbs up.
Soft and playful but also elegant and dressy..this is well blended and the iris mixture almost tastes edible but not in a gourmand way, more a chalky pastille way, like parma violet confectionary. Unisex in my opinion and very fancy dandy for a trend setting male. I'm Slightly dissapointed by performance as I would of liked a little more silage and projection but ultimately this is really classy and sexy. This is different enough from uomo intense and dior homme to warrant a purchase in my opinion, although it is iris dominant there is enough of a twist to get me excited with the excellent use of amber and tonka, all in all a solid well put together night out fragrance.
I have to admit that I like this version much more than the original. Less powdery, bigger accent on the soapiness which gives the scent an aromatic character en par with CW and GIT but not actually copying them. Not a masterpiece, but a very good fragrance considering a lot of designer offerings for the last 5 years.
More formal, more masculine and more self in style and character. Simply better.
This flanker makes me reconsider about the original, maybe to give it a chance again. Overall impression of Intense flanker is very positive due to refinement of the general idea of this line.
Originality 6/10
Scent 9/10
Longevity 8/10
Projection 7/10
_________________
75%
More formal, more masculine and more self in style and character. Simply better.
This flanker makes me reconsider about the original, maybe to give it a chance again. Overall impression of Intense flanker is very positive due to refinement of the general idea of this line.
Originality 6/10
Scent 9/10
Longevity 8/10
Projection 7/10
_________________
75%
A formal scent which has great depth and elegance. Prada L'Homme Intense EdP has a lot going on within it, yet it comes across as simple and predictable. Iris is definitely the star of this show, heavy and moderately accented by the other notes (esp. the patchouli).
Overall, this EdP is sweet, spicy and floral; it won't appeal to everyone, and it seems fairly constrained to be worn in high-brow occasions, given its sweetness and intensity (the way that classic Chanel Egoiste does). Christian Dior's pour Homme Eau also is an iris-laden gem, yet by comparison it can be worn on different occasions all day long.
But I truly appreciate the composition, containing notes which I have come to like in many other fragrances. It builds upon the EdT with supercharged results, and I'd say give it a test and compare it to Prada L'Homme EdT before buying. Thumbs up for me at any rate. :^)
Overall, this EdP is sweet, spicy and floral; it won't appeal to everyone, and it seems fairly constrained to be worn in high-brow occasions, given its sweetness and intensity (the way that classic Chanel Egoiste does). Christian Dior's pour Homme Eau also is an iris-laden gem, yet by comparison it can be worn on different occasions all day long.
But I truly appreciate the composition, containing notes which I have come to like in many other fragrances. It builds upon the EdT with supercharged results, and I'd say give it a test and compare it to Prada L'Homme EdT before buying. Thumbs up for me at any rate. :^)
A nice powdery Iris with a Tonka sidekick was the first notes I noticed. A mellow leather note soon follows(good job with that)and makes it a bit more masculine and decent fragrance. Fall and Winter seems to be a good time to wear this one. 7/10
This is an amped up version of the original, as expected. However, I wish the leather was more present, ditto the patchouli.
If you tried the original and thought it safe or soft, then you should like this. Thicker, fuller, louder. I like it, but it is very dressy...suit shirt & tie required.
If you tried the original and thought it safe or soft, then you should like this. Thicker, fuller, louder. I like it, but it is very dressy...suit shirt & tie required.
I like this. Something different about it.
Powdery, a strong note of iris, and a charcoal/slate type vibe. Almost metallic at first, with leathery notes, also patchouli and tonka bean developing later.
Rich, dark and luxurious: like the smell of walking into a high end store or boutique. Feels very modern, urban.
Lasts a long time on the skin, and perhaps more for the cooler months of the year.
Powdery, a strong note of iris, and a charcoal/slate type vibe. Almost metallic at first, with leathery notes, also patchouli and tonka bean developing later.
Rich, dark and luxurious: like the smell of walking into a high end store or boutique. Feels very modern, urban.
Lasts a long time on the skin, and perhaps more for the cooler months of the year.
The iris is really turned up in the Intense version of Prada L'Homme, which is appropriate for the name and what I would expect. In the original, it's more of a fresh, cool iris with plenty of sweetness left over to comes across as modern. Here, it's a powdery, heavy iris that comes off more floral than lipstick, almost leaning feminine.
Projection is very good and can become cloying, so easy on the sprays. This also sticks around all day.
Projection is very good and can become cloying, so easy on the sprays. This also sticks around all day.