Calvin Klein Contradiction Eau De Parfum Spray for Her > Reviews (18)

Someone once had the good taste to buy me this about 5 years ago and I’ve adored it ever since. It would definitely feature in my top ten favourites. I found myself intrigues by the name – it seemed so versatile and fitting for me that when I first sniffed it – I knew I adored it.

It was advertised saying - She matches strength with femininity. She is modern yet classic, sophisticated but playful, simple and complex. She is sensual but discreet. She is always, and never, the same. A brilliant piece in my book and very apt for this perfume.

I tend to have a range of designer perfumes and pick and choose to suit my mood – but this one definitely compliments most of them – contradiction is about right I’d say – especially when you find out what’s in it (but more on that later).

The packaging is extremely sleek and simple, extremely unpretentious and doesn’t give the impression that it’s something that it isn’t. I recently got a big bottle from my boyfriend and although it’s expensive, it’s well worth it.

The 100ml eau de parfum which I now have retails at Boots for a mere £56(!). The box is silver and approx 5 ½ cm squared by 14 cm tall. The 100ml bottle itself is 13 ½ cm tall with a 5cm diameter and the long silver lid cover most of the bottle at 10 ½ cm. The perfume itself is a gorgeous orangey-pink colour.

There are two other sizes in this range – 50ml - £39 and 30ml – £23.59. Both from prices at Boots but I have no doubt that you could find them cheaper online or even at Duty Free if you’re holidaying this summer. I am told that there are also such things as body lotion and shower gel now in the Contradiction range also, but have not used these.

(The ciao picture makes it look very tall and slim - just to let you know - it's not actually this skinny in reality!)

The perfume produces a fine mist spray and is fresh yet sexy and light yet sweet. I have also seen it described as an enveloping blend – floral, warm, sensual, refined and long-lasting.

Contradiction was created by Calvin Klein in 1997 as a recommended day-wear perfume. (Personally I think it’s perfectly adequate for any occasion after all it is a contradiction). It is very feminine and posses a blend of pure pepper, rose, satin wood and sandalwood. The top notes are rose, bergamot and jasmine. Middle notes (or heart notes) are vanilla, cedar and moss and base notes are sandalwood, musk and oakmoss.

To explain a little about these ‘notes’ for those of you not in the know –

The top notes are the most volatile ones in the blend - the ones you'll smell first, and also the ones that will evaporate first as you wear your blend, usually within 1-2 hours. They form the first impression your perfume makes, and should "lead" your nose into the heart of the perfume by harmonizing well with the other notes.
The middle notes (also called heart notes) are the heart of a perfume. Oils that evaporate with 2-4 hours are considered “middle notes.” They should give your perfume roundness and fullness and complexity.

The base notes take the longest time to evaporate, some base notes can take several days to evaporate (not this one though – don’t worry!) and they have two functions in a perfume. First, they're the least volatile elements, so they emerge more slowly, and their aroma will remain the longest. So it's very important to make sure you like your base note. Second, they can have a "fixative" effect on the entire blend, keeping the top and middle notes from evaporating as quickly.

I have also been told that it has a slight oriental influence as it is also supposed to possess scents for Chinese eucalyptus, orchid and a hint of syringa (a type of lilac).

Don’t be put off by any of the contents in the description it smells very feminine and sensuous.

Contradiction is made in France (according to the packaging) and the address given is:

Calvin KleinCosmetics Co. Dist.
by Unilever Cosmetic Intl.
New York
NY10022
(Also mentions London!)

Ingredients: Alcohol denat, Fragrance (parfum), Water (aqua), Benzophenone-2, ext. Violet 2 (CI60730), Red 4 (CI14700), Yellow 10 (CI47005)

Advises you to keep away from heat or flame.

I'm so glad I found this secret weapon (it works a treat with the opposite sex) and my boyfriend absolutely loves it. In fact, I bought him the male version (which we both adore) so now we compliment (and contradict) each other perfectly.