![Elysium]()
Elysium
Helpful Review
4
Contradiction or Confirmation
If I had to trust only the reviews, I would never have bought this perfume. I read the opinions of others to get an idea, but then I rely on my instinct and my nose, on the sensations that the fragrance gives me, which may be different from that experienced by someone else.
I blindly ordered CK Contradiction last fall alongside CK Reveal and Davidoff Horizon Extreme. It was very cheap, and arguably great value. How can a perfume be so cheap? It was released in 1998, more than 20 years ago. So old it cannot be that expensive anymore. However, it worth any euro. The fragrance reminds me of New York in the colder time, Xmas time, everything is incredible if you have been there.
CK Contradiction is quiet but very beautiful, it has an entirely mind-blowing optical fancy cap, a weighty glass flacon almost wholly obscured by a brushed metal cap. It opens up with a pine-like accord that isn't there, sweet and green, which is made of lime, clementine, frosted leaves, plus sage. It's light and fresh, a bright lime note dominates the opening with a blast of minty and aromatic aromas, soapy, it smells like you just stepped out of the shower. I get the hint to freshen linen, and it is a very clean, crisp fragrance.
Then it takes a little nutty and spicy vibe, with the cardamom, coriander, nutmeg, peppercorn, and very soothing soapy lavender that give the heart a dazzling and masculine body.
The base is all about Bubinga wood, a sort of sweet rosewood, then cashmeran, and vetiver, which is there but subtle, sandalwood, and patchouli, the latter which is the most massive note in the base. The ending is a light synthetic and grassy patchouli with residual sweetness.
The projection is a little soft after about one hour, and longevity is moderate four hours. The right choice for the office, a flexible option that would appeal to most but the very judicious frag fan. The fresh, aromatic, crisp, and balsamic accords make it suitable for spring and fall, maybe on a cold summer night. Still, never in wintertime, all too feeble for chilly days.
My preferred aspect is the bottle, and it's one of my favorites ever designs, it's masculine, substantial, and unique, it's a great bottle to handle. The fragrance is not as in-your-face as some of the other Calvin Klein men's fragrances, e.g. Eternity and Obsession. I liken this to a fougère-like take on Halston Z-12 type fragrance, or the most recent Mr. Burberry, just not strictly a fougère.
-Elysium
Top Notes 
Heart Notes 
Base Notes 
Hajuvana
Elysium
AJG
Orathan
HugoMontez
