EDP OR INTENSE?

There has been a rise in intense/extrait versions of popular fragrances, but which version is better?

Baccarat Rouge 540 vs Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait

Both the original and the extrait version of this Maison Francis Kurkdjian masterpiece have the iconic amber-woody, sweet saffron blend that creates crazy longevity and a beautiful scent trail, but in addition to all the existing notes being amplified in the extrait, there's an added almond note that makes it richer, more concentrated and textured.

Winner: Both - They are masterpieces and owning both isn't redundant, so why choose? 🤑

YSL Libre vs Libre Intense

The lavender and orange blossom DNA that made the original popular has been carried through Libre's many flankers. The original is the most fresh of the bunch, and although it projects well, it is perfect for the office. In contrast the intense is sweeter with richer base notes, making it perfect for night time wear.

Winner: Original - It's more versatile.

Rouge Smoking vs Rouge Smoking Extrait

As lovely as BDK's take on a cherry perfume is, the projection is abysmal and although I haven't experienced this, longevity is widely reported to be poor. The extrait has similar notes, but with quite a few changes making it juicier and giving it more depth. To me the two don't smell the similar, more like distant cousins.

Winner: Original - the removal of the heliotrope and musk changes the overall fragrance too significantly for me.

Delina vs Delina Exclusif

This is by far Parfums de Marly's most popular perfume, with good reason. Delina's signature lycee and rose combo stole many hearts, but when her more sophisticated and less playful sister was created, with the same DNA but the addition of amber, oud and incense, the love had to be shared. Quentin Bisch has made some of my favourite perfumes, and the Delina family is definitely some of his best work.

Winner: Exclusif - Delina is definitely more unique, but Exclusif adds a sexiness that cannot be ignored.

My Way vs My Way Intense

My Way by Giorgio Armani is a bubblegum tuberose scent that somehow manages to stay fresh. It's super easy to wear and at one point it was my go-to bedtime perfume. The Intense is similar, but much more dense. I think the longevity of both is about the same, but the Intense has a stronger projection.

Winner: Original - This tuberose perfume works better in it's fresher format.

Oud Satin Mood vs Oud Satin Mood Extrait

Maison Francis Kurkdjian's take on an oud-rose fragrance is by far one of the best. Oud Satin Mood is a beautiful and luxurious perfume that grounds the oud and rose with amber and sweet vanilla. As if the scent wasn't great enough, it has enourmous projection and longevity. What does the Extrait have to offer you ask? MORE! More rose, more oud, more vanilla, and nuclear projection.

Winner: Extrait - All the goodness of the original, but somehow better.

Love Don't Be Shy vs Love Don't Be Shy Extreme

Rihanna allegedly declaring Love Don't Be Shy as a perfume she wore and was often complimented on, made the Kilian brand mainstream. I fell in love with Love Don't Be Shy orange blossom and marshmellow goodness at first sniff and now own several beauties from the house. In the Extreme version, many of the white florals are removed and the rose is amped up in a way that reduces the scent's sweetness.

Winner: Original - I love the sticky sweetness of it.

Guidance vs Guidance 46

This Amouage is another extraordinary creation by Quentin Bisch, and what I'd choose as a signature scent if I didn't prefer to wear a different perfume every day. Guidance, with it's complex notes and nuclear projection, divided the fragrance community as soon as she landed, with people loving it and hating it in equal measures. I was in Rome when I fist sampled Guidance and it was love at first sniff; I couldn't get it out of my mind until I owned a bottle. I didn't think I could love it any more and then I blind bough Guidance 46 - my heart nearly burst!

Winner: Intense - I will always own both, but Guidance 46 is smoother and preferred by the masses.

Gris Charnel vs Gris Charnel Extrait

BDK's best selling fragrance was an instant hit, so when it was announced that they were releasing extraits, we knew Gris Charnel would be one of them. This woody fig tea scent was intensified and made creamier in the Extrait with the addition of vanilla and overall, it feels like a more rounded fragrance.

Winner: Extrait - The added creaminess makes it even more cosy.

Sillage...