Paloma Picasso Perfumes

Paloma Picasso Didn’t Want Her Fragrance to Smell Like Everyone Else’s

How would you like to be Pablo Picasso’s daughter? People already know your surname before you’ve done anything yourself. Not many of us can say that.

Paloma became a jewellery designer in her own right. She also developed a distinctive style when it came to fragrance, releasing her first perfume in 1984. It wasn’t a straightforward floral.

Flowers were teamed with coriander, patchouli, oakmoss and animalic notes. The result was a bold fragrance with much more going on beneath the bouquet.

A Rose Perfume With Coriander? Interesting.

Paloma Picasso Eau de Parfum, also known as Mon Parfum, belongs to the floral chypre family.

Chypre fragrances contrast a fresh opening with flowers and a deeper, mossy or woody base. Sounds simple enough, but this perfume turns that idea up a notch. Carnation, coriander, rose, angelica, neroli, bergamot and lemon feature in the opening.

Coriander adds an aromatic, spicy element. Carnation can also smell spicy, with a character that reminds some people of cloves. So yes, there is rose here. But don’t expect a candy-sweet rose fragrance.

The Flowers Aren’t the Leading Act for Long

Hyacinth, jasmine, ylang-ylang and mimosa form the floral heart. Hyacinth brings a green floral character, while ylang-ylang can feel sweeter and creamier. Then the base becomes more noticeable.

Oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, musk and amber are commonly listed. That’s where the earthy, woody character comes from.

Descriptions of older versions also mention civet and castoreum. Those historical note lists don’t establish whether the current fragrance contains animal-derived ingredients. If you mainly wear fruity perfumes with pear, berries and vanilla, this could feel like quite a change.

Paloma Picasso EDT: Check More Than the Bottle

Paloma Picasso has been offered as both an Eau de Parfum and an Eau de Toilette.

The EDT is commonly listed with aldehydes, coriander, bergamot, lemon and neroli in the opening. Rose, hyacinth, mimosa and jasmine follow, with oakmoss, vetiver, musk and sandalwood underneath. Aldehydes can create a bright, airy or soapy impression.

The EDP’s listed notes put more emphasis on carnation, angelica, rose and patchouli alongside its mossy base. Don’t assume the EDT will smell like a diluted version of it.

If you wore Paloma Picasso decades ago, sample the current fragrance where possible. Reformulation and the condition of an older bottle can affect how closely a replacement matches your memory.

Minotaure: The Mythological Monster With Vanilla in His Cologne

Minotaure takes its name from the Minotaur in Greek mythology. The half-man, half-bull trapped in a labyrinth.

Sounds menacing, right? The fragrance takes a warmer approach. Released in 1992, Minotaure Eau de Toilette was created by perfumer Michel Almairac.

Bergamot, coriander, tarragon, galbanum, fruity notes and aldehydes make up the opening. Tarragon adds an herbal character, while galbanum brings a sharper green aspect. Geranium, jasmine, rose and lily of the valley follow. Quite a few flowers for a fragrance named after a monster.

Herbs Up Front, Vanilla Underneath

Tonka bean, vanilla, sandalwood, amber, musk and cedarwood form the base. Tonka bean and vanilla add sweetness and warmth. Sandalwood gives the woods a smoother feel.

Minotaure may appeal if you enjoy aromatic fragrances with a warm finish rather than a mainly aquatic character. Just don’t expect the name to translate into fierce leather or smoke.

Peach, Vodka and Cinnamon: Tentations

Paloma Picasso also released Tentations in 1996. Peach, a vodka accord, pepper, orange blossom and bergamot lead into rose, carnation, cinnamon and jasmine. Benzoin, myrrh, incense, tonka bean and woods round things off.

An unusual combination. It is also an older fragrance that can be harder to find, so check availability rather than assuming it will be stocked alongside the original perfume and Minotaure.

Which Paloma Picasso Fragrance Are You Looking For?

If you enjoy floral chypres, start by comparing the original Paloma Picasso concentrations. For aromatic herbs with vanilla and woods, look at Minotaure.

Buying a replacement? Match the full name and concentration on the existing bottle. EDT and EDP describe fragrance concentrations, not whether a perfume is for men or women.

Buy Paloma Picasso Perfume Online in South Africa

Check the fragrance name, concentration and bottle size on each listing. Size options vary between perfumes.

Compare available Paloma Picasso perfumes and prices at ScentRepublic. For more options, browse our women’s perfume collection and men’s perfume collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paloma Picasso perfume for women like?

Paloma Picasso Eau de Parfum is a floral chypre with spicy flowers and an earthy base. Patchouli, oakmoss and woods give it a different character from a sweet fruity floral.

Is Minotaure by Paloma Picasso sweet?

Tonka bean and vanilla give Minotaure some sweetness, but herbs, coriander, green notes and flowers are part of the composition too.

Are Paloma Picasso EDT and EDP different?

They share a floral chypre character, but their listed notes differ. Check the concentration when replacing a bottle.

Who created Minotaure by Paloma Picasso?

Perfumer Michel Almairac created Minotaure, which was released in 1992.

Can I still buy Paloma Picasso perfume?

Check current retailer listings for the fragrance and concentration you want. Availability varies, especially for older releases such as Tentations.

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