Contradiction
floral up front, then white floral, settling into woody.
About
Contradiction by Calvin Klein is a Floral Woody Musk fragrance for women. Contradiction was launched in 1997. Contradiction was created by Ann Gottlieb and Daniela Andrier. Top notes are Lily, Peony, Lily-of-the-Valley, Orchid, False Jasmine and Rose; middle notes are Eucalyptus, Lilac, Jasmine and Blackberry; base notes are Sandalwood, Musk…
Noses: Ann Gottlieb · Daniela Andrier
Some retailer links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
Wear Ledger
Opening · mid · drydownOpening· 0–30m
Lily, Peony, Lily-of-the-Valley, Orchid, False Jasmine, Rose
Heart· 2–4h
Drydown· 6h+
Olfactory readout
Accord mixWear intel
Community dataSkin chemistry varies. Sample before you blind-buy.
Wardrobe slot fits
Where it belongs- Best summer perfumes — Fresh accord profile fits heat and travel rotation.
- Best woody perfumes for men — Woody drydown anchors fall and evening slots.
- Best office perfumes for men — Close projection reads desk-safe at two sprays.
- Best perfumes for beginners — More Calvin Klein picks for labeled wardrobe slots.
Before you buy
Wear-tested answersWhat does Contradiction smell like?
floral up front, then white floral, settling into woody. Dominant accords: floral, white floral, woody.
What notes are in Contradiction?
Top: Lily, Peony, Lily-of-the-Valley, Orchid, False Jasmine, Rose. Heart: Eucalyptus, Lilac, Jasmine, Blackberry. Base: Sandalwood, Musk, Tonka Bean.
How long does Contradiction last?
Wearers tag this as moderate. Expect 4–6 hours for most people. Heavier application can stretch that.
Is Contradiction loud?
Close reach on skin. Arm's-length projection. Fine at work with a light hand.
What season is Contradiction best for?
Fall is the top pick (32%). Spring is second at 28%. Try it on skin in the season you're unsure about before a full bottle.
Day or night for Contradiction?
Day wear leads at 71%. Night is a secondary pick at 29%.
Is Contradiction for men or women?
Catalog lists it for men. On skin, 52% read it as female. Sample first if you're buying blind for someone else.
Who made Contradiction?
Composed by Ann Gottlieb and Daniela Andrier. Released in 1997.
Smells like this
Similar profile
Estée Lauder
Pleasures
Men · 1995
floralwhite floralfresh6 shared accords, 8 shared notes
Elizabeth Arden
Red Door
Men · 1989
floralwhite floralsweet6 shared accords, 8 shared notes
Houbigant
Quelques Fleurs l'Original
Men · 1912
white floralfloralpowdery6 shared accords, 8 shared notes
Elizabeth Arden
Splendor
Men · 1998
floralwhite floralfresh6 shared accords, 8 shared notes
Gucci
Envy Me
Men · 2004
fruityfreshfloral5 shared accords, 9 shared notes
Bvlgari
Rose Goldea
Men · 2016
rosefloralwoody6 shared accords, 6 shared notes
Wardrobe quiz · 15 questions · ~3 min
Does this earn a slot?
Fifteen questions on when you wear fragrance, what you skip, and what already works. Three explained picks before you blind-buy again.