Is Perfume Parlour Strong Mexican a dupe of Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa?

Strong Mexican EDP

Perfume Parlour   Inspired Favourite
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Colonia Intensa Cologne bottle Colonia Intensa EDC
EDC Concentration EDP
M Gender M
2007 Year -
££ Price Tier £
Strong Mexican Eau de Parfum bottle Strong Mexican EDP
£48.95 from
50ml at Fragrance Click UK
Best value £0.78/ml (180ml)
Buy Colonia Intensa Check price on →
£11.00 from
30ml at Perfume Parlour
Best value £0.32/ml (100ml)
Buy Strong Mexican

Where they differ

Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.

ScentArt

View Liquid → Colonia Intensa EDC
View Liquid → Strong Mexican EDP

Which Should You Buy?

Our Verdict - Colonia Intensa EDC
A divisive one, this. It's often praised as a classy, refreshing take on a classic Colonia, but just as often dismissed as an 'old man's' scent. Its intimate projection and moderate longevity frustrate some, but it's a solid choice for those who appreciate understated elegance.
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Our Verdict - Strong Mexican EDP
Perfume Parlour's affordable interpretation of Acqua Di Parma Colonia Intensa - a citrus fragrance led by Lemon, Ginger, Cardamom, with warm spicy depth. As a budget interpretation it sits lighter and more linear than the designer, but the core signature is there.
Favourite

Scent Profile

How they compare
Colonia Intensa EDC A Strong Mexican EDP B
Where they part company by gap size

How They Wear

Showing: Overall Blend

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Colonia Intensa EDC
Strong Mexican EDP

Notes

Shared Notes
Neroli 41% vs 33%
Ginger 25% vs 26%
Cardamom 24% vs 23%
Leather 23% vs 27%
Lemon 21% vs 30%
Benzoin 20% vs 38%
Musk 18% vs 38%
Patchouli 16% vs 33%
Shared Notes
Ginger 25% vs 26%
Cardamom 24% vs 23%
Lemon 21% vs 30%
Only in Colonia Intensa
Bergamot 28%
Only in Strong Mexican
Citrus 20%
Shared Notes
Neroli 41% vs 33%
Only in Colonia Intensa
Artemisia 32% Myrtle 26%
Only in Strong Mexican
Musk 38% Myrrh 28%
Shared Notes
Leather 23% vs 27%
Benzoin 20% vs 38%
Patchouli 16% vs 33%
Only in Colonia Intensa
Cedar 22% Musk 18%

Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.

Performance

Colonia Intensa Strong Mexican
Moderate (4-6h)
Longevity
Short (2-4h)
Moderate
Projection
Intimate
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

Colonia Intensa

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer Autumn

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Date Formal

Its moderate projection and fresh, clean accords make it very office-safe. While elegant enough for formal settings, its generally muted performance means it's better suited for more intimate occasions or casual daytime wear, especially in warmer weather.

Strong Mexican

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer

Best in spring and summer - the citrus, warm spicy profile suits those conditions, while extremes of heat or cold flatten the dupe's lighter composition.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Office Sport

Keep it for casual and daily - the citrus accord gives presence while the gentle projection keeps it crowd-friendly.

Similarity Breakdown

Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.

Overall scent match
59%
Key Similarities

Shares 8 of its 12 notes, including Leather, Lemon, Musk

Key Differences

Adds artemisia and bergamot, drops citrus and myrrh

Where to buy

Colonia Intensa EDC
Strong Mexican EDP
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