Calvin Klein 1999 EDP

M ££ Favourite

Contradiction

by Carlos Benaïm , Pierre Wargnye

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Calvin Klein Contradiction is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1999, created by Carlos Benaïm and Pierre Wargnye. Contradiction opens with Lemon, Mandarin, Lime, and Lavender, settles into a heart of Pepper, Cardamom, Nutmeg, and Coriander, and dries down to a base of Ebony, Musk, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. Calvin Klein's Contradiction carries a Favourite verdict, a woody-led wear.

This one's a mixed bag. Some find it a clean, unique classic for office and casual wear, while others can't get past a synthetic, overpowering lime. If you're after a fresh, subtly spicy everyday scent from the 90s, give it a sniff - but expect weak performance.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Clean
  • Fresh
  • Modern
  • Subtle
  • Relaxed
£21.50 at Paco Perfumerias 100ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Contradiction Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer
Also Works:
Fall

A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and summer.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Date Sport

Its clean, fresh, and subtle character makes it ideal for the office or casual wear, as it's unlikely to offend. While some find it suitable for dates, its limited projection and longevity mean it might not make a statement in formal settings or during vigorous activity.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Contradiction opens with a lively burst of zesty lime and lemon, sweetened subtly by mandarin, underpinned by the clean herbal refreshment of clary sage and lavender. This bright start transitions into a heart of warm, piquant spices - nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, and coriander - adding a sophisticated kick. The dry-down settles into a smooth, earthy vetiver and creamy sandalwood, with hints of ebony wood and a soft musk lingering on the skin.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Contradiction Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Contradiction Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 1 October

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.