Paco Rabanne released the first Olympéa fragrance back in 2015, and its huge popularity ensured several flankers soon followed. As several Viora London Youtube subscribers have asked for an Olympéa Intense vs Legend comparison, we decided to put both fragrances to the test.
I am comparing two Paco Rabanne fragrances: Olympéa Intense (2016) with Olympéa Legend (2019). Both fragrances share the main notes of vanilla, amber and salt, but whereas Olympéa Intense is mostly amber/vanilla, Olympéa Legend provides the additional fruity sweetness of plum.
Olympea Intense vs Legend
Armed with official samples of Paco Rabanne Olympéa Intense and Legend, it’s time to review, test and compare. I have also included my full video review too!
1. Paco Rabanne Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum
Review
Launched in 2016, Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum is a seductive amber-vanilla fragrance that brings sweetness, spice, warmth and saltiness into one heavenly scent.
A sparkly floral opening of sparkling grapefruit flower is mixed with the sweet, floral note of orange blossom and a dusting of white pepper. Salted-vanilla emerges from the heart to cast its majestic sweet and salty magic.
Upon dry-down, smooth cedarwood, earthy ambergris and the exotic warmth of white amber provides a solid base that performs well.
The now-classic Paco Rabonee Olympéa flacon in soft bronze is decorated with laurel wreath features a gold printing to the front and is topped with an amber-coloured cap.
Top Notes:
Orange Blossom, Grapefruit Flower, White Pepper
Mid Notes:
Salty Vanilla
Base Notes:
Amber, Cedarwood, Ambergris
Seasons & Longevity
Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum is long-lasting fragrance at 6-8 hours with excellent sillage and projection. The salty vanilla lasts especially well.
As for when to wear, this is an ideal scent for colder autumn-winter months and works equally well for dressy or casual occasions.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Stunning salty-vanilla and warm amber combination |
| Cons | Only for the colder seasons |
2. Paco Rabanne Olympéa Legend Eau de Parfum
Review
Launched in 2019 and created by perfumer Loc Dong, Olympéa Legend Eau de Parfum is an oriental scent that is sweeter than Olympéa Intense. It envelops in delicious plum and salted vanilla.
Succulent and sweet juicy plum dusted in sea salt open this fragrance which has a touch of bittersweet apricot about it. The heart creates lift with white florals and a touch of ginger.
Upon dry-down, vanilla dominated the base, joined by tonka bean and warmed by rich amber. Settles to a sweet vanilla-plum scent with a slightly salty kick. A worthy addition to the Olympéa collection.
Olympéa Legend Eau de Parfum nestles inside a radiant amber bottle, embraced in a rose gold laurel leaf crown. The matching colour cap on top of the flacon is a nice finishing touch.
Check out my full review of Ariana Grande Moonlight Eau de Parfum if you love plum fragrances.
Top Notes:
Sea Salt, Plum, Apricot
Mid Notes:
Ginger Floral, Floral Notes
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Amber, Tonka Bean
Seasons & Longevity
Although most suitable for autumn/winter, the sweetness of plum does work well in early spring too. This is more of a daytime fragrance in my personal opinion.
The performance of Olympéa Legend Eau de Parfum is excellent, lasting 6-8 hours with noticeable projection and casts a lovely sillage trail behind you.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Smells expensive and gets lots of compliments |
| Cons | A little too fruity-sweet to my nose |
Olympéa Intense and Olympéa Legend – Comparison
| Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum | Olympéa Legend Eau de Parfum |
|---|---|
| Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum blends salty-sweet vanilla and warming amber with delicate flowers to create a seductive feminine fragrance. | Olympéa Legend Eau de Parfum Intense is a sweeter and fruitier interpretation of the original scent with rich plum and sweet vanilla. |
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum
Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum is my pick of the two. I love the warming rich amber, salty-sweet vanilla and hints of flowers. Perfect for any occasion in the colder seasons.
Our Olympéa Intense vs Legend Video
Conclusion
Overall, Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum and Olympéa Legend Eau de Parfum Intense are both head-turning fragrances that perform incredibly well. Although they are similar, I feel they are different enough to own both.
I went for Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum as the warming amber and salty-vanilla are alluring but not too sweet. If you prefer a sweeter scent then Olympéa Legend Eau de Parfum Intense is an excellent choice.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
