Contradiction

A floral bouquet with eucalyptus in it? That is exactly the point of Contradiction, launched by Calvin Klein in 1997.

Most of the perfume is lush and familiar: rose, jasmine, lily, peony and orchid. The eucalyptus cuts through them with a cool, almost minty freshness. It doesn’t take over. It sits inside the flowers and makes them feel crisper than they otherwise would.

Underneath, sandalwood gives a creamy wood, tonka bean a gentle sweetness, and musk a soft skin-like finish.

Who is it for? Anyone who loves a full bouquet but gets bored with florals that smell purely pretty. The cool note gives it character, and the warm base keeps it wearable from morning meetings to dinner.

One bottle size here: 3.4 oz, Eau de Parfum.

A greener nineties classic is Escape. If you prefer a softer, uncomplicated bouquet, Beautiful by Estee Lauder is a good match. Shop Calvin Klein.