Initio Paragon Extrait de Parfum Review
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Joining the beloved and best-selling Hedonist collection, Paragon Extrait de Parfum is Initio’s main launch for 2022 – and it’s sublime. Following on from the cult-status Rehab and Musk Therapy, Paragon continues to take the idea of fragrance to the next level, just like the rest of the line. It builds on the Hedonist collection, offering a third mantra fragrance to take you to another dimension of self-fulfilment.
While Rehab was designed for your physical body, offering an ecstatic return to the pleasure of perfume, and Musk Therapy appealed to your emotional body by encouraging relaxation, Paragon caters to your spiritual body. It lights your path to accomplishment, helping your spirit rise in a cloud of positivity. And yes, it smells stunning, but it does more than just smell good; it’s shown to boost your self-confidence too. Read on to find out all about it…
What Does Paragon Smell Like?
To me, Paragon smells like snuggling up by a warm, crackling fire as the nights are starting to draw in; it’s got a distinct woodiness and warmth, but there’s also something incredibly comforting about it too. Of course, there’s a sexy hint of exotic spice here too, which Initio fragrance fans will adore.
When you first spray Paragon, you instantly get a familiar waft of the soft, soothing note of lavender, which is lifted by a sparkling touch of citrus-green bergamot. The final note at the top is aromatic white sage. This facet feels different to a lot of sage notes you might have experienced before; it still has the herby, fresh side of sage but it also has an unexpected ambery warmth to it, like sage leaves that have curled up and dried out in the sun.
As the scent settles, it unveils the leading palo santo note; it’s a stunning woody facet that has a lot to offer; it can be bright, sweet, lemony, woody and even a little musky, while still maintaining a woody sturdiness. A stimulating sprinkling of black pepper creates a subtle layer of spicy warmth without becoming overpowering, as it blends with plum, which adds a rich, sumptuous juiciness. As time wears on, Paragon’s warm woody signature wraps up its precious woody tones with creamy sandalwood and agarwood.
What’s The Story Behind This Scent?
Paragon is designed to go beyond the skin, all the way to the soul. Powered by palo santo and white sage, it draws upon the beneficial properties of this duo of sacred plants, which Initio state have been passed down through initiation ceremonies from the first lines of Inca shamans. I love how they incorporate ancient methods of perfumery, while still offering contemporary and futuristic scents.
More than just fragrance, Paragon by Initio is made for those who view scent as an integral part of their daily ritual – rather than something to quickly spritz on and dash. In fact, the blend of mystical ingredients that lie behind the fragrance hold protective and purifying powers. As a result, the fragrance encourages a feeling of self-confidence and positivity.
Each key fragrance note has been chosen with the utmost care:
Palo Santo: This relaxing note is said to clear negative energy and promote well-being.
White Sage: Boasting strong purification properties, this note is used to cleanse and transform energies.
Lavender: Known for its soothing and calming properties, this helps to facilitate trusting relationships between individuals.
Black Pepper: A warming note that stimulates the mind.
You Will Love This If…
If you love Initio, you need to try Paragon. We passed it around the office when it first arrived at Escentual HQ and everyone loved it. Personally, it’s my favourite fragrance from the Hedonist list. It feels really comforting and calming, but also highly luxurious and sophisticated at the same time.
Keen to learn more about Initio perfumes, including the Hedonist collection? Check out our guide to the brand:
This Perfume Smells Similar To:
Paragon by Initio isn’t your average fragrance, so it has a very distinct personality. If I had to compare it to an existing Initio scent, though, I’d compare it with Musk Therapy – they both have a luxurious, precious wood vibe, but Paragon feels a lot more aromatic, thanks to the likes of lavender and sage.
Is Paragon Unisex?
Yes! It’s designed to appeal to all genders, and it certainly does. Everyone at Escentual HQ has fallen under its spell.
What’s The Longevity Like?
This is Initio we’re talking about, so it’s always going to last a long time – you’ll find only the highest quality notes in Initio perfumes. On me, just one spritz of the Paragon fragrance lasted an impressive ten hours – I wouldn’t be surprised if it lasted even longer on some, though.
What’s Special About The Bottle?
Fans of Initio’s top-selling Hedonist fragrance collection will recognise Paragon’s highly sophisticated design; it features the range’s sleek white bottle with the detailed metallic emblem and metallic-topped cap, now in a dark bronze hue. Out of each of the existing Hedonist perfumes, I have to admit that it’s my personal favourite – I’m obsessed with that chic bronze colour.
Discover The Fragrance In More Detail…
Keen to find out more about Paragon? Myself and three other Team Escentual members have committed to putting it to the test for one month. Watch along to find out why we wanted to try it and check back soon for our 30-day review…