By now, word has probably gotten around that Lattafa has launched two Paragon alternatives on the market.
One is the
Vintage Radio and the other is the
Al Nashama.
Is it worth buying both? And if not, which of the two should you buy? Of course, this is all subjective.
Nevertheless, I'll try to list the differences and say which of the two I personally prefer.
Opening :
With both you can tell straight away that they are trying to imitate Paragon.
Nevertheless, Nashama starts sweeter, more feminine and more synthetic than Vintage Radio.
The latter's opening is simply of higher quality, more complex and more mature.
Nashama simply needs a few minutes longer to stop smelling so synthetic and pungent.
The point clearly goes to Vintage Radio.
Drydown :
The differences are clearer in the drydown and towards the end.
With Vintage Radio I perceive sage, pepper, lavender and a sweet plum.
In addition, a warm, woody note probably created by the note "Palo Santo".
As a result, Vintage Radio offers a wider spectrum of notes compared to Nashama, which focuses on the sweet plum, and the Palo Santo, which smells less woody compared to VR.
In addition, the pepper in the background is only very subtly perceptible.
The woody note is also present here, but it is more feminine, softer and more playful.
Yes, I would almost say that the Nashama almost goes in the direction of candy / ice cream.
Not 1:1, but that's the vibe that Nashama exudes, while Vintage Radio smells spicier, more balsamic and less sweet, but a little creamier.
For me, the point here goes to Nashama because I find this candy vibe somehow more interesting.
Many would see it differently and give the point to VR due to the slight synthetics, but that's my personal assessment here :p
Performance :
In terms of performance, I was quite surprised.
Since Vintage Radio is part of Lattafa's Pride Line, I would have thought that it would perform better than the less well-known Paragon alternative.
I tested both on clothing.
Sprayed the same amount of both, both were bottled with the same bottle.
And the Nashama was simply the better performer.
This is probably also because Nashama smells a little more synthetic.
More synthetic fragrances often simply perform better.
Even after hours, I perceived Nashama much better.
The next day, out of curiosity, I sniffed the sleeves of my top again before it went into the washing machine and I also noticed the Nashama more clearly.
Again, the point goes to Nashama.
Both unisex?
For me, Nashama is actually the truly unisex fragrance.
Women would probably also prefer it to VR, which already smells more masculine than this one.
Price :
Both fragrances are currently almost the same price.
This may still change, but with a price difference of 1-2 euros, there is no winner here.
It's hard to say which one is better.
Everyone should decide for themselves.
My decision falls on the Nashama.
But to summarize who is better in which category (in my opinion) :
Opening : Vintage Radio
Drydown : Nashama
Quality : Vintage Radio
Performance : Nashama
Price : undecided
What else is important to mention, both are about 85 - 90% the same.
Unfortunately, it is always difficult to say in numbers, but at the beginning it is about 80-85% in the late DD then probably 90%.
Unfortunately, I can't say which one is more similar to the original.
According to those who have tested the Paragon, the Vintage Radio would probably be a good alternative.
Top Notes 
Heart Notes 
Base Notes 
Nqobie0303
Skrwail
