Givenchy Play Intense (2008)
by Givenchy

The first time I sprayed this on paper/strip card, Givenchy Play Intense reminded me of Rochas Man. But after spraying it on my skin several times, and wearing it full for a couple of days, GPI really separates itself from other sweet fragrances.

The opening is fruity, I associated this with the smell of the inside of a sweet fruit after it has been peeled or knifed open. It's hard for me to identify the notes after the scent settles, but the combination of vanilla and patchouli is noticeable on the drydown.

Although the bottle is kind of gimmicky, the overall scent is really versatile. It is deliciously sweet, but light enough to be worn in an office/work environment; manly enough to be used on a date; distinctive enough to be an everyday scent for winter.

On my skin, Givenchy Play Intense lasts very long, and projects well. Worth a try.

23rd January, 2012.

Play Intense by Givenchy - Upon application, one is pleasantly treated to a refreshing duet of nectarous, mandarin tangerine and somewhat tart bergamot. Tumbling to the waiting middle, the citrus mixes with the slightly spicy and fruity pink pepper and coffee tree wood to brew a sweet, cocoa concoction, and flows to the wondrous base. Transitioning, multifaceted labdanum kidnaps the cocoa mixture and morphs the cocoa into a not unpleasant, tar-like, burnt coffee. The syrupy coffee joins with the woody vetiver, the sweet patchouli, the spicy vanilla of the tonka beans, and the soft, balsamic amyris wood to exude an awesome, mocha drydown. A delectable treat, this radiant composition has excellent longevity and very good projection.

7th December, 2011.

I would have given this a thumbs up, but I am not in to the sweet scents. Play Intense is a decent fragrance for the younger crowd, but not something to be taken to seriously. It starts out very strong but gets better with the dry down. Overall impression sweet, sweet and sweet..and coffee. I will agree with one other post as well, it smells like oranges covered in chocolate. It is worth a shot, if you have a sweet tooth.

14th August, 2011.

Yeah, a bit more "intense" than the regular Play. Is it any better? No.
This is a bit more woody, and the wood (at times) gives a slightly vanilla note, like old oak casks for wine. A fuller, rounder version of Play. No less sweet, and I like it less due to the quasi vanilla aspect.
Kind of reminds me of warm apple pie on a wooden plank.

20th July, 2011.

I really like this one, a bit synthetic, but I am still regreting buying the 50ml instead of a larger bottle. Great scent, and I think this is a versatile cologne for the fall/winter. Can be worn casually, at the office, or for a date.
Sprays nicely, and it is unique in my collection.

16th July, 2011.

I blind bought this one... Tried it on the first time, and it smelled like crap. Tar was all I smelled... Second time, same thing.

It wasn't until the 4th or 5th time I started really appreciating this scent. Then I watched a video on Youtube of a reviewer (Cubby) saying how it smells like doughnuts... Maybe it was the suggestion of that alone that made me change my opinion.

I would have put this as "neutral" but it seems to be growing on me every time I give it the chance (once every few weeks) <- which is high considering my rotation list.

Def don't blind buy. But you may need 3-4 samples to make your decision too...

10th July, 2011.