Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

[Miket]

Well I remember owning the surfboard shaped bottle, the very first, back in the early nineties. Loved it. I'm thinking of buying it again. I've smelled the les parfums mythique line version and, well, it's not to my liking at all. Much of the floral/femenine character is gone. So should I buy the original rounded bottle, or the later square bottle?

The square bottle is less expensive by about $30 which seems a fair whack.

[cacio]

What is the square bottle? I've only seen the slightly rounded "Amarige" style bottle, whose contents, for what I've smelled, are excellent.

Good to know that the Mithiques isn't as good. I had never smelled it, and it seems to have disappeared even from the few stores that sold it.

cacio

[docluv45]

It's Insensé, not Incense, by the way.

I've only owned the rounded bottle with the flat face, so I'm not sure I can write off the later standard squared off bottle version. I would feel much safer with the classic old bottle unless someone steps up indicating the newer bottle is just as good.

[Miket]

What is the square bottle? I've only seen the slightly rounded "Amarige" style bottle, whose contents, for what I've smelled, are excellent.

Same type of bottle as Xeryus Rouge and Givenchy Gentleman. Rectangular, rounded edges, central label and plastic sleeve cap.

It's Insensé, not Incense, by the way.

Insense I can do. Accents, too much trouble.

I've only owned the rounded bottle with the flat face, so I'm not sure I can write off the later standard squared off bottle version. I would feel much safer with the classic old bottle unless someone steps up indicating the newer bottle is just as good.

As much as I've heard is that there are three formulations. Exact words were that the second is 'still worthwhile,' but I'd like to hear a little more from someone who knows if possible.

Though as there's only one of the latter bottles, and eight of the originals available the decision will probably be made for me.

[hednic]

The original is a great scent IMO.

[alfarom]

I'm familiar with the "rounded-amarige" style bottle only, but my guess is that the square bottle should still be the same juice.

[Profumo Saggio]

I'm familiar with the "rounded-amarige" style bottle only, but my guess is that the square bottle should still be the same juice.

This.

[lupo]

I use to love the original Insense', and I was also really disappointed in the Mithyque edition. It just didn't smell like Insense', really... You might come across Insense' Ultramarine, an embarrassing flanker which I don't think made much of an impact on anyone.
However, I remember the Amarige bottle, I don't really remember the surfboard bottle mentionned. If you can snatch the original bottle, just buy it. Two of them, if you can

[Bigsly]

I recently obtained an original bottle (now on my sales page due to it not having a drydown that I thought was special), but never tried the newer ones. This version is very full, rich, and natural smelling, so I can't imagine anything produced recently being the same or nearly the same.

[Miket]

However, I remember the Amarige bottle, I don't really remember the surfboard bottle mentionned. If you can snatch the original bottle, just buy it. Two of them, if you can

Apologies for any confusion but the Amaraige bottle is what I mean when I say the surfboard-shaped bottle. Sorry ^^;; I'm getting old and surfboards actually kinda looked like that back when I was a teen.

[Slayerized]

I own both, surfboard and second version that looks like this:


They are definitely a little different but worth owning both imo!
The second version has less aldehydes and is a little less flowery but also more masculine imo.
The drydowns are pretty similar as is longevity and sillage (like 7 hrs and good sillage for first 2 hrs).
Overall the original is a little better but as you say also way more difficult to get and more expensive.
Mind that Luca Turin's review is imo about the second version and not the original and he gives 2nd version 5 stars!

If you like how the original Insensé smells like the second version is worth a blind buy! To me they are almost equally as good!

The Mythique version I never smelled. If you want to buy one of those go for the Vetyver which is more than excellent!

Good luck!

[southerngardens]

You may have to go on eBay in the men's used fragrances to find the original surfboard shaped bottle. I would stick with the vintage.

[Slayerized]

You may have to go on eBay in the men's used fragrances to find the original surfboard shaped bottle. I would stick with the vintage.

Why?
You own/tried second version and don't like it?
For what reasons would you stick to vintage?

[döfä91]

The original is a great, i think you might want to get it. I like it better than the later release.

edit: I like the vintage more because it's more "thicker" and stronger to my nose, as well as more flowery and it appears to me it has more overall power.

[EarNoseThroat]

Heres an Idea for Givenchy, go back to making this with the original surfboard bottle formulation, and you will make lots of moolah!

[Slayerized]

Some here say that first two versions have the same juice (almost, but I am sure they don't have)
Some here say the vintage is better than the second (without giving any reasons why).

I say again, for paying 30 dollars less, go for the second version as it is almost as good as the vintage! (just do not buy the Mythique version)

[Joe_Frances]

Paying $194 for a "Rare" bottle of vintage was no great prize. It is nice, and I will wear it, and it may eventually become something to treasure, but I don't see the "greatness" yet.
Bottom line: not worth the high price for vintage.

[Mancio82]

Joe_Frances, my experience with Insense was similar. Except I only paid about 30$ for a 30ml bottle in one of the small perfume shops in Toronto (the very first version of this scent). Gave it multiple wearings but could not warm up to the scent. I still own it, though, it's waiting for the right time, I guess.

[epapsiou]

Some of the prices on ebay these days are crazy. I sometimes wonder whether this is a collusion to inflate the price by various sellers
I guess this current bear market will fix the price issue soon

[HackerX]

Joe_Frances, my experience with Insense was similar. Except I only paid about 30$ for a 30ml bottle in one of the small perfume shops in Toronto (the very first version of this scent). Gave it multiple wearings but could not warm up to the scent. I still own it, though, it's waiting for the right time, I guess.

Yeah, at that same store the 50ml goes for $55, a steal for a vintage Insense. They might still have a few bottles left.

But this is a definite masterpiece for me.

[Roky]

Bumping this a bit as I've come across two bottles of first version: Both are not EdT, but After Shave Sprays, both are 50ml, new in box.
I can buy them for 35 Euros each.
Would you do this - given that it is AS?
Thanks for any input.

[Ken_Russell]

Bumping this a bit as I've come across two bottles of first version: Both are not EdT, but After Shave Sprays, both are 50ml, new in box.
I can buy them for 35 Euros each.
Would you do this - given that it is AS?
Thanks for any input.

Personally would still recommend/consider this, incidentally having had the opportunity to test the vintage aftershave spray of this one as well more than 10 years ago and having been pleased with its performance and the faithfulness of its rendition of the regular EDT version.

[Buysblind]

I have a vintage tester (50ml) I'm willing to sell for a very low price if anyone is interested. This one's not for me.

[hednic]

Bumping this a bit as I've come across two bottles of first version: Both are not EdT, but After Shave Sprays, both are 50ml, new in box.
I can buy them for 35 Euros each.
Would you do this - given that it is AS?
Thanks for any input.

I personally wouldn't as I don't use After Shave, but if you like the original scent and After Shave isn't a problem for you, then I don't see why not. Seems like a good price.

[Roky]

I personally wouldn't as I don't use After Shave, but if you like the original scent and After Shave isn't a problem for you, then I don't see why not. Seems like a good price.

Thank you, dear Ken & Hednic,
will do so!
All the best to you gentlemen, and enjoy!