Givenchy Play Eau de Toilette by Givenchy

It’s very youthful, but I don’t sense any citrus, just pure coffee with bitter orange.

A Givenchy for when you don’t need to project and just want to enjoy. I met it on the same day as Pi; on paper, I liked its clean, floral citrus opening, but on skin, it opens with spiced citruses that seem like orange with vanilla and pepper. Then white flowers, vanilla, and a hint of coffee appear in the background. As it dries, it sweetens and floats without being cloying, moving away from the blue trend. The evolution is subtle, but the combination is great for any nose. Its only flaw is projection, lasting about two hours at most before settling into a personal bubble. I don’t mind because it’s for work and daily use, more daytime than nighttime. It works for casual dinners, though there are better options; in extreme heat, it evaporates quickly, and in winter, you’re invisible. I loved having a daily, versatile option that’s a bit retro yet unknown. I’m grateful to find the 2011 vintage version; it remains soft and enjoyable despite the years.

It’s a two-faced fragrance: the opening is potent and the dry-down is more wearable, though the coffee and very sharp pepper didn’t convince me.

A fragrance with a dual focus: a powerful opening and a more wearable dry-down, though I wasn’t convinced by the coffee and the very sharp pepper.

I miss this one. I wore it over 10 years ago and didn’t realize it was discontinued, but the scent was magnificent; I haven’t smelled anything like it, so if anyone knows a substitute, let me know. It didn’t have the best longevity or projection, which is why replicating it was key, but it earned me tons of compliments. It was sweet and fresh, with citrus, coffee, and vetiver making a winning blend. The scent was simple, versatile, and charming. I don’t know why it went unnoticed, but it was fabulous. Compliments: 10, longevity: 6, projection: 6, price: 8, total: 7.5, plus extra points for that delicious smell.

It’s a simple perfume, nothing complex. When I smell it, I feel two complementary layers: on one hand, a very noticeable dry coffee bean, and on the other, bitter orange and another non-intrusive citrus, possibly grapefruit. It lasts about 4 hours before settling into a woody dry-down. Great for everyday wear, nothing special, but it stands out from many generic perfumes.

Is it that terrace you always ignore, that friend you never call, or that song you skip? Givenchy Play is the great forgotten one in my collection xD. I was looking for a bitter perfume and I found it. Upon spraying, my skin highlights a very well-done coffee note that respects the unground bean, nothing Starbucks. It comes wrapped in citrus with a natural sweetness, but with a very marked bitter orange peel. I hate this note because it smells like trash cans, but here it works. The opening is achieved: that initial bitterness and masculinity fade to become something creamy and sweet. I attribute that sensation to white cuaba or tobacco, which add a soapy, floral, and slightly greasy touch, similar to the olive note in Armani Code. The strong coffee diffuses, floral with pepper appears, the citrus softens, and everything balances. Despite the initial shock, it doesn’t lose its originality or turn into a generic musky base. I like it but it doesn’t fascinate me; it’s good and modern. The bottle and concept make me think of something energetic, but it smells like a quiet, creamy French café. Wearable all year round except winter. It has a romantic touch, ideal for relaxed evening plans, a summer night on a terrace without a jacket xD. Good longevity: with 3-4 sprays I’m scented for about 7 hours with a notable trail at the start. I like it more today. Maybe you just have to stop at the forgotten ones, work on the relationship, and have patience to change impressions… 7.5/10

Givenchy Play smells like youth with a fresh woody touch. It gives off the vibe of a young guy who isn’t too formal but isn’t stuck in sports mode either, despite its citrus notes. I think the heart, with its coffee and tobacco flower blend, adds real personality; I’m not sure what the cuaba smells like, but it definitely contributes something unique. It’s versatile and pleasant, perfect for young people as the ads suggest. On my skin, it lasts over 8 hours.

I found it in a magazine bag and loved it, promising myself it would be my first perfume, and it was. Out of the three I’ve owned (Polo Blue, Calvin Klein Be, and this one), this is the one I liked the most, and I’ll definitely buy another bottle. It has a delicious, sweet, citrusy, fresh, and elegant scent; I guess the coffee and pepper give it that touch. It’s sexy, and where I live (Mexico), I don’t think it’s very popular. Perfect for warm or cool climates, not heavy, so it works for everyday wear. I don’t think it suits all ages; better for an 18 to 30 range, with an elegant informal style (jeans, sneakers, button-down). Ideal for going out with a girl and making her smile because of your scent.

Authentic and masculine, EDT for men… my boyfriend wears it and it drives me crazy. I smell the white cuaba flower on his skin and it’s very sensual… it has a good trail. Highly recommended for seducing.

I love how it starts with fresh orange and grapefruit, and how the woods and patchouli make it super sexy. I adore it on my partner and recommend it without hesitation.

The opening is a citrus bomb with a touch of cubeb flower that gives it an informal vibe. Then it turns spicy and woody, but that dominant citrus remains. The dry-down disappointed me a bit; it becomes generic and loses projection quickly. Longevity is moderate with a medium trail at first. It’s casual and timeless, perfect for students or young people; it’s not expensive and smells great. Ideal for a coffee date with your girlfriend or hanging out with friends. It pairs well with humid and fresh days. If you’re young, don’t want to spend too much, and want to smell good, I recommend it 100%.