The Discontinued Gem You Need to Find: A Vivir Insider's Look at Givenchy Play For Her Intense
Before it vanishes forever, a look back at the iconic purple floral that defined an era of modern seduction.
Darling, gather close. I need to talk to you about a ghost. A beautiful, intoxicating ghost from the not-so-distant past that still haunts the collections of those in the know. We're talking about Givenchy Play For Her Intense, the deeper, darker, and infinitely more seductive sister to the original Play. Launched in 2010, it arrived at a time when technology and luxury were beginning a fascinating dance, a concept captured in its now-iconic, MP3 player-inspired bottle. It was a moment, a true statement piece on any vanity, signaling a modern, connected, and playful femininity.
While the original Play For Her was a bright, charming floral, the Intense version was designed for the night. It was Givenchy’s answer to the burgeoning demand for richer, more complex gourmand-florals that could command a room. This wasn't a scent for the faint of heart; it was for the woman who owned her power, who wasn't afraid of leaving a memorable, lingering trail. It was positioned as the ultimate evening and cold-weather fragrance within the Givenchy lineup, a potent elixir that promised confidence in a bottle. The concept was simple but brilliant: take the playful spirit of the original and infuse it with a dose of mystery and warmth.
The inspiration was a woman who lives life intensely, a muse who is both sophisticated and a little rebellious. The fragrance aimed to capture the feeling of a vibrant night out, the warmth of a hidden lounge, and the sweetness of a secret shared. The use of rich notes like tonka bean, benzoin, and a unique Amyris wood was a deliberate move to create a scent with incredible depth and a creamy, almost addictive quality that set it apart from the sharper, fruitier fragrances that were also popular at the time.
Today, Play For Her Intense holds a special, almost mythical status in the fragrance community. Its discontinuation was a quiet heartbreak for its devotees, turning every remaining bottle into a coveted treasure. It's the kind of scent people whisper about in forums, desperately seeking dupes or hunting for a forgotten bottle on a dusty shelf. Its cultural impact is one of quiet devotion; it wasn't a loud, bombastic chart-topper, but a cult classic that earned its place through sheer quality and a unique character that has yet to be perfectly replicated. If you find one, trust me, you buy it. No questions asked.
The Nose Behind the Scent
A collaboration between two Givaudan master perfumers, Emilie (Bevierre) Coppermann and Lucas Sieuzac. Coppermann is celebrated for modern hits like Paco Rabanne Black XS, while Sieuzac is known for his work on luxurious and complex scents for brands like Amouage.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A bright, attention-grabbing burst of sweet peach and piquant pink pepper. The orange blossom adds a touch of clean floralcy, creating an energetic and inviting start that isn't overly sharp.
The fragrance transitions into a creamy, lush floral heart. The orchid and tiare flower dominate, creating a sophisticated, almost tropical sweetness that is beautifully grounded by the unique, creamy woodiness of Amyris.
The final and longest phase is a warm, resinous, and deeply seductive base. The tonka bean and benzoin create a vanilla-amber embrace, while a smooth patchouli and sandalwood add depth and incredible staying power. It becomes a rich, powdery, and addictive skin scent.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent longevity. Easily lasts 8-10 hours on skin and will linger on fabrics for days.
Projects strongly for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble of about arm's length before settling closer to the skin.
Leaves a moderate to strong sillage. It's a head-turner that leaves a beautiful, warm trail without being overwhelming to a room.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Deep, seductive, and unique scent profile
- ✅ Outstanding longevity and performance
- ✅ Beautifully creamy and warm drydown
- ✅ High compliment factor
- ✅ Cult classic status makes it a special find
- ❌ Discontinued and very difficult to find
- ❌ Can be too sweet or heavy for some tastes
- ❌ Premium price on resale markets
Price & Value
“Worth the investment for die-hard fans or collectors seeking a unique, high-performing evening scent. For others, it's a significant splurge.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray bursts with a lively, fruity sweetness from peach and bergamot, brightened by a delicate whisper of pink pepper and the fresh, airy quality of sweet pea and orange blossom. It feels vibrant and inviting.
As it settles, the heart reveals a lush bouquet of white florals, with the exotic Tiare flower and rich orchid taking center stage, softened by creamy magnolia and a subtle warmth from amyris. It maintains a charming, elegant floral core.
The drydown deepens into a comforting, smooth embrace. Tonka bean and benzoin lend a warm, vanilla-like sweetness, beautifully grounded by soft sandalwood, earthy patchouli, and a clean, lingering trail of musk. It's less overtly intense than its 'Intense' sibling, offering a softer, more intimate warmth.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 6-8 hours on skin.
Moderate projection for the first 2-3 hours.
Creates a noticeable, yet polite, scent bubble.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Versatile for multiple seasons and occasions
- ✅ Pleasant and easy to wear
- ✅ Receives compliments
- ✅ Softer, less heavy than the Intense version
- ❌ Not groundbreakingly unique
- ❌ Moderate longevity and sillage compared to 'Intense' fragrances
- ❌ Can be harder to find now
Price & Value
“A solid choice for its price point, offering versatility and charm.”
📜 Reformulation History
While the 'old formula' is sometimes sought after, no major, widely reported reformulations specific to the Eau de Parfum variant have drastically altered its core character since its 2010 launch. Any subtle differences are likely due to natural ingredient variations or minor tweaks over time.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 25-45
- Those who love bold, sweet, and warm floral-gourmand scents
- Confident personalities who want a memorable signature scent for evenings
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Lovers of light, fresh, or aquatic fragrances
- Daytime or office wear as it can be too potent
- Those sensitive to patchouli or very sweet notes
The Family
The original Eau de Parfum, a lighter, brighter, and fruitier version.
A 2013 limited edition flanker with a focus on iris and licorice.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar deep, sweet, vanilla-almond seductive vibe.
Features a comparable fruity, spicy, and dark floral structure, though with different key notes.
Appeals to those who love the sweet patchouli and orchid combination, but is brighter and less woody.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Often cited by users as having a similar fruity-floral sweetness, though lacking the depth and longevity.
Shares some of the warm, sweet, and floral characteristics, offering a similar feel at a budget price.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Features a similar dark, sweet, and addictive quality with a coffee-vanilla twist.
For those who love a bold, sweet patchouli-gourmand statement.
Another deep, sweet, and fruity gourmand designed for evening wear.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple, high-quality vanilla body oil to amplify the tonka bean and benzoin.
- A light mist of a single-note sandalwood fragrance (like Le Labo Santal 33) to enhance the woody base.
- A rich, unscented body butter to create a moisturized base, which will significantly improve longevity.
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Play For Her Intense is a legend for a reason. It's a fragrance that perfectly captures a mood of confident, modern seduction. The blend of spicy florals, creamy woods, and a resinous, sweet base is intoxicating and expertly balanced. Its discontinuation has only amplified its allure, turning it into a holy grail for those who remember its magic. If you are a collector or a lover of bold, warm, and unforgettable evening scents, the hunt is absolutely worth it. This isn't just a perfume; it's an experience and a statement. Finding a bottle is like discovering a hidden gem—a piece of olfactory art that promises to make any night a special one.