Imaginary Authors Mind Games

Name: Imaginary Authors Mind Games Review: Gourmand Spicy Scent
Item: Imaginary Authors Mind Games
Rating: 4.2
Author: James Whitmore

Imaginary Authors Mind Games Review: Gourmand Spicy Scent

Christelle Laprade's 2022 extrait de parfum blends dark chocolate, spice, and wood for a bold unisex fragrance.

By James Whitmore, Fragrance News Reporter · April 21, 2026 · Updated July 15, 2026

James covers releases, brand news, and industry shifts in fine fragrance. Former beauty desk editor; trained nose since 2014.

Released in 2022, Imaginary Authors Mind Games is a luxury extrait de parfum that challenges conventional scent categories. Crafted by perfumer Christelle Laprade, it presents a complex blend of gourmand, spicy, and woody accords, targeting a unisex audience. This fragrance stands out for its bold use of dark chocolate and exotic spices, offering a sophisticated and memorable olfactory journey. As part of the niche brand Imaginary Authors, Mind Games reflects the house's commitment to narrative-driven perfumery, inviting wearers to engage with scent as an art form.

4.2 Overall

Longevity

0.0

Projection

0.0

Sillage

0.0

$115-$375

🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Gourmand Sweet Spicy Oriental Woody

Notes Pyramid

Top

Orange bittersPimentoPink pepper

Heart

AgaveGeraniumMadagascan cinnamon

Base

Dark chocolateBourbon vanillaIndian sandalwoodBourbon vetiver

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity

12-14 hours

📢 Projection

Strong initially, projecting arm's length, then softening to a skin scent after 6 hours

💨 Sillage

Moderate to heavy, leaving a noticeable trail for the first 4-6 hours

When to Wear

🌸SpringOK

☀️SummerOK

🍂FallBest

❄️WinterBest

📌 Evening wear📌 Date nights🎩 Formal events📌 Cool weather outings

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall

4.2

⏱️ Longevity

4.0

💨 Sillage

3.8

💰 Value

4.1

💌 Compliment Factor 0.0/5

8/10 - The unique blend of dark chocolate and spices often draws compliments for its warmth and sophistication, though it may be too intense for some settings.

Pros & Cons

✅ Unique and memorable scent profile
✅ Excellent longevity due to extrait de parfum concentration
✅ High-quality, natural-smelling ingredients

❌ May be too intense for hot weather or close quarters
❌ Premium price point may not suit all budgets

Price & Value

$115-$375

“Premium for an extrait de parfum, but justified by the quality of ingredients and complexity of the blend, offering good value for niche fragrance collectors.”

📜 Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported

Explore More

🔍 Similar Fragrances

Angel by Thierry Mugler

Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf

Black Orchid by Tom Ford

💡 Clone Alternatives

None widely recognized due to its niche status

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🧪 Layering Ideas

Layer with a fresh citrus scent like Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine to brighten the top notes
Combine with a vanilla-focused fragrance such as Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir for a sweeter dry-down

🏆 Final Verdict

Imaginary Authors Mind Games is a masterful blend of gourmand and spicy notes that offers a unique and long-lasting scent experience. While best suited for cooler weather and evening wear, its unisex appeal makes it a versatile addition to any fragrance collection. Recommended for those seeking a bold and sophisticated fragrance with narrative depth.