Kilian Forbidden Games Review: A Seductive Fruity Floral
Indulge in the forbidden sweetness of peach, rose, and honey
By Vivir·
In the world of luxury fragrance, few houses capture the essence of forbidden desire as poetically as By Kilian. Forbidden Games, launched in 2012, is a daring exploration of innocence and temptation, wrapped in a veil of juicy fruits and intoxicating florals. This scent is not for the faint-hearted; it's a statement, a whisper of secrets, and a celebration of indulgence.
From the first spritz, Forbidden Games transports you to a realm where peach and blackcurrant flirt with cinnamon, setting the stage for a heart of Bulgarian rose and jasmine. As it settles, honey and vanilla emerge, leaving a trail of warmth that lingers like a memory you can't quite shake. It's a fragrance that embodies the tension between the playful and the sensual, making it perfect for those evenings when you want to feel both alluring and mysterious.
With its roots in the 'forbidden' narrative—a nod to the allure of the taboo—Forbidden Games fits seamlessly into Kilian's portfolio of poetic, story-driven scents. It's a fragrance that invites you to explore your own boundaries, to embrace the sweetness of life's secrets, and to wear your desires on your skin.
The first 30 minutes are a burst of juicy peach and blackcurrant, with a subtle apple and plum sweetness. A hint of cinnamon adds a spicy warmth that immediately sets the tone—playful yet daring.
2
Heart1-2 hrs
As the fruitiness settles, the heart reveals a lush bouquet of Bulgarian rose and jasmine, with a touch of geranium adding a green, slightly earthy contrast. The honey begins to emerge, weaving a thread of sweetness through the florals.
3
Drydown4+ hrs
After four hours, the fragrance settles into a warm, resinous base of honey, vanilla, and opoponax. The sweetness becomes more rounded and powdery, leaving a soft, sensual trail that clings to the skin for hours.
Performance Dashboard
⏱️ Longevity4.0/5
8-10 hours on skin, with excellent staying power that easily lasts through a full evening.
📢 Projection3.0/5
Projects at arm's length for the first few hours, then settles closer to the skin as it dries down.
💨 Sillage3.0/5
Moderate sillage—leaves a noticeable trail without being overpowering, ideal for intimate settings.
When to Wear
🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
💕 Date Night📌 Evening Wear✨ Special Occasions
Pros & Cons
✅ Luxurious and unique blend of fruit, florals, and honey
✅ Excellent longevity—8-10 hours
✅ Beautiful, collectible bottle design
✅ Perfect for special occasions and date nights
❌ Premium price point may be prohibitive for some
❌ Can be too sweet for those who prefer drier scents
❌ Not versatile for all seasons or daytime wear
Price & Value
$250-$300
High-end luxury pricing, typical for Kilian's exclusive line.
“Worth the investment if you adore the scent and wear it for special moments; otherwise, consider a sample or decant.”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported.
Who It's For
Ideal For
Women who love sweet, fruity florals
Those who enjoy luxurious, statement-making scents
Layer with a vanilla body oil to enhance the gourmand sweetness.
Pair with a musk-based perfume for a deeper, more intimate finish.
Final Verdict
Forbidden Games is a decadent, opulent fragrance that thrives in the evening. Its sweet, fruity-floral composition is both playful and seductive, making it a standout for those who love to make an impression. If you can embrace its intensity and price, it's a worthy addition to any luxury collection.