Mind Games The Forward

Name: Mind Games The Forward Review: A Salty Vanilla Power Move
Item: Mind Games The Forward
Author: Vivir

Mind Games The Forward Review: A Salty Vanilla Power Move

A salty vanilla power move from Mind Games and perfumer Nathalie Benareau.

By Vivir · October 11, 2026

Mind Games is a fragrance house that treats perfume like a chess match. Each release is a move, a strategy, a calculated play for attention. In 2023, the brand introduced The Forward, a unisex floral gourmand composed by Nathalie Benareau. It is not a quiet, wallflower scent. It is a statement: sparkling citrus, a surprising salt accord, and a creamy Madagascar vanilla base that lingers for hours. The Forward arrives at a moment when fragrance lovers are obsessed with salty gourmands, skin scents with teeth, and vanilla that refuses to be basic. It sits at the intersection of two major trends: the ongoing vanilla renaissance and the rise of savory notes in perfumery. But it also feels timeless, like a classic oriental gourmand updated for a generation that wants both comfort and projection. With a Fragrantica rating of 4.29 out of 5 from 565 votes, The Forward has already earned a devoted following. At $375 for 100ml, it is a luxury purchase, but one that promises strong performance and a distinctive signature. This review breaks down its notes, accords, evolution, performance, and value so you can decide if it deserves a place on your vanity.

Longevity

4.5

Projection

4.0

Sillage

4.0

$375

🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Citrus Vanilla Woody Powdery Salty Sweet Aromatic Amber

Notes Pyramid

Top

PomeloLemonMandarin Orange (Madagascar Mandarin)

Heart

Salt AccordTonka BeanJasmine Sambac

Base

Madagascar VanillaCashmeranSandalwood (Drêches)

Scent Journey

Opening 0-30 min

The first spray is a burst of pomelo, lemon, and mandarin. It is bright, energetic, and slightly sharp. The salt accord appears almost immediately, giving the citrus a savory, mouth-watering quality. This is the most extroverted phase of the fragrance.

Heart 1-2 hrs

The citrus fades into the background, and the heart takes over. Jasmine sambac and tonka bean create a sweet, floral, slightly powdery cloud. The salt accord remains, adding a unique savory edge that keeps things interesting. This is where The Forward feels most unisex and modern.

Drydown 4+ hrs

The base is pure comfort. Madagascar vanilla dominates, supported by cashmeran and sandalwood. It becomes creamy, woody, and slightly powdery. The salt is still there in the background, like a memory of the opening. The drydown lasts well into the 8+ hour mark, and it leaves a beautiful scent trail on clothing.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 4.5/5

8+ hours (very long-lasting)

📢 Projection 4.0/5

high

💨 Sillage 4.0/5

strong

When to Wear

🌸SpringBest

☀️SummerOK

🍂FallBest

❄️WinterOK

📌 everyday💼 office💕 date night📌 all occasions

Pros & Cons

✅ Sparkling citrus opening that feels bright and modern
✅ Salty jasmine-tonka heart adds unique complexity
✅ Creamy Madagascar vanilla drydown with excellent longevity
✅ Strong sillage and high projection for a unisex gourmand
✅ High Fragrantica rating of 4.29/5

❌ Premium $375 price point for 100ml
❌ Sweet-powdery profile may be too much for minimalist scent lovers
❌ Strong projection can overwhelm in close quarters
❌ Not widely available for discount shopping

Price & Value

$375

Luxury niche pricing; 100ml EDP at $375 places it in the high-end tier. The strong performance and positive community rating help justify the cost for enthusiasts.

“A worthwhile investment for vanilla-citrus gourmand fans, but sample first if you prefer airy or subtle fragrances.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported.

Who It's For

Ideal For

Unisex fragrance lovers who enjoy sweet yet fresh gourmands
Professionals who want a polished signature with strong performance
Vanilla and citrus fans seeking a niche upgrade
Date-night wearers who want warmth without heaviness

Not Recommended For

Those who dislike sweet or powdery scents
Fragrance wearers who prefer very light, skin-close scents
People sensitive to strong projection in shared offices

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Layering Ideas

Layer with a clean musk or ambroxan skin scent to amplify the salty cashmeran drydown.
Pair with a citrus-forward cologne in warm weather to boost the opening brightness.
Avoid heavy oud, leather, or smoky incense; they can overpower the powdery vanilla.

Final Verdict

Mind Games The Forward is a strategic unisex gourmand that balances sparkling citrus, salty florals, and creamy Madagascar vanilla. Its 2023 release by Nathalie Benareau delivers strong performance and a 4.29/5 Fragrantica rating, making it a compelling signature for those who want sweetness with sophistication. At $375 for 100ml, it is a luxury investment, but one that earns its place for vanilla-citrus devotees.