Top 4 Colognes Similar to Givenchy Play Intense [In 2024]

Written By John Carter

Givenchy Play Intense is one of the flankers of the company’s very famous line Givenchy Play. although, this particular cologne does not always get the recognition it deserves.

The fans of Givenchy Play Intense are small and intimate in number; however, it means they have found a gem that is the perfect mature coffee cologne one can look for.

It is hard to find a cologne that has a solid coffee note without it going too gourmand or bitter. Givenchy Play Intense has done the balance perfectly, therefore, if you have smelled it once it is very natural to look for its dupes.

I will describe 4 colognes that you can use instead of Givenchy Play Intense to have almost the same experience with their own twists. Let’s begin!

Which Colognes Are Similar To Givenchy Play Intense?

Givenchy Play Intense was released in 2008 and created by Emilie Bevierre-Coppermann and Lucas Sieuzac.

The top notes of Givenchy Play Intense are  Mandarin Orange and Bergamot.

Givenchy Play being the main cologne of the line, Givenchy Play Intense carries a lot of its DNA and makes the scent stronger and sexier.

Its bottle design is the same as Givenchy Play as well with a different color. The design is very cool as it looks like a mobile device or an mp3.

Even though it has some strong citrusy notes listed at the top, you will get a very mild fresh aroma from the cologne. But it builds a much stronger character which is why people fall in love with it right away.

The coffee note makes the cologne smell really chocolatey. It almost smells edible with the vanilla-like creamy coffee flavor. You will feel like you are having a cup of hot chocolate coffee.  And the orange combo with the coffee chocolate brings back memories of the orange chocolate bar we used to enjoy as kids.

Givenchy Play Intense pumps up its power by adding lots of Amyris woody notes and a good dose of tonka bean.

The cologne has soft fresh accords but, at the same time, has a gourmand feeling as the coffee always continues to be the center of attention.

Play Intense has few stages, and it becomes unnecessary to have too many changes when the cologne can rock from the beginning of its journey.

Also, you can check out: Must-have Colognes Similar to Versace Man

The longevity and projection of Play Intense are magnificent. You will easily get a lasting power of 8 to 10 hours.

Getting compliments from the people around you is a must; especially from women. They love it when men are wearing a confident cologne, it gives off a great first impression. Givenchy Play Intense may have sweet accords but it is a muscular cologne.

Play Intense is for winter and fall. The gourmand side of the cologne makes it thick and appropriate for cold days. And, it is preferable at night.

So, here are the best colognes that smell like Givenchy Play Intense:

Rochas Man

Top notes are Lavender and Bergamot;

Middle notes are Cappuccino, Raspberry, Jasmine, Virginia Cedar and Lily-of-the-Valley;

Base notes are Vanille, Amber, Sandalwood and Patchouli.

The first cologne that comes to mind when you are looking for an alternative to Givenchy Play Intense is Rochas Man.

Even though it was released in 1999, it still smells modern even today.

The main note in Rochas Man is also coffee like Givenchy Play Intense. It comes more as a cappuccino-smelling coffee than a chocolate coffee as it is stated in its note breakdown. And the coffee smells right away after you spray the cologne.

Vanilla and amber are the two other aromas that are prominent in Rochas Man. They mostly support the cappuccino. In addition, amber also gives a powdery texture to the cologne.

In the dry down, you will get a hint of sandalwood which keeps the cologne grounded. Lavender comes at the end as well, it works with wood and makes the aroma masculine.

Rochas Man serves you with a longevity of 6 to 7 hours maximum. It is a mild projector that keeps itself closer to your skin.

If you consider its pricing point, it serves you more than adequately. Therefore, do not reject the cologne because of its performance level.

When to wear?

Rochas Man smells divine in the winter and fall. You will love it during the holiday because of its cozy and warm vibe.

Why should you wear it?

  • Cheaper alternative to Givenchy Play Intense.
  • Great quality cologne.

Givenchy Play Eau de Toilette

Top notes are Bitter Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot and Mandarin Orange;

Middle notes are Coffee, Pepper, Amyris and Tobacco blossom;

Base notes are vetiver and Patchouli.

Play being the first cologne of the line as mentioned earlier released in 2008, Givenchy Play Intense does have similarities with it.

The opening of Play is the most attractive part of the cologne. You will love the light and sweet citruses when you spray the cologne. The start of Givenchy Play differs from Givenchy Play Intense as the citrusy part is very mild in Play Intense.

Then the coffee note peeks in and lightly shows its magic. And, immediately, this is when you will think of Givenchy Play Intense.

Vetiver has some prominence in the dry-down.

In Givenchy Play Intense, the one note that dominates the cologne is coffee. However, in Givenchy Play, citruses play a big part in the scent as well as the coffee note. It also changes at which time of the year you can wear Givenchy Play Intense.

There is no way people will not like the way you smell. Everyone can pull off this uplifting cologne. The notes are not too complex, but the scent is comforting.

The longevity and projection of Play could be better. After 3 to 4 hours of application, you have to reapply.

Also, check out: Most Popular Colognes Similar to Burberry Touch

When to wear?

The cologne is light and breezy so it won’t perform in winter and fall. Therefore, it is excellent for spring and summer.

You can make Play your daily office as it does not project much, and your colleagues won’t hate your cologne.

Why should you wear it?

  • Similar cologne from the same line.
  • Signature cologne.
  • Marvelous opening.

Michael Jordan Legend

Notes: Coffee, Amber, Anise, Lavender, Patchouli, Leather, Musk, Virginia Cedar, Bergamot, Tea and Oak Moss. 

The oldest clone of Givenchy Play Intense is Legend, which was released in 1997. The bottle is quite interesting. You will see the shape of Micheal Jordan on both sides of the bottle with the juice of the cologne being amber in color.

The cologne starts sweet and coffee-like from coffee and amber but you can also detect the vibrant accords in the back balancing it out. The fresh aroma comes from the bergamot. The mixture is quite nice and sophisticated.

Even if the coffee note is present in Legend, it is not as loud and prominent as in Givenchy Play Intense. You will smell it subtly with other notes that will grab your attention as well.

As the bergamot dimes down, the coffee note appears a bit more with a green touch from the tea.

Therefore, if you are looking for something with a light coffee note, Legend is an excellent alternative. It will bring compliments because of the mixture of fresh green tones and coffee.

When to wear?

The cologne is made for winter and fall. But for the citruses, you can pull it off in spring as well. You can wear it on a dinner date at a fancy restaurant.

Why should you wear it?

  • Forces less on coffee than Givenchy Play Intense.
  • Amazing blend of coffee and citruses.
  • Great value of its price.

Ralph Lauren Red Polo

Top notes are Cranberry, Grapefruit and Italian Lemon;

Middle notes are Saffron and Sage;

Base notes are Amber, Coffee and Woodsy Notes.

It begins with a refreshing blast of cranberry and citrus; you won’t expect any different notes to hit you. You can smell the tart side of the cranberry as well. Yes, the opening is loud, but its scent won’t overwhelm you.

Amber and coffee control the fruity notes of the top notes from being overbearing.

The cologne has floral aspects; however, it is constrained and grounded. At last, you will smell soft wood to end the scent naturally.

Therefore, the main notes of Polo Red are sweet and tart cranberry, and warm amber with coffee.

Read more on: Colognes Similar to Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb

When to wear?

The cologne is versatile. You can wear it anytime except when the weather is not humid. You do not have to think about the occasion before spraying Polo Red, as it goes with everything.

Why should you wear it?

  • Cranberry with coffee addition of Givenchy Play Intense.
  • Manly cologne.

Conclusion

A full coffee cologne can be sweet and attractive and Givenchy Play Intense offers both. These four colognes are great dupes of Givenchy Play Intense with their ways to make them beautiful individually. Try them on to have a similar experience as Givenchy Play Intense.

If you have any further queries, please feel free to ask them in the comment section, and I would be happy to answer them.

About The Author
Jhon has a massive collection of 450+ fragrances. He's collecting fragrances since his late 20s. Besides collecting he also has a plan for launching his very own fragrance line.

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