Is Perfume Parlour Active a dupe of Givenchy Play?
Play EDT
| EDT | Concentration | EDP |
| M | Gender | M |
| 2008 | Year | - |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Active EDP
Active by Perfume Parlour is a near-perfect dupe of the discontinued Givenchy Play, but with a twist - its longevity is far superior. While Play offered a fleeting, fresh burst, Active provides a similar scent profile (citrus, coffee, spice) that lasts much longer thanks to its EDP concentration. The opening might have a slightly sharper citrus edge compared to Play's smoother blend, but the dry down is almost indistinguishable. If you mourn the loss of Givenchy Play, Active is the answer.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a dead ringer for Givenchy Play at a budget price.
- You prioritize longevity over nuanced opening notes.
- You love the Givenchy Play DNA but don't want to pay inflated prices.
- You want a longer-lasting casual fragrance.
- You are seeking the original, vintage Givenchy Play scent.
- You prefer a softer, gentler citrus opening.
- You don't mind reapplying throughout the day.
- You are a die-hard Givenchy collector.
Givenchy Play is a fresh, clean, and broadly appealing scent that sadly vanished before its time. It's a genuine crowd-pleaser, delivering compliments galore, but its weak performance meant it was only ever a fleeting pleasure.
A budget Perfume Parlour interpretation of Givenchy Play (2008) - the bitter-orange and coffee fougere by Dominique Ropion that became Justin Timberlake's quiet hit, here translated into a four-citrus opening over coffee, pepper, and a vetiver-patchouli close. Honest dupe-fidelity for daytime casual and office wear.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.
Occasions
Its fresh citrus and subtle warmth make it highly versatile for casual wear and daily activities. While pleasant for office or date settings, its weak projection means it'll mostly be appreciated up close, and it lacks the gravitas for formal events.
Seasons
The bitter-orange and grapefruit opening lands brightest in spring and early summer; the coffee-pepper-vetiver heart and base give it autumn carry too. Less suited to deep winter where the citrus fades faster.
Occasions
A clean unisex citrus-coffee with intimate sillage is a natural fit for casual day wear and office; the coffee depth makes it work for daytime dates. Lacks the gravitas or trail for formal evenings.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Every one of its 10 notes is in the original, including Amyris, Bergamot, Grapefruit
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Play EDT
Check price on
→
No other shop we track that delivers to you has it in stock.
Check price on
→
ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.