MIND GAMES 2023 EDP

U ££££ Statement

French Defense

by Christelle Laprade

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MIND GAMES French Defense is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2023, created by Christelle Laprade. French Defense opens with Violet Leaf, Cherry, and Chamomile, settles into a heart of Rose, Geranium, and Mimosa, and dries down to a base of Blond Woods, Amber, and Cedar. MIND GAMES's French Defense carries a Statement verdict, a floral-led wear.

This one is a divisive, boozy cherry. Some reckon it's a masterpiece of refined fruit, others smell glorified air freshener or cough syrup. Don't blind buy; you'll either love it or furiously scrub it off.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Confident
  • Sensual
  • Bold
  • Luxurious
  • Modern
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French Defense Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Given its strong projection and rich cherry-amber profile, French Defense is best kept for nights out, special occasions, and date nights. Its potent nature isn't suited for an office environment, but it can work casually in cooler weather if applied lightly.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Geraniol from Rose

Other declarable allergens

  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Opening with a juicy black cherry, French Defense presents a luscious fruitiness that's sometimes medicinal, sometimes reminiscent of cherry drops. Violet leaf and chamomile add a subtle ozonic freshness and a hint of herbal calm. The heart reveals a powdered, sweet rose, with hints of mimosa and geranium. It finally settles into a warm base of amber, blond woods, and cedar, softening the fruit and florals into a sensual, woody backdrop.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with French Defense Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements French Defense Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.