MIND GAMES 2023 Extrait

U £££££ Statement

The Forward

by Nathalie Benareau

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MIND GAMES The Forward is an Extrait de Parfum launched in 2023, created by Nathalie Benareau. The Forward opens with Pomelo, Lemon, and Mandarin, settles into a heart of Salt, Jasmin Sambac, and Tonka Bean, and dries down to a base of Sandalwood, Vanilla, and Cashmeran. MIND GAMES's The Forward carries a Statement verdict, a fresh-led wear.

This is a love-it-or-hate-it citrus-vanilla with a salty, creamy twist. Some call it a masterpiece, others a scrubber; it's unique but pricey, and its performance can be divisive.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Fresh
  • Luxurious
  • Modern
  • Clean
  • Sensual
$395.00 at Intense Oud 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) · plus sales tax Check price on → Check prices ↓
The Forward Extrait 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.

ScentArt

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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:
Spring Summer Fall

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Office Sport

Its moderate sillage and fresh, yet creamy profile make it versatile for most casual and daytime settings. While some find it office-appropriate, its unique character and gourmand leaning might be a bit much for formal events.

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

Other declarable allergens

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

The Forward opens with a bright, zesty burst of pomelo, lemon, and mandarin, quickly joined by an invigorating salty accord. As it settles, a creamy jasmine sambac emerges, gracefully balanced by the warm, sweet embrace of tonka bean and vanilla. The dry down is a sophisticated blend of soft sandalwood and comforting cashmeran, leaving a smooth, luxurious trail that's both fresh and sensual.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States · · checked 7 October

Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.

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