Givenchy L’interdit vs Intense

L’Interdit is a tuberose led fragrance series, that has grown in popularity over the past few years. New releases have seemingly one upped each other, but what really is the best fragrance? Today’s comparison is between the original L’Interdit EDP and EDP Intense. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: L’Interdit vs. Intense

L’Interdit EDP

Notes include: tuberose, pear, orange blossom, jasmine, vetiver, ginger, patchouli, vanilla, ambroxan

Click here to try: Givenchy L’interdit Women, Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 Fl Oz

My Full Review: L’Interdit EDP

L’Interdit Intense

Notes include: vanilla, tuberose, orange blossom, sesame, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: L’Interdit EDP Intense by Givenchy

Read my Full Review: Intense

Opening

L’Interdit EDP starts off with a blend of pear, bergamot, orange blossom, and ginger. The bergamot and ginger add an initial kick to the mix, but quickly fade out.

The orange blossom is the star white floral in the early stages, that will be joined by tuberose and jasmine, as they strengthen. But, I actually get a good deal of patchouli from EDP, on my skin.

It’s at its absolute sweetest, at this point, and becoming increasingly floral. Some don’t care much for that level of sweetness, but I think it absolutely works here.

With Intense, at the start, you get a strong orange blossom, a bit of spiciness, vanilla, and the usual tuberose note. Early though, that orange blossom is stronger.

This one doesn’t have the sweetness, no fruitiness, but does include a nice sesame note.  It’s nutty and gives Intense a different smell from the others in the series.

Which is better? It’s a close call, but I still like the EDP’s opening act versus Intense. The sesame note, which I do really enjoy, is more of a factor a bit later on. Both have orange blossom, but I dig the sweeter aspects of EDP.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Both of these fragrances are strong and leave a great scent trail for a long time. I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with either.

However, Intense does have the edge here. It is the strongest of the series, has the furthest reaching projection, etc. Now, EDP is second best, but it is a distinct second place.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

With L’Interdit EDP, it will last between 8-9.5 hours on my skin. It is a good amount of range, but definitely leaned towards the higher end, during testing.

Intense does take this category, as I get at least 9 hours with it. But, the majority of the time it easily exceeds 10 hours of total wear, and even a few beyond that. So, it lives up to the stronger moniker, and performs wonderfully.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

So, seasonally each of these fits into more of the autumn and winter time frame. But, EDP can venture deeper into springtime than can Intense.

Yet, Intense is probably the better option if you want something for nighttime, while still having the option to be a daytime wear, if you don’t overdo it.

Head to head, it’s kind of a wash and neither really sets themselves apart with how versatile they are.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which one do I prefer?

With EDP, I like the opening act with the pear and the orange blossom. Sure, a candy-like at times, but still a wonderful scent. The dry down is more of the traditional tuberose led, white floral.

With Intense, I get the same a really good start, but a somewhat boring finish. Here, it is tuberose and vanilla. Like, all of the more interesting aspects of the perfume have faded.

So, in my mind, the original EDP is better than Intense. Actually, Rouge is the best of them all. But, in this contest, EDP.

Now, for some who don’t like the sweetness of EDP nor the spice of Rouge, Intense is going to be the one you want to go with. It’s third best, but honestly not too far behind the others.

The performance is better and the sesame/orange blossom notes are great. Finish is still fine, but just nothing amazing.

Winner: L’Interdit EDP

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.