L’Interdit EDP Intense by Givenchy

L’interdit has become a really popular series for Givenchy. I have worked my way through testing and reviewing each of these perfumes for the site during the past few months. Today, is the last one (as of now), L’Interdit EDP Intense. How does this fragrance smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does L’Interdit EDP Intense Smell Like?

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

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

My Full Wear Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A suave flower infused with black leathered vanilla.
Givenchy takes you deeper into the forbidden with L’Interdit Eau de Parfum Intense for women. A surrender to cravings obscured. Channel your inner thrill and fuel your deepest desires.

Upon smelling the opening, I will say, that if you didn’t like the sweeter aspects of EDP or the spicy sweetness of Rouge, Intense might just be the entry for you.

This one is definitely different. It is indeed strong. The orange blossom note is pretty potent up top, matched with a spiciness, vanilla, and the tuberose. Eventually, that signature tuberose will take over, but early on it’s orange blossom.

I personally enjoy orange blossom so that’s a strong like for me. One major difference here is the inclusion of sesame. The note is rather nutty and fulfills an interesting role in the composition, as there isn’t a fruity note here and the patchouli is toned down.

This never gets too complicated for me. Like the others in the series, we end with tuberose. In the original it is tuberose, vanilla, and vetiver. In Rouge, it is tuberose and sandalwood.

Here, it is vanilla, tuberose, and the remaining orange blossom. For some, this will be the best combination in the series. Personally, I like Rouge and EDP a bit more.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is a strong fragrance. It’s got a powerful start and is consistently above average with the scent trail that it leaves, for most of its wear. Not the strongest on the market, but extremely good for a mainstream designer scent.

The longevity is also fantastic. 9 hours on a bad day. 10+ hours almost every other times. The performance with EDP Intense doesn’t disappoint in the slightest and is one of the strengths of this perfume.

Seasonally, this is a denser sort of scent, that is built for autumn and winter. I’d keep away from the warmer temperatures, as this one shines when it is crisp outside.

While this can be worn during the day, it does have more of a nightlife attractiveness or sexiness to it (more along the lines of Rouge vs. EDP). It’s got a sultry and even dark quality to it at times, so, it might not be your daily wear…but it could be.

Overall Impressions of L’Interdit EDP Intense

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I like it quite a bit. Again, it is my third favorite of the series so far. But, the other two aren’t far and away better than Intense, just more of a personal preference for men.

I do like the amped up orange blossom and nice unique sesame note that comes into play during the middle act. This one gives you a smoother option that isn’t a spicy as Rouge, nor as sweet as the EDP or EDT.

So, for people who didn’t like those aspects of the rest of the series, Intense presents an crowd pleasing tuberose-based perfume that’s easy to wear and has superb performance versus others in the market.

The vanilla and tuberose is kind of boring to me. I still dig it, but it just doesn’t grab my attention to the same extent.

Nevertheless, I recommend trying this one out. L’Interdit EDP Intense is a great entry from Givenchy, which has knocked it out of the park with this series.

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.