Mind Game has just unveiled two exciting additions to their Artisan collection: Opera Mate and Counterplay. Each fragrance offers a distinct olfactory experience, both of which piqued my curiosity. However, after reviewing the scent profiles and notes, choosing Opera Mate felt like an obvious decision. And I’m thrilled to say, I couldn’t be more pleased with my choice. The brand generously gifted me this fragrance, and I’m thrilled to have experienced it.
As the name suggests, Opera Mate draws inspiration from the chess match in the grand setting of the Paris Opera House. The nose behind this composition is renowned perfumer Christelle Laprade. Before I dive into my personal thoughts on this captivating fragrance, let’s first hear from the perfumer herself about the inspiration and artistry behind Opera Mate.
“Opera Mate was heavily influenced by the exquisite raw ingredients themselves. Vetiver and sandalwood are two of my favorite fragrance notes: both have a toasted, caramelized quality that adds warmth and addiction to these typically clean, musky ingredients. The juxtaposition of familiar, comforting sweetness and luxurious, elevated ingredients is what makes Opera Mate special. It was a pleasure to create a fragrance that played with this contrast and captured the visceral pleasure of re-discovering more mainstream notes in a new and unfamiliar way.” (Christelle Laprade, Perfumer)
Imagine yourself in a cozy wood cabin, curled up by the fireplace, savoring freshly roasted chestnuts with a warm cup of coffee in hand. Off in the distance, a bowl of crème brûlée sits tempting on the kitchen counter. The soft, comforting scent of sandalwood wafts through the air, blending with the subtle hints of suede from your well-worn couch. Mind Game’s Opera Mate exudes just that kind of warmth and charm.
Roasted chestnut was the note that first caught my attention with Opera Mate, and I’m pleased to say it fully delivers. From start to finish, this fragrance celebrates roasted chestnut in all its warm, nutty glory. The opening is more woody, with a subtle creamy sweetness, but soon the roasted chestnut takes over. There’s a hint of smoke with a soft caramelized sweetness that smooths out the scent, adding a creamy feel, but it never veers into full sweet gourmand territory. For me, it’s a cozy, creamy, nutty gourmand fragrance resting on a woody base.
Key Notes
Top: Roasted Chestnut, Grapefruit Zest, Labdanum
Middle: Creme Brulee, Davana, Vetiver
Drydown: Suede, Caramel, Santal
Considering the notes, I didn’t really pick up on the grapefruit in the opening, and the caramel in the dry down is pretty subtle. But I have no complains because the overall composition very well executed. Mind Games Opera Mate is a chestnut fragrance done to perfection. It has this lovely warmth that feels just perfect for this time of year. It’s the kind of scent you can enjoy just as much on a night out as you can during a cozy, lazy evening at home. It’s like a warm embrace.
I may be a little short on words to fully capture its brilliance, but one thing’s for sure: Mind Games Opera Mate is easily the coziest, most delightful discovery of this holiday season.
Opera Mate has a really nice projection when sprayed on. Dry down, isn’t a skin scent but it does stay close to the wearer, creating a more intimate experience without overwhelming everyone in the room. longevity on my skin is impressive. I sprayed it on midday, and it was still there by evening with a subtle trace lingering into the next morning.
Mind Games Opera Mate has a well balanced unisex profile that makes it wearable for just about anyone. Overall, it’s an exceptional fragrance that I’d highly recommend to anyone who enjoys warm nutty scents but still wants something distinctive and unique.
At this time Opera Mate is exclusively available online at Mind Games own website. You can use my code SAIMA10 to get 10% discount on your Mind Game purchases.
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