
I’ve got a confession. My fragrance collection is low-key getting out of control.
But when MIND GAMES — who have quickly risen to become one of my favorite fragrance houses — drops a new scent (or two), I must make shelf space —no questions asked.
The newest fragrances, in question? Opera Mate and Counterplay.
And while Opera Mate was cute, Counterplay is that girl. Forget everything you thought you knew about fruity fragrances. Counterplay is what happens when a fragrance house decides to play mind games with your olfactory senses. See what I did there?
Okay, now let’s get into the juice. The initial fruity explosion—dominated by guava and melon—feels almost rebellious to what you would think a fruity floral would be. While some often associate the term “fruity” with juvenile or youthful, this one is a lot different. Mature, sexy, playful, even. And just as you think you’ve understood its character, the fragrance shifts. Honeyed osmanthus and creamy ylang-ylang emerge, transforming what could have been a simple fruity fragrance into a sophisticated olfactory experience.
What truly sets this fragrance apart is its dry-down. As the initial fruity explosion settles, a green, earthy undertone emerges—patchouli and sandalwood creating a grounding base that prevents the scent from becoming just another sugary fruit bomb. It’s a masterclass in balance, much like a chess grandmaster calculating every possible move.
Why I love it: There’s a sophisticated lineage to Counterplay that elevates it beyond nostalgic scent memories. It takes the Cucumber Melon vibes of our youth (if you know, you know) and elevates them to a level of sophistication that feels both familiar and entirely new. The guava note is particularly intoxicating (one of my favorite fruity notes, even) —a tropical touch that adds depth and complexity. Where Cucumber Melon once defined a generation of millennials who once wore business casual to the club, this fragrance offers a mature, nuanced interpretation.
Projection is no joke with this fragrance either. And that’s for all MIND GAMES fragrances. One spray, and you’re leaving a trail that turns heads. It’s perfect for those who want their presence to be felt before they’re even seen. MIND GAMES continues to prove why they’re becoming a powerhouse in the niche fragrance world—each release is more innovative than the last.
Perfect pairings: Layering is an art, and Counterplay is your perfect canvas. For a daytime look, try underneath a light, green cologne like Maison Margiela’s Jazz Club. The combination creates a multilayered effect that’s both unexpected and intoxicating. Feeling adventurous? A single spray of a crisp vetiver fragrance, like Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique, underneath to amplify the earthy undertones, adding a mysterious depth that’ll have people leaning in closer to say, “is that you that smells so good?.”
For evening wear, a touch of Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte underneath creates a luminous, airy complexity that beautifully complements Counterplay‘s woody base. The combination offers a surprising interplay of fresh, celestial notes with the fragrance’s deeper, more grounded elements.
This isn’t a fragrance for everyone. It’s for those who appreciate complexity, who understand that beauty lies in nuance and unexpected combinations. Counterplay challenges traditional fruity floral fragrance narratives, offering an unapologetic olfactory experience that refuses to be categorized or contained.
And while Counterplay may have been my favorite between the two, I think they’re both worth a sniff of your nose. Fragrance is subjective afterall. Available exclusively on the MIND GAMES website, these fragrances aren’t just perfumes – they’re experiences bottled. And isn’t that what we’re all looking for in our signature scents? Something that tells our story while making us feel absolutely amazing wearing it.
In the world of scent, this is a checkmate.