MIND GAMES
QUEENSIDE
2025
PERFUMER
Christelle Laprade
blackcurrant
pear
lychee
geranium
Lily-of-the-valley
violet
patchouli
Oakmoss
musk
Released along Kingside (2025).
‘Queenside Extrait de Parfum is the embodiment of being present, a scent that thrives in the beauty of the moment. With luminous top notes of Pear and Lychee Leaves, it opens with an air of freshness and vitality. At its heart, elegant florals bloom effortlessly, a reflection of grace and poise. The indulgent richness of Cassis Cream adds a touch of intrigue, while the warm, smoky blend of Madagascar Patchouli and Oakmoss grounds the fragrance in timeless sophistication. Queenside is a celebration of confidence, presence, and the quiet power of knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.’ – Mind Games
‘For the opening hook you have a burst of juicy lychee and for me, cassis is a key ingredient to give the fragrance’s complexity. The iconic and decadent part of the fragrance unfolds in the back notes with patchouli blended with moss and amber notes, which gives a very long trail.’ – Christelle Laprade
Queenside is one of the nicer, floral, traditionally feminine leaning scents by Mind Games. Much like Kingside, I do find it to be quite generic, but in this case, maybe more in a nostalgic way. Queenside has a common, unassuming women’s designer feeling, but definitely the more sophisticated ones that have gone out of style a bit and not the current wave of cloying sweet ones.
This could’ve easily been a 90’s/00’s fruit-chouli. Tart fruitiness up top; somewhat sharp and airy, but it feels deliberate, rather than due to poor quality. It packs a bit of a punch up close, for what otherwise is a lighter and closer to the skin fragrance.
After the brightness and tartness of the opening fades away, it slowly becomes a tad muddy, earthy. Maybe even a little bit suede-like; but all subtle. I’ve seen it compared to Cartier Panthere; I’m mostly familiar with La Panthere Parfum and that feels bolder and more ‘daring’ than this very safe Queenside.
Overall, this is an elegant and frankly, somewhat surprising take by a brand like Mind Games. I’m not mad at it.
