Wishing Fantasy a happy fifteenth birthday [reviewing Fantasy Intense edp, by Britney Spears].

 A unique interpretation of the iconic Fantasy fragrance that elicits sweet temptation and leaves an unforgettable and lasting impression.

Alluring and addictive at its core, Fantasy Intense introduces a new amplified, captivating signature with intoxicating notes. 

Sensual, yet playfully sweet, this seductive scent leaves a tantalizing trail that lingers to entice.

I should have realized that a new Fantasy flanker was coming  for the original's 15th birthday, when I saw that Festive Fantasy had been reduced in price a few weeks  ago, but this has caught me by surprise - her fragrance team haven't officially announced it yet, but the Superdrug site has begun to sell it anyway. 

I've got my fingers crossed that this will be a slightly tweaked version of the original; I want the whimsical & playful sweetness and warmth of Fantasy, but am hoping that this will introduce a 'older' depth and authoritative stamp. Britney & the original fans of Fantasy have grown up, so I'm excited to see if the perfume has grown up too...

Fantasy Intense opens with fruity scents of lychee, kiwi and the sugar water notes of pear. Sweet, but not sickly sweet - there is a bit of freshness present in the fruity mix. The fruit isn't as overpowering in it's sweetness as I find the original Fantasy can turn if over-applied thanks to the addition of the pear; it's surprising how such a tiny difference between the two Fantasy versions, really makes a difference.

The heart of Fantasy Intense seems to be the same to the heart of the original Fantasy; the vanilla cupcake note starts to develop quickly after application and mixes with the lingering litchi, soon becoming the star of the fragrance. The listed jasmine is the only floral I feel confident in naming - well I do pick up on the chocolaty scent of the orchid, but Fantasy Intense does also contain a separate chocolate note, so I'm not confident in stating where one note ends and another begins. I think I'm picking up a creamy magnolia note, but can't be sure.

The key note of vanilla cupcake and litchi carry through to the base, giving Fantasy Intense the lovely warmth that whispers "come closer" that is why I'm a huge fan of the Fantasy line - it's such a comfortable, easy to wear range of fragrances. The most noticeable difference between the original Fantasy and Fantasy and Fantasy Intense develops as the fragrance settles down onto the skin; the introduction of patchouli to the Fantasy ingredients, adds a dirty spiciness to the background of the woods and lingering sweetness. Another tiny change that alters the feel to the fragrance - much more grown up in comparison to the original Fantasy.

Official scent notes; Litchi, Pear, Kiwi, Cupcake, Jasmine, White Chocolate, Sherry Baby Orchid, Patchouli, Musk, Orris and Woodsy Notes.

As I've mentioned in a few other Fantasy flanker reviews; I've enjoyed Fantasy ever since it was first launched, but don't really feel comfortable wearing it anymore as I keep smelling it on younger & trendy people (yes; wear whatever you want, but I can't change how I feel). So yeah, the more adult editions of Fantasy always please me. I think that this one has quickly won me over and is now next to Fantasy Intimate (I actually need a new bottle of Intimate) as being my favourite entry into the Fantasy line, now that you can't get Rocker Femme or Naughty Remix any more. Hopefully Fantasy Intense will be popular enough that Revlon will keep making it.

I'm hoping that Fantasy Intense is being primed to take over from the original Fantasy to be honest, as the longevity and sillage are just as good; I apply it in the morning and I can still detect it over 10 hours later - it carries around a foot away at it's peak, so the quality is here. As I said at the start; it's time to let Fantasy grow up.

As Fantasy Intense is a new release, the only place I've seen it for sale so far is the 100ml bottle on the Superdrug site for £45 - it is on introductory offer at £35 at the minute. 

Other retailers will begin to stock it in the coming weeks, and additional bottle sizes may become available.