Very Irresistible Sensual

This is a beautiful perfume. It is very sexy, but in an understated, sophisticated way (think LBD, pearls, stilettos), it's mysterious but in a more romantic sense. Not the overly dark, femme-fatale sort of mysterious. It is the sensuous, graceful lady rather than the dangerous vamp. I imagine a nice uptown girl type, she's stylish, cultured and quietly intelligent with long dark hair and a warm, knowing smile. This is her perfume in 'seduction mode'...I suppose sensual is a fitting description. I think Liv Tyler is the right face for this line, and this is my favorite flanker. VIS doesn't scream for attention, it doesn't try too hard, nor is it too dark or complicated, yet it gives off this vibe that the wearer turns heads anyway. Overall the scent comes off as spicy-sweet rose embraced by a woody-vanilla warmth. The rose here is fuchsia, rich, dry, sort of nostalgic and intriguing, *almost* potpourri-like with a clean powdery/soapy feel. It sits on a base of cozy vanilla and soft dark wood and is sprinkled generously with star anise. Honestly, I wouldn't be so into this scent if it weren't for the star anise, it saves the scent from falling into the typical mature-classic-rose territory, breathing life into the dry vanilla-rose by balancing it with a much needed pop of vibrancy, sparkle and sexiness. And anyway star anise is my favorite spice note and I love how it plays out with the rose here. I'm so glad the sweet-spiciness stays persistent throughout the duration of the scent's lifetime on my skin, it is what made me fall in love with VIS. I'd say it's quite balanced, not too much of anything, so that makes it easy to wear. Balanced enough for day to night wear, and all year round. I can see myself wearing this for a dinner date at a fancy 5 star restaurant, to work, to any formal event, or even (with a few extra squirts) to a night out clubbing/barhopping. Very versatile. Signature scent material. Moderate sillage (room filling if you overspray), very good longevity, lasts all day, but I like to refresh when I'm in need of more 'oomph'. I have to say I'm more of a jasmine/white-floral girl and I am very picky when it comes to rose, for eg. I dislike the rose in Stella and Chloe, so I did not expect to enjoy this scent as much as I do. The only other rose I adored was the original Midnight Poison from 8 years ago. PS. I forgot to mention that this scent starts out deceptively light, so resist the urge to drench yourself in it lest you plan on suffocating yourself and others half an hour later. It gets richer after a while, just wait it out abit.

This is an update from a previous review - I saw all the comments about this changing packaging, etc. The answer is YES, they have definitely changed the package design and bottle color. They are no longer calling this 'Sensual' but the EDP version, of which the original Very Irresistible (pink bottle) is the EDT. Some people are saying the quality has gone down on the fragrance and isn't quite the same. I've been using this amazing scent since it first came out and I have a bottle of both the old and of the new. I will say I think the new one is just a hint lighter than the old bottle. It's almost as if they aren't using the same concentration of perfume oils in the blend. In a way I prefer the new one, simply because the older one went on so strong and had to breathe a little to smell it's best. The fragrance though, is essentially the same, longevity for me is still great and hasn't changed up enough to make me mad ;) I actually wore this today (new bottle) and many hours later I'm still able to smell it. It's still the best scent ever and no matter how many other perfumes I try or love, this one will always be super special. It's that rare perfume that smells elegant, feminine, playful yet sexy and fits any situation for me. I've had people make me write down what it is because they love it so much. Best rose fragrance ever - the roses aren't cloying or old-ladyish and the depth of the patchouli/vanilla in the base just make it perfect. Will not stop buying it as long as Givenchy still makes it!

I bought this from eBay not long ago. I didn't realize this has been discontinued until reading the comments now. It was never a fragrance that I saw where I live so I hadn't noticed. I am glad I bought it now, it was on my to buy list for ages. It is interesting in the reviews I see people saying this is pretty much the same as the EDP version of the original because when I thought I bought it from a seller on eBay the first time, I was sent the EDP of the original. I contacted the seller and they said that it was 'different packaging'. My assumption was that, given how many flankers and versions of perfumes there are these days I couldn't blame someone for a mistake like this, however rather than do a return I figured why not add it to my collection! Then I bought Sensual. I will try them side by side to see if they are indeed the same, I did think they smelled similar but I will find out and report back. I really like Sensual, it's one of those fragrances that to me didn't jump out at me initially but over time and testing it grew to really like it, more so even than the original which is nice but it has the worst staying power which is so poor that it is frustrating. Literally after 10 minutes I can't smell the edt original on me. Sensual is more rounded and musky with rose and peony and you can detect the star anise. Shame it's so hard to find now.

Here's one of the most exciting perfumes I've had in my life: it made me start to appreciate rose-based scents which I used not to consider before discovering this one. Very Irresistible Sensual is pretty powerful and noticeable yet it has kind of a calming and pampering effect on me, making me feel as if I was on a bed covered with fragrant rose petals and burning patchouli candles around me. This EDP flanker is quite different from the first EDT thanks to a more prominent and complex rose accord (I like the fact they've used different rose species here), perfectly combined with a very detectable star anise note that provides the scent with an edgier and aromatic vibe. Drydown is absolutely warm and refined - a perfect balance between the cold thickness of patchouli and the tenderness of vanilla - making this fragrance a wonderful and faithful companion during wintertime. Actually VIS has a very good lasting power and a wonderful sillage, so I'd recommend it for evening and night use. My only complaint is about the bottle: the silver covering of the dispenser almost completely ruined after an year or less, I wonder if it's just my bad luck or it is a common issue. (Liv Tyler totally fits this fragrance with her wild/classy beauty)

I posted asking for a good rose and vanilla perfume and this is one that was recommended so I bought a purse sized bottle to try it out. As soon I a sprayed it, I knew I'd like it! The rose is dominant for sure. It's not thick or heavy, not jammy or overly sweet but it's a nice rose that's not cheap or tacky. It's also not soapy or potpourri which is something I desperately avoid. The vanilla is also not dense but adds a bit of sweetness to the air around the rose. It creates more flavor to the juice which I like. And the anise jazzes the whole mixture up much to my liking. It makes it original and suits me perfectly! I knew right away that a purse spray would never be enough so I've already ordered more! Because it isn't heavy, I do think it could be worn year round but that could be because I wear heavy hitters often. It is a real winner in my book and a rose perfume I'll enjoy often. It just works with my skin and makes me happy to smell! I'm forever grateful for fellow Fragranticans not only for reviews but also for the forum where questions bring wonderful responses and invaluable suggestions. So thanks to all who led me to this beauty, and so many others!