Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl vs Burberry London: Which Perfume Is Better?
As a fragrance editor who lives and breathes scent, I’ve spent weeks testing both Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl and Burberry London. They represent two very different fragrance families, but both have loyal followings. In this honest, no-nonsense comparison, I break down every aspect to help you decide which deserves a spot in your collection.
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Quick Verdict
Very Good Girl wins for versatility and modern appeal. While Burberry London is a cozy, nostalgic winter staple, Very Good Girl’s sparkling litchi-rose combo feels fresher and more adaptable. For most people, especially those who want a single signature scent, Very Good Girl is the smarter buy. But if you crave a warm, smoky comfort scent for cold weather, London has its charm. I’ve worn both extensively, and here’s why Very Good Girl edges ahead.
Scent Profile Compared
Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl opens with a burst of tart, juicy litchi and tangy redcurrant. This fruity top note is playful and modern, not syrupy-sweet. The heart is a lavish centifolia rose absolute, slightly jammy and incredibly feminine. As it dries down, vanilla and vetiver add a subtle creamy-woody base. The overall effect is a bright, confident rose that feels both elegant and rebellious.
Burberry London is the polar opposite, a warm, spicy fougere. Top notes are bergamot and a hint of lavender, immediately giving a classic barbershop vibe. The heart is a bold mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, plus a touch of port wine leather accord. The base is a rich, smoky blend of tobacco leaf, patchouli, and oakmoss. It’s undeniably masculine but can be worn by anyone who loves its cozy, boozy warmth. The dry-down is all leather and tobacco, very fireside-on-a-rainy-day.
Key difference: Very Good Girl is bright, modern, and floral-fruity; London is dark, spicy, and nostalgic. The opening of Very Good Girl is electric and uplifting, while London’s opening is sharp and spicy. The dry-down of Very Good Girl is soft and sweet, London’s is leathery and earthy.
Longevity and Sillage
Very Good Girl lasts about 6-8 hours on my skin, projecting strongly for the first 2-3 hours before settling into a close skin scent. On clothes, it can linger well into the next day. Sillage is moderate to heavy initially, expect compliments.
Burberry London has weaker performance. On skin, I get 4-6 hours, with moderate projection that fades to a whisper after two hours. On clothes, it lasts longer, but it’s not a beast-mode fragrance. The spicy notes can become a bit sharp if oversprayed. For a winter scent, I wish it had more staying power.
Bottom line: Very Good Girl outperforms London in both longevity and sillage. If you want a scent that lasts through a workday and dinner, Very Good Girl is more reliable.
Best Occasions and Seasons
Very Good Girl shines in spring and summer but works year-round. It’s perfect for daytime office wear, brunch dates, or a night out. The fruity-rose blend feels youthful and flirty without being childish. I’d wear it to a garden party, a day shopping, or a first date.
Burberry London is strictly cold-weather, autumn and winter. Its spicy, leathery notes feel cloying in heat. It’s a great choice for cozy evenings by the fire, formal events, or date nights when you want to feel sophisticated. I can’t imagine wearing it in July; it would be oppressive.
Verdict: Very Good Girl is more versatile across seasons and occasions. London is a niche seasonal scent.
Price and Value
Very Good Girl is priced as a designer fragrance, typically mid-range. Burberry London is often more affordable, sometimes found at discount. But price alone doesn’t determine value. Very Good Girl offers better longevity and broader wearability, making it a better cost-per-wear investment. London is cheaper but requires more reapplying, and its seasonal nature means you’ll use it less. Check current price on Amazon to compare today’s deals.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Very Good Girl if: You want a modern, versatile signature scent that works day to night, spring to fall. You love a fruity rose that’s not too sweet. You need good longevity and projection.
Buy Burberry London if: You’re looking for a cozy winter fragrance with a classic tobacco-leather profile. You prefer spicy, woody scents over florals. You don’t mind reapplying and want a more affordable option.
My personal pick: Very Good Girl. It’s more unique, performs better, and I reach for it far more often. But if your heart is set on a warm, smoky winter scent, London is a solid choice - just don’t expect it to last all day.
To get the best price, check current price on Amazon for both perfumes before buying.
Conclusion
Both perfumes have their place, but Very Good Girl is the winner for its modern, versatile, and longer-lasting formula. Burberry London is a cozy classic with limited use. Choose based on your lifestyle and climate.
