Quick Verdict
Very Good Girl is the winner for most people. It’s a crowd-pleasing, uplifting scent that transitions seamlessly from day to night. L’Interdit is more divisive with its intense tuberose and licorice twist. If you want a safe yet exciting signature, go with Very Good Girl. If you crave bold, dramatic florals, L’Interdit is your match.
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Scent Profile Compared
Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl opens with a burst of tart red currant and sweet lychee, creating a juicy, almost effervescent top. The heart is a velvety rose absolute, which is surprisingly lush but never heavy. The base is a warm, creamy vanilla and vetiver, giving it a soft, sultry finish. Overall, it’s a playful yet sophisticated fruity floral.
Givenchy L’Interdit (the original) opens with a bright, sparkling pear and bergamot that quickly gives way to the star of the show: tuberose. This tuberose is creamy, heady, and indolic, with a hint of orange blossom. The base is a patchouli-licorice accord that adds a dark, mysterious edge. It’s a bold floral that oscillates between sweet and spicy, with a slight powderiness.
In terms of transition, Very Good Girl stays relatively linear after the initial fruitiness fades, while L’Interdit evolves more dramatically: the opening fruitiness disappears, and the tuberose becomes richer and more intense as it dries down. Very Good Girl feels lighter and more accessible; L’Interdit is a statement.
Longevity and Sillage
Very Good Girl delivers moderate longevity: around 6-8 hours on my skin. It projects well for the first 2 hours, then settles into a close skin scent. It’s not a beast, but it’s reliable for a workday. The sillage is moderate - people near you will notice, but it won’t fill a room.
L’Interdit is stronger. I get 8-10 hours easily, with a solid 4 hours of strong projection. The tuberose and patchouli base linger beautifully on clothes. It has a bigger presence. For longevity, L’Interdit wins. If you want a perfume that lasts all day without reapplication, choose L’Interdit.
Best Occasions and Seasons
Very Good Girl is versatile: it works for spring, summer, and fall. The bright red currant and lychee make it perfect for daytime - office, brunch, shopping. But it also has enough depth from the vanilla and vetiver for a dinner date. It’s not a winter perfume, as the fruitiness can feel out of place in deep cold.
L’Interdit is more seasonally specific. It shines in fall and winter when the tuberose and patchouli feel cozy and opulent. In summer, it can be cloying. It’s an evening scent: think cocktail parties, romantic dinners, or nighttime events. It’s too intense for the office in warm weather, but in cooler months, it’s a stunning cold-weather companion.
Price and Value
Both are designer fragrances in a similar price bracket. Very Good Girl often comes in larger bottles at a slightly lower price per milliliter, making it a better value if you’re looking for quantity. L’Interdit tends to be pricier, but its stronger longevity means you need fewer sprays per wear. To get the best deal, check current price on Amazon where both are frequently discounted. Overall, Very Good Girl offers more bang for your buck in terms of versatility and volume, but L’Interdit’s intensity makes it worth the premium if you love the scent.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl if: you want a playful, uplifting scent that’s easy to wear daily; you love fruity florals with a modern twist; you need a perfume that works for both work and play. It’s ideal for women in their 20s-30s who want compliments without being overpowering.
Buy Givenchy L’Interdit if: you’re drawn to bold, narcotic florals; you want a scent that makes a statement and lasts all night; you prefer darker, more sensual fragrances. It’s perfect for evening events and colder months. L’Interdit is for the woman who wants to be remembered.
My final advice: if you can, test both on skin. Very Good Girl is the safer, more universally appealing choice. L’Interdit is a love-it-or-hate-it masterpiece. Choose based on your personality and intended use.
