Very Velvet Orchid

Notes & Nuances

Very Velvet Orchid attempts a dupe of VS's Very Sexy Orchid, and the opening is... almost there. The black currant is amped up to a syrupy sweetness, clashing slightly with a harsh pink pepper note. It smells pink, yes, but like pink bubblegum laced with hairspray. The floral heart is where this diverges most. The orchid is present, but thin, almost watery, lacking the creamy depth of the original. A powdery iris attempts to fill the void, but the overall effect is more floral bathroom spray than opulent bloom. The base is a predictable patchouli-sandalwood accord; the sandalwood smells particularly synthetic, imparting a plasticky edge to the drydown. It lacks the smooth, enveloping warmth one expects from the real deal.

Is it Worth It?

If this fragrance were a character in a movie, it would be the knock-off designer handbag sold on a street corner: convincingly similar at first glance, but under closer inspection, noticeably flawed.

Longevity & Projection

I get about 4 hours of moderate projection, reaching about an arm's length for the first hour before quickly settling closer to the skin. After the 4-hour mark, it becomes a faint, skin scent that lingers for another 2 hours. I wore it during a grocery shopping trip, and by the time I was checking out, it was mostly gone.