Very Velvet Rouge

The Verdict

If Very Velvet Rouge were a character, she'd be a supporting role: the overly made-up, slightly desperate friend who tries too hard to be the center of attention, ultimately fading into the background noise.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Very Velvet Rouge opens with a syrupy blast of black plum, reminiscent of fermented prunes left too long in the sun. There's a boozy sweetness here that borders on medicinal, like cherry cough syrup with an added splash of cheap vodka. The apple emerges quickly, not as a crisp orchard bite, but more of a stewed apple compote, slightly caramelized and bordering on burnt sugar. As it settles, the dark woods creep in, but they lack depth and nuance. Instead of evoking a dense forest, it's more akin to the scent of sawdust from a freshly cut plank of synthetic plywood, leaving a plasticky film on the skin. It deviates from its inspiration by emphasizing the overly sweet elements and skimping on the grounding wood notes.

Performance Reality Check

This perfume lasts approximately 4-5 hours on skin, fading to a whisper by the end. Projection is initially strong, filling a room for the first hour, then quickly receding to within arm's length. I wore this during a dinner party and found myself reapplying it halfway through to maintain any presence.