Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl Review: A Daring Stiletto of Scent

Some fragrances whisper. They are a subtle suggestion, a gentle breeze that brushes past, leaving a fleeting memory. Others, my friends, make an entrance. They don’t knock; they kick down the door in a blaze of glory, heels clicking, head held high. Carolina Herrera’s Very Good Girl is firmly in the latter camp. Housed in that now-iconic, impossibly chic stiletto bottle—this time lacquered in a defiant, passionate red—it’s a scent that promises audacity from the very first glance. And let me tell you, it delivers.

When the original Good Girl arrived in 2016, it was a sensation. That dark, mysterious navy blue stiletto, with its message of “It’s so good to be bad,” captured a cultural moment. It was a gourmand powerhouse of tuberose, tonka, and cacao that became instantly recognizable. For years, it reigned supreme, spawning a legion of flankers. But in 2021, something shifted. The arrival of Very Good Girl felt like the confident, sunnier, more mischievous younger sister stepping into the spotlight. The red bottle wasn''t just a color change; it was a statement of intent. This wasn''t about the sultry mystery of midnight; this was about the vibrant, joyful fearlessness of broad daylight.

The concept is a playful twist on the duality of the modern woman. Where the original explored the light and dark, Very Good Girl explores the fun and the fabulous. It’s built around the queen of flowers, the rose, but this is no demure, powdery garden rose. This is a rose with thorns and a wink, drenched in the juice of tart, exotic fruits. It’s a fragrance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet commands serious attention. It’s the scent of a woman who laughs loudly, loves fiercely, and isn’t afraid to be the center of attention for all the right reasons.

In the fragrance community, Very Good Girl quickly carved out its own space. It sparked endless comparisons to niche darlings like Parfums de Marly’s Delina, bringing that coveted litchi-rose accord to a mainstream audience. Some hailed it as a more accessible, playful alternative, while others celebrated it on its own merits. It became a go-to for date nights, celebratory brunches, and any occasion that called for a touch of glamour and a burst of confidence. It’s more than just a perfume; it’s an accessory, a mood, a final touch of armor before you walk out the door to conquer your day.