perfume

Givenchy Very Irresistible For Men Review: Bold, Spicy, and Unforgettable

By James Whitmore · · Updated

Launched in 2008, Givenchy Very Irresistible For Men arrived on the scene as a confident and modern interpretation of masculine fragrance. It was designed to be a bold, yet sophisticated scent, carving out its niche in a market often dominated by safer, more conventional offerings. At the time of its release, Givenchy was looking to inject a fresh, contemporary energy into its men''s fragrance portfolio, aiming to capture a younger, more fashion-forward demographic. The fragrance was part of a broader strategy to revitalize the brand''s scent offerings, positioning it as a purveyor of accessible luxury with an undeniable Parisian chic.

Very Irresistible For Men was strategically placed to appeal to men who weren''t afraid to stand out. It was positioned as a more daring alternative to the established woody or aquatic scents popular at the time. The brand aimed for a fragrance that was both appealing and memorable, a signature scent that communicated a sense of individuality and self-assuredness. It complemented the brand''s existing masculine lines by offering a distinctly different olfactory experience, focusing on a unique blend of spicy, fresh, and subtly sweet notes.

The inspiration behind Very Irresistible For Men was to translate the concept of "irresistible" into a scent. This meant creating a fragrance that was captivating, alluring, and left a lasting impression without being overly aggressive. The perfumers sought to capture a modern masculinity that was both strong and sensitive, playful yet serious. The idea was to create a scent that women would find appealing, hence the "Irresistible" moniker, aiming for a magnetic quality that drew people in.

In the fragrance community, Givenchy Very Irresistible For Men has garnered a reputation as a distinctive and polarizing scent. It''s often praised for its unique profile and strong performance, making it a favorite among those who appreciate its bold character. However, its unconventional blend of notes, particularly the prominent star anise and verbena, means it''s not universally loved. Despite this, it remains a well-regarded fragrance for its longevity and ability to garner compliments, solidifying its status as a memorable pillar in Givenchy''s fragrance history.

The Nose Behind the Scent

Jean-Pierre Béthouart, Emilie Coppermann, and Pierre Bourdon. Jean-Pierre Béthouart is known for Gucci Nobile and Cacharel Eden. Emilie Coppermann created Paco Rabanne Lady Million and Kenzo Flower. Pierre Bourdon is legendary for Dior Fahrenheit and Davidoff Cool Water.

4.3 Overall
Longevity
4.5
Projection
4.0
Sillage
3.8
$80 - $120 for 100ml (EDT)
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Fresh 40%
Spicy 30%
Woody 20%
Aromatic 10%

Notes Pyramid

Top
LemonGrapefruitVerbena
Heart
Star AniseGingerMint
Base
CedarwoodPatchouliMusk

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

A bright, zesty burst of lemon and grapefruit, invigorated by the clean, green aroma of verbena, creating an energetic and bracing start.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

The citrus fades to reveal the heart: the unique, licorice-like sweetness of star anise, warmed by peppery ginger and cooled by sharp mint, forming a dynamic and intriguing middle phase.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

A smooth, sophisticated base of dry cedarwood, earthy patchouli, and a subtle hint of clean musk, providing a refined and lasting woody-aromatic foundation.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 4.5/5

Excellent. Lasts 8-12 hours on skin, often longer on clothing.

📢 Projection 4.0/5

Strong moderate projection for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble.

💨 Sillage 3.8/5

Moderate sillage, leaving a pleasant and noticeable trail without being overwhelming.

When to Wear

🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
💕 Date night🌙 Evening events🩩 Clubbing✨ Special occasions📌 Cool weather casual outings🎩 Formal events

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.3
👃 Scent
4.5
⏱️ Longevity
4.5
💨 Sillage
3.8
💰 Value
3.7
💌 Compliment Factor 4.6/5

A renowned compliment-getter, particularly from women, for its alluring and memorable aroma.

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Unique and distinctive scent profile
  • ✅ Excellent longevity
  • ✅ Strong projection
  • ✅ Sophisticated and modern aroma
  • ✅ Intriguing star anise note
  • ❌ Polarizing scent profile (star anise/verbena)
  • ❌ Can be overpowering if oversprayed
  • ❌ Premium price point
  • ❌ Older batches may be harder to find

Price & Value

$80 - $120 for 100ml (EDT)
Premium

“Worth the investment for its unique scent, outstanding performance, and compliment-getting ability.”

📜 Reformulation History

Anecdotal reports suggest older batches may have slightly stronger performance or a richer scent, but the core DNA remains consistent. No officially detailed reformulations are widely known.

Who It's For

✅ Ideal For

  • Men 25-45
  • Confident, outgoing personalities
  • Modern style
  • Appreciate bold, unique scents

⚠️ Not Recommended For

  • Those preferring subtle or purely fresh scents
  • Sensitive to strong spices
  • Conservative office environments

Explore More

🔍 Similar Fragrances

Dior Fahrenheit Dior

Bold, unconventional character with aromatic and woody elements.

Issey Miyake L''Eau d''Issey Pour Homme Issey Miyake

Fresh opening with spicy notes, different take on bold freshness.

Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L''Homme Yves Saint Laurent

Prominent cardamom, similar alluring spice, though softer.

Hermès Terre d''Hermès Hermès

Sophisticated, mature woody character and impressive longevity.

💡 Clone Alternatives

No widely recognized direct clone Various Budget Brands

The unique star anise and verbena combination is difficult to replicate precisely at a lower price point.

❤️ You May Also Enjoy

Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men Eau de Parfum Dolce & Gabbana

Sophisticated, warm, and spicy profile.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Paco Rabanne

Bold, attention-grabbing sweetness and spice.

Versace Eros Versace

Vibrant, fresh, and slightly sweet character.

Montblanc Legend Spirit Montblanc

Clean, fresh, and modern aromatic profile.

🧪 Layering Ideas

🏆 Final Verdict

Givenchy Very Irresistible For Men is not a fragrance for the faint of heart, but for those who dare to be different, it''s an exceptional choice. Its unique blend of vibrant citrus, bold star anise, and warm woods creates a scent that is both intriguing and undeniably masculine. The performance is outstanding, offering longevity that easily surpasses many modern releases, ensuring you smell good from morning to night. It''s a fragrance that consistently garners positive attention, making it a fantastic option for nights out, special occasions, or whenever you want to make a confident statement. If you''re looking for a scent that breaks the mold, offers remarkable performance, and leaves a memorable impression, Givenchy Very Irresistible For Men is a worthy addition to any discerning fragrance collection.

givenchydesigner fragrancemen's cologneluxury perfumespicy fragrancestar aniselong-lasting cologne