I still remember when the Very Irrésistible was launched to the market in 2005; at that time, I did not appreciate it. I was too attracted to aquatic, metallic, and airy accords, such as Lacoste Essential, Yves Roches Transat, YSL Kouros Eau d'Été, Bvlgari Aqua, Aramis Life, Jasper Conran II, and Joop! Homme Chill Out, to mention a few and overlooked that one. Too bad, so sad. Yet, the very same happened to all of its flankers, miserably. But it was not far ago that I came upon a relatively new tester bottle in perfume outlet, a ridiculous bargain, and I was fortunate since it is discontinued by now.
Right off the bat, Very Irrésistible Fresh Attitude on my skin opens up the woody, fresh, and aromatic with the pleasant and energizing citrus-minty accord, with detectable notes of grapefruit and bergamot. Fresh spearmint adds its cooling attributes, while vivid coriander leaves balance it with its pleasingly pungent and spicy facets. Mint is striking, supported by citrus tones on one side and spicy tones on the other side. That wondrous fresh blend lasts for nearly a quarter an hour. Albeit I barely recognize the synthetic molten rubber smell that other people mentioned, yet I think this is unique and not disgusting at all.
I expressly love the smell of the top notes, which are quite impressive. The combination of grapefruit, mint, and coriander is not what you would expect. It comes off more like a tart berry and not citrus fruits. When spraying it, you can appreciate these notes and perhaps think it's a little too strong to be a summer fragrance. Don't be hasty, let it develop a while, and you will see.
When it comes to the heart of this fragrance, lavender blossoms and grand vert basil leaves make it up. This accord is slightly balmy, spicy with lemon tarragon like the nuance of basil. Lavender, with its clean and deep aroma, contrasts the spice, giving out an alluring scent and gives the impression of a classic perfume. As the perfume transitions to the heart, the smell is less zesty and more floral. I love the way each note can be unquestionably detected in each stage.
Lastly, when it comes to the dry down, cedar plays its woody notes at the base, rendering warmth and comfort. This woody temper mixes with the dark and potent facets of coffee, here more closely akin to a fresh sugared cup of mocha, a chocolate-flavored variant of a caffè latte with sugared cocoa powder, rather than toasted and crushed coffee beans. After a couple of hours, it becomes a skin scent, and you can still feel basil and some coffee.
Although it has excellent sillage, duration and projection are rather modest because the fragrance can be barely sniffed after three hours. It is a pity being a perfect summer scent and having moderate performance.
I recommend it for summer and late spring daytime use with average temperatures or warm nights, as it is somewhat cumbersome and sweet once you apply it. Fresh, with a subtle unoffensive sweetness, citrusy, with a tiny pinch of mild smoke, playful and very agreeable. By the way, the tall triangular, blue-green gradient bottle is extraordinary.
-Elysium
Top Notes 
Heart Notes 
Base Notes 
Elysium
