Bikini Questa Sera
Christian Louboutin (2016)

Really beautifully done, and I think my eyes probably rolled back in my head when I tested it!

While it's not a tuberose soliflore, it gives an immediate impression of the living flower. If you focus in on it you notice that it's more honeyed and less funky than the real flower, a prettified version of nature. Could be the same tuberose as in EL Tuberose Gardenia, actually - smells like it, and is STRONG like it. I read some reviews where people said it has no lasting power or sillage, though I find that I can clearly smell the one short spray on my arm from 12 hours ago.

Of course, one short spray of the EL makes me feel smothered - while I like it from a distance on others - so my tolerance is probably low. I'm just happy to have found a big, quality white flowers scent that fits into my lower-key style.

Smells like a nice green jasmine, not over powering..not sure it's worth the price. A nice summer scent.

I didn't have high hopes for this (come on, it has "bikini" in the name!), but it's actually quite good.

It kicks off with a mix of raspberry and violets that had me concerned that it may be just another fruity floral, but they were quickly joined by a nicely tempered tuberose and wonderful orange blossom. The tuberose was in the forefront for a while. As it faded just a bit, the orange blossom came forth, mixing with the buttery indoles of the tuberose and the pinch of lingering raspberry, along with something subtly honeyed (perhaps acacia?) to form a truly beautiful floral mixture.

This is strikingly well engineered. It broadcasts loudly in a way that's luxurious instead of cheap, and the clever use of raspberry makes it feel very modern without dumbing it down. Very much a thumbs up. Floral lovers should definitely give it a try.