Forbidden Flower

Scent Breakdown

Forbidden Flower jumps right into the tuberose, that's for sure. It’s a bold, creamy white floral right off the bat, aiming for that same green, almost mentholated edge of Carnal Flower thanks to the eucalyptus. The bergamot and melon add a touch of sweetness up top, but it's mostly tuberose and that slightly medicinal eucalyptus. It lacks the refinement of the Frederic Malle; there's a slightly synthetic "shampoo-y" vibe lingering. As it dries down, the jasmine and ylang-ylang become more prominent, softening the intensity. The coconut and white musk in the base give it a slightly tropical, sunscreen feel but it’s faint. I'd say it lands around 95% close to Carnal Flower, but the opening is where the difference is most noticeable.

Bottom Line

If you're curious about Carnal Flower but balk at the price tag, Forbidden Flower is a worthwhile alternative. It captures the essence of the original without completely breaking the bank. However, the slight synthetic edge and shorter longevity might bother some. If you're looking for a nearly identical clone, you might be disappointed. But ? It's a solid warm-weather fragrance for everyday wear – think casual outings, brunch, or even the office if you go light on the trigger. For a daily driver, Forbidden Flower gets the job done.

Performance Reality Check

Okay, here's the deal. Forbidden Flower projects decently for the first hour, leaving a noticeable scent trail. After that, it settles closer to the skin. I get about 5-6 hours of wear on skin, maybe a bit longer on clothes. Not bad, but not beast mode.