VILHELM PARFUMERIE FLEUR BURLESQUE

I consider myself a conservative wearer of Vilhelm Parfumerie Fleur Burlesque, yet over four years, I’ve managed to empty an 18ml bottle and make a significant dent in a 100ml one. Given that my collection consists of hundreds of bottles, that’s saying something. Fleur Burlesque was the first fragrance I purchased from Vilhelm after sampling their lineup in the UK post-launch, and it remains one of my most reached-for scents.

Fleur Burlesque is an oriental floral with enormous projection. Spraying it twice on the skin? You’ll taste it. My personal limit is two sprays max—any more, and it becomes a white floral warzone. I learned this the hard way, earning “crazy lady” glances from fellow shoppers when I over-sprayed before a grocery run. If you’re not a fan of gardenia, you might want to stop reading now.

Fleur Burlesque is unapologetically about gardenia, white flowers, and sandalwood. It’s lush, opulent, and slightly vintage-leaning but executed with a modern edge. Perfumer Jérôme Epinette masterfully blends the creamy gardenia with sandalwood, creating an intoxicatingly rich floral experience.

At first, there’s a fleeting hint of citrus—like a bitter grapefruit—but that quickly disappears as the white florals take center stage. This fragrance doesn’t ease into its power; it launches into full force almost immediately. On my warm skin, it amplifies to nuclear proportions, drawing constant questions from strangers about what I’m wearing. After about six hours, the scent transforms into something softer and more elegant. The tuberose and a creamy, milky undertone emerge, making for a soothing yet undeniably bold dry down.

This is a powerhouse white floral, leaning strongly feminine. Gentlemen, if you’re feeling adventurous, layer it with something like MFK’s Oud or a deep tobacco scent to push it toward unisex territory. But make no mistake—this fragrance takes up space, demands attention, and lingers long after you’ve left the room.