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Coup de Foudre
by Bortnikoff
Coup de Foudre by Bortnikoff is a highly complex, floral-oud fragrance with a radiant citrus opening featuring bergamot, sweet orange, grapefruit, and champaca. The heart is rich with tropical florals—jasmine, ylang-ylang, tuberose, and lily-of-the-valley—woven through with warm, balsamic woods, black pepper, and a spicy cinnamon-turmeric base. The scent evolves with surprising depth and transparency, shifting from a vibrant, juicy citrus and floral burst to a layered, resinous dry-down of guaiac wood, benzoin, and vanilla. It carries an engaging, slightly stank-like undertone that some find distracting, though others appreciate the intrigue and authenticity of its development. Longevity is moderate, with strong sillage especially in the first few hours. Its most distinctive quality comes from the exceptional integration of champaca, which some find overpowering, while others praise its transformative, almost sculpted role in shaping the scent's delicate balance of sweetness and spice. The scent leans feminine, though marketed as unisex due to its spicy, woody accords, and performs best in autumn and nighttime wear, offering a sophisticated, intimate experience rather than a bold statement.
Pros
- +complex and harmonious blending of citrus, floral, and spicy accords
- +strong, inviting sillage with moderate longevity
- +unique, transformative use of champaca creating a distinctive floral-oud character
- +pleasant balance of sweet, balsamic, and spicy elements in the dry-down
Cons
- −persistent stink-like or urine-like note reported by some users
- −frequent complaint of weak projection or performance on skin
- −directed toward a feminine audience despite unisex rating
- −concentration of champaca can overshadow other notes for sensitive users