Flowerbomb vs. Ruby Orchid

Flowerbomb has been a longtime best seller for Viktor & Rolf. So, it has naturally spun off a ton of flanker fragrances under its banner. One of the more recent editions is, Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid. I had tested and worn both of these perfumes out and am ready to compare them head to head on this page. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Flowerbomb vs. Ruby Orchid

Flowerbomb

Notes include: Centifolia Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Cattleya Orchid, India Osmanthus, tea, bergamot, patchouli, musk, and vanilla

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fl Oz

Read my review: Flowerbomb EDP

Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid

Notes include: peach, vanilla bean, ruby orchid accord , peach vine

Click here to try: At Sephora

Read my Review: Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid

Opening

With Flowerbomb, you get an initial burst of sweetness and fruitiness. The osmanthus flower provides a jam-like feeling, sweet almost-peachy that is paired with bergamot citrus.

Tea, patchouli, and vanilla are also present coming from the heart and base notes. The rose and orchid will have their moments, but absolute beginning it is osmanthus, tea, and patchouli taking turns.

Ruby Orchid is quite similar with how it starts off. The osmanthus is replaced by an actual peach note, still very sweet and jammy. But, there is also a peach vine note here, which gives this edition a greenish aroma to some extent.

The vanilla bean comes across as being thick and syrupy at the start and Ruby Orchid does indeed have a heavy dose of orchid than the original.

Which do I prefer? They are pretty close, but I still like the original formulation more so at this stage. I like the osmanthus and tea notes more than the vine and peach.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off strong, will leave scent trails behind, and can command attention. But, Flowerbomb hits a higher peak, and stays up there for a longer time.

With Orchid, you get a strong opening act, but it is much softer throughout the duration of the wear. Never weak, just not the same type of power.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Longevity

Flowerbomb lasts on my skin for 10 hours, and sometimes, it can go for around 12. Really, this original version is great with its performance while I’m wearing it.

Ruby Orchid is still good, just never hits that same level. On me, it stuck around for 7-7.5 hours of wear. By no means horrible, but there’s a clear winner.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Versatility

These two are very similar in terms of when to use. Autumn and winter, mainly. Ruby Orchid might be slightly better in the springtime, but it skews younger with its demographic a little too.

Both are good for casual, nightlife wear, etc. I’d say Flowerbomb has more sex appeal than its flanker.

They’re kind of even in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, it’s almost nearly a clean sweep for the original Flowerbomb. I prefer it to Ruby Orchid, without a doubt.

I do like aspects of Ruby. The peach, the green vine note, and the heavier use of orchid. Still, all of those don’t match my enjoyment of tea, osmanthus, and patchouli I get from Flowerbomb.

They are similar scents, the flanker doesn’t go wildly in its own direction. So, if you like one, you’ll probably like the other. That’s the case here, I like both, but I’ve always enjoyed the original.

It takes the win.

Winner: Flowerbomb

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.