Whenever I get a whiff of a heavy rose perfume, it instantly transports me back to my grandmother circa 1980. I didn’t love the decade’s intense floral smell, but I loved my grandmother so, however pungent her fragrance choice was, it always reminds me of warm hugs and unconditional love. So I was excited to discover that rose perfumes are once again flooding the fragrance market. But unlike the potent floral scent that my grandmother used to bathe herself in, the latest ones are mixed with a variety of musky, sweet and spicy notes, and are toned down in strength for a lighter, more modern-scented bouquet. Read for everything you need to know about this fragrance category from how to wear them and what to look for to find the best rose perfume for you.
What floral scent is your favorite?
Why are rose perfumes popular now?
“Rose symbolizes beauty, love and friendship making it one of the most influential fragrance notes in the history of perfumery,” says Leila Zagwolsky, a fragrance expert and CEO and co-founder of LXSB, Luxury Scent Box. “It’s a note that has been extremely popular through several eras, especially in the ‘80s and ‘90s.”
Adds beauty and personal care industry veteran, Danielle Rich of D.Rich LLC, “perfumers, otherwise known to industry insiders as ‘the noses’ have shifted a bit to modernize the classic rose scent we equate to the heavy scents our grandmothers wore, to something less intense and more wearable for every day.” You can almost compare this to the shift in fashion, as we once dressed for work in formal business suits and dresses and now we wear more relaxed, casual attire, she explains. “I think the same goes for scents—consumers want something they can wear comfortably daily and not so strong, intimidating and heavy.”
What’s more, there are benefits—besides smelling great—to wearing a rose perfume. “Rose extracts are commonly used in skincare for their antioxidant effects on the skin,” says New York City dermatologist,Joshua Zeichner, MD. “There’s also data showing that rose extract aromatherapy has a beneficial effect on the skin, helping to relieve stress-related effects on the skin and even lower skin temperature.”
The types of rose perfumes
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The single note of pure rose has faded, but is back using a blend of other notes such as citrus, gourmands (vanilla) or woods, says Zagwolsky.
Citrus/fruity rose perfumes
According to Zagwolsky, a fragrance with a blend of rose with fruits or citrus notes (a fresher rose fragrance) can transition easily from day to evening (from a casual or a board meeting to dressy attire in the evening). You can wear a citrus floral all year round and anytime. This type of fragrance provides a boost in energy and mood—plus, it gives off a refreshing and elegant vibe.
Gourmand/sweet rose perfumes
A gourmand fragrance turns your senses instantly to a sweet delight satisfying your palette, says Zagwolsky. “These are referenced sometimes as ‘foodie’ fragrances, but for me, these are ‘sensual’ scents and romantic.” A gourmand has edible and unique notes with a sensual side, most common is vanilla, but others include almond, caramel, chocolate, coffee, honey and sugar.
“The blend of gourmands and rose is usually a well-balanced fragrance, feminine with sophistication but sensual that can be worn in the day but also for a date night or evenings,” adds Zagwolsky. In the fragrance world, the category has been widely acclaimed as some of the top-ranking in popularity or trending fragrances currently in rose fragrances.
Woody or musk rose perfumes
A bold, rich fragrance with depth, the wear lingers leaving a silage (a trail of scent) behind you, says Zagwolsky. It can be worn in an office meeting for sophistication or evenings. These fragrances can also have intense notes of fiery oud and can offer strength and longevity with wear.
Best rose perfumes worth a try
As all experts will attest, fragrance is a very personal choice, but my goal was to find the ones where you can discern the distinct rose note, without it being overpowering. I found that of the ones I liked the most, rose was not the top note, but rather the middle or the base. Here are my favorites:
Ralph Lauren Fragrances Romance Intense Eau de Parfum
Coach Signature Eau De Parfum is said to be inspired by the free-spirited beauty of a meadow of wildflowers—and its delicate rose scent, soft and not overwhelming, is a testament to that.
Kate Spade New York
Kate Spade
Fresh, clean and cozy are what come to mind when inhaling the scent of Kate Spade New York. The blooming rose and fruity strawberry notes blend seamlessly, wrapping around my skin like a soft sweater.
Maison Margiela Fragrances REPLICA On A Date Eau de Toilette
Caveat: Black and red currants contain cat ketone, a chemical compound that, for some, can smell similar to cat urine, so it may not be the pick for you.
Bath & Body Works Inspire Love Rose + Vanilla Eau de Parfum
Bath & Body Works
The light and sweet scent of Inspire Love Rose + Vanilla fragrance originally comes from the brand’s spa-inspired Aroma line and made its return into an Eau de parfum just in time for Valentine’s Day. Maybe that explains why I feel so relaxed while wearing it.
Fresh Rose Morning Eau de Parfum
fresh
The Fresh Rose Morning Eau de Parfum is made up of lightweight notes of Bulgarian rose, peach blossom and musk that combine to create a light, clean and velvety scent. Fresh is honestly the best way to describe it!
Avon LYRD Vanilla Rose Eau de Parfum
Avon
I sprayed on Avon LYRD Vanilla Rose Eau de Parfum and was instantly transported to the beach. That’s because of its top notes of coconut and aquatic marine accord and a subtle hint of dewy roses mixed in.
Diptyque
A surprise in a bottle: Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Parfum is a spicy departure from old-school rose perfumes. You get the intensity of fresh roses blending seamlessly with the tangy and sweet hits of chamomile and artichoke for a fragrant kick! Even better? You can score this pricier pick at Sam’s Club for about $65 less than at other retailers.
Daise Lowkey Rose and Sandalwood Fragrance Body Mist
Daise
I was ready to write this one off at first glance—it’s a bit cutesy and screams “teenager” to me. But the scent of Daise Lowkey Rose and Sandalwood Fragrance Body Mist disproved my theory, quickly becoming one of my favorites! Instead, the delicate, musky rose scent is mature and intoxicating. Best of all? It’s only $6!
Parfums De Marly
A beautiful blend of citrusy Italian Bergamot and floral rose and peony, Parfums De MarlyDelina La Rosée Eau de Parfum is a treat to the senses. This warm and elegant scent is perfect for a fancy night out. A little goes a long way, so taking into account its hefty price tag I would opt for the 30 ml and use it sparingly.
Snif
If any rose perfume is going to pull off the distinct statement-making scent of roses, yet still envelop you with a unique olfactory experience, it’s Snif Rose Era. It’s a silky and sophisticated blend of dewy roses, fruity strawberries, pear and clean laundry.
XO Khloé
XO Khloe
XO Khloé is, simply put, captivating and hands down my favorite of the bunch. With every breath, I was treated to an enchanting cornucopia of florals, musks and soft woods. It doesn’t hurt that the chic, crystal-like bottle elevates the look of my bathroom vanity.
Dossier Oud & Rose on Fire
Dossier
It’s similar to the heavy rose scents of the ’80s, but Dossier Oud & Rose on Fire redeems itself with its fiery, sensual allure. The oud lends a smoky spin to the flower for a scent that sizzles. And at $34 for a 1.7 oz bottle, it’s a steal!
