Rose gets a bad rap in the perfume world. Often labelled old-fashioned and overpowering, we’ve come to think of it as a better fragrant fit for our grandma’s scent wardrobe than our own. And whilst we’re all about roses in bouquet form, once the buds are bottled they rarely make it off the shelf thanks to their less-than-chic reputation. But roses are a little like a great handbag: they’re an investment piece where the dollar value does make a pretty sizable difference in the calibre of the finished product – roses have to be done right. This edit of rose drops are all a decadent departure from the powdery vibes you’d expect, and they prove that leather, wood and vetiver aren’t the only cool-girl colognes out there. It’s time to reconsider rose – we guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
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Jo Malone
Jo Malone London Red Roses Cologne
No spritz makes a case for rose’s revival like Jo Malone’s offering – there’s nothing synthetic about it; just pure, genuine rose. Concocted with seven different types of rosebuds, the romantic feel is undeniable, but the crisp spearmint and lemon base steers it clear of powdery territory.
Le Labo
Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum ($413, mecca.com.au)
Rose scents needn’t be restricted to women – Le Labo literally designed this scent to transform the classic connotations of rose from feminine to fresh, and let’s just say, mission accomplished. Led by Grasse rosebuds but peppered with headier notes of cumin, cedar and amber, it’s unisex, unexpected and undeniably worth the hefty price tag.
Lancome
This scent smells like someone dropped a glass of limoncello into a bouquet of the chicest damask roses you’ve ever seen to create a citrus-floral blend that’s just as beautiful as the bottle itself. It’s also steadied by spice, thanks to amber and musk, so it’s an olfactory experience that’s anything but old-fashioned.
Tory Burch
An option that sits closer to the classic category but still feels modern, Tory Burch’s take on rose is fresh at first whiff with green hints of strawberry leaf before drying down to a sensual sandalwood-musk blend livened up by a pop of pink pepper.
Diptyque
Diptyque Eau Rose Eau De Toilette ($184, mecca.com.au)
If rose had an energy drink, we imagine it’d smell a little like this. Bursting with bergamot, blackcurrant and lychee, it’s a fruity-floral fragrance you won’t be able to get enough of with a hint of honey to take it from girly to grown up.
I like diptyque products, they are true to scent. I have an yet to smell Jo Malone version.
I want to get my hands on 1001 ROSES. It looks so good.
Jo Malone looks lovely.
Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum sounds wonderful, but out of my price range. I'd love a sample size 😀
I like Le Labo Rose 31, it definitely is not a traditional Rose scent, it’s quite a unisex fragrance.