You don't have to be a fragrance connoisseur to know that rose perfumes are a cult classic. That said, they've also gained a grandmotherly reputation that perfumers have been keen to shake off.
Having enjoyed the fragrance equivalent of a ‘glow up’, the latest rose perfume drops don't register as too sweet, too powdery or too ‘pretty’.
Instead, they've hit the sweet spot of rousing nostalgia but also smelling modern. And that's the beauty of rose. Depending on the type of rose, the part of the flower you use (petals or leaves) and what ingredients you pair it with, a perfume can smell dark and carnal, tender with romantic overtones or even sparkling and fresh – like an actual rose petal covered in dew drops.
Here's what the team thought when they spritzed this bunch of pretty new rose perfumes.
Rosie Lai, GLAMOUR's Acting Fashion Editor
The scent: Tom Ford Rose Exposed EDP
I love rose perfumes but sometimes they can smell too overpowering, like the kind that lingers in an elevator for a tad too long. I like that Tom Ford's Rose Exposed is more subtle and light —and actually smells expensive. It also sits well on the skin and warms up over time so that it becomes a soft, familiar scent by the end of the day. And how could you not fall in love with the dusty rose bottle? Looks gorgeous on a vanity and makes for a great Valentine's Day gift."
Rating: 9/10
Fiona, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director
The scent: Prada Infusion de Rhubarbe, EDP
On paper I shouldn't like this perfume at all. I'm typically a skin scent type of girl so, for me, wearing a fruity floral perfume is the equivalent of wearing a retina-burning, hot pink catsuit to the office. And yet, I can't stop spritzing the new Prada Infusion de Rhubarbe. It's a curious balance of bitter and sweet that has the same addictive appeal as a Haribo sweet and sour gummy. There's the initial bite of green mandarine, followed by the fruitiness of rhubarb. But what really lingers on my skin is the sweet, honey-like scent of rose alongside white musk, which softens its edges making this a really wearable, mood-boosting daytime scent. I love it!
Rating: 9/10
Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager
Scent: Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Mini Miss Solid Perfume
I’d never used a roll-on perfume before, but I think I started with the best of the best. The packaging alone is incredibly chic, girly, and sleek, featuring a pink and cream houndstooth print that carries from the box to the casing and even the bullet itself.
The perfume resembles a gel-like lipstick, with a beautifully embossed "CD" on the tip that oozes luxury. The scent is surprisingly fresh, light, and floral, making it both wearable and subtle. As someone who usually gravitates toward bold, impactful oud fragrances, this is a definite change of pace. It's a soft, delicate scent that required a few reapplications to remain noticeable throughout the day.
However, the sheer gorgeousness of this product has earned it a permanent spot in my handbag.
Rating: 8/10
Emily, GLAMOUR's Associate Social Media Manager
Scent: Narciso Rodriguez For Her Intense
Okay, so I’m a little obsessed with Narciso Rodriguez already, so when I saw the new All of Me Intense perfume drop, I just knew I had to try it. And it was literally love at first spritz. I wasn’t even surprised because I could instantly tell by the notes of rose, jasmine and sweet vanilla that this fragrance was made for me. It’s the perfect mix of floral and cosy with a touch of sweetness - like a warm hug.
The bottle is simple •chef’s kiss•. The curved design fits so perfectly in my hand and just looks lovely and elegant. But beyond the aesthetics, the scent itself is one I will want to wear every single day. It’s strong, but not overpowering, and honestly, it had me feeling like I was wrapped in this super warm cloud of luxury all day long.
The best part? It lasts. It stays with you the entire day, and I kept catching little wafts of the powdery scent everywhere I went. I’m talking 8+ hours of smelling amazing without needing a re-spritz. Narciso Rodriguez has gone and done it again making yet another magical perfume! Keep them coming.
Rating: 9/10
Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director
Scent: Jo Malone Taif Rose Cologne Intense
I'm not usually a rose fragrance kinda gal – they're either too saccharine or remind me of my grandma (no shade to my grandma, but I don't really want to smell like her). So when Jo Malone's new Taif Rose perfume landed on my desk, I wasn't sure it would be my vibe. But reader, it was totally my vibe.
It's floral of course, but there's nothing sickly sweet about it. The rose notes are warm and earthy – inspired by the Taif mountains in Saudia Arabia, where the flower grows – thanks to notes of coffee and amber, which add a sexy, masculine edge to an otherwise feminine fragrance.
Plus, like the rest of the Jo Malone Cologne Intense range, the scent is deep, rich and long-lasting – just a few spritzes lasted me all day in the office and through to dinner with friends, so even the 50ml bottle will last you ages.
Rating: 9/10
More of the best rose perfumes to spritz this spring…
Why we love it: Floral perfumes often smell very literal. But Louis Vuitton's Heures D'Absence presents something of a Goldilocks solution. Combining freshly-snipped stems of rose de Mai and jasmine with powdery mimosa and musk, it's a bright scent that also has a a hazy quality to it, making it perfect for daydreaming.
Why we love it: If you're a fan of woody and floral notes and are after a signature scent, the Delina Eau De Parfum from Parfums De Marly might be just the thing. Centred around Turkish Rose, this unique fragrance is also accompanied by heart notes of peony and vanilla, met with a base of woody cashmere, musk and vetiver. It's feminine, sensual and delicate, making it great for the brides-to-be.
GLAMOUR-approved: “I purchased my first bottle of Delina long before I became a beauty journalist. In fact, it was my very first ‘premium’ fragrance that I treated myself with right before Christmas in 2017. And guess what? Six years on, I still can't get enough of this perfume. It's one of the few cases where the packaging perfectly captures the scent. I'd describe it as femininity in a bottle with just the right amount of playfulness and romance.”
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Why we love it: On the market for an EDP with a hint of spice? Say no more. The Tom Ford Rose Prick Eau De Parfum is definitely worth considering. This floral fragrance has been inspired by Tom Ford's private rose garden (yes, really) and features top notes of Sichuan pepper and turmeric, with Turkish and Bulgarian rose at its heart and patchouli and tonka bean at the base.
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Why we love it: A more delicate take on the classic Chanel Chance fragrance, this Eau de Parfum embodies romance and femininity. Featuring a gentle combination of jasmine and rose, this timeless floral scent is perfect to spritz on regardless of the weather outside. It's a great option for a “signature scent”-type level of wear and is bound to turn more than a few heads.
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Why we love it: Fresh? Check. Citrusy and bright? Check aaand check. The Miss Dior Rose N'Roses Eau De Toilette is a delightful choice for a spring/summer perfume. You'll get a whiff of colourful rose petals, complimented by fruity fragrance notes of Italian mandarin, bergamot and geranium, and finished with base notes of white musk. In the words of Christian Dior himself, it's “a fragrance that smells like love.”
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Why we love it: Who said that rose perfumes have to be strictly feminine? Meet the Le Labo Rose 31 Eau De Parfum, a unique fragrance that takes a slightly different approach to what we know as the “traditional” rose perfume. At the centre of it all, you've got Centifolia rose, followed by the warm and spicy cedar, vetiver, musks and guaiac wood – all resulting in an irresistibly addictive and long-lasting unisex fragrance.
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Why we love it: If you're after a scent that smells regal, opulent and feminine, it doesn't get any better than Penhalison's Elisabethan Rose Eau De Parfum. Inspired by the Tudor rose (yes, the one behind the national emblem of England), this unique fragrance captures the very essence of elegance, thanks to the notes of Centifolia rose, hazelnut leaf and vetiver.
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Why we love it: Looking for a rose perfume that's a bit more on the earthy side? We've got you. Enter, the Une Rose Eau De Parfum, crafted by iconic perfumer Edouard Flacchier. Featuring earthy tones of truffle, titular rose, vetiver, patchouli and castoreum, this gothic scent is both passionate and mysterious. Now, we don't know about you, but we sure are intrigued…
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Why we love it: You don't need us to tell you how popular the Maison Francis Kurkdjian perfumes are. Sure, the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540 may already be on your radar, but my fellow fragrance obsessives would argue that A La Rose Eau De Parfum is also just as worth considering. Delicate yet confidence-boosting, this rich and alluring scent is truly one of its kind. Top notes include Damascena rose and orange, accompanied with heart notes of violet and magnolia as well as base notes of musk and woody cedar.
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Why we love it: “Rosa Rossa Firte is a sunset rose, an intense, fruity and velvety rose,” explains Guerlain Perfumer Delphine Jelk. Launched just earlier in 2022, this fragrance is one of the latest releases. With top notes of peach, pink pepper, cassis and almond, middle notes of Bulgarian and Damask rose, and base notes of benzoin, patchouli and sandalwood, this perfume is bound to impress you in the best way possible.
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Why we love it: Ever wish that your floral perfume lingers for a little longer than a couple of hours? Us too. But fear not, because that's definitely not the case with the Jo Malone Rose Blush Cologne. Released as part of the Jo Malone London Valentine's Day collection, this limited-edition perfume is a true standout. This vibrant yet delicate scent is exactly what you'd reach for when getting ready for an event (P.S. The wedding season calls for it, trust us).
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Why we love it: Looking for a scent that screams couture? Meet the Yves Saint Laurent Blouse Eau De Parfum, a perfume that takes elegance to a whole new level. At the heart, you'll notice notes of Damask rose, accompanied by the top notes of bergamot and pink pepper, plus the base notes of musk and cashmere. It's bold yet subtle, much like your favourite blouse in your wardrobe.
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Why we love it: On the market for a rose perfume that's less “out there” but is still unique enough to turn heads? Say no more. The Byredo Rose Of No Man's Land is exactly that. You'll get a little bit of sweetness from the top notes of Turkish rose and pink pepper, followed by raspberry blossom. It also features notes of earthy papyrus and fresh white amber, resulting in a charming fragrance that's worth remembering.
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Why we love it: This musky, floral fragrance is one of the most intense rose perfumes out there. Good thing too, since it's made to illustrate the mythological love between Psyche and Eros (son of Aphrodite, more commonly known as Cupid). This fragrance is both great as an everyday scent and as a statement piece.
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Why we love it: Ever taken a stroll through a French flower market? Neither have we, but we imagine this fragrance from Maison Margiela comes quite close to the real thing. With notes of freesia, jasmine and tuberose, this Paris-born crisp scent is perfect for everyday use.
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Why we love it: Not all fragrances have to be bold and intense – sometimes, less is more. This classic scent from Chloe is feminine, romantic, chic and timeless, which means it's a great addition to virtually any beauty cupboard. Just a few spritzes will get you through the day while feeling light as air. 10/10 would recommend.
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After more new-in fragrance content? Shop floral fragrances, zesty perfumes, oud perfumes, vanilla perfumes and perfume gift sets aplenty. Plus, we also have gift set buying guides available to shop now, just in time for Mother's Day.
