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 over the years that perfumers have been keen to shake off. Having enjoyed the fragrance equivalent of a ‘glow up’ – something of a renaissance – of late, the latest rose perfume drops don't register as too sweet, too powdery or too ‘pretty’. And countless Glamour staffers have claimed a rose perfume as their go-to for the warmer season.
Our favourite rose perfumes, at a glance:
Forget grandma chic: these editor-favourite rose fragrances 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.
From luxury rose scents by Tom Ford and Prada, to trending favourites of TikTok fame (Phlur, Rose Whip, we're looking at you), ahead, Glamour editors work with me to share the rose perfumes they've stowed away in their handbags for spring.
How I tested rose perfumes:
Fragrances are, by nature, totally subjective – so it's tricky to build a guide of the through-and-through best. That said, we never want to recommend you spend your money on something that's not worthwhile, so we ensure each of the perfumes we feature are genuinely loved by one of our editors.
Throughout the years, the Glamour team – alongside our trustworthy pool of experts and freelance contributors – have tested hundreds of fragrances, ranging from all-time classics and viral hits to affordable scents (Cloud by Ariana Grande, anyone?) and premium eau de parfums such as Baccarat Rouge 540 by MFK. They land on the beauty desk in their hundreds, and we put a lot of attention into whittling them down.
When testing each rose perfumes specifically, I worked with the beauty team to separate any new scent with rose notes from other perfumes in the beauty cupboard. I then handed them out to my fellow editors who had agreed to help me, and instructed them to use their scent everyday for a course of at least one week. Together, we kept note of longevity (and therefore value for money), and whether the blend is in any way unique compared to other iterations on the market. Each editor filmed a first-reaction video (which you can find below), and wrote an honest review. Find out more on how we test here.
Ahead, the very best rose perfumes for SS26.
1. Best Overall: Penhaligons Duchess Rose
Why I loved it: "When The Coveted Duchess Rose landed on my desk, I was over the moon. I'd wanted to try a Penhaligon's fragrance for the longest time (I walk past their Covent Garden store multiple times a week, and it always smells incredible). Just ICYMI, Penhaligon's is a British perfume house that was founded back in 1870 by William Penhaligon (talk about being a heritage brand); it's renowned for its luxurious, storied fragrances and hold on Royal Warrants.
"With notes of Mandarin, Rose Centifolia and Vanilla, The Coveted Rose is a fresh and elegant fragrance that feels like the perfect mix of modernity and old-fashioned sophistication. I've spoken about a lot of the fragrances in this edit feeling sexier-than-you'd-expect for rose – and while this didn't necessarily exude sensuality for me, it does feel that it boasts something a little special past being a quintessential floral scent.
“The bottle is beyond beautiful – weighty, adorned in gold hardware and a total dressing table centrepiece – while the hint of musky wood adds a welcome depth to the perfume. I loved its impressive staying power, and how it left a perfectly sweet trail behind me for hours after application. This is most definitely now a firm favourite in my collection.”
- Rating: 9/10
2. Best Luxury: Tom Ford Rose Exposed EDP
Why I loved it: "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 gift for her."
- Rating: 9/10
- Tested by: Rosie Lai, Glamour's former Fashion Editor.
3. Best New & Trending: Phlur Rose Whip
Why I loved it: “I think my review of the Phlur Rose Whip perfume starts a little like most of the others in this guide: I didn't think I was a rose perfume kind of girl, then Rose Whip came along and proved me wrong. Again, much like my fellow editors found with their respective scents, Rose Whip proved to me that rose fragrances don't have to be sickly-sweet and grandma-like. Instead, they can be sexy and date night perfume appropriate.
"First up, I love the bottle of this Phlur perfume. I don't usually love that Phlur lids are white – and therefore get completed stained when I throw them in my handbag – but this black bottle feels a little more life-proof. The lid is satisfyingly magnetic, and the perfume features top and middle notes of rose, blackcurrant and osmanthus. After settling, it reveals base notes of amber, cashmere wood and musk, serving a welcome contradiction from the sweet rose notes above.
“My boyfriend pointed out how much he loved this scent, which was pleasing, and every time I've worn it I've grown to love it more. Designed to be sprayed generously on the pulse points, neck and wrists, it's a sexy and provocative rose scent which has quickly become my signature. I love it.”
- Rating: 9/10.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior Commerce Editor.
4. Best Daytime: Prada Infusion de Rhubarbe, EDP
Why I loved it: "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
- Tested by: Fiona Embleton, Glamour's Beauty Director.
5. Best Solid Rose Perfume: Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Mini Miss Solid Perfume
Why I love it: "I’d never used a solid 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
- Tested by: Robyn Eugene, Glamour's Social Media Manager.
6. Best Handbag Scent: Narciso Rodriguez For Her Intense
Why I loved it: "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
- Tested by: Emily Whitwam.
7. Most Intense: Jo Malone Taif Rose Cologne Intense
Why I love it: "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
- Tested by: Ali Pantony, Glamour's Digital Director.
More of the best rose perfumes we're currently testing:
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