The rose may be the most classic ingredient in all of perfumery. A symbol of love dating back to Greek and Roman mythology (with a first mention in artistic motifs in Asia around 3000 BC), the flower is as compelling as it is enduring. Cleopatra was said to fill a room with rose petals a foot deep when pursuing Mark Antony. Sophia Loren famously wore Emanuel Ungaro’s sensual rose creation, Diva. Even Rihanna’s rumored go-to scent (prior to her own Fenty perfume launch, of course), By Killian’s Love, Don’t Be Shy, contains rose.
Roses are the cornerstone of many of the best fragrances, featured in some 75 percent of scents marketed to women. But although they may be ubiquitous, they are far from one-note. A spring rose, for instance, grows in a particular type of earth, explains Carole Biancalana, the flower producer for Dior’s rose scents. “[This] will bring its notes of honey, lemons, spices,” she explains. “It is a rich rose with multiple facets, and that makes it unique.”
Dior Miss Dior Rose Essence Eau de Toilette
$163 AT DIOR
The centifolia roses in Miss Dior’s just-launched fragrance are grown biodynamically at Domaine de Manon in Grasse, France. There’s something particularly romantic and, frankly, inspired about this fresh, very natural fragrance with layers of musk, patchouli, and vetiver, adding a woody element under the rose.
“Like Catherine Dior, in her time, many producers under contract with Dior were women. I like to think that from where she is, she is proud of the women who have come after her,” Biancalana says. “Over the years, perfumes have become more and more modern. Miss Dior Rose Essence is the expression of a modern and dynamic rose.”
CARTIER PERFUMES Pure Rose Eau de Toilette
$285 AT NET-A-PORTER
A beautiful rose scent with a traditional appeal. It’s delicately feminine, light, and ideal for those looking for something deeply classic.
BYREDO Young Rose Eau de Parfum
$200 AT NET-A-PORTER
Ben Gorham’s cult line has a growing selection of rose fragrances. The most popular may be Young Rose, a contemporary take on the classic, layering Sichuan pepper atop dewy Damascus rose.
Vyrao Georgette Eau de Parfum
$190 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Bright, energy clearing, sensual, intoxicating—Vyrao’s Georgette is the rose-centered creation meant for self-love. Its notes of Turkish rose oil, violet leaf absolute, sandalwood, pink pepper, and black tobacco come together for a smoky, empowered mood. Named for Vyrao founder Yasmin Sewell’s grandmother, each bottle has a special Herkimer diamond crystal that’s been “energetically charged” for positive vibrations.
AERIN Evening Rose Eau de Parfum
$145 AT NORDSTROM
An ode to the Bulgarian rose, Evening Rose was created by Blanc with juicy blackberry, rose centifolia, and, of course, the rose. It also features notes of cognac adding a warm, luxurious layer.
FREDERIC MALLE Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum
$250 AT NET-A-PORTER
Over the years, fragrance legend Frederic Malle has gifted us with several iconic rose scents. The most beloved—and headstrong—may be Portrait of a Lady, a decadent, opulent perfume composed of hundreds of Turkish roses, blackcurrant, and raspberry accord.
“Roses is to perfumery what the nude is to drawing,” Malle once said; Portrait of a Lady encapsulates this interpretation. It’s a pure and bold fragrance, designed as much to celebrate the universal beauty of women as the rose itself.
Tom Ford Rose Prick Eau de Parfum
Now 14% Off
$216 AT NORDSTROM
No “best of” fragrance list can be complete without a scent by Tom Ford, the master of heady, intoxicating scents. Rose Prick is inspired by Ford’s own private rose garden. It is a lush, rose-forward offering with an unexpected note of a “thorn” (Sichuan pepper), perfect for when you want to be noticed for all the right reasons.
Ellis Brooklyn RROSE Eau de Parfum
$105 AT SEPHORA
An effortless, playful scent inspired by Rrose Sélavy, the feminine alter ego of Dada pioneer Marcel Duchamp. It’s brightened up with Sicilian lemons and layers of vanilla orchid and spring musk.
Cultus Artem Rosa
$550 AT CULTUSARTEM.COM
Cultus Artem's Rosa is a warm and earthy rose, with elements of honeysuckle, tuberose, and Indonesian clove. A bonus: This Texas-based boutique line is crafted from entirely natural ingredients. The fragrances are also vegan and developed with sustainability in mind.
Narciso Rodriguez
$103 AT NORDSTROM
This new rose scent has a charged, luminous quality that’s perfect for a night out. Layers of plum and Italian bergamot give it a sweet, lush quality, while pink peppercorn adds a fresh note.
