Try spritzing one of these rose-tinged aromas, from androgynous to feminine.
BAD GAL
If a rose can have attitude, this one certainly does. Damask rose and smoky oud wood spiked with clove come at you from all sides, enveloping the skin in an intense aroma. Sensuous, as velvety as the name implies and reinforced with sandalwood, this isn’t your typical pretty rose juice. Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense, 100 ml, $230, jomalone.ca.
MINIMALIST GOALS
This perfume is inspired by a warm bubble bath peppered with floating rose petals, resulting in a simple floral scent with an uplifting citrusy twist, thanks to the addition of zesty lime. Rose, peony and jasmine, balanced with base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood and musk, create a feminine fragrance. Clean Reserve Blonde Rose Eau de Parfum, 100 ml, $125, sephora.ca.
LOVE STORY
Opening with pink pepper, the woody floral aroma of orris (the fragrant root of the iris) and rose, this is an ode to an extraordinary love affair. The base notes of Australian sandalwood, cedarwood and tonka bean help ground the scent for a rich, feminine and superwearable finish. Tory Burch Love Relentlessly Eau de Parfum, 100 ml, $136, toryburch.ca.
TWICE AS NICE
Sublimely rich yet delicate, May rose swirls with Turkish rose to deliver a soft bouquet with a sparkling hit of bergamot and mandarin. Base notes of ambrette absolute, vanilla and patchouli power this juice out of pretty territory and into the realm of understated sexiness. Giorgio Armani Sì Rose Signature Eau de Parfum, 100 ml, $152, thebay.com.
TWINKLE IN TIME
When the Italian house of Gucci creates a fragrance that’s inspired by princesses both past and present, you know that it’s going to pack a regal punch. Bursting with peony, osmanthus and rose, it’s the perfect gateway to get you hooked on fresh flowers. Flora by Gucci Eau de Toilette, 50 ml, $92, thebay.com.
MODERN CLASSIC
The newest offering from Chanel N° 5, L’eau respects the scent’s history in a less powdery version. This bright juice features florals such as rose, ylang-ylang and jasmine. Perfumer Olivier Polge created a modern balance by increasing the potency of some notes (orange rind) and decreasing others (vanilla). Chanel N° 5 L’eau Eau de Toilette, 50 ml, $119, thebay.com.
RUGGED ROSE
Wearing this fragrance is a sensual experience, with an energetic twist. The warm mix of espresso alongside amber, saffron and Turkish rose gives it a unisex smell that keeps this rose fragrance rooted in seduction and intrigue. Tom Ford Café Rose Eau de Parfum, 50 ml, $255, sephora.ca.
POISED FOR GREATNESS
To catch a whiff of the latest Avon fragrance is to experience a dramatic blend of elegant plum, intense white patchouli, tangy bergamot and intoxicating rose—the kind of stem you’d present to a prima ballerina after her triumphant performance. Avon Prima Eau de Parfum, 50 ml, $35, avon.ca.