Scent of a rose
Much as I love my niche, masculine fragrances (welcome back Helmut Lang), there’s no denying that timeless florals and fruity orientals are the biggest money spinners. And that’s for good reason – they have popular appeal. Rose is the exception to my no-florals rule, especially the current crop of rose scents that are a bit greener and fresher…
ACQUA DI PARMA ROSA NOBILE
I know Acqua di Parma for its masculine colognes (including the best selling Colonia) but there’s a whole other arm of successful female fragrances. Rosa Nobile (from £72 for 50ml) is a beauty for those who love rose fragrances that are light rather than too saccharine. From next month, the perfume also comes in a miniature 20ml leather purse spray (£84), and if you’re into layering, pick up the body cream too (£49), its undercurrent of green notes keeps it modern not mumsy.
HERMES EAU DE PAMPLEMOUSSE ROSE
All the Hermes colognes are lovely, there’s not one I haven’t liked. Pamplemousse Rose (from £55 for 50ml Eau de cologne) is a juicy, refreshing scent with a harmonious hint of garden roses. An easy no-brainer for everyday, especially if you buy the portable 15ml size (Hermes has a tailor-made ‘nomad set‘ that lets you buy four different – or the same – 15ml fragrances for £80).
AERIN BEACH CREAM
Technically a summer product, I’ve been using Aerin Beach Cream (£40) for the last few weeks as the subtle rose scent and buttery texture serve as a much needed mood-booster for the winter morning routine.
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN PARIS A LA ROSE
More rose greenery from this forthcoming offering by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Launching next month, A La Rose is a youthful rose scent, with citrusy bergamot and Sicilian lemon top notes and a cedar base. Another one for those who like their rose scents light and not too sweet. (Side note: apparently rose fragrances are trending because there are now so many new different ways of extracting rose, giving a wider variety of results.)
CARON LOOSE POWDER
I couldn’t talk about rose and not mention one of my favourite cult products. I discovered Caron loose powder via Peony Lim’s blog and then became a bit obsessed. Caron’s ultra-fine paraben-free powders are scented with Bulgarian rose, while the goose down puff delivers the ultimate boudoir experience (even in my very unboudoir-like bathroom). Of course you can only get this at Harrods or Fortnum’s (or the Caron boutiques in Paris) which only adds to the overall fabulosity.
REN No 1 PURITY CLEANSING BALM
REN’s No 1 Purity Cleansing Balm (£23) is one of the most effective cleansing balms out there and one I love especially for its reassuring rose fragrance. Part of the ritual is cupping your hands and inhaling the scent because this has the most addictive rose smell ever which is relaxing and calming for the end of the day.
SHOP THE POST BELOW…
WORDS: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl
MAIN IMAGE: Tim Walker
