By Alison McGill
It seems the spell vanilla-based scents cast over fragrance lovers is beginning to wane, and juices pumped with a most classic floral note are becoming a new obsession. Rose-centric fragrances are trending, and they are heady, rich, sultry, romantic, and absolutely nothing like the antique smelling floral fragrances of the ‘80s which is about the last time rosy scents had a serious moment.
Of course, over the years, there have been iconic rose fragrances which have endured; Chanel No. 5 is the most famous one (read The Story Of here). First introduced in 1921, the scent was groundbreaking for its unique and complex floral blend of notes—rose, jasmine, aldehydes, vanilla, and lily of the valley are the stars. With this fragrance, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel also created a new category of fragrance, one for the forward-thinking women of the roaring ‘20s who embraced a liberated, feminine spirit.
It’s been over 100 years since that fragrance launched and it smells as fresh and innovative today as it did then. It captures the secret of a modern rose fragrance: embracing femininity in an alluring, bold and unique way.
Looking to add a rose fragrance or two to your collection? Here are five of the beautiful bouquets worth of the investment.
The Fresh Rose Fragrance
If you love the pure, adulterated smell of dewy garden roses, this one’s for you. This cologne features a blend of seven different types of roses, punctuated with a hint of violet and lemon to create a bold scent that’s truly addictive.
BUY: Jo Malone London Red Roses Cologne, $220 for 100ml, jomalone.ca
The Modern Rose Fragrance
I’m a Tom Ford fragrance stan and just added this one to my collection—it’s a new obsession and is anything but your typical rose scent. It’s deep, dark, and mysterious, with the keynote being Bulgarian rose a flower which reportedly features prominently in Ford’s own private rose garden. Indonesian patchouli gives it an alluring twist.
BUY: Tom Ford Rose Prick, $335 for 30ml, sephora.com
The Pretty Rose Fragrance
A lingering, powdery finish is what makes this rose fragrance shine. Notes of peony, honey and cedarwood give it a bohemian mood that feels at once vintage and modern. Chloé first launched this scent in 2008 and it’s been a bestseller since day one. With the renaissance of the fashion house in 2024 so too comes a renewed love for this chic scent.
BUY: Chloé Eau de Parfum, $210 for 75ml, sephora.com
The Woody Rose Fragrance
British luxury fragrance house Penhaligon’s counts this romantic scent as one of its icons. It’s delicate, balanced blend of unique notes including rose centifolia, rose absolute, hazelnut leaf, almond oil, cinnamon, and vetiver. This one has a most regal air about it—spritz on and feel like a royal.
BUY: Penhaligon’s Elizabethan Rose, $300 for 100ml, etiket.ca
The Viral Rose Fragrance
This is a #fragrancetok favourite beloved not just for the darling Marie Antoinette-vibes bottle but for its sweet and sensual scent. Heart notes of Turkish rose, peony and vanilla combine with musk, vetiver, rhubarb, and bergamot essence to create a most unique rosy parfum.
BUY: Parfums de Marly Delina Eau De Parfum, $251 for 30ml, holtrenfrew.com
