Fragrant Fridays - A Rose is a Rose
I realize that I said last Friday that this week's column would be about Autumnal fragrances. I was hoping that I'd get more comments from you on the subject, and Dove unscented soap doesn't really count. ;) Plus, it's been entirely too warm here in Baltimore to wear anything remotely spicy, so I haven't quite been up for the job. Hence the topic change to Rose - a scent that transcends all seasons.I have always hated rose-scented perfumes. They always seemed cloying and reminded me of old ladies. I used to work with a young woman who only ever wore what must have been Avon Tea Rose. Gack! I think she upended the bottle over her head before she left the house.
Not long ago, I discovered Stella McCartney Stella, a blend of rose and amber. Oh. My. Goodness. I thought it was heavenly, despite the obvious rose smell. Well, it wasn't obvious - I first tested it via a scent strip in a magazine, so had no idea of the notes. It just smelled rich and luscious and sexy, a floral with amber. I was actually quite surprised that it was a rose scent.
Now that I've found one that I like, I've decided to test out others. Perhaps the new rose scents aren't as stinky as those from days of yore. I got my hands on a few samples, and my comments on them follow.
Stella McCartney
Stella
Notes: rose, peony flower, mandarin, rose absolute, amber
A deep, strong, un-shy amber and rose one-two punch that smells both very sexy and refined. On me, at least. I've read reviews that say this is a light and casual scent, but I find it rather rich and usually wear it in the cooler months.
Parfums 06130
Yuzu Rouge
Notes: yuzu, cassis, grapefruit, verbena, damascena rose, nutmeg, bergamot, cardamom, musk, moss, gray amber
Yuzu Rouge starts out with a sparkling citrus note of yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit) and grapefruit, very bright and refreshing, then immediately the rose comes forward. The drydown has hints of amber and a wee touch of musk. The overall effect is somewhat reminiscent of "green tea" scented perfumes, very fresh.
I'm thinking Yuzu Rouge would make a nice spring/summer fragrance, and I find it very bottle worthy (worth investing in a whole bottle).
Fifi Chachnil
Fifi Chachnil
Notes: citrus, fruits, coriander, powdery rose, amber, oriental notes, tobacco
Fifi Chachnil is an interesting scent. There's something a bit old-fashioned to it, with its notes of powdery rose, somewhat like dried flowers. But there's the tobacco behind it, and an exoticness that must be the amber and oriental notes. I don't smell the citrus or other fruits on me at all, just a soft, slightly smoky, romantic scent. The rose isn't at all overpowering, but it is definitely in there.
L'Artisan Perfumeur
Safran Troublant
Notes: saffron, vanilla, sandalwood and red rose
The smell of saffron is somewhat medicinal, and unmistakable; when blended with the scent of red rose, it becomes soft and spicy. Like the Fifi Chachnil, there's a bit of old-fashioned in Safran Troublant, a soft romanticness. Again, the rose is evident, yet not overpowering. After the drydown, the vanilla emerges to mellow the scent.
Anyone out there wear rose fragrances? Drop me a comment and tell me about them.