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The 15 Best Rose Perfumes Perfect for Spring
These classics and new standouts prove why the floral note endures
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 have filled 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.”
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The facets of rose’s scent—and the creative potential around it—are almost limitless. “There is so much positivity around the flower,” says master perfumer Honorine Blanc, the nose behind fragrances such as Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir and several AERIN scents, and one of four perfumers who gave us YSL Black Opium. “[Some] people would prefer something heavier, more contrasted. To me, the serenity, the joyfulness [of rose] is so important,” Blanc says, adding that the range of roses offers nuance. “You have thousands of roses.”
Aerin Lauder, the granddaughter of the legendary Estée Lauder and the mind and heart behind AERIN, turns to roses for their femininity as well as their unifying quality. “It’s the idea of romance,” the expert says. “Everyone loves roses when you get them as a gift or you go to a beautiful rose garden. [The rose] is pretty, it’s feminine, it’s appealing, it’s not polarizing.” It’s also, Lauder suggests, a comforting scent. “The world is in such disarray, it is a time when people are yearning for something that feels familiar, safe, and appealing.”
Ultimately, rose can be anything you like it to be. “The scent of the rose is both the scent of love, that of great love, and it is also very enveloping like Mother’s arms,” Biancalana says, adding simply, “The rose is really the base of all great perfumes.” Below, our 15 favorite rose fragrances, including the latest standout releases.
Dior Miss Dior Rose N'Roses Eau de Toilette
Sweet but not sugary, classic but not boring, long-lasting but not overpowering, this rose-foward iteration of the iconic Miss Dior hits all the right notes if you're looking for an easy, beautiful, and feminine perfume.
Key notes: Grasse rose absolue, Italian mandarin, white musk accord
Customer review: "I love this scent. It’s so elegant and noticeable. One spray is strong enough to last several hours." —AshPashley1
Ben Gorham’s cult line Byredo 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.
Key notes: sichuan pepper, ambrette seeds, damascena rose, orris, musk, ambroxan
Customer review: "Despite not usually gravitating towards rose scents, this is unlike any other rose fragrance I’ve smelt / used. It has such depth and it lasts all day! I’ve been receiving so many compliments when I wear it! Granted, it is pricey but I would say it’s worth it and it’s lasted such a long time because a little goes a long way." —JasmineCJonas
“So many rose perfumes lean too delicate or overly traditional, but we saw an opportunity to push the boundaries here by adding depth with leathery woods, a touch of spice, and a richness that lingers on the skin,” Phlur co-owner and creative director Chriselle Lim tells Bazaar. “Rose Whip brings a new kind of floral to the Phlur lineup that embraces both softness and strength, indulgence and intrigue.”
Key notes: black currant, rose, cashmere wood
Customer review: "I absolutely love the way this smells. I really need to buy a bigger size. It smells floral but also very sweet. Not a childish scent at all. I will be using this scent until the bottle is completely empty." —Jadegee
Aerin Rose de Grasse Parfum
Lauder's favorite flower is the rose, and this scent perfectly captures the spirit of the classic floral note with three types of rose: centifolia, Bulgarian rose, and rose absolute. The scent is long-lasting but not overpowering or overly powdery, making it ideal for day-to-day wear.
Key notes: rose centifolia, Bulgarian rose, rose absolute, amber
Customer review: "I ADORE this perfume. I went back and forth about this perfume, unsure of whether it would be overly floral and heavy, as many rose-based perfumes tend to be. But I am so happy that I finally have this perfume, because it is BEAUTIFUL. It is delicately floral but not in a cloying way. It is sweet and light, but the scent lasts all day. It is definitely worth the price, in my opinion, especially since one spritz is enough scent for an entire day. This is one of those memorable, 'signature' scents that I am so happy to have in my collection. Highly recommend!" —Elw03
Lancôme Absolue Rose or Die Eau de Parfum
Part of Lancôme's rose-dedicated collection composed of 11 scents, Rose or Die is the smokiest and sexiest of the bunch. The rose is present and bold here, but the addition of black tea and wood adds a sophisticated depth and complexity.
Key notes: centifolia rose, black tea extract, guaiac wood
Customer review: "Ladies, you need this perfume in your lives! I received compliments all day. A gentleman even came up to me asking me what perfume I was wearing because he wanted to get it for his wife and daughters. I sprayed some on in the morning, and it lasted all day!" —Khoshkel
Frédéric Malle Dominique Ropion Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum
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.
Key notes: rose, red fruits, cinnamon, benzoin, incense, patchouli, sandalwood, castoreum
Customer review: "Love it, Love it, Loooooove it! This is a very nice rose fragrance. Leaves a sweet taste in my mouth after I smell it. So glad that I purchased the large bottle. This is my favorite fragrance...right now. It's very unique." —Mikesgurl
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.
Key notes: rose de mai, Bulgarian rose, sichuan pepper
Customer review: "I love roses but not in a perfume, this however, is so unique I can’t quite explain the scent. It’s roses but not the way you usually would expect. Love love love" —Mymia4
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.
Key notes: musk, patcouli, peony, rhubarb
Customer review: "This is a beautiful rose sent. It’s not powdery at all. Very crisp and long-lasting. I am a gourmand girl but this scent is the perfect floral for me." —Namai
Few things signify romance better than the sight of red roses. Jo Malone's namesake colonge layers the accord with additional notes of honeycomb and lemon for a fresh, gourmand quality that stands out from a pack of floral perfumes.
Key notes: rose, honeycomb, violet leaves, lemon, spearmint
Customer review: "This scent is beautifully strong, meaning long-lasting but not overpowering. One of my new favorite brands."
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s À La Rose scent offers a playful twist on a beautiful rose classic. Notes of pear and lychee add a light, surprising touch.
Key notes: Bulgarian Damascena rose, centifolia rose from Grasse, Calabrian bergamot, Californian orange, violet magnolia blossom, cedarwoo, musk
A new addition to Dolce & Gabbana’s feminine, floral collection, Dolce Rose is a celebration of the rose in its most joyful, brightest form. Green apple, white peach, and mandarin give the fragrance a lush essence.
Key notes: orange mandarin, turkish rose, red current, green apple, white peach
Customer review: "I love this scent!!! It smells so good! It's like a clean smell and floral mixed! And it lasts forever! I get so many compliments." —JBL
For the rose purist, Diptyque Rose was developed as a special limited-edition collaboration with Los Angeles bespoke florist Maurice Harris and features unexpected, subtly refined notes of chamomile and artichoke.
Key notes: damascena and centifolia roses, firad rose essence, lychee, camomile, artichoke
Dries Van Noten Raving Rose
One of two rose perfumes from the Belgian designer’s beauty line, Raving Rose is a rebellious, tongue-in-cheek take on the flower. The top notes are pink and black pepper, creating a spicy, playful, and utterly modern offering.
Key notes: pink pepper, black pepper, rosa water, rose absolute, cashmeran, musk
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.
Key notes: Turkish rose, violet leaf, sandalwood, patchouli, guaiac wood, pink pepper, black tobacco georgette
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.
Key notes: red and white roses, honeysuckle, cassie, tuberrose
Customer review: "I have a special love for anything Rose! The actual flower and incredibly well-created rose scents are also included. I have a few in my collection, but this particular one from Cultus Artem is now my most favorite! It is a stunning example of high perfumery and impeccable style. Rosa by Cultus Artem is an Absolute must-try; it is rich and so seductive. What a marvelous gift to the world! Thank you, Holly!" —Charlie B.
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