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Stop Calling Rose a Grandma Perfume Note—These 14 Chic Fragrances Prove It's Way Cooler Now
Consider this your cue to stop and smell the roses.
Rose might be the most iconic romantic perfume note—but for years, I wanted nothing to do with it. As someone who gravitates toward sultry, skin-like scents, I’d always written off rose perfumes as dated, overly powdery, and occasionally headache-inducing. But the rose fragrances of today aren't the same ones my grandma hoarded way back when. The classic bouquet-esque scent exists, but it's so much more refined now. And it's precisely why I've begun rethinking my disdain toward the note and now, somehow, have a whole lineup of favorites.
Below, I'm sharing all of our editor-tested picks, which include everything from full florals to layered blends that pull in bright citrus, airy musks, smoky oud, and warm vanilla. Even better, plenty ring in under $100—including standouts from Snif, OUAI, and Bella Hadid’s fragrance line, Orebella—so you can find a modern, gorgeous rose without committing to a luxury price tag.
The best rose perfumes we've tested:
Am I a rose perfume fanatic now? I never thought the day would come, but yes, yes I am. I'm sure you will be too once you sniff any of the best rose perfumes below.
Pros
- It’s soft, warm, and romantic
- Even though it’s light, the sillage lasts extremely long
- My favorite rose perfume I've tested
Cons
- Definitely an investment (but so worth it, IMO)
Why we love it: IMHO, a timeless rose scent should embody the feeling of falling in love. I mean, roses are the most romantic flower after all. Rose of No Man’s Land captures every stage of a new romance and melds it into an elegant, demure (yes, I went there), and flirty scent. Truly, it’s a standout.
Pink pepper gives the first spritz a spiciness. Then, Turkish rose petals and rose absolute blend with raspberry blossom for a juicy sweet headrush. As it settles, amber and papyrus make the scent ultra warm and comforting. One sniff will sweep you (as well as everyone around you) off their feet.
One Cosmo editor says: "Byredo says Rose of No Man’s Land embodies “quiet power” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a modern take on a classic rose-scented perfume that’s light and soft but still memorable. While there are very few universally pleasing perfumes, I feel confident saying that this scent is great for everyone because of how it balances its flowery notes with a smoky, sweet, and slightly dark base. A few spritzes will make a compliment almost inevitable."—TARYN BROOKE, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
| Notes | Pink pepper, Turkish rose petals, raspberry blossom, Turkish rose absolute, amber, papyrus |
| Size | 1.7 fl oz |
Pros
- The fruity peach notes are so bright and fresh
- Dries down with a soft, rosey finish
Cons
- It doesn't last very long
Why we love it: Lancôme Idôle Peach ’N Roses is exactly what the name promises—lush peach and blooming rose—but the blend is far more nuanced than the straightforward note list suggests. The fragrance opens with a hyper-realistic burst of juicy red berries before melting into a ripe peach accord that smells freshly picked rather than syrupy or powdery. It dries down to soft, velvety rose petals—the signature thread running through every Idôle scent—giving the perfume a light, flirty, youthful feel while still maintaining the line’s polished, rose-centric DNA. It makes sense: Olivia Rodrigo is the face of the scent.
One Cosmo editor says: "The first time I wore this was at the gym. (Yes, I wear perfume to workout—sue me!!) This is light enough and far from cloying to add a bit of freshness to my male-dominated gym. Light wafts of the berry-peach-rose scent reached my nose with each rep and helped me power through a grueling upper-body day.Beyond the gym, though, I find this to be the ideal daytime scent. Peach 'N Roses isn't overpowering in the slightest—even when I go spritz happy. The aroma has a nuanced, chiffony effect, almost like being wrapped in luxurious silk. It won't upset coworkers' sensitive noses, yet manages to leave people pondering "what is that uplifting scent?" when you pass them."—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Red berries, juicy peach, velvety rose |
| Size | 0.33, .85, 1.7, 3.4 oz |
Pros
- Very weird list of notes (lol) that makes this so unique
- Lasts quite a while on my skin, but especially clings to clothes
Cons
- Some might find the latex note to smell plastic-y
Why we love it: This is the bottled scent of sex. More specifically, a sex shop. There's latex and lipstick and spicy pepper, but there's also powdery rose and sensual musks. The rose here goes in the full opposite direction of the usual feminine, soft, and timeless floral perfumes. Ludatrix really goes there on a carnal and sultry level. In fact, it even has a pheromone component that's meant to help pull in and entice someone.
One Cosmo editor says: "I work at Cosmo—obviously, I know a thing or two about what sexy smells like. And this perfume truly is the hottest perfume I've ever smelled. Latex and lipstick and concrete are easily some of the weirdest notes I've ever seen listed in a perfume, but here, it really works. This is exactly what I want to smell like on a late night out."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Rose, sichuan pepper, lipstick, latex, frankincense, orris, musk, cedarwood, concrete |
| Size | 0.33 and 1.7 oz |
Pros
- Soft and pretty
- Not too powdery
Cons
- A very common scent, so it's not necessarily "unique"
Why we love it: We've tested all of the iconic perfumes. But Coco Mademoiselle consistently ranks as one of the highest we've ever smelled. It's a crowd pleaser and instantly recognizable, but that doesn't make it boring. Honestly, if you’re going to smell like a classic, it might as well be this good. The vibe is fruity, soft, and slightly airy, with a nostalgic quality that keeps it lingering in your memory long after the first spritz.
One Cosmo editor says: “At first spritz, it’s fresh and a little fruity without being cloying. Hours later, it settles into a warm, sensual vanilla with slight traces of floral. I’m pretty picky about vanilla perfumes (they can oftentimes veer too salty and skin-like for me), but here, the vanilla blends perfectly with the citruses and florals. I know some people may associate Chanel with older, powdery scents—like Chanel No. 5—but Mademoiselle feels ageless.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Orange, bergamot, orange blossom, rose, jasmine, patchouli, musk, vanilla |
| Sizes available | 1.7 and 3.4 oz |
Pros
- The magnetic cap is so satisfying to pop on
- One of the best rose perfumes I tested under $100 (and in general, TBH!)
- Smells super fresh and clean
Cons
- Some testers said it smelled a bit soapy
Why we love it: Picture the most luxurious bubble bath scattered with rose petals (doesn’t that sound like a dream?). Melrose Place brings that self-care ritual to life at a moment’s notice. The crisp, clean scent reinvents powdery rose perfumes and ushers the category into the 21st century. And at under $70, you can spritz with abandon (truly, you can’t overdo it with this one).
One Cosmo editor says: "My nose is immediately greeted with sparkling champagne and pink peppercorn before a bouquet of roses, peonies, freesia, and jasmine calm my senses. This gorgeous mix creates an incredibly refreshing fragrance that embodies the ~clean girl aesthetic~ to a tee."—MH
| Notes | Champagne, pink peppercorn, berry, lychee, peony, rose, freesia, jasmine, bergamot, amber, sandalwood |
| Size | 1.7 oz |
Pros
- Lightweight and refreshing
- The least expensive perfume on this list
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as other rose perfumes
Why we love it: Not totally sold on rose perfumes yet? Give this affordable pick from Le Monde Gourmand a try. At under $30, it's a great entry point for rose skeptics with its light, refreshing notes. It doesn't smell artificial at all and leaves a noticeable scent trail when applied to pulse points and clothing—pretty darn impressive, given the price point. Despite candied notes of sugar cane and Turkish delight, this scent isn't overly sweet; instead, it's reminiscent of a rosy bubble bath.
| Notes | Rose water, Turkish delight, sugar cane |
| Sizes available | 1 and 2.5 fl oz |
Pros
- Lasts the longest of any rose perfume I've tested (two to three sprays lasts all damn day)
- Very warm and sultry smelling, which I loved
Cons
- Most expensive rose perfume on this list
Why we love it: Two types of roses—Bulgarian and Turkish—as well as Egyptian jasmine intertwine for a lush full-bodied floral scent that’s brightened with a hint of bergamot. The scent takes a darker, more sultry turn as vanilla emerges on the dry down. I can confirm that wearing this makes me completely irresistible (which I partially attribute to me being a bad B, but also thanks to the hedione note which deepens the emotional impact of the scent). Every time I’ve worn this on a date, the guy has been begging to take me home. Do with that information what you will!
One Cosmo editor says: "I have a very complicated relationship with rose perfumes (TL;DR, I avoided them like the plague for the longest time…they were just never my vibe 🤷🏼♀️). This here fragrance is what totally changed my mind about the note and made me realize that rose can be rich, intoxicating, and bold, rather than solely powdery and grandma-ish (no offense, Grandma)."—MH
| Notes | Italian bergamot, hedione, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Egyptian jasmine, Madagascar vanilla |
| Sizes available | 1.6, 3.04 fl oz |
Pros
- This fragrance evolves from spicy to fresh to sweet
- Earth-conscious, recycled packaging
Cons
- Scent could be polarizing for some
Why we love it: Yes, you read that right: Spicy. Rose. Trust me, I was skeptical about how poignant saffron, sichuan pepper, and leather could meld with feathery rose, but Noyz managed to craft a beautifully balanced, seductive potion that will convince you that opposites do attract.
Beyond smelling seriously unique, you can also feel good about each spray knowing this brand is vegan, cruelty-free, and prioritizes earth-friendly recycled glass and Limex (a plastic-alternative made from limestone) packaging.
One Cosmo editor says: "I like to compare this scent to a sour patch kid—the sharp spicy notes make a statement at first spritz, then it becomes subtly sweet as mild Turkish pink rose, raspberry, and whipped marshmallow peak through."—MH
| Notes | Saffron, sichuan pepper, Italian mandarin, bergamot, Tuscan leather, Turkish pink rose, wild raspberry, violet, whipped marshmallow, ebony woods, patchouli, black amber |
| Sizes available | 1.69 fl oz |
Pros
- One bottle will last forever because it only requires one to two sprays
- I love the mix of bright florals and fruity notes with deep amber and powdery rose
Cons
- Some testers said it induced a headache because the scent is so strong
Why we love it: This isn’t an old-fashioned rose perfume. It reimagines what you think rose is supposed to smell like and transforms it into something lavish, sexy, and head-turning. It's like a seductive sugar-coated rose with a kick. Juicy passionfruit (a lush, exotic note that sweetens the overall aroma of the perfume) gives this an initial brightness. But as it dries down, pink peonies, rose absolute, and saffron flower—along with a hint of ocean air—produce a heady bouquet that then settles into warm amber and vanilla.
One Cosmo editor says: "NGL, San Ysidro Drive has one of the strongest sillages of any perfume in my collection. Two sprays will leave a scent trail for at least three days, so spritz sparingly. TBH, I always grab this posh (heh) scent when I want a confidence boost."—MH
| Notes | Passionfruit, pink peony, ocean air, rose absolute, saffron flower, agarwood, black amber, vanilla |
| Sizes available | 1.69, 3.4 fl oz |
Pros
- Smells exactly like fresh roses
- Subtle yet memorable, per my testing
- Great for layering with other perfumes
Cons
- Some people might not like how simple it is
Why we love it: If you’ve ever wanted to smell like a field of blooming roses, this simplistic perfume beautifully reproduces the effect. The result is delicate, enchanting, and oh-so romantic.
One Cosmo editor says: "Although designed to amplify the floral notes of more complex perfumes, I find this magnifying essence captivating on its own with hints of both Turkish and Bulgarian roses that are then rounded out with a calming rush of soft woods."—MH
| Notes | Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, soft woods |
| Size available | 1.3 oz |
Pros
- Glycerin and essential oil-infused formula is hydrating on skin
- Scent lasts for a long time, according to testers
Cons
- Can stain clothing if applied directly
Why we love it: Celebrity perfumes don't always live up to the hype (there, I said it!), but Bella Hadid's fragrance line really did deliver some incredible scents. On top of its eccentric packaging and skincare-forward formulas, this Orebella fragrance offers a subtle rosy scent with bright pops of lemon and mint.
One Cosmo editor says: "It's like a rose perfume for people who'd think they'd hate rose," says Cosmo Beauty Editor Beth Gillette. "It's not mature at all—actually, I find it to smell really fresh. Spritz it on your skin (not your clothes!!!), then dab it on....I find the scent lasts a very long time."
| Notes | Geranium, mint, lemon, Damask rose, jasmine, tonka bean |
| Sizes available | 0.33, 7,3.4 fl oz |
Pros
- Loved by #PerfumeTok
- Excellent scent projection
Cons
- Some may find it too strong
Why we love it: Even if you’ve never smelled Delina, I have no doubt you’ve seen the feminine powder pink bottle flitting around your TikTok FYP. (Can we just take a moment for the packaging, bc she’s GORG?!) And, full stop, the juice inside is just as beautiful.
At the beginning, it smells crisp and tart courtesy of rhubarb and lychee. I found this aroma to be a bit polarizing at first, but give it some time to settle into your skin—I’m talking like 30 minutes—for the delicate rose and warm vanilla notes to flood your senses. The longer it wears, the more comforting and steamy it becomes thanks to cashmeran, musk, and vetiver. Overall, Delina is like a kaleidoscope for your nose, and while pricey, the sillage (aka the scent trail) lingers for DAYS, especially on clothes.
One Cosmo editor says: "I used to hate rose perfumes because I associated them with really powdery, antique scents, but Delina is so fresh and delicious. The rose notes are balanced out by sweet citrus and it literally lasts F-O-R-E-V-E-R, especially if you spray it on clothing."—HANNAH OH, FORMER SHOPPING EDITOR
| Notes | Turkish rose, lychee, rhubarb, bergamot, peony, vanilla, cedar, cashmeran |
| Sizes available | 1, 2.5 fl oz |
Pros
- Unexpected rose and leather combo
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Bold scent may not be for everyone's taste
Why we love it: The perfume equivalent of a vintage leather jacket, PunkStar is a smoky-sweet bomb of ripe dark berries, earthy saffron, aromatic incense, and fragrant roses—plus a bunch of other notes that don't sound like they would go together but smell incredible (trust!). While this bold scent isn't for the faint of heart, it's a cool-girl fragrance that's bound to turn heads.
| Notes | Apple, black currant, raspberry, incense, saffron, rose, cedar leaves, vanilla, tonka bean, leather |
| Sizes available | 0.33, 1.57 oz |
Pros
- Fun, fresh take on a rose perfume
- One of my favorite bottles in my fragrance collection
Cons
- It might be too light for some noses
Why we love it: All my gin and tonic girlies, please step forward: This effervescent potion was inspired by the refreshing cocktail and will leave you feeling fun and flirty without taking a sip of booze. Cucumber and juniper berries give this light scent a bright, icy opening before the main attraction—rose Centifolia—comes through. This rose note is robust without venturing into cloying territory—it replicates the aroma of a fresh rose bouquet. Base notes of sandalwood and musk round out the scent for a sensual finish.
One Cosmo editor says: "While long-lasting (I can still catch wafts of it eight hours later), this isn’t overpowering making it perfect for daytime wear even when it’s extra muggy out."—MH
| Notes | Cucumber, juniper berries, rose Centifolia, sandalwood, musk |
| Sizes available | 1.7 oz |
How to choose the best rose perfume:
Find your scent preferences.
Listen, fragrance is extremely personal and will smell unique to every nose, so it's important to keep your preferences in mind before splurging on a new scent.
Rose itself is a floral note, but rose perfumes can span every fragrance category from sweet gourmands (AKA fragrances that smell edible) to woody aromatics. If you're newer to rose scents, perfumes with fruity citrus notes tend to be safe and crowd-pleasing. But if you're looking for something more experimental, try a rose scent with rich oud or smoky incense.
Pay attention to the concentration.
Ever wondered why some perfumes are listed as "eau de parfum" while others are "eau de toilette"? These terms refer to a perfume's concentration, or how much the fragrance oil has been diluted.
Here's a cheat sheet: Extraits de parfum have the highest concentration (and often the highest price tag), followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, and, finally, eau fraiche. As a rule of thumb, a scent with a higher concentration will smell the strongest and last longer, while those with a lower concentration will have a lighter and more fleeting scent.
Want your fragrance to turn heads and last all day? Look for a bottle that says "extrait de parfum" or "eau de parfum." For something more subtle, opt for an eau de toilette or eau de cologne.
Consider the occasion.
Time and place is everything, ppl! As much as I love raking in the compliments when I wear a bold perfume, I don't want to make my whole office nauseous. Stick to lighter concentrations and fresher scents for daytime wear, and reserve your loudest fragrances for date night and going out on the town.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with over six years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including perfume oils and rounding up the most delectable gourmand perfumes. She’s an authority in all beauty categories, but an expert when it comes to fragrance—her scent wardrobe is ever-expanding and she regularly rotates through a collection of over 200 perfumes (including a few of the options in this article). For this story, she spritzed and sniffed over 40 rose perfumes to find the best of the best.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing fragrance stories.
Additional reporting for this story was done by Lauren Gruber, a commerce editor at Cosmopolitan with over four years of experience researching and writing about all things beauty.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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