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16 rose perfumes that made me realise it's maybe the best note of all time
From #PerfumeTok's most coveted luxury scents to affordable indie finds starting at £25
Rose is perhaps the most romantic fragrance note ever. But, weirdly enough, as much as I love sexy perfumes, I've never been a fan of rose. Full stop, I've long considered rose perfumes to be old-fashioned, too old-lady-ish, and, in some cases, flat-out nauseating. Nonetheless, when I was tasked to find the best rose perfumes, I put my bias aside and tested over 40 rose scents to see if I could change my ways.
This list of editor-tested rose perfumes ranges from simple soliflores (aka, only one floral note) to complex bouquets, and they cover every scent family imaginable, from zesty citrus and powdery musk to smoky oud and cosy vanilla scents. Even better, I found plenty of perfumes for under £100 – including top brands like Le Monde Gourmand, OUAI, and Bella Hadid's new fragrance line, Orebella – so you won't have to splurge to shop these gorge rose scents. Ahead, stop and smell the roses – starting at just £25.
Our top picks for the best rose perfumes of 2025:
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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 16 best rose perfumes below.
Armani Si Passione Eclat Eau de Parfum - 50ml
As a Beauty Writer, I test out a lot of fragrances. But the one I get complimented most on? Armani's Si Passione. Now, I used to be an original Si girl, but as I've grown older, I've learned to love the bourbon musk of its Passione iteration. Sophisticated, fresh and above all, super long-lasting.
Key notes: Blackcurrant, rose, white musk, bourbon vanilla
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml
Glowing customer review: "I got this as a sample to try omg I love it had go and buy the bottle it kept its strengh of fragrance all day got lots of compliments."
Founded in the 1800s, Penhaligon's has a wild roster of experience in the perfume world, even boasting clientele as big as Queen Victoria. And this perfume is certainly fit for royalty with an initial whiff of citrus scents (peach, bergamot, mandarin) that blend together and dry down to reveal a long-lasting musky vanilla. Overall, this is an amber floral fragrance that is guaranteed to receive you many a compliment – and who doesn't want to be told they smell nice?
Key notes: Bergamot, rose, patchouli, musk, vanilla, sandalwood
Sizes: 10ml, 30ml, 100ml
Glowing customer review: "This summoned feelings of being in my favourite city. The scent only elevates opulent vibes. Such a pretty scent but leaves an air of class and confidence. Absolutely love it. Lasted all day, little went far. Couple of compliments which always perk up your day."
Clare Stephenson, Cosmo's Senior Beauty E-Commerce Writer (as well as everyone and their mother taking up residency at Cosmo HQ), is sold on PHLUR's latest perfume launch for its unique take on the traditional rose fragrance.
If you're into rose scents, but also love one that smells good enough to eat, allow me to introduce Rose Whip. The base notes, amber, cashmere wood and musk give it a cosy, almost skin-like vibe that's romantic, feminine, fresh, and a little flirty. So, think of this as a new-age creamy floral.
Key notes: Rose, cashmere wood, musk
Sizes: 9.5ml, 50ml
Glowing customer review: "Another Phlur winner in my books, seriously they are spoiling us with so many beautiful fragrances. Rose Whip is not your typical rose scent, it's creamy and fruity and i just can't get enough. Love layering this one with Vanilla Skin for even more delicious but in an elegant way scent."
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.
Key notes: Pink pepper, Turkish rose petals, raspberry blossom, Turkish rose absolute, amber, papyrus
Sizes: 50ml, 100ml
Glowing customer review: “By far the best Byredo scent. It’s subtly sweet but not in an overpowering way. A little goes a long way, you leave your scent in every room you step in. Everyone asks me what I’m wearing. Highly recommend purchasing this! I know it’s on the pricey side but it’s worth it.”
I've sampled more than my fair share of rose perfumes over the years, and Aerin's Rose de Grasse Rouge definitely stands out as the best. While it's deceptively fruity at first spray (I detect notes of pear, even though it's not listed, which could be the juicy rose water playing tricks on me), it dries down into the most stunning, true rose scent that lasts upwards of six hours on my skin. The addition of honeycomb isn't overly sweet, but the subtle sensuality makes this perfume work for day-to-night and year-round wear, which, honestly, is the dream.
Key notes: Red rose, rose water, honeycomb, violet leaves, musk
Sizes: 50ml, 100ml
Glowing customer review: "This perfume really captures the essence of the rose: sexy, fresh, and simple. It's uplifting, clean, and long-lasting without being overpowering."
OUAI Melrose Place Eau de Parfum 50ml
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. My nose is immediately greeted with sparkling champagne and pink peppercorn before a bouquet of roses, peonies, freesia, and jasmine calms my senses. This gorgeous mix creates an incredibly refreshing fragrance that embodies the ~clean girl aesthetic~ to a tee. And at under £55, you can spritz with abandon (truly, you can’t overdo it with this bb).
Key notes: Champagne, pink peppercorn, berry, lychee, peony, rose, freesia, jasmine, bergamot, amber, sandalwood
Size: 10ml, 50ml
Glowing customer review: “I have to start this off by saying I very rarely like fresher/floral type of scents. I’m a gourmand perfume girl all the way, BUT THIS… it’s beautiful. I spray this in my hair and it LASTS, I smell so clean and pretty🥰”
Le Monde Gourmand Macaron Rose Eau de Parfum 30ml
Not totally sold on rose perfumes yet? Give this affordable pick from Le Monde Gourmand a try. At under £25, it's a great entry point for rose sceptics 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.
Key notes: Rose water, Turkish delight, sugar cane
Sizes: 30ml
Glowing customer review: "I bought this on a whim because I really wanted a rose perfume. It has easily become my favorite scent now. It's rose with a hint of sweetness and it's not too overpowering."
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 realise that rose can be rich, intoxicating, and bold, rather than solely powdery and grandma-ish (no offence, grandma).
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 not,e 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!
Key Notes: Italian bergamot, hedione, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Egyptian jasmine, Madagascar vanilla
Size: 50ml, 90ml
Glowing customer review: “I own and love quite a few Initio fragrances, but this by far, for me, has to be the standout. It's a rich, luxurious rose fragrance that's warm and not too sweet. I can see this easily being worn by a man or a woman; in fact, I love when a man wears this fragrance. It's strong without being overbearing. Keep in mind you only need three or four sprays to get quite a strong aura of fragrance surrounding you, so don't be too heavy-handed with it.”
Yes, you read that right: Spicy. Rose. Trust me, I was sceptical 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. 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.
Beyond smelling seriously unique, you can also feel good about each spray knowing this brand is vegan, cruelty-free, and prioritises earth-friendly recycled glass and Limex (a plastic-alternative made from limestone) packaging.
Key notes: Saffron, sichuan pepper, Italian mandarin, bergamot, Tuscan leather, Turkish pink rose, wild raspberry, violet, whipped marshmallow, ebony woods, patchouli, black amber
Size: 50ml
Glowing customer review: “I swear I can smell every single note in this perfume, its so beautiful. It has a complex scent and is very unique. I would describe it as a woody, leathery rose. Perfect for a night out! Makes me feel like an absolute bad B !!”
Victoria Beckham Beauty San Ysidro Drive eau de parfum
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.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.
Key notes: Passionfruit, pink peony, ocean air, rose absolute, saffron flower, agarwood, black amber, vanilla
Size: 50ml, 100ml
Glowing customer review: “Iconic scent! It’s mysterious, classy and intriguing, I feel empowered and sensual wearing it! This scent lingers—it envelopes like velvet and silk.”
If you’ve ever wanted to smell like a field of blooming roses, this simplistic perfume beautifully reproduces the effect. 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. The end result is delicate, enchanting, and oh-so romantic.
Key notes: Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, soft woods
Size: 40ml
Glowing customer review: “This is a beautiful floral scent. A real bouquet of roses. It is strong but not overpowering. It has a delicate feeling behind it. I received so many compliments wearing it. This is my new date night go-to.”
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.
Like a sweet bouquet of roses, this scent will have floral fragrance fans in a tizzy. It opens extremely floral thanks to the rose and jasmine notes, but it has a unique citrus kick with the lemon and mint in the mix.
Key notes: Geranium, mint, lemon, Damask rose, jasmine, tonka bean
Sizes: 100ml
Glowing customer review: "I absolutely adore this scent...When you first put it on, it has a beautiful rose smell. As it wears off, the smell lightens and smells amazing! It's so soft and delicate!
Walk in a room wearing Delina and someone is def going to smell ya, because the sillage (or the scent trail the perfume leaves behind) is strong AF. When I have a big event for work and want to make a good impression, I always spritz a lil bit of Delina on my wrists and behind my ears. The powdery, musky, scent – spiked with rose – makes me feel powerful and strong.
Key notes: Turkish rose, lychee, rhubarb, bergamot, peony, vanilla, cedar, cashmeran
Size: 75ml
Glowing customer review: "Delina is my signature scent. I always feel very feminine and royal wearing this scent. Everywhere I go, I always get compliments and make heads turn."
Kayali's Oudgasm Rose Oud celebrates – you guessed it – oud, a rich and smoky fragrance oil derived from the agarwood tree. This statement-making fragrance incorporates sparkling pear and opulent Rose Damascena for an intoxicating scent that can last for over eight hours on your skin. Pro tip: layer it with Kayali Vanilla 28, Cosmo editors' top vanilla fragrance, for a touch of sweetness – you'll thank me later!
Key notes: Lemon, geranium, pear, rose, peony, oud
Sizes: 10ml, 50ml
Glowing customer review: "Normally, I am not a fan of perfumes that have a rose essence to it but, this scent is different. It is very sensual, seductive, and warm. I literally can’t stop smelling myself."
If you ask me, Korres has a *severely* underrated fragrance line, and Lefko is one of my top scents of the bunch. This lily of the valley, musk, and sandalwood rose perfume exudes all the warmth and freshness of a fresh load of laundry, lightly kissed with delicate blooming florals, making it the perfect signature scent if you're a fan of the clean girl aesthetic.
Key Notes: Lily of the valley, rose, peony, musk, powder, white sandalwood
Sizes: 50ml
Glowing customer review: "Such a light and clean scent! Absolutely perfect for everyday, I get so many compliments on 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.
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.
Key notes: Cucumber, juniper berries, rose Centifolia, sandalwood, musk
Size: 50ml
Glowing customer review: “The freshest, cleanest take on roses that I've ever smelled. Quite ethereal. Sweet, but not immature. Delicate, light sillage, intimate. Priceless. I want to pair it with something smoky and woodsy, just to highlight the edges.”
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 are 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’?
Lauren Gruber is an associate commerce editor at Cosmopolitan with over four years of experience researching and writing about all things beauty. An expert in the perfume space, she has knowledge of the history and science of fragrance, as well as the latest trends. She personally wear-tested every scent on this list and consulted other Cosmo editors for additional expertise.
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.
Lia Mappoura is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. With over three years under her belt, over three different roles at Cosmo (intern, assistant and now, writer), as well as a year prior interning at magazines including Grazia, Dazed Beauty and Glamour, she has learnt a lot about what makes for a good great beauty product. I mean, she has been a judge in over seven seasonal beauty awards... which includes having to test over 100 skin, makeup, hair and body products for each. Someone's gotta do it!
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
Lauren Gruber is an commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for publications like Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Prevention, Country Living, House Beautiful, and more. She has over four years of professional experience covering a variety of lifestyle topics from home to fashion, with an advanced background in beauty and fragrance. When she’s not researching the most worthy Prime Day deals or hands-on testing all the latest perfume launches, Lauren is probably hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight, Shop TODAY, USA Today, Self Magazine, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
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