Rose perfume

What does the word rose mean?

The etymology of the word "rose" goes back to antiquity. Its roots lie in the Latin "rosa", borrowed from the ancient Greek "rhodon". The rose, symbol of love, passion and beauty, occupies an important place in many cultures around the world, both in the arts and in literature.

In the beginning...

The history of the rose goes back a thousand years. The wild rose, Rosa gallica, is thought to be one of the first rose species to have been cultivated by man. Roses were already appreciated for their beauty and fragrance in Greece and Rome, where they were associated with the goddesses Aphrodite and Venus. In the Middle Ages, rose cultivation intensified in Europe, owing largely to monks and castle gardens. New varieties were developed, notably the Damask rose and the Provins rose. Over the centuries, the rose became a symbol of courtly love and played an important role in literature and art. Today, due to the efforts of rose breeders, we have a wide variety of roses in various shapes, colors and scents, and they remain one of the most appreciated and cultivated flowers worldwide.

DID YOU KNOW? In Greek mythology, the story of the creation of the rose is linked to a tragedy: Chloris, the goddess of flowers, was distraught when she discovered the lifeless body of a nymph. She decided to reincarnate the nymph into a new flower, the rose. She enlisted the help of the other gods: Aphrodite gave the plant beauty, Dionysus gave it enchanting perfume and the Charites, the goddesses of grace, gave it radiance and charm.

Rose cultivation

Rose-growing regions can be found in different countries around the world. In Europe, the Grasse region of France is famous for its roses used in the perfume industry. Bulgaria is renowned for its roses and produces a large quantity of rose oil. Moreover, Morocco is also known for its production of roses for the distillation of rosewater. In Asia, India, notably the state of Tamil Nadu, is renowned for growing roses for garlands and essential oil. Finally, Ecuador is one of the world's largest producers of cut roses, benefiting from a climate conducive to abundant flowering and high flower quality.

To ensure optimum growth, it's important to choose a suitable location, preferably in direct sunlight with well-drained, fertile soil. Before planting, it is recommended to prepare the soil by enriching it with compost or decomposed manure. Regular watering is essential. Especially during dry spells! However, over-watering can lead to root rot: it’s a matter of dosage! Once the buds are sufficiently developed, harvesting begins with a precise cut of the bud with a sharp knife. The roses are then sorted, packed and shipped, either fresh for the cut flower market, or used for the production of essential oils or other rose-based products. This process requires patience, expertise and care to obtain the highest quality roses!

Different varieties of rose

In the world of roses, five varieties emerge with particular grace and renown:

• Damask Rose, known as Rosa damascena, is an ancient and emblematic variety of rose. Native to the Damascus region of Syria, it is considered one of the world's oldest and most precious roses. It was revered in ancient civilizations, notably Egypt, Greece and Persia, for its enchanting scent and medicinal properties. The Damask rose is characterized by its large, delicately fringed, fragrant petals. It comes in a wide range of colors, ranging from white to pale pink, bright red roses and purple. It is also appreciated for its exceptional aromatic qualities, with a sweet, spicy fragrance.

• Rose of Grasse, known as Rosa centifolia, is a specific variety of centifolia rose grown in the Grasse region of France. Appreciated for its subtle scent and exceptional quality, this rose is often used in the perfume industry to create refined, timeless fragrances. Also known as May rose, it is an ancient variety of rose appreciated for its sweet, captivating fragrance. Its delicate pink petals and multiple layers of petals make it an emblematic flower of beauty and elegance.

There are also other well known types of roses which are not used in perfumery: 

• Rosa Peace, also known as the peace rose, dazzles us with its delicately frayed yellow and pink petals, symbolizing tranquility and harmony. 

• Rosa Redoute pays tribute to the famous botanist and artist Pierre-Joseph Redouté. Its large, pale pink flowers exude a sweet, delicate fragrance. 

• Rosa Mister Lincoln is a hybrid tea rose with an intense red color that fills hearts with wonder. Its powerful fragrance makes it simply irresistible!

• Rosa Queen Elizabeth, a grandiflora hybrid rose whose large pink flowers and subtle fragrance make it a royal choice for gardens and bouquets. 

• Rosa Blue Moon, a mysterious flower that charms us with its enchanting lavender-blue blossoms, although no natural blue rose exists.

What do you know about roses in perfumery?

Rose in perfumery begins with the harvesting of fresh rose petals, usually early in the morning when their fragrance is the most intense. The petals are then transported to distilleries, where they undergo steam distillation. This process extracts the precious essence of the petals, known as rose essential oil. After distillation, the essential oil is filtered and packaged. It can be used as it is or can be blended with other ingredients to create perfumes, lotions, creams and other personal care products, bringing the captivating, luxurious fragrance of the rose to the perfume industry.

The olfactory accord of rose is floral, romantic and delicate. It features soft, velvety petal notes, often combined with lightly fruity or spicy nuances. The olfactory accord of rose evokes a feeling of femininity, timeless beauty and romance, captivating the senses with its mythical, mesmerizing fragrance. 

Olfactory accords with rose are numerous, enabling the creation of a wide variety of fragrance compositions:  

• The rose-fruity accord combines the freshness of citrus fruits like lemon or mandarin with the sweetness of red fruits like raspberry or strawberry. 

• The rose-spice accord blends the warmth and spiciness of spices like cinnamon, clove or cardamom with the delicacy of rose.

• The rose-wood accord combines the sensuality of woods such as cedar or sandalwood with the floral elegance of rose.

• The rose-chypre accord pairs the freshness of citrus notes with the depth of oakmoss and patchouli.

INTERESTING FACT! 

The rose is a flower packed with benefits and virtues for our well-being. As a natural ingredient in skincare products, it has moisturizing, soothing and regenerating properties for the skin. Rose water is renowned for toning the skin, reducing redness and irritation, and preventing skin aging due to its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the scent of rose has a relaxing and soothing effect, promoting a feeling of calm and well-being. Rose is also used in aromatherapy for its balancing and harmonizing virtues, helping to relieve stress and anxiety. 

Some popular rose perfumes...

Many perfume brands use rose in their eau de toilette and eau de parfum. Renowned brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Paco Rabanne, Elie Saab, Parfums de Marly, Dior, Byredo, Jo Malone, Chanel, Francis Kurkdjian, Diptyque, Le Labo and Frederic Malle excel in crafting the best rose perfumes for women and men. Discover some of these rose fragrances with us: 

• La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain features rose in its eau de parfum. Combined with lemon as the top note and vanilla as the base note, this rose scent is a perfect blend of acidity and sweetness, making it a classic scent which features rose. 

• Chloé by Chloé invites you to take a stroll through a rose garden, supported by Virginia cedar and amber as base notes, for a gentle wake-up call. The sweetness of lychee accompanies you with floral notes such as peony and freesia.

• Miss Dior Rose N'Roses by Dior is one of the most famous rose scents for women. Its fresh, floral notes, together with bergamot and mandarin as top notes, evoke French poetry and elegance, which make Miss Dior Rose N’Roses’ one of the best rose perfumes.

• Rose & Magnolia by Jo Malone London is a captivating chypre floral cologne for women, where the alluring role of rose takes center stage. This Jo Malone 2019 cologne showcases the timeless beauty and enchanting essence of both Damascus Rose and May Rose. Together, they create a harmonious bouquet that exudes elegance and leaves a lasting impression

• Young Rose by Byredo is a captivating floral woody musk fragrance for both men and women, in which rose plays a dynamic and intriguing role. As the scent unfolds, the prominent notes of rose bloom, exuding freshness and natural beauty. Surrounded by harmonious woody elements, the musky undertones add a sensual and seductive touch, creating a truly captivating and unforgettable olfactory experience in the Byredo Young Rose eau de parfum.

• Paris - Paris by Chanel, here, rose takes on a central and iconic role, capturing the essence of romance and sophistication. This Chanel feminine perfume opens with a burst of vibrant and fresh rose pepper, instantly enveloping the senses with their intoxicating aroma. As the scent develops, the rich and velvety Damask rose takes center stage, exuding a luxurious and romantic aura.

• Rose Prick by Tom Ford places rose at the heart of the composition. The Bulgarian rose, May rose and Turkish rose unfold their nuanced character, showcasing both their velvety softness and thorny edge. Pepper adds intensity and intrigue to these rose notes. As the scent settles, a seductive base of patchouli and creamy woods emerges, leaving a lingering and sensuous trail. The combination of rose with these alluring notes creates a lasting impression, making the Tom Ford Rose Prick eau de parfum one of the best rose perfumes.

• Eau Rose by Diptyque, here, at the top, a delicate and fruity note of lychee introduces the composition, adding a touch of sweetness and freshness. This note sets the stage for the magnificent bouquet of roses that unfolds in the heart of the fragrance. In the heart, Damask Rose and Grasse Rose take center stage, exuding their exquisite and romantic aroma. Rose water, chamomile, and artichoke further enhance the floral bouquet, infusing it with nuances of freshness and botanical elegance. As the scent settles, white musk and woody notes form a solid and comforting base in the Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Parfum.

• Rose 31 by Le Labo, was launched in 2006 and crafted by perfumer Daphné Bugey. At the top, Le Labo Rose 31 unveils the enticing combination of rose and cumin. In the heart of the fragrance, rose, vetiver, and cedar form a harmonious trio. The rose note continues to shine, offering a blend of floral elegance, while vetiver adds a fresh and earthy quality. As the scent evolves, the base notes reveal a rich and alluring combination of musk, Guaiac wood and Oud.

UNUSUAL FACT! A famous anecdote about Tom Ford: while on vacation in a magnificent rose garden in France, he came face to face with a particularly beautiful and fragrant rose. Enchanted by the flower, he felt an immediate desire to capture its essence in a unique fragrance. He locked himself away in his workshop for days and nights before finally obtaining an exceptional essence, which he called "Rose Absolute".

Rose X Bon Parfumeur

In our workshop, immerse yourself in a fragrant journey amidst blooming roses, delicate mimosas, and enchanting exotic paradises. Explore a collection of unisex and "clean" floral, best perfumes that invite you to reconnect with nature. These captivating scents, sometimes sweet and other times sensual, mirror the multifaceted nature of these exquisite flowers, allowing your true personality to bloom and flourish: 

• Eau de parfum YMC is an androgynous composition, sometimes floral, sometimes spicy! Between citrus and spice, the fragrance's creamy tones warm and envelop this spicy rose.