It's Official: These Coveted Perfumes Prove Rose Has Outgrown Its Grandma Label

Key fragrance notes: Grasse rose absolute, Damascus rose, Italian mandarin, white musk accord

I get sick of fragrances exceedingly fast, but this featherlight rose perfume from Dior has held my attention since it first launched. It's classic and rosy but, thanks to the subtle tang of mandarin, doesn't feel stuffy or outdated. 

Key fragrance notes: Sicilian bergamot, cassis, hyacinth, freesia, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, rose, lacewood, violet musk, Sulawesi patchouli

The first time I smelled this new perfume, I was sitting opposite the iconic creator (Monique Lhuillier) at one of West Hollywood's most exclusive clubs. And this stunning, well-rounded floral scent fit right in. It's sophisticated and sweet but not too sweet. I'm of the opinion that even people who don't typically identify as the floral-fragrance type will find this perfume divine and exceedingly wearable. 

Key fragrance notes: aldehydes, water accord, rose, peony, jasmine, cedarwood, sandalwood, musk

If you're looking for a stunning rose number that's also clean, this lovely perfume is my best recommendation. The best words I can find to describe it are rich and dewy—not at all old-fashioned or powdery like so many other rose perfumes on the market. The brand describes the scent as similar to dipping into a warm bath filled with rose petals, and I agree.

Key fragrance notes: mandarin, musk, violet, rose absolute, peony, lily of the valley

Velvety, vibrant, and soft, this highly rated perfume from legendary perfume house Acqua di Parma is one of the best options out there if you're looking for a well-balanced scent that still drips with the distinctive smell of rose. It's basically an Italian oasis, bottled. 

Key fragrance notes: freesia, rose from Grasse, cedarwood

Designed to evoke the floral and bustling scene of a Parisian flower market, this luxurious rose perfume is far from your grandma's signature scent. It's sweet, fresh, and delicate, wrapped into one very artful bouquet. 

Key fragrance notes: pink pepper, Turkish rose petals, raspberry blossom, Turkish rose absolute, papyrus, white amber

Compared to other iconic perfume brands like Chanel and Dior, Byredo is a relative newcomer. Therefore, the fact that this signature rose perfume is one of the most highly coveted perfumes (rose and otherwise!) is telling as to how truly delectable and special it is. It's the kind of scent that racks in the compliments. (So prepare yourself.)

Key fragrance notes: lychee accord, Damascene rose oil, peony accord, Centifolia rose absolute, musks

Prepare yourself because this delicious rose scent from Maison Francis Kurkdjian is in a league of its own. Not only does it feel like a sparkling accessory in its own right due to how pretty it smells, but each bottle is made from 400 freshly bloomed roses. 

Key fragrance notes: orange, patchouli, Turkish rose

If you're a fan of warm, earthy notes like patchouli but want something that still feels light and floral, then famed Chanel perfume Coco Mademoiselle will probably be your poison of choice. The mix of delicate rose and jasmine is brought to life with vibrant hits of orange and patchouli to create a robust and memorable scent. It's lively while still chic and sophisticated.

Key fragrance notes: lemon, red roses accord, honeycomb

Jo Malone fragrances work well solo or mixed with the brand's other iconic scents. This particularly romantic aroma smells sweet and fresh with a rich base of honey and roses.

Key fragrance notes: rose Damascena, rose Centifolia, Litchi accord, ambroxan

This is a gorgeous rose-heavy perfume from one of our favorite fragrance brands, Diptyque. As it states on its website, "Eau Rose is composed like an infusion of the finest damascena and centifolia roses." 

Key fragrance notes: pink grapefruit, pink pepper, peach juice accord, rose water, Bulgarian rose, petalia, suede accord, white cedarwood, sandalwood

Spicy perfume lovers, take note. This rose perfume is right up your alley and so devilishly (see what I did there?) intoxicating. Unlike so many rose perfumes that are very straightforward, this one has twists and turns thanks to suede, grapefruit, and peach. Delicate but unexpected. Trust us. You'll get questions!

Key fragrance notes: grapefruit, violet, rose, iris, raspberry, vanilla, white musk

Any fragrance from Frédéric Malle is a work of art, but Lipstick Rose is known as one of the best and well-known perfumes within the industry, and it's a best seller within the Malle house. Created by master perfumer Ralf Schwieger, it's inspired by Old Hollywood glamour and, according to the brand, representative of a star’s moment of privacy at their dressing table with their lipstick. 

Key fragrance notes: rose, tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, osmanthus, gardenia

Meet one of my all-time favorite perfumes. Yes, rose is a main player in the magic it creates, but it's also not the first note people will pick up on, which makes it all the more exciting and mysterious. 

Key fragrance notes: Rhubarb, lychee, bergamot essence, Turkish rose, peony, vanilla, musk

"I don't wear floral perfumes often, but when I do, I always reach for Delina," notes Who What Wear senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider. "It's soft and feminine yet has an earthy warmth (thanks to vanilla and musk) that makes it smell sophisticated and downright addicting. I always receive at least one 'You smell so good' compliment when I wear it out, so it's no wonder it won 'best overall' in our top perfume buying guide."

Key fragrance notes: Black pepper, saffron, rose absolute, passionfruit, ambroxan, sandalwood

"Think rose scents are one-dimensional? This fragrance will make you think again!" says Schneider. "The first word that comes to mind to describe it is interesting. You definitely get an initial whiff of fruity floral, but black pepper, saffron, and sandalwood also make their appearance known. It's a mysterious scent—one that I'd wear on a date, as it can't help but draw others in."

Key fragrance notes: Rose, strawberry, clean laundry accord, ambrette seeds, white moss, saffron

"I love a fresh and clean laundry element," lifestyle and beauty content creator Monet McMichael tells us about Rose Era, her collab fragrance with Snif. The perfume is at once bright, fruity, and fresh, thanks to rose, strawberry, and that cozy, clean laundry accord. Snif is known for transporting the senses with its fragrance portfolio (honorable mention to Crumb Couture, a Beauty 100 Awards winner!), and this one is absolutely divine.

Key fragrance notes: Bergamot, pear, ambrette, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, rosemary, violet, orris, vanilla, musk, moss

"Merit's first fragrance surprised me," says Schneider. "I don't typically gravitate toward powdery notes, but I fell head over heels for this perfume at first whiff. It's like a powdery floral met a sexy gourmand at a bar, then tumbled together in some freshly washed sheets. I truly can't get enough. Not for nothing, the jewelry-inspired bottle is painfully chic."

Key fragrance notes: Raspberry, rose, ambery woods

"The brand describes this luxury fragrance as 'a breath of fresh air in early spring,' and I am totally aligned with that call," notes Schneider. "It's just so pretty. When I want to embrace a coquette aesthetic—or simply want to smell like a French Chloé girl—this is the perfume I reach for."