5 luscious rose perfumes for high summer

Yes, yes, I know it’s not exactly groundbreaking to write about rose perfumes for midsummer. But there’s something very pleasing about bringing the real scent of outdoors in, even at this time of year. Most of us still have to work when it’s lovely weather, so how about spritzing something rosy and imagine you’re idling in a hammock, cool drink in hand.

As usual in my fragrance blog posts, I’ve written wee scent stories to give you the impression of a perfume. If you’re interested in the specific fragrance notes stated by a brand, feel free to click on the name of the perfume and that’ll take you to their website.

Rose Highland – Jorum Studio

If this perfume was listening to music, it’d be crooning along to Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush. 

Thorny, wind-lashed stems battering against cold moorland rocks. Tufts of emerald velvet moss blasted into the air by a raging storm. Deep, dark rose petals scattered through screaming trees; drops of blood falling from pewter clouds.

Actually, Rose Highland is a very wearable perfume. Friendlier than it sounds from my description too. But there is an unmistakably wild quality to it. This is no snuggly, flirtatious rose. It’s full of melodrama, and all the better for it.

Queen – Eau de Boujee

She’s a rose. A sulkily seductive one. She’s stormed off in a fit of pique to smoulder in her boudoir. 

Wrapped in the deepest pink velvet sliding off one glossy shoulder, she stares in the mirror, plucking a caramel from a glass dish and popping it in her mouth. Her elegant feet – painted toenails twinkling – shuffle irritably in handmade satin mules. She flicks at a fallen petal from a posy of violets—one of many from an adoring admirer.

Throwing herself on the chaise longue, she leans over a delicate table to pour a cup of tea. But it’s been infusing for too long. So, with her luscious locks flying, she sweeps the table clear.

Smash. Trickle. Crash. Face powder puffs into the air.

And, for the first time that day, the rose smiles. She finally has an idea. A brilliant one.

Un Zest de Rose – Les Parfums de Rosine

An old walled garden at sunrise. Blackbirds trilling joyously, puffs of sugared almond clouds, and dewdrops scattering first light into shadowy corners. Gnarled apple trees stoop, their boughs gently beseeching, infant fruit glowing. 

All along one gloriously golden wall meanders a venerable climbing rose. Milk white petals with the softest wash of pink along the edges. Jade leaves hug each bloom gently.

And oh, the scent. Fresh, clean, delicate. Rinse yourself in the dawn and start afresh.

Russian Tea – Masque Milano

A small hut in a big forest.

Rounded, chunky logs stacked closely build a snug winter cabin. The low pitched roof has a sturdy chimney which puffs a steady thread of blue smoke. Slender birch trees crowd close in a protective embrace, and there are intermittent flumps as snow slithers off their graceful branches. 

Inside, all is warm and bright from the light of burning birch logs, hissing and crackling softly. A huge fireplace dominates one wooden wall, with a chunky sleeping platform above. Thick woollen blankets glowing in cheerful colours soften the blunt and simple lines of the cabin.

Gleaming in the firelight is a hefty table, made from a slab of timber, polished and burnished from years of use. An old samovar, dented and pitted, shines brightly next to sparkling glasses in intricate metal holders. Dishes of ruby raspberry jam and emerald mint leaves sit next to them.

Puffs of steam herald the readiness of the strong, black tea. Fragrant wisps fill the cabin. Will you add jam or mint to yours—perhaps both?

Thirty Three – Ex Idolo

A smoothly polished walnut chest, bound with battered brass. Tiger striped wood gleams even in the dim light, sparkles of dust dancing. You ease a chunky key into the lock and gently turn, your breath catching at what might be inside.

The heavy lid falls back with a loud creak, showing faded silk painstakingly fitted around the inside. 

But what exactly is inside? 

A cornucopia of linen sachets, cork stoppered jars and rustling boxes. One by one, you lift these treasures out and breathe their wonder in. Gently curious, oh-so-gentle.

A freckle of cloves, and a silken smoulder of rose petals. One glass bottle of brandy soaked cherries and another of plums. A constellation of black peppercorns, and a waxed paper packet of tea.

Faded envelopes filled with knobbly wood. You lift one closer and breathe deeply. What a discovery.

I hope you’re enjoying a splendidly fragrant summer, wherever you are in the world. Spray your favourite rose perfumes with gay abandon, even if you’re working indoors, as I am.

And remember, it’s far easier to grow your own roses than you might think.

Fancy having a go at growing your own fragrant roses?

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