A Week of Roses

I've been testing rose fragrances for the past couple of months, and I'm starting to find some favorites. Some were love at first sniff, and others I didn't care for at all. Judging by the huge list of rose fragrances--an incomplete one at that--that the lovely Raphaella is compiling for Sniffapalooza Magazine, I haven't even made a dent in the number of rose scents available!

I'm astonished to find that there are so many different varieties of rose-based fragrances. Some are fruity/gourmand (Balkis). Some are powdery with violets (Lipstick Rose). Some have citrus notes (Rose Ikebana). Still others are blended with incense (Ava Luxe Incense Rose). Some fragrances I simply love (West Side). Others, I find somewhat harsh (Une Rose).

This week was my Week of Roses - I wore a different rose-based fragrance to work every morning. All ones I like, of course - why spend the day smelling something I don't absolutely enjoy?

Monday: Stella McCartney Stella
My first rose scent, and still one of my favorites. A deep dark rose with amber and peony.

Tuesday: Bond No. 9 West Side
A rose scent that lets peony share top billing in a sweet ambery haze.

Wednesday: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
A powdery rose with spice and leather.

Thursday: Hermes Rose Ikebana
Both green and citrusy, this rose is a bracing and refreshing scent.

Friday: Frederick Malle Lipstick Rose
A bright and happy rose scent accented by powdery violets.