The best rose fragrances

Choosing the best rose perfume & fragrance

From classic and romantic to modern and edgy, there's a rose perfume for every vibe. This timeless floral has been reimagined in countless ways, making it one of the most versatile notes in fragrance. Whether you love a light, fresh scent or a deep, rich aroma, exploring rose fragrances is a beautiful way to find your next signature scent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best rose fragrance or perfume?

The best rose fragrance is the one you love the most! Since everyone experiences scents differently, what works for your bestie might not be your perfect match. It really comes down to personal preference and the kind of scent story you want to tell.

Explore these top-rated rose fragrances designed to suit every mood and style—all available at Ulta Beauty:

• Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum: A modern rose masterpiece that combines fresh rose essence with notes of jasmine and white musk, delivering a radiant and empowering fragrance perfect for any occasion.
• Chloé Eau de Parfum: A timeless classic featuring a soft and powdery rose, blended with hints of peony, lychee, and cedarwood for an effortlessly chic scent that transitions beautifully from day to night.
• Dolce & Gabbana Rose Eau de Toilette: A fresh take on rose with a zesty touch of green apple and mandarin, grounded by a warm base of sandalwood and white woods—ideal for bright, sunny days.
• Dior Miss Dior Rose N'Roses Eau de Toilette: A radiant, fresh take on a classic rose scent, bursting with notes of Grasse roses, geranium, and bergamot. This fragrance captures the feeling of a blooming spring garden, offering an uplifting, timeless elegance

What does rose fragrance smell like?

A rose fragrance can smell like so many different things—which is what makes it so fun to explore! It’s not just one single note. Think of it more like a whole mood board of scents.

Some rose perfumes, like Lancôme’s Idôle Eau de Parfum, are fresh, bright and dewy, like smelling a rose bush right after it rains. Others, including Chloé Eau de Parfum. are soft, velvety and powdery, giving off a classic, romantic vibe. Rose can also be blended with other notes to create something totally new. Paired with fruits like lychee or raspberry, it becomes juicy and playful. Mixed with spices like clove or rich notes like oud and amber, it transforms into a warm, deep and mysterious scent that’s perfect for a night out.

The type of rose used makes a difference too. Damask rose is often rich and honey-like, while Centifolia rose (also known as the "rose of a hundred petals") can be lighter and greener. It all depends on the blend, but that’s the beauty of it—there’s a rose scent out there for every person and every vibe.

What concentration of rose fragrance is best?

The best concentration really depends on how you want your rose fragrance to perform! It all comes down to the intensity and how long you want the scent to last.

Fragrances are sorted by how much perfume oil they contain. The more oil, the stronger the scent and the longer it sticks around. Here’s a quick guide:

• Eau de Toilette (EDT): Lighter and fresher. An EDT is great for everyday wear or for when you want a more subtle hint of rose. It’s perfect for the office or a casual daytime vibe. You might want to reapply it throughout the day.

• Eau de Parfum (EDP): This is a popular choice because it offers a great balance of intensity and longevity. The rose notes will be more present and the scent will last for several hours, making it a go-to for both day and night.

• Parfum (or Extrait de Parfum): This is the most concentrated and luxurious option. A little goes a long way and the scent can last all day—or even longer. If you want a deep, rich rose fragrance for a special occasion that makes a lasting impression, a Parfum is your best friend.

Think about where you'll be wearing your fragrance and how much of a statement you want to make. For a light touch, go with an EDT. For an all-day scent that’s just right, an EDP is a solid choice. And for those moments you want to feel extra special, go for a Parfum.

Check out our Fragrance Concentration Guide for more tips!

What fragrance compliments rose?

Rose is the ultimate team player in the fragrance world—it gets along with so many other notes. Pairing it with different scents is how you get so many unique vibes, from fresh and bright to warm and mysterious. Think of rose as the main character and these complementary notes as the supporting cast that helps tell the story.

Here are a few popular pairings you’ll love:

• Rose + Citrus: When you mix rose with notes like bergamot or lemon, you get a scent that’s sparkling, fresh and energetic. It’s like a sunny morning in a garden—instantly uplifting and perfect for daytime.
• Rose + Fruits: Juicy notes like lychee, raspberry or pear bring a playful and sweet side to rose. This combo is fun, flirty and modern.
• Rose + Vanilla: For a cozier, more comforting feel, vanilla is rose’s best friend. It adds a creamy sweetness that makes the fragrance feel warm, inviting and totally huggable.
• Rose + Oud or Patchouli: Ready for something deep and sensual? Pairing rose with rich, earthy notes like oud, patchouli or other woods creates a scent that’s mysterious, sophisticated and has amazing staying power. It’s a bold and confident duo.
• Rose + Musk: Musk gives rose a soft, clean and skin-like finish. It’s a subtle combination that feels intimate and personal—like your favorite cozy sweater.

Can men wear rose fragrance?

Absolutely! Fragrance has no gender and rose is one of the most versatile notes out there. It’s all about finding a scent that you love and that makes you feel great.

Many men’s fragrances blend rose with deeper, richer notes like oud, leather, woods and spices. These combinations create scents that are bold, sophisticated and totally captivating—not just "floral". A woody rose can feel warm and earthy, while a spicy rose has a confident, mysterious vibe. It’s a popular ingredient in tons of scents, and you might be surprised to find it in some of your current faves.

If you're curious about rose in colognes, Ulta Beauty has some incredible options to explore. Check out Burberry Brit for Him, a sophisticated cologne with notes of rose, nutmeg and bergamot, creating a warm and refined fragrance that’s perfect for any occasion. Another standout is Rabanne 1 Million Elixir, a bold and opulent choice featuring rose, vanilla, and davana apple that exudes richness and depth.

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