The Timeless Allure of Perfumery
Rose has been popular in perfumery for centuries across the whole world. Ancient civilisations used rose petals in rituals, while the Egyptians bathed in rose petal water and Persians distilled the petals. By the tenth century rose petal attar was already popular in Persia. In the Middle Ages during the Crusades rose water entered Europe. People used it as a medicine, for food and for hygiene as much as for fragrance. In the 17th and 18th Centuries rose centifolia became very popular in France in aristocratic circles. Perfumed gloves and pomanders became popular in the court of Louis XIV’s Versailles.
What are the different types of Rose fragrance?
There are more than one type of rose – this is why rose fragrance can differ greatly. Each one has its own personality and character:
- Damask Rose : Rich, Warm, Spicy and slightly honeyed. Damask Rose normally grows in Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran.
- Rose Centifolia : A softer, sweeter rose with green and honey nuances. This mainly comes from Grasse in France.
- Tea Rose : A lighter, fresher, slightly green and lemony rose fragrance. This type of rose is more crisp and modern.
- Rose Absolutes : Rose Absolute comes from various locations such as India, Turkey, Iran and Morocco. The most expensive version is the Bulgarian rose. Rose Absolute is heavier and richer than normal rose distilled oil.
- Rose Oxide : For a more metallic rose fragrance perfumers use rose oxide . This is a molecule found in the essential rose oils of the Damask Rose and Rose Centifolia. It does not smell very rosy, more like a green fruity floral type of note.
- Rose Otto (distilled rose) : People consider rose Otto from Bulgaria to be the best rose fragrance when they need a pure, fresh, radiant rose.
- English Rose: Although it is not possible to cultivate and distill roses in the UK due to the climate, this is a well documented type of rose note. Perfumers usually create fresh, dewy, green and natural types of rose fragrance to meet this requirement.
Why is the rose perfume note so popular?
Rose fragrance notes frequently link with romance, femininity and softness which is why it is a mainstay of floral, powdery and romantic fragrances. However, in the Oriental world, particularly the Middle East, people consider rose to be a unisex fragrance note. Perfumers use rose in fragrance compositions for men and women alike. This is one of the reasons why niche perfumers have continued to use rose in their unisex fragrances.
People enjoy rose fragrance notes due to their flexibility and versatility in perfumery. When rose is combined with bergamot or other citrus notes the fragrance feels sparkling and uplifting. When rose is blended with oud, saffron, patchouli or amber the rose fragrance becomes sensual and rich. Rose feels earthy and natural when it is mixed with cedarwood, galbanum or vetiver. Nowadays gourmand notes have become very popular and rose combined with vanilla, tonka or praline becomes cozy and addictive.
How Does Rose fragrance make you feel?
Rose can comfort and caress you, enveloping you in romance and tenderness. In aromatherapy people consider that rose oil calms anxiety and relieves stress. Rose can help to restore emotional balance. Rose has a universal quality, yet it is a very powerful and healing fragrance note.
Which Scent of Dunes fragrances contain Rose fragrance notes?
- Amour Eternel fragrance is a sultry, oriental perfume containing rose notes. Rose fragrance notes combine with amber, praline, vanilla and patchouli. As a result of this hypnotic combination we achieve a long lasting, intoxicating fragrance.
- The use of rose in Flower Garden is quite a different experience. More fresh and uplifting due to the use of bergamot, lemons, other citrus and even lavender. A calming yet uplifting fragrance. Feminine yet extremely fresh and easy to wear all day.
If you enjoyed learning about rose fragrance notes in this article and want to learn more about perfumery you may enjoy learning about citrus fragrances and why they are important in the Nigerian climate.