Given the “old lady” reputation rose fragrances have, they often get dismissed as stuffy, old fashioned, or conventional. However, I see them as a classic choice, a fragrance that’s ideal for everyday wear regardless of the temperature outside. Think of it as the olfactory version of your favorite white t-shirt—rose is a favorite note amongst perfumers because of its adaptability and sensuality.
So when I had the opportunity to test out Aerin’s newest addition to their Premier Rose Collection, Rose de Grasse Joyful Bloom, I jumped at the opportunity. Launched to coincide with Aerin Beauty's 10th anniversary, Joyful Bloom is inspired by New York City, the birthplace of the Aerin Lauder brand and a callback to her lineage. “My grandmother, Estée, loved roses. The rose continually inspires me, because not only do I love the way it smells, but I love the meaning behind it,” says Aerin. “To me, roses signify friendship, love and femininity.”
This scent takes a modern twist on the classic rose perfume. It’s commanding and bold yet soft and inviting; it feels refreshingly grown-up without being too matronly. Ahead, read more about the fragrance and why it’s now a staple in my scent rotation.
The Scent
These are the notes, aka the ingredients, in the fragrance. After you spritz on the scent, you’ll smell the top, middle, and base notes over the course of a few hours.
- Top notes: Italian Bergamot, Blackcurrant Bud, Geranium Leaf
- Middle notes: Indian Rose Bourboniana, Rose Centifolia Grasse, Pink Pepper
- Base notes: Turkish Rose Infusion, Benzoin Siam, Australian Sandalwood
While the fragrance contains several different rose notes, it still makes a statement without being overpowering. “I really decided to build a fragrance around roses and I wanted to include roses that felt very fresh and modern,” said master perfumer Honorine Blanc. “I fell in love with the Indian rose because it has a violet green and honey scent. I added the Rose Centifolia to connect [the fragrance] with the original Rose de Grasse [scent]. Then I added the Turkish rose because it has a long-lasting scent.”
The femininity of the rose is livened up by fresh Italian bergamot and clean-smelling geranium leaf. “I added Italian bergamot for a joyful burst of energy on top and the geranium leaves added a green note,” says Blanc. Pink pepper adds a sharp spice scent while sandalwood and benzoin anchor the fragrance to help create a head-turning perfume. “So you have all this sparkle on top then in the dry down the scent becomes very sensual thanks to benzoin, sandalwood, and musk. I was going for a formula that felt close to nature; subtle yet very luminous and vibrant.”
Photo: Aerin
My Review
Smells Like: A fresh rose scent that isn’t too powdery or obnoxious
Perfect For: Anyone looking for an easy to wear, everyday scent that’s refined yet still playful
Similar To:Miss Dior Eau de Parfum
I’d describe this perfume as a modern classic, thanks to its understated and approachable elegance. Although it smells pretty rosy on its first spray, it wears delicately with woody undertones. It has a deliciously familiar sense to it.
The fragrance also acts as an accessory and makes you feel like the type of person who is always at inbox zero by the time 6 o'clock rolls around. After spritzing it onto my pulse points, the scent acts as a mini-energy boost, immediately making me fully pulled-together and ready to take on the day. It’s able to walk the line between enveloping and cloying and light and airy, making it versatile. This means that I was able to wear this fragrance throughout the day and well into the night; the scent lingers softly on your skin throughout the day. It’s one of those perfumes that’ll have everyone from your Uber driver to your friends asking, Wait, what are you wearing?