8 fresh, non-powdery rose fragrances you’ll want to scent yourself with this summer

8 fresh, non-powdery rose fragrances you’ll want to scent yourself with this summer

Credit: Courtesy of brands; Getty

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8 fresh, non-powdery rose fragrances you’ll want to scent yourself with this summer

By Holly Bullock

2 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

3 min read

If you think rose fragrances aren’t for you, here are the scents that will  change your mind – from perfume paintbrushes to nourishing body lotion


What do rose scents bring to mind? For us, it’s one of three things: sugar-dusted cubes of Turkish delight, classic face powder (complete with fabulously opulent compact) dredged up from a vintage handbag or potpourri. All have their place, but none are our ideal basis for an everyday summer perfume.

Once dismissed as a granny-ish, this unsung note is making its way back into the fragrance world’s hearts with an array of elevated rose scents. The key to modernising the classic floral ingredient lies in what surrounds it and, for summer, it’s fruity aromas that perfumers are calling upon – whether that’s a squeeze of lemon to add a zingy hit or a subtle hint of peppy rhubarb for sharpness. 

It’s not just perfume that has embraced a rosy upgrade – candles, home fragrances to body lotions in rose (and its scent pairings) are about to take over. 

Ready to embrace the new generation of non-powdery rose scents? Whether you’re a rose fan who wants to try something non-traditional or if you typically steer clear of florals and feel like dipping your toe in, here’s our pick of the best…

Jo Loves White Rose and Lemon Leaves Fragrance Paintbrush

Jo Loves White Rose and Lemon Leaves Fragrance Paintbrush

Rose is given a citrussy refresh in Jo Loves’ lemony take. Rather than a typical spritz-able bottle, this fragrance paintbrush allows you to apply a perfumed gel to your pulse points – much easier to carry than lugging around a glass container.

Shop Jo Loves White Rose and Lemon Leaves Fragrance Paintbrush at Cult Beauty, £40

Buy now

Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette

Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette

Sweet but not sickly, Diptyque’s signature rose fragrance combines blackcurrant and lychee with the flower, to add a fruitiness which counteract any granny-ish connotations.

Shop Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette at Liberty, £90

Buy now

August and Piers Darling Candle

August and Piers Darling Candle

Citrussy bergamot and almost smoky cedarwood make this display-worthy candle as well-suited to cosy evenings in as it is to windows-open summer days. Plus, the ceramic jar and wrapped box make it the perfect gift for housewarmings.

Shop August and Piers Darling Candle at August and Piers, £64

Buy now

Boy Smells Rose Load Eau de Parfum

Boy Smells Rose Load Eau de Parfum

Rhubarb and raspberry blossom merge with spiciness – thanks to pink peppercorn and cardamon – for a rosy scent that feels more complex than traditional floral fragrances.

Shop Boy Smells Rose Load Eau de Parfum at Space NK, £105

Buy now

Zara Rose Petal Drops Candle

Zara Rose Petal Drops Candle

Pink pepper and amber balance blackcurrant and vanilla in this Jo Malone-formulated scent. Burn it in your home when you have people coming over and watch as everyone who enters immediately says: “Your house smells amazing!”

Shop Zara Rose Petal Drops Candle at Zara, £15.99

Buy now

Bamford Rose Hand and Body Lotion

Bamford Rose Hand and Body Lotion

As well as nourishing the skin with shea butter and cocoa butter, this rich body lotion combines camomile and lemon with rose for a subtle fragrance that will feel fresh all day.

Shop Bamford Rose Hand and Body Lotion at Bamford, £27

Buy now

Fresh Rose Morning Eau de Parfum

Fresh Rose Morning Eau de Parfum

Peach blossom, blackcurrant, white tea and rose make for a heavenly combination in this lively yet light perfume – if you can’t handle overbearing fragrances, this is for you.

Shop Fresh Rose Morning Eau de Parfum at John Lewis, £43

Buy now

Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Foaming Shower Gel

Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Foaming Shower Gel

With an ingenious formula that comes out as a satisfying foam, Rituals’ creamy rose and sweet almond oil shower gel will make ordinary summer mornings feel momentarily luxurious.

Shop Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Foaming Shower Gel at Rituals, £9.50

Buy now

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands

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